ROOFING IN COLD WEATHER

If you live in the United States, it’s likely your roof has asphalt shingles. American homeowners use asphalt shingles more than any other roofing product. Proper installation of this material will provide many years of protection. Unfortunately, if you are roofing in cold weather, you will need to take some extra precautions.

SHINGLES NEED WARMTH

As temperatures decline, shingles become more brittle, and are easily cracked and broken. Cracks lead to one thing: water leaks.

Years ago it was common for shingles to crack and blow away in wind storms. Manufacturers solved this problem with a self-sealing compound that cements one shingle to another (a thermoplastic compound). Introduced in the mid-1960s, it is a common ingredient of virtually every asphalt shingle manufactured.

The sealing compound is activated by the heat of the sun. This sealing can happen in colder temperatures, but direct sunlight is required. North sloped roofs may not get the necessary sunlight until spring/summer. When the bonding process is complete, the shingles are less likely to develop wind-related leaks and failures.

The ideal temperature range to install shingles is between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21 and 27 degrees Celsius). If temperatures are colder than 70 degrees, the adhesive will not reach the ideal elasticity and will not create a perfect seal.

If roofing in cold weather is unavoidable, most asphalt shingle manufacturers require that a specialized adhesive is manually applied to each shingle for temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius). Failure to apply the special adhesive in adverse temperatures will void the manufacturer warranty.

POWERBLANKET HOT BOXES AND PALLET WARMERS

Powerblanket has a solution for roofing in cold weather. The Powerblanket® Hot Box will maintain the desired temperature of your shingles and adhesive on site. Roofing in cold weather is not ideal; however, Powerblanket makes it much easier than it has been in the past.

KEEP IT WARM IN COLD WEATHER

Powerblanket Hot Boxes save you money by keeping your products from freezing without the risk of overheating. Hot Box pallet warmers are easily assembled and taken apart. Hot boxes are ideal for cold weather storage, freeze protection, transporting, job site heating, remote location use, and roofing in cold weather. Standard Hot Boxes hold product between 100°F and 120°F (38°C and 49°C), and optional adjustable thermostatic controllers allow temperatures to be precisely controlled.

Heat materials and palletized products: adhesives, shingles, paint, caulk, resins, epoxies, etc.
Preserve temperature sensitive material.
Assemble quickly and easily.
Access doors on two sides.
Certified to UL and CSA standards.

Sources

“Cold Weather Roofing”. ProRoofing.com. 14 November, 2016. www.proroofingwisconsin.com/cold-weather-roofing.html.

Carter, Tim. “Special Care Is Needed When Roofing in Cold Weather.” Chicago Tribune. 2 January 2017. http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2000-12-16/news/0012160249_1_shingles-nails-roofing-materia

Tag: asphalt shingles