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Can I Replace My Roof in the Winter?

The best time to replace your roof is when it needs to be replaced. Whether that’s in the dead of winter or the height of summer doesn’t matter. Not replacing your roof when it needs to be replaced can damage your home and its furnishings and bring down the value of your long-term investment.

Do Cold Winter Temperatures Affect Roof Installations?

The notion that cold temperatures put a hard stop to roofing jobs is old-school thinking. Choose a competent, licensed contractor who is familiar with the weather nuances of your region. While it’s true that cold temps can affect shingle adhesives, reliable roofers know how to prepare, protect, and install in different weather and temperatures. Your roofer may not install in subzero temps, but they can come out to your home to assess your needs and determine how and when to begin the job. Installing in the summer is even more dangerous, walking on hot asphalt shingles while you install in high heat damages the shingles.

How to Install Roofing in Cooler Weather

Because shingles need heat to fully seal, your contractor will take different steps for a winter installation than they would in the summer. First, they need to make sure that the roof shingles stay warm and flat. And they may need to adjust the pressure setting of their nail gun to ensure fasteners are properly driven. When it comes to shingle sealant, if there is not enough heat or sunlight, they may need to hand seal the shingles. They may even ask you to raise the temperature in your house to help warm the roof. And you will note that workers will take added safety precautions in the way the dress for the elements or move on slick surfaces. They will fully seal themselves when it warms up to 55 degrees.

Additional Ways to Ensure Proper Roof Installation in the Winter

  • Install All Products from The Same Manufacturer: Your roof is not just asphalt shingles, but rather an entire roofing system. When you use products from the same manufacturer, you ensure that the underlayment’s, drip edges, ices and water shields, tarter strips, and asphalt shingles work together to protect your home. And qualifies you for our warranty.
  • Use Nail Guns at the Correct Angle: Nail guns can jam in cold weather and hit the shingle incorrectly. Your contractor will know to use a straight, flush angle when using a nail gun in the winter. They will also ensure that the nail gun, compressor, and the air hose are set at the right pressure and depth to adjust for cold temperatures.
  • Use the Appropriate Material to Seal Vents and Pipes: There is special winter weather membrane material that should be used to seal skylights, vents, plumbing pipes, and eaves. Warm weather roll roofing can buckle or wrinkle if applied in cold weather. The winter membrane material should be rolled out in the staging area first to help reduce wrinkles.

More Considerations for Winter Roof Replacements

  • Winter Installations Can Forestall Further Damage: If you discover leaks, ice dams, or other roof damage, replace your roof as soon as possible to minimize further damage. Your home will be protected and ready for spring rainfall.
  • It’s Warmer than You Think: Even in the winter, your roof is hotter than the air or ground temperature. Roof temperatures can be tens of degrees warmer than your thermometer says.
  • Demand for Winter Installations Is Lower: You might wait several weeks to schedule a roof replacement in the spring, summer, or fall as contractors are much busier than in the winter.
  • It’s Easier to Clear the Path for Roofers: In the winter your lawn is dormant, and your bushes are not in bloom. And you may have already moved your patio furniture or other statuary indoors.
  • Metal Roofing Doesn’t Care About the Weather: Sealants aren’t a consideration for metal or slate roofs.
  • You Can Book Now and Wait for Warmer Weather: Upon a full inspection of your property, your roofer may determine that it’s safe to wait a few weeks before beginning an installation. Lock in at current pricing and financing options to save money.

Do you need a new roof? A good contractor will inspect your roof, determine if it’s safe and reasonable to replace your roof now, and start the job.

NOW Remodeling in Boise, Idaho, and the Tri-Cities is a preferred contractor of CertainTeed and Owens Corning roofing systems which means we meet their high standards for installer training, insurance, and licensing. Because we install to the exact manufacturer specifications, we provide you with a lifetime plus warranty that covers products and labor. Book your roofing appointment today.