As a homeowner, you have likely wondered about some basic roofing maintenance fundamentals and what to do to best prepare yourself for any roofing project in general. One general question homeowners ask when it comes to roofing projects is what, if any, is the ideal temperature for performing roofing maintenance or a roof installation?
Since the temperature directly impacts how well roofing materials like asphalt and fiberglass shingles work, it is imperative to plan strategically when going about a roofing project. With that being said, let’s take a closer look into how and why the roofing temperature can affect the overall quality of the roofing job.
When is it too cold to put on a roof?
The cold weather can be bad news for your materials. Some types of materials can turn brittle during the process. One of the more delicate shingles in the cold is fiberglass shingles. If the shingles become brittle, it will be difficult for the contractor to lay them down on your roof. If the shingle becomes brittle, it may become damaged during the process and cause the homeowner more money. Installing shingles in cold weather necessitates extra caution. Aside from the brittleness of shingles, the adhesive might also be affected. The bond may not work as expected since it may lose its stickiness due to lower temperatures and not be done when the weather drops below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you have no choice but to install a shingled roof during the winter season, consider these tips:
- Store the shingles in a warm location until you are ready to transport them to your roof.
- Efficiently cluster the shingles together on a cart to transport them quickly and with less likelihood of them cracking due to too much handling.
- Apply a conservative amount of adhesive to the back of the shingles to help them stay in place and protect them from high winds, and firmly adhere the shingles to the roof’s surface.
When is it too hot to install a roof?
It is another issue when the temperature spikes up. One particular problem that contractors encounter is the quick drying of the adhesive. It can be challenging to lay down the shingle accurately piece by piece if the bond keeps drying out fast. Shingles may soften and lose their original shape depending on the material you have chosen. It can be harder to install if such a thing happens. In addition, the heat may alter the shape and edges. This change may result in difficulty installing them side by side with accuracy and precision. The best way to avoid this issue is to install roofing between 40 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Keep in mind the following if you are considering a roofing project during the summer months:
- High humidity levels can make it nearly impossible to get the shingles to adhere correctly to the roof, and if shingles are not installed properly, they can easily be torn off by a gust of wind.
- Avoid keeping your shingles in direct sunlight before installation, as they will become challenging to work with once they acquire heat.
- Make sure to perform the job outside the peak heat hours during the summer, which are from noon until 4 pm.
What is the best temperature for installing a roof?
Professional roofing contractors generally agree that while roofing projects can be done at any temperature, most experts advise against roofing when the temperature drops below 40 degrees or climbs to higher than 85 degrees. So now you may be asking yourself, what are the reasons why the temperature strongly influences how a roofing project turns out? The short answer to this is that the properties of roofing materials make them susceptible to physical changes during installation and repair if the surrounding temperature is too hot or too cold.
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. However, don’t hesitate to get a quote here for or call us at (800) 794-7444 for roof installation temperature.