Can You Install A New Roof In The Winter?

Date Posted:

January 13, 2024

Author:

Daryl Gentry

If you notice a significant leak or other damage to your roof during the winter, it should be replaced as soon as possible to minimize the risk of further damage.

But, is it possible to install a new roof in winter?

When the end of fall and cold temperatures are approaching, you might find yourself wondering if you will have to wait until spring to get your roof replaced.

Winter brings colder weather and harsh weather conditions like snow and ice.

These elements don't create an ideal roofing environment, and they aren't suitable for most roofing equipment.

While it may be possible, replacing a roof in the winter is not the same as roofing during any other season.

It takes extra preparation, special procedures, and a lot of patience.

In the article below, we will discuss replacing your roof in the winter.

Why Roofing Is Typically Avoided In The Winter

Winter roofing is complicated and hazardous, even for an experienced roofing contractor.

Many roofing contractors are hesitant to install new roofs during the winter for one of three reasons: weather, adhesives, and tools.

An asphalt shingle roof or rubber roof needs to be installed when the temperature outside is above 40 degrees.

If they are installed in temperatures below 40 degrees, they will be more vulnerable to breakage when they're being nailed down.

Almost all roofing materials use an adhesive during the installation process, but bonds require a heat source to fasten the roofing material down properly.

This is hard to achieve during the winter months.

Roofing tools like compressors, nail guns, and similar devices that require air can be affected by colder temperatures.

When you compress and release air, the humidity turns to water.

If you are working in below-freezing weather, that water may end up freezing, reducing the airflow needed to push the nail.

Benefits of Starting a Roofing Project in the Winter

Even though roofing in cooler temperatures has its challenges, it may also have some benefits.

The first benefit is more predictable weather.

Warmer air and humidity mean that surprise rainstorms are common from spring to fall.

So even though winter may not be an ideal time to replace your roof, a surprise rainstorm is even worse.

These surprise storms can lead to serious delays in work or water damage if your roofing professional does not take proper precautions.

Replacing your roof in the winter can be easier because the weather is more predictable.

Roofing contractors can plan for days to tear off, dry in, and apply new applications.

Roof repair and replacements are slightly less expensive during winter due to the lowered cost of materials.

The cost of materials may decline during the winter season, which turns into cost savings for homeowners.

Many experienced roofers also have more availability during colder weather.

The demand for roofing services declines during cooler seasons, so finding available roofing professionals is easier.

Precautions To Take During The Winter

Roofing crews should take extra precautions to protect your roof and shingles and leave you with a sturdy new roof to protect your home.

Crews should have fall equipment to keep them safe if they slip on the roof in icy or snowy conditions.

Roofers may use snips or shears instead of utility knives to prevent more brittle shingles from breaking in a colder temperature.

Your professional roofers will also place the ice and water shield and caulking materials inside the warm trucks before they are installed to ensure they don't freeze and can be installed effectively.

And most importantly, if it's too cold, wet, or slippery, project managers will postpone the work until a safer time.

This protects our crews and your roof from the adverse effects of cold weather.

Roofing That Can Be Replaced During Winter

With experienced roofers and ideal winter weather conditions, you can replace the following types of flat and sloped roofs during the winter.

Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) is commonly used to cover flat roofs.

It can be easily be installed by professionals who are familiar with cold-weather installation techniques.

Installing TPO roofs has to occur when there is no ice or moisture on the substrate material, so it can't be installed during inclement winter weather like snowstorms.

The TPO should remain in heated storage until installed to keep it pliable during cold weather.

Roofing professionals can install wood, asphalt, and other types of shingles on sloped roofs in the winter.

They have to use good judgment because shingles can become brittle and prone to break as the outside temperatures dip below freezing.

Metal roofing materials are often recommended for winter sloped roofing jobs.

Roofing Types That Can't Be Replaced in Winter

There are also roofing jobs that just can't be done in the winter.

Flat roofs that use rubber materials cannot be appropriately installed in cold weather.

Colder weather tends to change the properties of the adhesives used to bond the material to the roof's surface.

The adhesives may not work mix/dispense properly when it's cold, resulting in compromised coverage on your roof.

Rubber roofing installs are usually recommended until after winter passes and the temperatures rise.

If you have a rubber roof that needs immediate repair, contact a roofing expert for an alternative solution until the weather allows for a complete replacement.

Get Your Roof Replaced By A Professional

The best thing you can do to replace your roof during the winter is to work with a reputable roofing contractor.

Working with an experienced roofing crew will ensure that the job is done right the first time, even in the winter.

TK Roofing and Gutters has been the trusted roofer in Northeast Ohio for over 20 years, and they are no strangers to winter weather.

They are ready to help you with your roof project today.

Whether you need a roof repair, roof replacement, or help with a claim with your insurance company after a storm, the roofing specialists at TK will provide you with excellent service and workmanship, no matter what time of year.

When you start your search for a reliable roofer in your area, you can trust Ohio's Best Roofing Company With Your Roofing needs today.