Low Temperatures Can Have a Definite Impact on Roof Repair in Winter.
Winter comes with many responsibilities for a homeowner. Depending on where you live, you may need to shovel your sidewalk and driveway, attend to ice dams, and regularly scrape your car’s windshield. Though we don’t get much snow here in Norco, LA, heating maintenance plans still represent an important annual requirement. As for your roof, the season doesn’t put repair, replacement, or roof restoration needs on hold. You will still need to tend to roof repair in winter, schedule inspections after heavy storms, and weigh the necessity of replacement for particularly old or damaged roofs.
At Keystone General Contracting, LLC, we aim to keep our customers informed. We get a lot of questions about the necessity, and even the possibility, of roof service once temperatures begin to drop. Safety issues around icy roofs aside, the winter does present some special challenges in regards to roofing. If you ever find yourself confronting the need for roof replacement or roof repair in winter, you will benefit from a little prior knowledge. First of all, however, you will need to know the nature of your need, and whether to pursue repair or replacement.
Do I Need Roof Repair or Replacement?
The need for roof repair in winter is just as plain as in the summer. If you notice any of these signs, you need repair.
- Missing or Displaced Shingles
- Cracked, Creased, Broken, or Otherwise Damaged Shingles
- Damaged Flashing
- Sagging Roof Line
- Water Stains on Your Ceiling
Of course, the more significant your repair needs, the more likely that replacement makes more sense. Generally speaking, if any of the above problems have developed to an extreme, you might want to simply spring for a new roof. For example, multiple leaks or an abundance of missing shingles mean you should consider the possibility of replacement. A few of the most common signs for roof replacement include the following.
Multiple or Especially Serious Leaks: Though leaks generally represent an easy repair, multiple leaks can indicate a fundamental problem with your roofing. They can also cause your decking to rot, a serious situation that calls for a new roof.
Ice Dams Are a Particularly Problematic Occurrence in Colder Regions.
Ice Dams: If you live in an area with regular snow and ice storms, ice dams are a big problem. They develop due to temperature differences across your roofing, and usually indicate a design flaw. Worse still, they allow moisture to easily penetrate down to your decking and insulation, and create the necessary conditions for rot and mold.
Lost Roofing Granules: If you notice an abundance of roofing granules in your gutters, you likely need a new roof. Granules protect your shingles from sunlight and impact. When the shingles begin to lose their granules, it showcases either defective products, or those that have simply aged beyond the point of usefulness.
Comprehensive Hail Damage: Few things can devastate a roof to the extent of hail. A fairly common winter occurrence, it often batters roofs into a state of uselessness.
Roof Repair During Winter: What Temperature Is Too Cold for Roofing?
If you need winter roof repair for a leak, you may wonder about how the temperature and weather affects the possibility for service. Asphalt shingles become vulnerable in extreme weather. If it’s too hot, the shingles are liable to lose their granular covering. If too cold, they become very brittle. So, if you’ve ever wondered, can roof shingles be installed in cold weather, it simply depends on how cold.
The ideal temperature for the installation or repair of an asphalt shingle roof is between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything below that, and the adhesive used to seal your roof shingles will not function effectively. The special adhesives used for roofing rely upon heat from the sun to seal. Any temperature below 70 degrees can negatively impact the quality of the roofing job. At lower temperatures, roof shingles can become brittle and difficult to work with. Anything lower than 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and a reputable roofer will not accept the job at all.
Commercial roof repair in winter can also suffer from the season’s low temperatures. EPDM, a popular type of commercial roofing, is especially affected. EPDM relies on a thick adhesive that’s difficult to work with even at high temperatures. If the mercury ever falls below 45 degrees, EPDM becomes virtually impossible to install or repair.
Roof Repair in Winter FAQ
How Long Does a Roof Usually Last?
Shoveling Snow Off Your Roof Is Another Important Winter Requirement.
This depends on your roofing material. Asphalt shingles that receive the benefit of timely repairs and inspections can last 15 to 20 years. If you have an EPDM commercial roof, it can last for 25 to 30 years. Concrete tiles can last for 40 years, while clay tile can last up to 80. Metal roofing can also persist for many years, starting at 40 and increasing with the quality of installation.
Can a Roof Be Repaired in the Winter?
It’s possible to repair a roof in the winter, though it becomes more difficult as temperatures drop. It also depends on the nature of the repair. If your roofer needs to replace a large number of shingles, or a panel of EPDM material, the temperature needs to remain north of 45 degrees Fahrenheit to make the work possible.
Is it OK to Put a New Roof on in the Winter?
This depends on the type of roofing system you want installed. As mentioned above, you should not try to have asphalt shingles installed if the temperature falls below 40 degrees. For EPDM, 45 degrees represent the limit. If you want PVC or TPO, these materials are less affected through cold temperatures. As for metal roofing, it can install at virtually any temperature, as it does not rely on adhesives or sealants.
What Temperature Does it Need to Be to Seal Shingles?
Ideally, between 70 an 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If hotter, the shingles become too pliable and easily damaged. If colder, they will not seal properly.
At Keystone General Contracting, LLC, we’re the local expert for roof repair in winter in Shreveport, LA. Whatever your need may be — and whatever the temperature — don’t hesitate to call us if you need service. We’re always available for the aid of our clients, so give us a call now at (318) 300-3660.
