Ideally, you will notice a roof issue and schedule a replacement in the warm summer months, but life isn't always ideal. If it's the middle of winter and you are stuck with a leaking roof, you may be able to get a replacement.
1. Weather Planning
The weather can be very variable in winter, and certain weather conditions make roof installation impossible. For a successful installation, your roofer will need a string of a few days with temperatures above freezing and dry weather. Wet weather doesn't just increase the chances of leaks, it also compromises safety. Extreme cold is dangerous for workers and it also affects how tools operate. Shingles are also brittle and more prone to breaking in cold temperatures.
2. Tarping Protocols
Your roofer will likely advise tarping the roof at the end of each workday just in case. Even if rain and snow aren't predicted, tarping will keep moisture and frost off the roof overnight. Since moisture doesn't dry quickly in winter, keeping the roof dry can ensure work begins as early in the day as possible since there is no waiting for the roof to dry. Plus, your home is protected if an unexpected storm blows in.
3. Material Issues
Shingles are made to withstand all types of weather and low temperatures, but only when they are installed. During installation, the cold temperatures make the shingles brittle and less flexible, which means they are more likely to crack or break when nails are driven in. Some roofers will use a heat gun to help soften shingles slightly when installing them in cold weather, which helps prevent damages.
4. Bonding Techniques
Winter cold has another effect on shingles -- they don't bond in place well. Most shingles are equipped with an adhesive strip on the underside, which seals to the lower course of shingles when heated by the sun. This heat doesn't occur in winter due to the cold, so winter-installed shingles can be more prone to blow off. Your roofer will either caulk the shingles in place by hand or will use heat guns to activate the bonding strip.
5. Safety Concerns
The safety of the crew can affect your winter installation. In cold weather, the roofing crew may need to take more breaks to warm up, which means a two-day job may require three days. The crew may also be unable to work if there is any moisture on the roof due to freezing water combined with the risk of slip and fall injuries. Your roofer will let you know any special winter safety protocols that will affect your roof installation.
Contact a roofer if you need to learn more about winter roof installation.
