Is Cold Weather Roof Replacement a Viable Option?
Roofs can be repaired or replaced in any season, say Washington roofing contractors.
Winter Roof Replacement Has Unique Challenges But Is Possible
Cold weather is just around the corner and can be rough on the exterior parts of a home. Construction and exterior home repair tend to be jobs that taper off in the winter months, but there are occasions when a job will come up that can’t wait. Despite the cold and the time of year, roof leaks come when you may least expect them and, as with most home repairs, when it is not necessarily convenient.
Since the leaks don’t wait, the roof leak repair or roof replacement shouldn’t wait either. Getting a roof inspection and roofing maintenance is possible no matter the time of year.
Ideal Temperatures
The ideal temperature for replacing a roof is above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Asphalt shingles are most easily applied in the spring and summer when the temperatures are between 70 and 100 degrees. Even if the temperature drops below the ideal, shingles can be applied in conditions as cold as 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
While the sealant on the asphalt shingles usually relies on heat and sunlight to create that final adhesion and the water-tight seal required for a proper roof. When the temperatures are not as warm, however, an extra adhesive can be used in order to seal each individual shingle as it is placed and nailed. While this process takes more time, it ensures the roof will do its all-important job.
Ideal Timing and Weather Conditions
A sunny day that is between 70 and 80 degrees is not only perfect for a picnic or a hike, but it is also perfect for roofers. This weather provides the heat and light necessary to easily seal the asphalt shingles. Rain and storms can be downright dangerous for roof work, and roof repair or replacement will definitely need to be rescheduled if an unexpected thunderstorm blows through. There is not only the roof’s performance and maintenance to be considered but the health of the workers as well.
Challenges of Winter Roofing Replacement
As previously mentioned, there are some unique challenges that face a roofing company when tackling a roof replacement or repair in the wintertime. This is why you need to be sure to contact a reputable and experienced company if your roof is in need of work during the winter months. The major obstacles to winter roofing are listed below:
- Shingles: As the temperatures get colder, the shingles become less flexible and more brittle, causing them to sometimes crack and break in the roofing process. This can be overcome by having the shingles stored in a warm environment such as a hot box.
- Sealant: In the ideal situation, the shingles are nailed down in their proper places and the heat and light from the sun activate the adhesive properties of the asphalt and cause the seal. This process is much less reliable in cold weather and without proper attention, will lead to a leaky roof. In the winter, shingles must be individually hand sealed with a separate adhesive. This ensures the proper performance of the new roof.
- Ice/Snow: Obviously, winter brings with it the most inconvenient of precipitation: snow and ice. Snowfall or ice sheets can spell bad news for an incomplete or damaged roof and will prevent work on it due to moisture and temperature factors. Watching the weather and scheduling roof replacement appropriately is key to avoiding problems.
About Cobalt Exteriors, Inc.
For more than 30 years, Cobalt Exteriors, Inc. has been providing excellent solutions for home repair and remodeling in Woodinville, WA. We use the best materials and offer reasonable prices to fit every individual’s needs. Call us today for a free quote.
