Winter provides challenging conditions for any roof, especially if there are 
heavy snows. If a roof has gone a long time since its last maintenance, a storm can even cause collapse. However, the complete loss of a roof is rare – and it’s usually preceded by a number of signs.
Leaks and other issues can arise suddenly in the cold season. Homeowners should be aware of how factors like overloaded or frozen gutters can cause significant damage.
In some cases, even the foundation can be affected if there is too much pressure on a faulty roof. If you're aware that you're in need of roof replacement or repair, the best thing to do is to get it done as soon as possible. Waiting until spring can turn a relatively minor problem into a serious one.
The Three Keys to Roof Replacement in an Austin Winter
In general, the longer it takes to address a roofing problem, the more complex and expensive it will be down the line. Even if signs of trouble first show up in winter, the Longhorn Roofing team can tackle the job.
Yes, roofing in the winter does present a few concerns.
It’s especially important for anyone on a job site in winter to observe safety precautions. The homeowner should do so as well, being sure to look out for hazards while the work is underway.
A winter roofing project is certainly no job for a rookie – but there are ways to make it faster, easier, and safer for everyone involved. It all comes down to three major factors.
They are:
A Highly Motivated Expert Team
When you’re looking for a roof replacement team, pick people willing and able to go the extra mile. When morale is low, even workers who know what they’re doing may overlook things. A motivated team can keep time in mind, but do the job right and prevent rework. A crew can only wear limited winter gear and needs to finish before the worst evening cold sets in, all without ever cutting corners.
The Right Tools
Some tools are affected by extreme cold. Compressors and nail guns are particularly finicky the colder it gets: Compressing and releasing air under winter conditions turns humidity into water and can limit airflow if water freezes in the airlines. It’s vital to start out by breaking standing ice on the roof so any new nails will be flush with shingles. Again, time is a factor here.
Appropriate Shingles for Winter Roof Replacement
Installing shingles in winter can present some hang-ups. Without adjusting your equipment and application methods, shingles could turn brittle – which makes them harder to cut accurately. It may also be necessary to hand-seal shingles, as the adhesive on standard shingles is intended to activate in relatively warm temperatures. Using roofing cement can prevent blow-offs.
When all is said and done, winter roof replacement can be tough – but it is well worth it for the homeowner.
If you're not sure if you need a full replacement, or just a few repairs, sign up for a free estimate by clicking the button below and filling out a form today!
