According to Daniel Benn Atcheson's roofing construction estimate &, the best temperatures for installing asphalt shingles are between 40 and 85 degrees F (4 and 26 degrees C). If you are installing roofing shingles in cold climates below these temperatures, the shingles can become brittle and more likely to break. As expected, once again the leaves are falling and the weather is getting cooler. For Roofing Contractors in Southern States, It's a Relief for the Brutally Hot Summer Roofing Season.
For contractors in northern areas, it means it's time to adapt to the winter roofing season. Yes, asphalt shingles can still be successfully installed in cold climates, provided some major changes are made to normal practices. There are many challenges that come with typical winter weather, though not here in Florida. The ideal temperature range for roof installations is 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit (21-27 degrees Celsius), but when is it too cold for roofing? Basically, it's too cold when temperatures drop below 40 degrees F, which equates to 4 degrees Celsius.
Most roofing products have adhesive properties that require the sun's heat to activate. You risk faulty roof installation if you can't pay attention to the outside temperature. The possibility of invalidating the warranty also increases when the temperature drops below 40 degrees F. While this isn't a big problem in warmer areas, snow and ice can cause hazardous working conditions, as ice can be difficult to see and injuries such as slips and falls can occur if additional safety precautions are not taken.
Snow also makes it extremely difficult to see other hazards, such as a light from the sky or damaged areas on the roof. The extra weight of snow on a roof can also make it susceptible to collapse, and this type of damage may not always be evident on the surface. Asphalt shingles are the most common material used for roofing. Manufacturers recommend that they be installed between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (source).
Cooler temperatures (about 50 degrees) reduce markings are obtained, followed by heat from warmer days in the near future to bond the shingles together and reduce shedding. In fact, some companies prefer to install metal roofs in winter because of the colder temperature. Most experienced roofers are comfortable working in very cold temperatures and should have no problem adapting to the winter weather. Professional roofing contractors generally agree that while roofing projects can be performed at any temperature, most experts advise against roofing when the temperature drops below 40 degrees or when it rises above 85 degrees.
But the truth is that as long as preventive measures are taken, roofs can be installed at temperatures above 30 degrees. When it comes to the temperature for the roof installation, the ideal day for roofing would be one that was pleasant and warm, with no chance of rain or wind. Since temperature directly affects the operation of roofing materials such as asphalt and fiberglass shingles, it is imperative to plan strategically when undertaking a roofing project. Roofing is already a physically demanding business in and of itself, and working outdoors below freezing temperatures (no less than on top of residential property) can be uncomfortable.
There are other types of roofing materials that are also very sensitive to temperature and require a little extra care during installation, such as. As long as the GAF certified installer takes appropriate precautions, roof repairs or replacements can be performed during periods of extreme temperatures. Although many roofing companies don't work when the temperature is below forty degrees Fahrenheit, as it can void the roofing material warranty and the working conditions can be brutal. Even with the immediate need to repair or replace the roof, many still ask their roofers if they can wait until spring or summer.
Ideally, the best temperature and conditions to work on a roofing project or installation would be around 55 degrees, with mild humidity, low wind speeds and no rain. . .
