Can I Replace My Roof in the Winter?

The busiest time for roof repair and replacement is August and September. Homeowners are looking forward to winter weather and thinking about whether their roofs are up for another season of cold and rain.

But sometimes things go wrong. On a cold, rainy winter day you notice a discoloration on your ceiling. Pretty soon it becomes a drip and you know it’s time to call in a roofer. If it’s been a while since you’ve had your roof replaced or repaired, the damage may be worse than you think.

So there you are, mid-winter, looking at a whole new roof. Can it wait until spring? Not always. So the question comes up: Can I replace my roof in the winter?

The Question

It seems like an obvious question. There are all kinds of possible problems with winter roof replacement. Isn’t it too cold to work? What if I get caught in a storm mid-repair? Will the roofing materials behave normally in cold weather?

Do roofers even work during the winter?

The Answer

The short answer is: Yes! Roofers work during the winter and you can replace your roof in the winter. And here in Georgia we are blessed with relatively mild winters. There are roofers in New England and Canada who work in the winter and are practically dressed for ice climbing or winter mountaineering. That’s less of an issue here.

But you will run into some issues with winter roof replacement. Most issues will arise when the weather drops below 40 degrees, which does happen pretty frequently during Atlanta’s coldest months. While ice and snow are rare, temperature can become an issue.

Winter Roofing Materials

Much of the concern with winter roof replacement is around materials. In general, there are a few very common roofing materials and several more less common (usually more expensive) roofing materials. By far the most common, and cheapest, roofing material is asphalt shingle. Another increasingly common roofing material is metal or aluminum shingles.

Each of these types of roofing, and the other less common roofing materials, have their own concerns when installation will take place in cold weather. Some are better to suited to cold weather installation than others.

Asphalt Shingles and Cold Weather

Asphalt shingles are best installed in 40 to 85 degree weather. That’s because of how the shingles stick to the roof. Asphalt shingles are nailed into place, usually with a nail gun. But each shingle also adheres to the shingle beneath it with an adhesive that uses the natural heat of the sun to form a tight bond. The roof will not be fully sealed until the weather warms up a bit.

Here in Atlanta that is less of a problem than in areas further north. You generally don’t have to wait for spring to get a day or two of sunshine above 40 degrees. But it is an issue that is still worth considering.

Ice Dams

Another issue that may arise is ice dams. These are not common in the Atlanta Metro Area, but may arise in parts or North Georgia that get a little more snow. If snow sticks around on a roof for more than a couple of days, an ice dam can begin to form. Ice dams occur when a layer of snow sits on a roof and escaping warmth from the roof begins to melt the underside of the snow. The resulting water trickles down the roof to the eaves, which are colder than the rest of the roof because they overhang the house and are exposed to cold air on all sides. When the water reaches the eaves, it refreezes and begins to build a little mound of ice.

Ice dams are less common in Georgia than in colder climates, and very rare in the Atlanta Metro Area. But the possibility of ice, as well as the very real issue of having to wait for a warm day for your shingles to seal, do present a problem.

What Cold Weather Does to Asphalt Shingles

One problem for roofers installing asphalt shingles in cold weather is the way the shingles themselves react to cold weather. Asphalt shingles are pliable and can bend slightly in appropriately warm weather, making them easy to work with. In colder weather that flexibility decreases along with the temperature. Roofers run the risk of cracking or breaking asphalt shingles that have become brittle in the cold.

One way to keep asphalt shingles from getting brittle is to store them indoors or under a shelter that will keep them a little bit warmer. Because asphalt shingles will take the shape of anything they are place on, especially under the weight of piled up shingles, it is important to keep asphalt shingles flat in storage. The should never be placed on the ground for an extended period.

So your best bet, if you absolutely must replace an asphalt roof in the winter months, is just to wait for some slightly warmer weather. Here in Georgia that shouldn’t be too much of a problem, since “warmer weather” really means anything over 40 degrees. It will allow your shingles to bond properly and make sure that no moisture is caught between your new shingles and your roof, which could spell trouble down the line.

