Winter weather may bring snow and ice, but don't let that stop you from fixing your leaking roof! In fact, when a significant leak or damage is discovered, it's best to replace your roof as soon as possible to minimize further damage. Join us as we explore the possibilities of winter roof replacements and how our team at Cenvar Roofing is equipped to handle it.
Table of Contents:
- What our sales manager says
- Safety precautions
- Nail guns and the winter
- Cold weather and shingles
- Crew precautions
- Reasons why winter is the right time
- Cenvar Roofing's Sales Manager, Tyler Hall, says that:
We always install to the manufacturers specifications (in the winter). There may be some wavy parts on a roof as it needs to have the warmer days to “rest” the shingle in its final place. This is purely cosmetic. I also mention (to customers) that roof replacements happen in Maine, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Canada in the winter. If companies weren’t able to install roofs in winter months, roof costs would be 5x more expensive to compensate for the “unworkable” months!
While winter may not be the perfect season for a new roof, roofers need to ensure that every necessary cold-weather precaution is taken. Unpredictable weather conditions and colder temperatures impact the roof replacement process in small ways, but being prepared for these situations will help the roof replacement go more smoothly.
Safety Precautions for Slippery Conditions
Winter roof installations can be dangerous due to slippery conditions caused by rain, snow, and ice. To ensure safety, crews must take extra precautions, such as using fall protection equipment. In some cases, they may need to wait for the morning frost to melt before starting the work. If there is heavy snow or ice, the work may need to be postponed until it melts.
Cold Weather Could Affect Nail Guns
Roofing in cold temperatures can be challenging because freezing temperatures can affect the nail guns used. Nail guns rely on compressed air, and if there's humidity in the air, it can turn into water and freeze in the airlines, reducing the flow of air that drives the nails. This increases the risk of improper nail placement, requiring extra attention to ensure shingles are securely installed.
This results in a higher risk of underdriven or overdriven nails. When this happens, roofers must pay extra attention to the placement and depth of the nails they are driving to ensure the depth adjustment is correct and the shingles are securely installed.
How Shingles Are Affected by Cold Weather
Most shingles are manufactured with a sealant that is activated through direct exposure to heat and energy from the sun. If the temperature is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the shingles may not seal until the temperature rises. In this case, they should be hand sealed with asphalt roof cement along the steeply sloped sides of gable roofs to ensure additional fastening strength and wind resistance. Shingles are also more brittle and susceptible to cracking in cold weather. Extra care must be taken when cutting and nailing them during installation and walking on them on top of the roof.
Unlike asphalt shingles, metal and slate roofing materials aren’t nearly as affected by colder temperatures. Roofs made of these materials have fewer, if any, challenges associated with the installation process in the winter months.
Precautions to Take in The Winter
During cold-weather shingle installations, our crews take many precautions to protect the shingles and leave you with a sturdy new roof to protect your home.
- Fall protection equipment: Our crews have harnesses and other fall protection equipment that keeps them safe in the event that they slip on the roof in icy or snowy conditions.
- Snips: When the weather is colder, our crews use snips or shears instead of utility knives in order to protect the more brittle shingles from breaking.
- Good judgment: If a day is too cold, wet, or slippery to work, our project managers will recognize it and postpone the work until a safer time. This protects our crews and your roof from the harmful effects of cold weather.
Reasons Why the Winter Might Be A Great Time to Get Your Roof Replaced
- Strengthen your roof before spring rains
- It’s wise to repair or replace a roof with significant water damage or an extensive leak as soon as possible. This will decrease the risk of further damage occurring. It will also help maintain the structural integrity of your roof and home. This is especially important during the winter and spring because of potential exposure to heavy rainfall. A January roof replacement ensures that your roof is in excellent condition and keeps your home safe from water damage during rain storms.
- Get on the schedule faster
- Usually, it can take multiple weeks to schedule a spring or fall roof replacement. But in the winter, the time between the estimate appointment and the roof replacement is usually closer together. This is because roofers' workload during the winter months is typically lower than in the spring and the fall. Many homeowners appreciate the quick turnaround time that the winter months bring.
- Less risk to landscape
- A roof replacement is a significant project, and while we work hard to protect the lawn and property of each house we work on, there is always the risk of damage occurring. In January, lawns are typically dormant, bushes aren’t in bloom, and patio furniture is usually in the garage. This is ideal for roof replacements because it makes protecting your property that much easier.
- Possible roof replacement discounts
- Due to the lack of demand in January, discounts and special offers are sometimes available to those who choose to schedule roof work within that month. This is not always the case, but checking to see if any seasonal specials are available to help you save money is good.
Replace Your Roof This Winter With Cenvar Roofing
Our team takes every necessary precaution for a successful winter roof installation. As a company, we value customer satisfaction above all else and take pride in delivering flawless roofs all year. Schedule your free consultation today, and let us help you start the process!
