When it comes to the temperature for roof installation, the ideal day for roofing would be one that is nice and warm, with no chance of rain or wind. Unfortunately, perfect temperatures and clear skies may not happen every single day of the year in the majority of states in the U.S. This is particularly true throughout the winter months, which can bring even more challenges such as freezing temperatures and snow. Roofers need to look for solutions in order to keep doing their job even if there are problematic weather conditions at hand to deal with. TruGrit Roofing is here to discuss some of the roofing challenges posed by various weather conditions, and what the ideal weather is when it comes to roofing.

Roofing Challenges

There are many challenges that comes with the typical winter weather, although not here in Florida. The ideal temperature range for roof installations is between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21-27 degrees Celsius), but when is too cold to do roofing work? Basically, it really is too cold when temperatures go below 40 degrees F, equivalent to 4 degrees C. The majority of roofing products have adhesive properties that require the sun’s heat for activation. You risk a faulty roof install if you can not pay attention to the temperature outside. The potential for voided warranty also goes up when the temperature drops under 40 degrees F. While this is not as much of an issue in warmer areas, snow and ice can cause dangerous working conditions since ice can be difficult to see, and injuries like a slip and fall can happen if extra safety precautions aren’t taken. Snow also makes it extremely hard to see other dangers like a sky light or damaged areas on the roof. The extra weight of snow on a roof can also cause it to become susceptible to collapses, and this kind of damage may not always be obvious on the surface. 

When choosing to roof in colder weather, you run the risk of materials becoming brittle and breaking, which may mean that your newly-installed roof won’t be able to stand up to standard and may end up failing sooner than it should. One major factor why you shouldn’t roof in cold weather are the shingles. Shingles which are cracked and broken may lead to water damage, which is one of the more serious problems with roofs. When working below 70 degrees F, the adhesive may not reach the ideal elasticity and will not create a perfect seal. Temperature warmer than 80 degrees can also be problematic in the other direction- asphalt shingles can become too pliable and be vulnerable to damage throughout the installation. Contractors are more likely to overdrive nails, and foot traffic can erode the protective granular layer without much effort when the temperatures are extremely warm.

As a roofing contractor, it’s important to keep in mind the ideal roofing temperatures as well as the realistic conditions you may need to work under on a project. Call TruGrit Roofing today to find out more for your roofing needs!