Questions often arise about roofing in the winter. There are strong opinions among roofers about whether to install shingles in colder weather and good contractors are found on both sides of the issue. The fact is that many roof problems show up more easily in the winter because of extreme weather. Snow and ice build up and worn roof materials can become brittle or fall apart completely. When problems happen on the roof during winter, decisions must be made about whether to repair, re-roof, or wait.
There are risks inherent with roofing in the winter. Most risks are concerned with the types of materials used and the skill of roofers that use them. Some of the leading concerns about installing asphalt shingles in the winter have to do with the way the shingles seal. Asphalt shingles are manufactured with a seal strip on them which, once it adheres, keeps the shingle laying flat against the surface of the row below it.
Some professionals say that installing asphalt shingles in lower temperatures (below 20 degrees) causes the shingles not to seal properly and can allow snow to blow up underneath them or cause wind to lift them. Others feel the shingles become brittle in cold weather so installing them at all risks breakage whether or not they seal. One of the key concerns with contractor work is whether the roofer nails the shingle exactly along the nail line. If the shingle doesn’t seal right away this can also cause problems.
While all of these concerns are valid, it’s best to consider each re-roofing case individually before coming to fast conclusions. It’s also best to seek the advice of a qualified roofing contractor such as midwest roofer, The Sherriff-Goslin Company.
The truth is there is plenty of roofing activity taking place in the winter. In Indiana, Ohio and Michigan, Sherriff-Goslin stays busy during the entire winter season; although, just like at any time of the year, each roof needs to be inspected and evaluated prior to making decisions.
Sometimes, even if the air temperature is cold, a residential roof is warm enough to work on. Because of the home heating system and attic airflow, the roof temperature can be 10-15 degrees warmer than the outside air. Also, if all roof surfaces have sun exposure for the entire day, the increased heat drawn by darker shingles can actually provide enough warmth to seal. It’s actually possible to install a roof in the middle of winter and have the shingles seal normally.
Additionally, with heavier architectural shingles there is less danger of wind blowing them up while waiting for the seal to bond, so it may be OK to install these shingle varieties in cold weather as well. If there is any doubt whether they will stay down, the roofing contractor should add a dab of roof cement to the corner of each of the shingles. Interlocking shingles such as Art-Loc® from The Sherriff-Goslin Company remove the guesswork all-together.
The key once again is to evaluate all variables before making a winter roofing decision - or any roofing decision. A visit to www.SherriffGoslin.com helps to begin the process. One of the company’s qualified roofing contractors can be scheduled to provide a roof evaluation at no cost or obligation, ensuring homeowners select the right season to roof, and the best materials for their home.
