Winter can be a tricky time for roof repairs and replacements. While new tile roof installations can be carried out at temperatures above freezing, repairs and replacements can be more difficult. It's important to understand the risks of attempting a roof repair or replacement in cold climates, and to know when to call a professional. When it comes to repairs, almost any repair of any roofing system can be done as well in winter as in summer.
However, the pressure on the nail gun must be adjusted correctly. If a lack of heat prevents an immediate seal between the shingles, putty can be used to provide this seal. Letting shingles stay away from the roof during the winter is a good way to turn a minor repair into a major one. Once snow accumulates on the roof, repairs become extremely difficult and melted snow can cause large amounts of water to reach the drywall, adding internal damage to external damage.
It should not be forgotten that melting snow can cause leaks where rain would not - the classic “ice dam” is one example, but the generally winding path followed by water that melts under the snow allows it to find ways to enter the roof system that a constant rain could not. Yes, the snow closest to the roof will melt before all the snow above it, creating a layer of water between the shingles and most of the snow, caused by heat loss from inside the house. Expect the roof to leak every time the snow melts on the roof, not just at the end of the snow melt. Homeowners should consider the weather before a major snowfall as their “last chance” to avoid potentially devastating consequences as a result of known roof damage. Now, I don't want to back down, but I would like to say that we've done a lot of successful roof repairs, even with 6 inches of ice on flat roofs, for example, in Montgomery Village, Maryland, where there are a lot of townhouses with flat roofs. Needless to say, these repairs would have been relatively easy “before the ice storm”.We can replace a roof at any time of the year.
However, most experts generally agree that it's not a good idea to repair or replace a roof when the temperature drops below 40°F. A temperature that is too cold can affect the final outcome of your roof improvement project. Although it's not an ideal time, it's possible to repair or replace the roof this winter. Repairing roofs can be an arduous task, requiring time and energy. In addition, it can be difficult, and much less dangerous, to approach in cold climates.
So if you live in a state like New Hampshire (where the weather can be unpredictable) and you plan to work on your roof in the coming months, it's best to call professionals. Ensure punctuality and accuracy to do the job well. Whether your roof is leaking or ice accumulations have formed due to snow accumulation, you may not want to wait to get the repairs you need. That's why we've prepared a guide to help you this winter and how to know when it's time to call a roofer. Sometimes your roof needs to be replaced now and you can't wait for warmer temperatures to arrive. If the roof of your house is far from charming, but the weather outside is dreadful, don't worry.
An experienced roofing contractor will work with you to install your roof and protect your home as soon as possible. If you call and talk to roofing contractors, some may tell you that it's never OK to replace a roof in winter or when temperatures fall below freezing. They may mumble that the adhesives don't seal properly or claim that the sealant doesn't work in extreme cold conditions. If you're like most homeowners in the U. S., shingles contain a strip of sealant (also called adhesive or glue) that interacts with the warm temperatures that normally occur during summer, late spring and fall, resulting in an automatic seal.
The sealant must seal on its own due to a combination of heat and pressure. Shingles also stick in place to keep them from curling up. However, in cold temperatures, roofing equipment must hand seal each tile to ensure that the sealant adheres properly. In other words, they cannot rely on the natural heat of the sun to activate the seal. As an experienced roofing professional knows, hand sealing takes a little longer but ensures that each and every one of them is sealed.
It's also important to consider why it's so important to work with a roofing contractor that only uses experienced roofing professionals. An expert team knows when it is necessary to seal a roof by hand and makes sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations and guidelines for sealants and temperatures. While you might be tempted to take advantage of a lower price, remember that reputable roofing companies stay busy for a reason: they offer high-quality work that will last for decades. If you need to replace your roof now and can't wait until summer, be sure to work with a company that takes the time to hand-seal each and every tile. And if you're worried about how long your roof will last, you should only work with a roofing company with lots of experience that backs up their work. If you notice your roof leaking in winter, what can you do? The key is to identify the problem in time then call a professional for repair or offer a temporary solution and schedule repair for springtime. Several feet of snow on flat roofs can make locating where exactly your leak is coming from quite difficult. When your roof is weak from years of use or isn't properly designed for excessive snow loads then your roof is at risk of collapsing.
While roof membranes usually maintain an airtight seal for most of year repeated freezing and thawing cycles during winter can eventually stress out these membranes. Professional roofing contractors have resources needed for tearing off old roofs and replacing them with new ones even during winter months so don't hesitate calling them if needed.
