Can shingles be installed in cold weather?

Roofing Shingles: 

When it comes to handling asphalt shingles the dexterity and flexibility are limited as temperatures are below zero. The shingles are brittle in cold weather and become easier to crack; in addition, cutting shingles straight becomes more difficult. The Underwriting Laboratories (UL) state, asphalt shingles should be installed between 3 to 27 degrees Celsius. Another major concern with installing shingles in the cold is that they loose their ability to seal.

 

Labour:

For most roofers, it can feel extremely uncomfortable working in freezing temperatures, in many cases this may lead to mistakes and/or shortcuts. In addition, working in extreme cold weather can be hard on the body and the mind. It is recommended to work on sunnier days and/or take several breaks in warm areas. One of the biggest concerns of working in the winter is that the roof surfaces can be extremely unsafe to work on because of snow, ice, and frost. Therefore, it is always recommended to plan ahead and be willing to adjust the project timeline.

 

Tools:

Roofing contractors use diverse set of tools. Those that use compressors and nail guns can lose the effectiveness and quality of fastening shingles during cold temperatures. Nail guns have had the reputation of jamming in the cold. It is recommended for nail gun installers to make sure they nail straight and flush so they don’t blow through the shingles. Taking your time and installing with caution is always recommended.

 

We mentioned above some of the drawbacks and cautions when installing shingles in cold weather. However, sometimes roof shingles need to be installed in emergency situations, particularily in the winter. When it is possible, we highly recommend you get your roof shingles installed in warm, calm and dry temperatures!