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, as asphalt shingles tend to crack at this temperature. This doesn't mean you can't roof when it's too cold, it just means that you need 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.
The thermally activated sealer cannot be activated without sunlight. Most experienced roofers are comfortable working in very cold temperatures and should have no problem adapting to winter weather. Dress warmly, work safely, make some simple adjustments to your warm weather routine, and you can successfully install roofs during the colder winter months. When comparing quotes and roofers, homeowners often overlook the essential element of the installation.
The weight of the accumulation of snow or ice during the winter, and the possible additional snow removal equipment, could overload the roof structure and make it not solid. Protective membranes for eaves and rolled roofs are recommended by CASMA for sealing eaves, valleys, skylights, ventilation grilles and plumbing pipes, rather than rolled roofs for warm climates, which can bend or wrinkle when applied in cold climates. If you are installing roofing shingles in cold climates below these temperatures, the shingles may become brittle and more likely to break. The optimal temperature for installing a roof is between 45° and 50° Fahrenheit (7° and 10° Celsius), especially when working with asphalt shingles.
Along with equipment against falling roofs, one of the main considerations when it comes to protecting roofs from falling (or the measures that roofers must take to prevent falls when working at height) is whether the surface they are working on is solid and safe from landslides. If it is expected to be cold for a long period after installing the roof, the adhesive sealant on the shingles can sometimes be affected and, if strong winds blow, you could run the risk of being called unnecessarily to have it repaired. The extreme weather conditions of winter make it dangerous for roofers if they don't take proper precautions. 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.
A severely damaged roof can allow moisture to enter your home and pose a threat to its structural integrity. If you're talking to a Denver roofer about completing an installation in the winter months, be sure to consider the long-term forecast as well.
