Has the roof on your home began to fail? Maybe you’ve noticed spots on the roof that look like they need repair, or worse yet, you’ve got a roof leak already in your home. This time of year there are not as many roofing contractors who are replacing roofs simply because of the temperature. Getting a new roof installed in Canton Michigan during the winter can sometimes be done but there are several factors that you’ll need to consider. We’ll discuss the details of what happens when you get a new roof installed on your home during winter and include tips to help you get the best outcome for your project.
Is It Okay To Re-Roof in Canton Michigan During The Winter?
When things go wrong with your roof in winter it can quickly send you into a panic as you try to get things done as quickly as possible. While it is okay to do roof work in the winter months, it is important to understand how the cold air and snow affects the work and the materials roofers need to use. Being able to avoid a host of problems simply by waiting a few months on the new roof can help tremendously with longevity of the roof as well as cost of the overall project.
When It Is Ideal To Re-Roof?
Re-roofing and constructing a roof is best done in a warm, dry and calm climate. You don’t want to have too much wind to blow the materials around, the roof needs to be dry to properly install the roof without sealing in moisture, and you should be able to pick a day where things will be clear and no sudden storms or weather changes will occur.
While most roofers do work year round, some won’t because of the added difficulty and danger involved with winter roofing. Ice and snow can make things slippery and the cold weather can make it miserable to be outside for so long. But there are some roofers that actually prefer to re-roof in colder weather.
Can Asphalt Shingles Handle Cold Weather?
Professional roofers believe that the best time to lay asphalt shingles is when the temperature is between 40 degrees and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. When it is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the asphalt can be affected by the cold temperatures. Colder temperatures can ruin asphalt shingles because they can become brittle, crack and break.
Fiberglass shingles can also have problems during the colder weather. When the temperature drops the fiberglass can shake and fracture causing you to have to replace them yet again. Metal roofs, however, can be installed in cold weather without any complications. But you need to plan ahead and make sure you have proper ventilation and synthetic underlayment to protect against moisture build up under metal sheeting.
To get the best possible outcome when applying shingles when it is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, you should store them indoors where it is warm until the last possible moment when you are absolutely ready to apply them. This will help prevent them from becoming too brittle or cracking before they even get on the roof.
Do Materials Properly Seal In Cold Weather?
The adhesive seal is key in roofing. But when it is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, that seal can become compromised. While there are few issues with adhesives in spring, summer and early fall, even the self-adhesive shingles struggle in winter. While some adhesives may not work at all in cold weather, others may hold temporarily until the temperature rises enough to properly allow the chemicals to seal.
Additional Factors To Consider
It is always important to do regular inspections of your roof throughout the year and if there are any problems, to fix them as they appear. The longer you wait to address problems on your roof the worse it will get and even waiting a week can be detrimental to your roof and your home’s health. So before the winter season starts, the temperatures drop and the snow falls, making everything much more difficult, do a thorough inspection to give your roof a clean bill of health while things are still easier to fix.
Get a Free Consultation on Your Roofing Project
Call one of the best roofing contractors in Canton Michigan today to discuss options that may be available for your roof. At Twelve Oaks Roofing they offer free consultations on roofing projects year round. Call today at 734-525-6950 to learn more and to speak with one of their roofing professionals.