Metal Roofing

If there is one kind of roof that takes the cake for cold weather installation, it would be metal roofing. Unlike asphalt, cold temperatures have little effect on metal shingles. Metal shingles maintain their shape and strength even in cold weather. They also don’t rely on the warmth of the sun for any aspect of their insulation.

If you’re thinking about installing a metal roof, there’s no need to wait. Installing a metal roof in the winter poses no specific problems due to the material. However, there are other concerns to be aware of.

Roofers and Cold Weather

Roofs are not installed by robots. They are installed by human beings just like you and me. And just like you and me, roofers are affected by cold weather. Working outdoors in extreme cold takes a toll on a roofer, so there are some concerns that should be addressed.

First of all, roofing work should be done during daylight hours. While it is conceivable that a roof could be installed by the light of high powered industrial worksite lights, it is generally impractical. The winter months mean fewer daylight hours, so be prepared to take a little more time for the installation then during summer months with plenty of working hours.

Second of all, cold weather affects how people work. The worst case scenario is a sloppy or dishonest roofer who cuts corners to get the work done quickly and minimize time spent on a cold roof. The professionals at Eagle Watch Roofing would never cut corners that way, but there is a limit to how long they can spend in the cold before taking a break. Again, be prepared for a winter roof replacement to take a little longer than it might in the summer.

You Can Replace a Roof in the Winter

The bottom line is that yes, you can replace a roof in the winter, especially here in the Atlanta or Georgia in general. There are a few things to be aware of going in, but nothing that makes it impossible. If your roof needs to be replaced, don’t wait for the damage to get worse. Call Eagle Watch Roofing today to set up your risk free estimate. And if you have any hesitation, be sure to check out our testimonials to hear what our many satisfied customers are saying about us. There is no time like the present to take care of your roof.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my roof in the winter in Newnan, GA?

Yes, a roof can be replaced in winter when the weather and the selected materials allow for proper installation. Rain, wind, and cold temperatures can affect when work can safely begin or continue. A roofer should plan the project around the forecast and the roofing manufacturer’s instructions.

Should I wait until spring if my roof is leaking?

Do not wait until spring to have an active leak assessed. The affected area may need a repair or temporary protection, even if a full replacement is scheduled for later. An inspection can establish what is causing the leak and how much work the roof needs.

Will new asphalt shingles seal properly in cold weather?

Asphalt shingles may take longer to self-seal when temperatures are low. Depending on the product and conditions, the manufacturer may call for hand-sealing with an approved roofing cement. Ask your roofer how the selected shingles will be installed if cold weather delays the sealant strip from bonding.

Does the temperature have to be above 40°F to replace an asphalt shingle roof?

There is no single temperature rule that applies to every shingle product and installation. The roofer should follow the selected manufacturer’s instructions for handling, fastening, and sealing shingles in the conditions expected on installation day.

What happens if rain is forecast during my winter roof replacement?

The roofing crew should plan the work so exposed areas can be protected if weather changes. Rain can delay removal or installation, particularly when the roof deck would otherwise be left open. Ask how the crew will protect your home and when work would resume if the forecast changes.

Is metal roofing easier to install in winter than asphalt shingles?

Metal roofing does not depend on an asphalt shingle’s heat-activated sealant strip, but winter installation still requires suitable weather and proper handling. The specific metal roofing system, underlayment, and sealants may have their own installation requirements. The material choice should be based on your home and budget, not winter timing alone.

Will a winter roof replacement take longer?

A winter roof replacement may take longer if rain, strong winds, or shorter daylight hours limit the time crews can work. The size and complexity of your roof also affect the schedule. Ask your roofer for an estimated timeline and how weather delays will be handled.

Can Eagle Watch Roofing inspect my roof before I decide to replace it this winter?

Yes, contact us to arrange an assessment of the roof and discuss whether repair or replacement is appropriate. We can explain the recommended scope and provide an estimate based on your property’s condition.