Roofing Shingles In Cold Weather

The short answer is yes but with some precautions.

Roofing shingles in cold weather.

It will become harder to bend the shingles and to cut them straight. Handle the shingles with care and caution. Recommendations for installation of asphalt roofing shingles in cold weather be sure to follow the manufacturer s installation instructions carefully as most building codes require. Asphalt shingles according to roofing construction estimating by daniel benn atcheson the best temperatures to install asphalt shingles is between 40 and 85 degrees f 4 and 26 degrees c.

When roofing in cold weather you run the risk of materials becoming brittle and breaking. It may not activate until spring. Shingles cracked and broken shingles often lead to water damage one of the more serious problems with roofs. This makes the use of safe footwear and fall arrest equipment even more critical.

When working below 70 f the adhesive may not reach the ideal elasticity and will not create a perfect seal. However for the best protection it is important to use architectural shingles. If you re installing roofing shingles in cold weather below these temperatures your shingles may become brittle and more prone to breakage. The sealant on shingles installed in cold weather may not activate right away.

The temperatures and conditions to activate the sealant will vary by manufacturer and it s also possible that while the shingles on the southern exposure may seal those on northern slopes may not. Be very careful when working on sloped roofs. They must wear a harness and have fall protection systems non slip insulated boots gloves and more. One other alternative that some believe is the best roof material for snow is fiberglass asphalt shingles.

This may mean that your roof install won t be up to standard and will fail sooner than it should. Shingles behave differently when are exposed to long term cold temperatures. Roofing in cold weather is more dangerous than roofing on a sunny and clear day. Extra care should be taken when handling and or installing asphalt shingles when the air and surface temperatures are at or below 40 f 5 c.

If the temperature dips below freezing frost ice and snow become a serious safety factor on the roof. In winter applications there may be nearly invisible ice or frost. The asphaltic material in the shingle may lose its flexibility and resistance as the temperature goes down. These are a classic roofing option that does well in all types of weather including cold and snow.

The roof surface is more slippery in winter and roofers need to be fully prepared to stay safe in harsh conditions.