Winter roof repair can be impossible to pull off in a place like Kentucky. Typically, people address roof issues here before the weather gets cold. However, you don't always have room to wait; sometimes, your plans get delayed, or there aren't enough days with the ideal weather for repairs.
Even small leaks can bring large-scale damage to your roof's integrity; when the temperature dips, for example, the materials in your roof could freeze. When the roof cycles between freezing and thawing, it expands and contracts, causing more leaks.
Should you do roofing work in the winter?
Roofing work when there is snow and ice is naturally riskier. However, if you leave the repairs to a professional, you can be sure that it'll go according to plan. Roof repair specialists have the necessary equipment and training, letting them work safely on buildings. Many roofers even prefer to work in the winter. For one, it is easier to work in colder months. In the summer, the heat bears down on them and reflects on the roof.
A notable difference in winter roofing is the materials used. When temperatures drop to 32°F, these materials start acting differently from how they do in warm weather. Here are things to remember about different types of roofs and how they react to cold weather.
Installing flat roofs in winter
You can choose between PVC and TPO, single-ply roofing products that need mechanical installation for flat roofs. Instead of attaching them with adhesive material, you weld these sheets together with hot air.
Note that you cannot install a rubber roof during the winter because the adhesives required to install and seal the roof will not bond as they should. If you are set on having a rubber roof and installing it during the colder months, get a second opinion from a roofing contractor.
Installing a sloped roof in winter
Typically, sloped roofs have no asphalt shingles. You can install them in winter without issues, as long as the contractor works carefully. Cracked or bent shingles do not last as long; you will have to replace your roof again in no time. Asphalt shingles need a good seal between the overlaps. It ensures that they function the way they should. However, asphalt can be challenging to set in the cold. The seal needs heat from the sun, and asphalt shingles can get ruined from ice dams.
Installing a metal roof in winter
Metal roofs are among the easiest to install during the winter. It is designed to withstand expansion and contraction, and variable temperatures will not affect the process. Keep in mind that this kind of roof needs ridge vents. When you design your metal roof with ventilation in mind, it will work fine in all weather and seasons.
Conclusion
Installing a roof in the winter is challenging but possible. When you're building during this time, you have to account for how the weather affects your materials. Make sure you tackle this project with the help of a licensed roof expert; when you do, you'll make your life so much easier.
Get in touch with First Choice Roofing for your premier building needs. We are Lexington roofing professionals with a streamlined roofing process, helping families build stronger homes. Count on us to cover you; contact us today for your inquiries!
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