For roofing contractors in the Twin Cities, installing shingles in the winter can be a tricky proposition.
For starters, the cold-weather application of architectural asphalt shingles is not ideal.
In a perfect world, roofing contractors replace roofs between the months of April to October, when there is consistently good weather that will allow the asphalt shingles to seal during installation.
During this time of year, there is also less of a chance for inclement weather to interfere with scheduling.
But let’s say it’s the middle of November, and you’re a homeowner who needs your roof replaced.
Technically, your roof can still be replaced, so long as on the day of install the weather is above 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
At the same time, many roofing contractors also prefer that in addition to the day of installation, there are consecutive days where the weather will be above 40 degrees.
“In my experience, trying to install a roof when it’s less than 40 degrees out presents numerous challenges,” says Guy Grussing, the owner of the Eden Prairie-based company Grussing Roofing.
“That’s why I always recommend addressing your roof in the spring, summer, or early fall.”
For liability reasons, Grussing mentions that his team wouldn’t install a roof if the temperature dipped below 40 degrees, and while some roofing contractors would have no qualms about installing a roof in the dreariest time of the year, Grussing believes taking that approach isn’t conducive to the long-term sustainability of a roof.
“I’ve seen too many roofing contractors lose time, money, and consumer trust by installing roofs in the winter,” he says.
“They lose time because it takes longer to install a roof on a cold day. They lose money because there is added labor related to hand-sealing the shingles. On top of all that, if the roof starts to leak in the spring because the shingles didn’t seal, that causes a tremendous amount of damage to a contractor’s brand.”
Grussing’s remarks regarding the proper sealing of shingles is important.
For context, architectural asphalt shingles have a sealing mechanism underneath the surface of the material that keeps precipitation from penetrating the shingles and seeping into the roof decking.
This is arguably the most important component to a roof’s integrity, and if it is compromised because the sealant hasn’t adhered properly, every other aspect of the roof is put in jeopardy.
“That’s why roofing contractors who elect to install roofs in the winter will hand-seal the shingles, but even doing that doesn’t guarantee the sealant will function the way it is supposed to,” Grussing explains.
“It all goes back to the weather and it simply being too cold in December or January to do a proper roof installation.”
At this point, it’s clear that without the proper weather for a roof installation, several issues can arise, but sometimes a roof can’t wait to be installed until the spring.
This is particularly the case with insurance work, where homeowners with hail or wind damage need to have their roof replaced to avoid potential pitfalls that could come in the winter.
In late November 2021, Grussing Roofing performed a roof replacement in Eden Prairie for a homeowner whose roof had been impacted by natural weather.
“We were fortunate to have a string of days that hovered around 42-45 degrees,” Grussing says.
“Had we waited even another week, our client would have been forced to delay her roof installation until the spring. I didn’t want her to have to worry all winter, so when the weather gave us a chance to go out and do the work, we acted swiftly and diligently.”
Another thing to consider:
Many shingles manufacturers will not warranty their products if a roof replacement occurs in less-than-ideal conditions, with specific language designed to protect them from “installation error.”
Ultimately, if you’re a homeowner who needs a new roof in the middle of winter, your best strategy would be to wait until the spring.
If it’s November or March and you’re still not sure if it is appropriate to move forward with a roof installation, consult with a reputable roofing contractor to determine the best course of action.
“A good contractor will have the best interests of your home in mind when deciding on an install date,” Grussing says.
“And they won’t try to pressure you into getting the roof done as soon as possible because they understand how important having good weather is.”
All of which is to say, if a roofing contractor doesn’t value having a conversation about appropriate times to do a roof replacement, it’s likely they don’t value other aspects of customer service and running their business.
“Again, I’ve seen some roofing contractors who will blatantly disregard best practices in order to make a few bucks,” Grussing says.
“They will justify it by saying the roof needs to be immediately replaced, but the reality is that unless you have decent weather conditions, you’re putting everybody at risk by doing a job in the winter.”
For additional information regarding any questions you may have, call Grussing Roofing today at 952-935-0557!