Yes, asphalt shingles can still be successfully installed in cold climates, provided that some major changes are made to the usual practices. If the temperature drops below freezing, frost, ice and snow become a serious safety factor on the roof.
roofing work in cold
weather conditions carries risks. Snow, or any precipitation, makes the roof slope slippery.This increases the potential risk of accidental injury and impedes crew progress and comfort. The cold outdoors is also something that these roofers should be aware of. Roofing is already a physically demanding trade in itself, and working outdoors below freezing temperatures, on top of the residential property, no less, can be uncomfortable. Asphalt ShinglesAccording to Roofing Construction Estimate & By Daniel Benn Atcheson, the best temperatures for installing asphalt shingles are between 40 and 85 degrees F (4 and 26 degrees C).
If you are installing roofing shingles in cold climates below these temperatures, shingles can become brittle and more likely to break. To avoid this, when working in sub-zero temperatures, store your materials in a warm place (above 50°F or 10°C) until just before you need them, the Canadian Asphalt Shingle Manufacturers Association (CASMA) adds that the shingles will also be shaped to the shape of the surface they rest on, so keep them flat, stacked and raised on pallets so they don't touch the ground. Make sure you don't throw or drop shingles when they are in cold weather, or they could break. The temperature too cold for roofing is 30 degrees Fahrenheit.
Most roofing companies will tell you that they do not install roofs below 40 degrees. This is because asphalt shingles tend to crack below. In colder temperatures, the material of the shingles becomes less flexible, making it difficult to bend and cut it. This makes it especially difficult to install shingles with the shelving method, which requires lifting or bending the tiles to place the last nail.
This is especially problematic with shingles placed in valleys, hips and ridges, as these areas require the highest degree of tile handling. If shingles become brittle, you also run the risk of nails cracking or overloading if your roofer is not familiar with best practices for pressure calibration. There are challenges when installing roofs in cold weather, but it is still a perfectly suitable season to replace your roof. Winter is also a great time to get a good deal on a new roof, but the roofing contractor may have to wait until the weather is warm enough to schedule an installation date.
It will be important to choose a roofing company that has experience installing your particular product in cold weather, as the recommendations differ depending on the manufacturer. In fact, the benefits can be considerable for a roofer or employer who wants to keep busy during the rest months. This is because snow and ice are heavy and cause damage not only to the roof, but also to the gutters. You can end up with a faulty roof installation if you do not pay attention to the temperature outside.
It is imperative that you choose a roofing company whose equipment has precautions for fall protection, understand the signs of freezing and hypothermia, and have procedures for defrosting and snow removal. While it's easy to focus on roof hazards, inspect and clear areas that could also be problematic for workers on the ground. However, GAF-certified roofers are equipped with the knowledge and training to perform roofing work in cold weather conditions. Extreme heat and cold can cause even greater damage that causes roofing materials to expand and contract.
The right amount of sunlight and ambient heat may not be available when the roof is installed, so the roofer may choose to hand-seal the shingles with roofing cement or other adhesives. A certified roofing contractor has the expertise, experience and equipment to do their job even when roofing in cold climates. . .
