Roof damage can be a big problem, especially if the damage occurs when winter is clawing at the door. While asphalt shingles, also referred to as composition shingles, are typically a smart decision when it comes to a home’s roofing needs, here are several reasons why you shouldn’t install them during the winter.
Asphalt shingles use an adhesive to form a water-tight bond when they’re installed. However, that adhesive needs to be set in an ideal temperature of between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Too hot, and it won’t cure properly. Too cold, and it will remain rock solid, forming improper bonds.
Asphalt shingles also need the be installed in warm weather to ensure they lie flat. If they’re installed during cooler or cold weather, then the shingles will curl up at the ends, leaving them vulnerable to winds and storms. While these shingles are sometimes installed during a cooler spring, that’s with the assumption that upcoming summer weather will flatten out the shingles.
While roof work has its dangers regardless of the time of year it’s done, winter presents special problems. Cold weather means workers can only be outside safely for relatively limited periods of time, and it means that ice is a real risk to footing. Additionally, cold temperatures make things brittle, including shingles, adhesives, and other materials that would be much more malleable in warmer weather.
While installing asphalt shingles in the winter time is not a wise course of action, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. However, due to the special adhesives that need to be used, and the slew of additional challenges that come with winter installation, it is simply not a wise course of action. For more advice on what you should and shouldn’t do for your roofing needs, simply contact us today!