Once the temperature drops, a roof can be more vulnerable to leaks, and many homeowners are left wondering what to do next. One of the most common questions is: “Can you replace a roof in the winter?”
Currently, in Shelby Township, Michigan, the home of our office, it’s a balming six degrees. My weather app says it feels negative six degrees, and cold temperatures will continue tomorrow. Next week, Wednesday, the temperature will be nearly forty degrees. That’s what you can expect in Michigan regarding winter weather: a mix of extreme cold, moderate temperatures, and some snow. Here in Metro-Detroit, we haven’t experienced as much snow as our neighbors in the Upper Peninsula these past few years, but any amount of snow and ice can still make our roof replacement or repair jobs much more difficult. Don’t get me wrong! We, too, enjoy our snow days just like the kids, and my brother and I never pass up an opportunity to dust off the hockey skates, but honestly, we would prefer to be working instead. Besides, our best hockey is behind us these days. So, let’s go back to the question. The short answer is yes – you can install a new roof in cold weather. However, we take a few extra steps to ensure everything goes smoothly in freezing temperatures.
We Take Extra Safety Precautions
Snow, ice, and damp conditions can also turn your roof surface into a slippery skating rink, so we don’t take any chances with safety in cold-weather roofing. We would much rather skate on a lake! When we arrive, we wear safety gear such as harnesses and tightly grip our nail gun and other tools to protect everyone involved.
Cold Temperatures Make Roofing Materials Fragile
When the mercury dips, roofing materials, especially asphalt shingles, can become more brittle. My crew and I handle them carefully to avoid cracks or breaks on a roof replacement. Even everyday activities like using a nail gun need extra finesse in cold weather. And let’s not forget about the adhesive on those shingles—it’s designed to stick best when it’s warm. When it’s chilly, that bond can take longer to form, leaving room for leaks if it doesn’t seal correctly. Experienced roofers, like our team, compensate for this by storing materials at safe temperatures. This helps keep your roof intact, protects its lifespan, and makes winter roof replacement possible.
How Cold Weather Affects Asphalt Shingles
Are you wondering exactly how cold weather affects your new asphalt shingles? Asphalt shingles have a unique adhesive strip that needs adequate warmth to activate. A sunny winter day can help, but it’s often not enough to complete the seal. We rely on time-tested methods—like hand-sealing every shingle—to ensure a tight, long-lasting fit. It might take a bit more effort while we seal and install asphalt shingles, but it guarantees your roof will stand firm against high winds and rough winter weather.
Do Roofers Use Sealant in a Winter Roof Replacement Project?
Absolutely. In cold conditions, the natural adhesive on asphalt shingles may not bond as quickly or effectively as in warmer weather. To compensate, experienced roofers often apply an additional sealant or adhesive by hand, ensuring each shingle is firmly secured even in low temperatures. This extra step helps with wind resistance, leaks, and moisture damage, so your new roof is protected against the elements all winter.
What to Pay Close Attention To During Winter Months
Material Handling
As we mentioned, it’s vital to ensure your roofing materials are appropriately stored before installation during the winter months. Cold temperatures can make shingles and other components brittle, so keeping them at a slightly warmer temperature until use helps reduce the risk of cracking.
Timing and Weather Forecasts
Keeping an eye on the forecast is essential. While replacing a roof in low temperatures is doable, you don’t want to start work right before a major snowstorm or freezing rain event. Scheduling flexibility is key to adapting to sudden weather changes.
Proper Insulation
Make sure your attic and roof deck are adequately insulated. This prevents heat loss and helps stop ice from forming at the edges of your roof. A good roofing contractor will assess your insulation needs before starting work to extend your roof’s longevity.
Ventilation Checks
Winter’s cold air can cause moisture to build up in your attic if ventilation is inadequate. Excess moisture can lead to mold or other issues, so verifying that your roof and attic are appropriately ventilated is crucial.
Contractor Experience
Finally, work with a roofing contractor with experience installing roofs in winter conditions. Professionals who know how to adapt to colder temperatures and roof in the winter will keep the project on track and ensure each shingle is properly sealed despite the chill.
Planning Your Roof Replacement Project in Winter
If you’re thinking about tackling a roof replacement project in winter, having a solid plan from the outset is crucial. First, ensure you work with a professional roofing contractor who can handle the roof installation process in the winter. They’ll often schedule shorter workdays to account for limited daylight and keep materials at optimal temperatures, reducing the risk of damage.
Additionally, inspecting your attic and insulation before the project begins is wise. As we mentioned, proper insulation helps prevent ice dams and unwanted heat loss, which can damage a new roof and raise the cost of your utilities. Combining a reliable roofing company with a well-thought-out approach ensures your winter roofing project runs smoothly from start to finish.
Advantages of Winter Installation
You might be surprised to learn there are some perks to scheduling a roof replacement in winter. Because most homeowners choose to repair or replace in the warmer months, you’ll likely find more availability and competitive pricing during the off-season. This means you can save money scheduling roof work even during a heavy snow emergency. Plus, experienced roofing professionals are trained to adapt to cold-weather challenges, so you can rest easy knowing your new roof will be installed the right way, no matter the season.
Preventing Ice Dams
Ice dams are another winter headache. When heat escapes from your home, it can melt snow on your roof, which then refreezes near the edges. Over time, water may creep under your shingles and cause leaks. These leaks if not fixed promptly can damage the interior of your home, costing you more money in repairs and even worst it can cause a health concern – Mold.
The good news is that a knowledgeable roofer can prevent leaks by installing proper insulation and using roofing underlayments designed for cold – weather climates. We install two rows of ice shield at eaves, one row in valleys and around roof protrusions. Even when temperatures plummet, you can have peace of mind we know the tricks of the trade to ensure each shingle is firmly in place and moisture stays where it belongs – outside.
Working Around Harsh Winter Weather Conditions
Of course, if we’re hit with heavy snowfall, freezing rain, or severe storms, we might need to pause work until it’s safe to continue. But a seasoned crew can still tackle your roofing needs in urgent situations. With the proper preparation and gear, we can work efficiently in winter conditions without sacrificing quality or safety. We climb back up once the bad weather clears and get the job done.
Consulting an Expert
Do you have questions about winter roofing, or are you unsure if now’s the best time to replace a roof? Please get in touch with a experienced roofing professionals who can walk you through the pros, cons, and best practices for cold-weather roof replacement. Whether blazing hot in summer or freezing cold in the dead of winter, a skilled roofer will keep you informed every step of the way year round. Call us when you’re ready to start planning or need expert advice on your roofing project. We would be happy to walk you through the installation process.
Ridgecon | Roofing Above All can ensure your new roof is installed correctly, under warranty, and strong enough to endure all the weather conditions Michigan throws at your roof. We invite you to get a quote by using our roofing cost calculator. Roofing Above all is a member of the GAF President’s Club and a GAF Master Elite Contractor.