Roof Replacement In the Winter

Is Your Denver Roof Made Of Organic Shingles?
It May Be Time For A Roof Replacement.

It always seems to happen on the coldest day in history when you notice a little leak dripping freezing water into your home. You pause, carefully inspecting the leak to determine where the water is coming from, and it is then it hits you- it’s coming from the roof! Oh no! Do roofers even work in the winter?

The short answer is yes! Roofing contractors work year round just like everyone else and it is important to proceed with repairs as constant rainfall or snowfall will only add to your problems.

But did you know that all roofs behave differently in conditions below 40 degrees depending on what they are made from? Due to this fact, there are certain types of materials that should not be installed when the temperature drops below 40 degrees.

Here’s what to do, depending on your home’s roofing material:

Sloped Roofs

The most commonly used roofing material for sloped roofs, asphalt shingles, can be installed in the winter, but caution must be taken by roofers installing it. Asphalt shingles require a proper seal between the overlapping shingles to provide proper protection. This seal is achieved by allowing the heat from the sun to bod the materials. While Colorado boasts over 350 days of sunshine a year, asphalt shingles may not properly bond until temperature rises. In addition, asphalt roofs are susceptible to ice dams.

What are ice dams? Ice dams are large ice formations along the eaves of roofs caused by poor ventilation or inadequate insulation. So if you do have a sloped roof, it may be wise to wait until the weather warms up a bit.

Flat Roofs

While there are many different types of flat roofs (Rubber, Polyvinyl Chloride, and Thermoplastic Olefin), only two of these can be properly installed during the winter. Only PVC and TPO can be installed in weather under 40 degrees.

Because these roofing materials can be mechanically installed and the seams are welded together with hot air instead of using adhesives, they can be installed year round. Rubber roofs, however, typically should not be installed in conditions below 32 degrees. As the adhesive that is used to seal the material can freeze and not bond properly.

Metal Roofs

Metal roofs are one of the few roofing materials that can be installed in the winter months without compromising the quality of the roof. Since metal roofs are designed to expand and contract, they will not crack due to improper handling or exposure to cold.

That being said, it is recommended to use a breathable synthetic underlayment to combat moisture caused by poor ventilation and always upgrade intake and output ventilation whenever possible.

Not sure if your roof falls into one of these categories? No problem. Reach out to Roof Worx today for a free estimate.