Cold weather installation tips

By Lori Jerome, PABCO Roofing Products. 

Proper planning and execution are key for roofing in the wintertime.  

In the roofing industry, some seasons are better for roofing than others. This is usually summer (at least for the Northern Hemisphere) and is tied to warmer weather and dryer conditions. But just because that is the busiest season in the industry for most, it doesn’t mean roofing doesn’t happen at other times. In this article, the experts at PABCO Roofing shared their thoughts on overcoming the challenges of off-season roofing work.  

The challenge of roofing in the winter 

The biggest challenge with off-season roofing is the weather. Things like higher chances of precipitation and storms can cause a variety of issues, from damage to half-done projects to dangers for your crew. But something that is often not thought about enough is what the colder temperatures do to roofing products asphalt shingles. 

In general, it is recommended to install asphalt shingles when the environmental temperature is at least 40° Fahrenheit (F). Some contractors go even further and avoid installing until temperatures reach 50° F or higher. When it comes to which guideline to follow, there are a few things to consider:  

• Is the roof mostly shaded during the day? 
• How many consecutive cold days before and after the date of installation are expected? 
• What are the general weather conditions in the area? 

Why does temperature matter for asphalt? 

Asphalt shingles have temperature installation requirements because they feature a self-sealing adhesive. This adhesive is on the underside of the shingle and activates with heat, so when it’s too cold it does not activate properly. Shingles where the adhesive is improperly activated can have a variety of issues:  

• Adhesion delays: Shingles may not adhere evenly across the roof. Shingles on the north side of the house, in particular, may take longer to fully seal.   
• Debris complications: Dirt or debris can get under shingles before they seal, increasing the risk of blow-offs in the future.   
• Material brittleness: Cold temperatures can make shingles stiff and more prone to cracking or breaking, especially if they’ve been exposed to freezing conditions.   
• Safety risks for contractors: Cold weather can create slippery surfaces, increasing the risk of slips and falls during installation.   

It is important to note that the activation of this self-sealing adhesive takes more than one day. So, in addition to starting with a temperature of 40° F or higher, it’s crucial that temperatures continue to rise or remain stable for several days following installation.  

Cold-weather best practices 

To be clear, contractors can still install asphalt shingles in the off-season. They just need to keep in mind the unique challenges that cold weather creates. Some good things to remember include:  

• Proper storage: Shingles should be stored in a warm, flat location until they are ready to be installed. Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can affect their performance.  
• Flat roofing surface: The roof deck should be smooth and flat to promote proper adhesion.  
• Adequate ventilation: The attic space beneath the roof should be well-ventilated to maintain consistent temperatures and prevent moisture buildup.  
• Manufacturer recommendations: Manufacturers always provide installation guidelines for their products to ensure the shingles perform as intended.  

In addition to these product handling guidelines, it’s key to communicate with your clients about how their reroofing process will happen in the off-season. Make sure to share and communicate the conditions that you need for a successful installation and let the client know that the timeline might be slower than what they’d expect in the warmer months. Also, share your strategies for mitigating potential issues so you can be confident that the roof you are delivering is durable, and long-lasting.  

Original article source: PABCO Roofing