The temperature too cold for roofing is 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Most roofing companies will tell you that they don't install roofs below 40 degrees. This is because asphalt shingles tend to crack below that temperature, making it really too cold for roofing in cold climates when temperatures drop below 40° F (4° C). Many roofing materials have adhesive properties that require the sun's heat to activate.
If the temperature drops below 40°F, the likelihood that the warranty will be canceled increases, as covers at less than 40 degrees is much more work. The installers are cold, the shingles are stiff and the sealant won't stick. This doesn't mean you can't roof when it's too cold, it just means you have to be much more careful. It is recommended to hand seal all the shingles on the edges of the rake and to hand-seal all the individual shingles.
Thermally activated sealant cannot be activated without sunlight. Experts say the best time to build a roof is when the weather is “warm, calm and dry”. That is, in warm temperatures, with little wind and clear skies. In a perfect world, that would be every day. However, in most northern states and provinces, these ideal conditions are few and far between. Most roofers have to consider how, not if they can do roofing work in the winter.
Any outside temperature below 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit) begins to change the way our bodies and our roofing equipment and materials work. This is the point at which risks continue to increase as mercury decreases. A certified roofing contractor has the knowledge, experience and equipment to do your job even when it's cold. Speaking of roofing materials, remember that shingles are not as flexible at colder temperatures, so avoid placing them where the beams bend or deform or maintain that shape while you try to install them (for example, on the peaks of the roof); try to keep them as flat as possible until just before you need them. Since temperature directly affects the operation of roofing materials, such as asphalt and fiberglass shingles, it is imperative to plan strategically when carrying out a roofing project. However, many roofing companies don't work when the temperature is below forty degrees Fahrenheit, as this can void the roofing material warranty and the working conditions can be brutal.
Racking is a method of roof installation in which shingles are installed directly on the roof instead of being installed using the traditional stepping method. In addition to the physical precautions of cleaning work surfaces and wearing the right clothing, there are some additional steps that roofing companies must take to properly and safely install roofs in very cold temperatures. That said, let's take a closer look at how and why roof temperature can affect the overall quality of the roofing work itself. Installing roofs in cold climates comes with challenges, but it's still a perfectly suitable season to replace the roof. Another problem with roofs in cold climates is the use of sealants to keep shingles attached to the roof. The right amount of sunlight and ambient heat may not be available when installing the roof, so the roofer may choose to hand-seal the shingles with roofing cement or other adhesives.
Roofing companies are used to installing roofs during the winter months, especially in colder climates, where temperatures tend to fall below freezing.
