While Texas temperatures are quite mild much of the year, temps do dip below 30 a handful of days per year. While roof replacement and repair is best left for warmer months, sometimes circumstances arise that precipitate the need for more timely service. That said, roofing in cold weather presents its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to asphalt shingles. Remember: membranes, adhesives, equipment and contractors perform differently in colder temperatures, so it’s important for roofers to plan ahead and consider how the cold weather will affect material selection, installation time and quality, according to Roofing magazine. How do these lower temps affect new construction roofing? Let’s explore…
Extra TLC
With cold weather comes the tendency for asphalt shingles to become brittle and roofing tar become like cement. Storage of shingles in a warm place prior to installation is key, as is special care while installing them. Hammering nails into brittle shingles can cause them to crack, which leads to more inventory needed to complete the same job. Some roofing materials manufacturers offer shingles with sealant strips that activate at lower temperatures, such as below 40 degrees F.
Another challenge with shingles is the adhesive not applying properly. A stiff wind can easily blow off those shingles later, leading to roof leaks. Heat activated adhesive is usually what holds shingles together but because there’s not enough sun and warm air during the winter, roofers need to apply both warm roofing tar or cement as well as heavy duty roofing nails. With some water-based adhesives, humidity also plays a factor, as this can bring about evaporative cooling of the material to which the adhesive is applied, resulting in condensation. This condition is called adhesive blushing and it can affect cure times.
Safety Gear and Clothing
The weather also poses a challenge for the roofers themselves. It can be cold enough on the ground just going from car to house and back again. It’s much worse when you’re up on the roof, exposed to the cold air and wind for hours at a time. That’s why it’s important for roofers to dress warmly, with work boots that have good grooves so as to better grip the roof. Thin gloves with thermal properties should be worn as well. Roofers may also have to wear safety harnesses if ice is a factor.
Solutions
In addition to the safety precautions mentioned above, there are things that can lessen the impact of cold weather roofing. Residential homes that are currently being lived in can increase the surface temperature by up to 15% because of the heating system and airflow throughout the attic. With unoccupied homes and commercial buildings, this extra warmth is not present. Roofers can also mitigate risk of failure by using heavier architectural shingles where they aren’t as prone to damage or being blown away in the wind.
Seeking the advice of a qualified Roof repair fort worth TX is crucial in learning about the nuances of cold weather roofing. If you can, it’s best to wait until temperatures are warmer before taking on a roofing project; however, as said before, sometimes leaks and other issues pose serious detriments to waiting.
Contact Ferris Roofing Contractors fort worth TX
To get a free estimate on Roofing fort worth TX or Fort Worth area or in any of the surrounding communities, contact us at 817-595-0500 or schedule your estimate and appointment online.