While it is most common to see roofers out and about installing new roofs in the spring, summer, and fall months, sometimes unforeseen circumstances leave you with no choice but to replace your roof during the winter. Should this happen to you, there is no need to panic. You can still get a quality roof installation as long as you choose a professional roofing company that understands how to overcome the challenges of winter roofing.

The main risk factors involved in winter shingle installation revolve around two aspects, the materials and the people who install them. The shingles themselves become susceptible to cracks and breaks, the likelihood for “cold curling” increases, and you run the risk of poor sealant activation. Roofing is a physically demanding job and roofing in the winter presents a greater danger to the roofing crew. The ability to maneuver around the roof safely and install shingles with precision becomes increasingly difficult when battling below-freezing temperatures. The crew’s tools such as nail guns and compressors may become obstructed by ice in the lines and greater attention must be paid to ensure they are functioning properly. 

Cold, Brittle Shingles are Susceptible to Cracks and Breaks

To avoid cold, brittle shingles your roofing professional should store them in a heated area above 70 degrees Fahrenheit for a minimum of 24 hours prior to installation. They should be familiar with how to make the necessary adjustments to their equipment and should take extra care when walking around on freshly installed shingles, as they are more susceptible to breakage underfoot. 

Winter Curling or “Cold Curl”

Poor Activation of Shingle Sealant 

This is by far the greatest concern for homeowners and roofing crews installing shingles in cold weather. All shingles have a strip of adhesive glue that activates at a certain temperature. This adhesive is crucial for preventing wind damage and if it doesn’t set properly you run the risk of issues later on down the line. If the adhesive does not activate, your roofing crew may have to hand seal your shingles. 

Understand Manufacturers Recommendations

While most shingle manufacturers provide recommendations for ideal installation temperatures, they also state that you can indeed install their product in lower (or higher) temperatures if correct precautions are taken and procedures are followed. It will be important to choose a roofing company that has experience installing your particular product in cold weather, as the recommendations differ by manufacturer. 

Owens Corning recommends that their shingles be installed in temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit and offers a guide outlining specific recommendations should you need to install their product in lower temperatures. 

GAF also recommends that their shingles be installed in temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit but states that “theoretically, there is no lower or upper-temperature limit governing when asphalt fiberglass shingles may be applied as long as appropriate precautions are taken” in their GAF Technical Advisory Bulletin. This bulletin also provides suggestions for easier installation and damage prevention during colder temperature installations. 

Malarkey too recommends installing their shingles at temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, however, they have a very detailed guide complete with recommendations for hand sealing procedures as well as added tips for a flawless installation. 

Winter Roofing Safety

At Kapella Roofing, our team of roofing professionals have been installing roofs in Colorado winters for over three decades. We are well versed in proper handling and installation techniques and always ensure that our worker’s safety comes first. Jot down 303-619-7640 now because you never know when you might find yourself in need of a winter roof replacement!