Let’s face it, most people think winter in Maine is not the ideal time to do a full roof replacement.
In an ideal world, asphalt roof shingles would be installed between 40 degrees and 85 degrees Fahrenheit but scenarios that require a new roof do not always become evident at opportune times. Wind, driving rain, ice storms, unnoticed damage or a delay in addressing roofing problems can create emergency roofing situations in every season.
Winter roofing is possible, even in Maine. There are several factors that should be taken into consideration when deciding what time of winter and in what situations an asphalt roof should be installed. The most important to us at Horch Roofing is crew safety and morale.
Factors to Consider During Winter Roofing
First and foremost when roofing in winter, we must focus on the safety and morale of the roofing crew. Temperature and rapid weather changes are huge factors that need to be considered. High winds and cold may present unsafe conditions for a crew. Mobility also has to be considered. Tools and materials carried by the workers, along with winter clothing, can add anywhere from 30 to 45 extra pounds a worker has to carry up a ladder.
Another factor is that the roof needs to be cleared of snow and ice down to the decking for a replacement roof to be installed. This additional step along with limited daylight hours can impede the ability to roof in winter and extend the amount time typically required to do a job.
Yet there are times, even during winter in Maine, when we experience warmer temperatures and plenty of sunshine that make it possible to put on a new roof, or at least make needed repairs that cannot be put off until spring. Winter weather can be relatively predictable so knowing when snow or adverse conditions are on the way compared with more variable summer weather factors allows us to plan jobs when the weather cooperates. Also, for those with extensive gardens or landscaping, winter may be a preferable time to reroof your home as most flowers and plants are dormant so the risk of debris accidentally damaging plants is minimized.
Tools and Materials
Successful winter roofing relies on the ability to ensure worker safety and that the materials and tools used can withstand the conditions.
Roofing tools, including compressors and nail guns are affected by cold temperatures and air-moisture. Nails need to be driven with a certain amount of pressure and if that is prohibited by moisture, it requires more labor by the crew to do things manually, so nails meet the required depth and are flush with shingles.
Roof shingles can become brittle, lose flexibility, and even break during cold temperatures. The ability of asphalt shingles to self-seal can, at times, be limited by cold air. This can be minimized by keeping most bundles of shingles in a warm(er) dry place and removing a few at a time. Extra adhesive can also be used to hold the shingles in place until warmer weather allows them to fully adhere.
Since 2003, Horch Roofing has built an experienced crew of seasoned professionals skilled in winter roofing. We rely on them to do a consistently professional job no matter the season. As employees, they rely on us to have good judgment about when winter roofing is a viable choice. Together we provide safe and long-lasting winter roofing solutions to Maine homeowners.
Since 2003 Horch Roofing has been Maine’s reliable expert for roofing or gutter replacement and repairs. We serve the communities of Maine from our offices in Warren and South Portland. No matter where you are located in Maine, we are the local roofer for you! Whether you have a minor repair for our small projects crew, need snow guards, or have a roof fail in the middle of winter, we are the experts here to help!
Horch Roofing repairs and installs standing seam metal roofing, asphalt shingle roofing, EPDM rubber roofing, and seamless gutters for both residential and commercial roofing projects. Learn more about our full-service roofing and contact us for a free consultation.