Winter is the most challenging and demanding season for roofing firms. Roof shingle replacement and repair are at the top of the task list. Winter storms with high-velocity winds can be fatal, necessitating roof shingle replacement. Shingles are made up of a variety of materials. Because of the product’s durability, the most common is made from the same substance used to pave roads, asphalt. Your roof will occasionally require asphalt shingle repair because, let’s face it, nothing, no matter how durable, lasts forever. Many various situations might ruin a roofing system when winter weather wreaks havoc. Temperatures above freezing cause thawing and refreezing, and your flashing and other roof components will suffer as a result. Heavy snowfalls can cause structural collapse, and various factors can cause leaks. Roofing inspections performed before the arrival of winter can detect minor issues that can be rectified before the weather exacerbates the weaknesses in your roofing system. Weather difficulties frequently force a homeowner/business owner’s hand, and roofing work must be completed during the harshest season of the year, winter. Even if the repair you’re attempting to do yourself is minor, all roofing contractors advise customers to stay off the roof this time of year. Slick shingles create an ice rink on your top, and a fall is indeed one danger that can be avoided if you call a reputable roofer to solve your winter roofing issues.
10 Common Roof Shingles Replacement Problems in Winter
Cold Temperatures
Cold and icy temperatures are a roofer’s worst enemy in the winter. Unfortunately, roofers take ice and snow seriously, and the hazards make for difficult but not impossible conditions.
High Wind Speeds
Roofing is complex, even in the best of circumstances. Combine it with cold weather and high wind speeds, and you have a recipe for disaster. In all four seasons, especially in the winter, gale-force winds have been known to tear shingles from the roof. Shingle loss can be severe in the winter if your roof is old and weathered. Because of Old Man Winter, there are delays at airports and among roofing firms. But, when it comes to an ice blast, winter is unbeatable.
Malfunctioning Tools & Materials
The harsh winter temperatures are taxing on the tools and materials that a roofer will use to repair or install your roof. During the winter, a nail gun compressor and the gun itself will work hard. However, it may be a disaster when the wind blows if you require a decking replacement – a sheet of plywood – transported to the roof. When you have winter roofing issues, look for a contractor with a lot of seasonal expertise because they are most prepared to work in bad weather.
Cold & Brittle Shingles
When it’s chilly outside, your new shingles will be less flexible, and flexibility is essential for installation. Brittle or stiff shingles make installation harder. Ridge tops, valleys, and hips necessitate shingle manipulation during installation and can be problematic in cold weather. To provide the flexibility needed for a professional installation, stiff and brittle shingles must be stored at 22 degrees Celsius for 24 hours. When a roofer drives nails into fragile shingles, they might crack and break; walking on chilly shingles can also damage newly laid shingles. Your contractor will exercise extreme caution when installing new shingles or a complete installation.
Poor Adhesive Properties of Asphalt Shingles
During the winter, the adhesive properties of asphalt shingles deteriorate. When temperatures fall below 10 degrees Celsius, the adhesive characteristics of the tiles alter, and they will not adhere effectively. Therefore, a winter installation is out of the question if you insist on asphalt shingles unless you choose an alternative shingle material.
Ice Dams
Ice dams are a regular winter occurrence. When the snow melts higher up on the roof, the water rushes to the chilly gutters and refreezes. Ice damming at the roof edge and in channels adds weight to the trenches, causing the gutters to slide away from the fascia. When water (frozen or liquid) is present, mold and mildew problems might develop in the attic. If black mold grows, your family is in danger of respiratory issues, which we all want to prevent.
Dangerous Tree Limbs
Trees provide a beautiful backdrop for any home, and they also assist in keeping energy expenses down during the summer. However, winter storms can cause a sweeping action from tree limbs, damaging shingle granules. The granules aid in rain flow, and as the branches sweep, it is similar to sanding down your roof, rendering shingles worthless. In addition, falling branches during winter storms can let snow and water into your attic, so every homeowner must maintain the trees around the house sufficiently manicured.
Excessive Snowfall
A fresh snowfall, the first of the season, is a treat for winter enthusiasts. However, for a roof, it is the first of several potentially hazardous circumstances. Snow is beautiful, but it is cumbersome. The higher the snow that falls, the greater the stress on the roofing structure. An old roof subjected to years of heavy ice and snow is at risk of collapsing; roofing professionals provide snow removal services. A modest investment in prevention can save thousands of dollars in the long run.
Flashing Leaks
Roofing flashing seals HVAC, chimney, pipe, skylight, and vent apertures. During the winter, your flashing may be weakened, and leaks may occur once the freezing conditions have subsided. Because of the thaw refreeze issues that arise in the winter, slanted roofs with flashing are frequently affected by this problem. A fall check can detect flashing problems before they occur, allowing any homeowner to avoid a possible flashing problem.
Scheduling Delays
Weather causes disruptions to travel and other things that we all love. However, even a thin coating of snow can disrupt work schedules for roofers. Therefore, roofers frequently monitor weather trends for opportunities to work when roof repairs are required.
Best Temperature for Shingle Replacement
When the temperature falls below 8 degrees Celsius, installing a roof or repairing shingles is not advisable because they will become too brittle. The optimal temperature for shingle installation is around 13 degrees Celsius with a slight breeze and no rain or wind.
Shingle Temperature During Roof Installation
Temperatures between 13 and 29 degrees Celsius are ideal for shingle installation. However, the integrity of the shingles can suffer if it is too cold or too hot, making them vulnerable to damage during installation or the first significant weather event.
Proper Shingle Sealing During the Winter
It is different from installing shingles in the winter or summer. Because of the seasonably frigid temperatures, bonding tiles to the roof is a whole other story in the winter. The shingle adhesives are responsible for holding the roof’s cover together. If the bond fails to adhere because it is too cold to operate, your shingles may flail in the breeze or allow water to enter.
Bottom line
When you have roofing issues, engage a professional without hesitation. Professionals with competence, experience, and ability should ascend your roof during times of need, regardless of the season. A well-timed roofing check before winter can actively discover roofing issues, allowing changes to be implemented before emergency service is required.