WHAT DO ROOFERS DO IN THE WINTER? ……UMM… WE ROOF.
Our “Winter” is not your “Winter”…
Every year without fail, the very first day there’s a chill
in the air, customers making an inquiry inevitably begin their phone calls with
“do you guys roof in the winter”. For the record, October and
November are not “winter”. Even December isn’t “winter”. Officially, “winter”
is between January and March every year. For our work to be affected AT
ALL, we need multiple days where the temperature remains below
freezing.
DID
YOU KNOW: In
Pittsburgh, we rarely experience multiple days where the temperature remains below
freezing. And as the temperature grows globally, we experience less and less
stretches of freezing temperatures.
Even when the temperatures do go below freezing for multiple
days, we have methods and recommended practices to accommodate the weather provided
to us by shingle manufacturers.
Adhesion and adhesion…
Most people don’t roof themselves, so ideas about roofing materials
are usually passed around from years ago when roofing materials were very different.
And not all roofs are the same. The majority of homeowners that are replacing
shingle roofs don’t realize that there isn’t’ much “adhesion” that needs to
take place. Sheeting, Membranes and Shingles are nailed into the structure. In the
rare, really cold days, we use special cold-weather adhesives on things like
ice and water shield to help ensure durability, but other than that, your
shingle roof doesn’t rely on much adhesion. And if you’re replacing your metal
roof, there is zero difference between installation in June or February.
Adhesion can be an issue when you’re working
on flat roofs, but even flat roofing materials have advanced significantly and
are intended for all weather applications. At S&L Remodeling, we only use top
quality products and ensure proper application throughout the year.
“Brittle shingles” or “Shingles that won’t “lay”
According to most shingle manufacturers, the IDEAL
temperatures to install shingles is between 40 and 85 degrees. As a matter of
fact, our shingle manufacturers recommend Fall as the ideal
season for shingle installation which runs from the end of September through
the end of December. Meaning, IDEALLY, shingle manufacturers prefer
we install between late September and late December. In the actual winter, when temperatures are
lower than the manufacturer’s “prime” temperature, we use manufacturer’s
suggestions to mitigate cold shingle issues, BUT it’s important to
understand that modern high-quality shingles are very different from shingles
of old. Modern shingles are scientifically engineered to remain pliable in all-weather
with technology that enhances flexibility and strength. Special pigments are
used in manufacturing to boost reflective properties. Shingle underlayment has benefited
significantly from plastics technology and chemical engineering. Each year, roofing products improve
significantly with technological advances. Some of these shingles have millions
of dollars of product and scientific chemical research to engineer a product that
is durable, flexible and resistant.
Winter roofing is more expensive…
Contrary to popular belief, winter is the BEST time to
contract your roof. Myths about winter roofing are stubborn and many Pittsburgh
homeowners don’t even know they can have their roof installed in the winter
just like any other season. Roofers have more flexibility and availability. With
more room on the roof installation schedule, roofers are much more likely to
take the job for less than normal.
SO THEN WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES? THERE HAS TO BE
SOMETHING! … THERE IS!
Shingles
We work with shingles differently in the cold weather. Depending
on the situation we will make sure they are laid flat while waiting to be installed
instead of laying them on the ridge of the roof. We keep the shingles indoors
for as long as possible or deliver them to an area that will be in the
sunlight.
Additional Safety Requirements
You’ll notice your installation crew will be especially
careful when handling the shingles in colder temperatures. There are also additional
safety considerations for our teams. Slippy surfaces can pose hazards for
workers. Colder weather requires more attention to safety and are crucial to
ensure the well-being of roof workers.
Potential Weather Delays
Freezing rain, extreme prolonged freezing temperatures and
snow may halt roofing projects. Homeowners should be prepared for possible
delays.
Limited Daylight Hours
Shorter days mean less hours of light to see. Some projects
that may be completed in one day may take multiple days in the darker winter
days.
Winter is a challenging time for everyone. Not just exterior
contractors. We schedule more siding work and other kinds of jobs, but that’s mostly
because many homeowners don’t realize they can have their roof replaced in the
winter. Most people realize we can replace their roof in the winter when they
have an actual roofing issue and call for assistance.
The most important thing that doesn’t change with the seasons
is that roofing issues can’t wait… Waiting until spring or summer to get your
roof replaced can make underlying issues worse, leading to more costly and
extensive repairs to your roof’s underlayment, or even in more serious case, the
interior of your home.
Professional roofers have the equipment, knowledge and
professional products to install roofs in cold weather safely and effectively.
Call S&L Remodeling, Pittsburgh’s trusted roofing,
siding and exterior remodeling contractors and get a FREE Estimate Today!
412-628-9717
Gutter Installation Pittsburgh
Comments
Post a Comment