Every season right around October nearly every customer interested in roofing services for their home asks us the same question… “Do you install roofs in the winter?” The answer is unequivocally “YES!”
Since it seems to be a pretty stubborn idea that roofers hibernate for the winter like bears, we figured we’d put together some common misunderstandings on the issue…
Our “Winter” is not your “Winter”…
Every year without fail, the very first day there’s a chill in the air, customers making an inquiry inevitably begin their phone calls with “do you guys roof in the winter”. For the record, October and November are not “winter”. Even December isn’t “winter”. Officially, “winter” is between January and March every year. For our work to be affected AT ALL, we need multiple days where the temperature remains below freezing.
DID YOU KNOW: In Pittsburgh, we rarely experience multiple days where the temperature remains below freezing. And as the temperature grows globally, we experience less and less stretches of freezing temperatures.
Even when the temperatures do go below freezing for multiple days, we have methods and recommended practices to accommodate the weather provided to us by shingle manufacturers.
Adhesion and adhesion…
Most people don’t roof themselves, so ideas about roofing materials are usually passed around from years ago when roofing materials were very different. And not all roofs are the same. The majority of homeowners that are replacing shingle roofs don’t realize that there isn’t’ much “adhesion” that needs to take place. Sheeting, Membranes and Shingles are nailed into the structure. In the rare, really cold days, we use special cold-weather adhesives on things like ice and water shield to help ensure durability, but other than that, your shingle roof doesn’t rely on much adhesion. And if you’re replacing your metal roof, there is zero difference between installation in June or February.
Adhesion can be an issue when you’re working on flat roofs, but even flat roofing materials have advanced significantly and are intended for all weather applications. At S&L Remodeling, we only use top quality products and ensure proper application throughout the year.
“Brittle shingles” or “Shingles that won’t “lay”
According to most shingle manufacturers, the IDEAL temperatures to install shingles is between 40 and 85 degrees. As a matter of fact, our shingle manufacturers recommend Fall as the ideal season for shingle installation which runs from the end of September through the end of December. Meaning, IDEALLY, shingle manufacturers prefer we install between late September and late December. In the actual winter, when temperatures are lower than the manufacturer’s “prime” temperature, we use manufacturer’s suggestions to mitigate cold shingle issues, BUT it’s important to understand that modern high-quality shingles are very different from shingles of old. Modern shingles are scientifically engineered to remain pliable in all-weather with technology that enhances flexibility and strength. Special pigments are used in manufacturing to boost reflective properties. Shingle underlayment has benefited significantly from plastics technology and chemical engineering. Each year, roofing products improve significantly with technological advances. Some of these shingles have millions of dollars of product and scientific chemical research to engineer a product that is durable, flexible and resistant.
Winter roofing is more expensive…
Contrary to popular belief, winter is the BEST time to contract your roof. Myths about winter roofing are stubborn and many Pittsburgh homeowners don’t even know they can have their roof installed in the winter just like any other season. Roofers have more flexibility and availability. With more room on the roof installation schedule, roofers are much more likely to take the job for less than normal.
SO THEN WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES? THERE HAS TO BE SOMETHING! … THERE IS!
Shingles
We work with shingles differently in the cold weather. Depending on the situation we will make sure they are laid flat while waiting to be installed instead of laying them on the ridge of the roof. We keep the shingles indoors for as long as possible or deliver them to an area that will be in the sunlight.
Additional Safety Requirements
You’ll notice your installation crew will be especially careful when handling the shingles in colder temperatures. There are also additional safety considerations for our teams. Slippy surfaces can pose hazards for workers. Colder weather requires more attention to safety and are crucial to ensure the well-being of roof workers.
Potential Weather Delays
Freezing rain, extreme prolonged freezing temperatures and snow may halt roofing projects. Homeowners should be prepared for possible delays.
Limited Daylight Hours
Shorter days mean less hours of light to see. Some projects that may be completed in one day may take multiple days in the darker winter days.
Winter is a challenging time for everyone. Not just exterior contractors. We schedule more siding work and other kinds of jobs, but that’s mostly because many homeowners don’t realize they can have their roof replaced in the winter. Most people realize we can replace their roof in the winter when they have an actual roofing issue and call for assistance.
The most important thing that doesn’t change with the seasons is that roofing issues can’t wait… Waiting until spring or summer to get your roof replaced can make underlying issues worse, leading to more costly and extensive repairs to your roof’s underlayment, or even in more serious case, the interior of your home.
Professional roofers have the equipment, knowledge and professional products to install roofs in cold weather safely and effectively.
Call S&L Remodeling, Pittsburgh’s trusted roofing, siding and exterior remodeling contractors and get a FREE Estimate Today!
412-628-9717