In a perfect world, roofing issues would only pop up when the weather is warm and dry, but sometimes winter leaks caused by ice dams or failing materials demand winter roof and gutter repairs. Fortunately, this isn’t a problem for experienced roofing companies like Muth and Company Roofing. While there are a few limitations regarding materials, for the most part, winter installation is no more difficult than in any other season. If you’re thinking about doing a winter roofing project, first consider the pros and cons of roofing in winter.
Sloped Roofs
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The most common material used for sloped roofs is asphalt shingles. Although asphalt shingles are best installed at temperatures over 40℉, they can be installed during the winter months. Extra care must be taken during the process, however, because cold temperatures make the shingles brittle and more susceptible to cracking when bent.
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Keep in mind that asphalt shingles have to bond and seal in order to function correctly, which requires the heat of the sun. Cold winter temperatures hinder the sealing process, so we must take care to install a new roof only if temperatures are above freezing.
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Ice dams, which are typically caused by poor ventilation or insufficient attic insulation, are a common winter roofing problem. Leaks caused by ice dams can often be prevented through the use of water and ice shield membrane. Winter installation requires caution, as they also need the warmth of the sun to adhere to the roof deck correctly.
Metal Roofing
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The nature of metal roofing material allows for expansion and contraction. Metal roofs can be laid during winter, but care must be taken not to install them in freezing temperatures. When the weather warms, the metal can expand and cause warbling. Metal roofs don’t have to cure and seal, which is another plus for winter installation.
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Metal roofing is a great option for Ohio and other areas that see a lot of winter precipitation, as it’s designed to slough off ice and snow when temperatures rise above freezing, which minimizes accumulation.
Additional Benefits
Although winter roof replacement and repairs are not uncommon, things do slow down for roofers during the winter. This is beneficial to homeowners because there are more contractors available to choose from, and with less work lined up, they have more time to devote to your project.
If winter storms have caused leaks or other damage to your roof, don’t wait until spring to get it fixed. Muth and Company Roofing is experienced in winter roof installation and emergency leak repairs, so give us a call at (614) 682-3060 at the first sign of trouble, no matter what the temperature is outside.