Your Winter Roofing Questions Answered
Generally, Ohio has a two month period when you need a special process to install shingles: in January, February and early March.
Asphalt shingles have a sticky tar strip that adheres to the shingle above it, and it relies on warm weather to make the tar soften and stick.
However, that doesn't stop roofing contractors from installing shingles in the winter.
Atlas Roof and Exteriors has a special process for cold weather installation:
1) Atlas puts the shingles under a tent and heats the bundles before installing them. In some circumstances we may need to add a couple of small dabs of roofing cement (also called "tar") to the underside of each shingle tab. The roofing cement products we use are quite good at bonding in cold weather, but the tar needs to be kept warm or else it's too thick to apply
2) Atlas Storm Nails the shingles. This means we use 6 – 7 nails per shingle.
3) We only use the highest quality products. We use dimensional shingles that will hold up in windy conditions.
Atlas guarantees the shingles will hold under the guaranteed wind conditions.
If I just want to wait until warmer weather, what should I do to keep my roof from leaking?
Winter months in Ohio seem to reveal more roof problems than any other time of the year. There are a number of factors that may lead to roof leaks so there is not a simple answer. One of the most common causes of leaking roofs in winter is clogged or improperly installed gutters. This will cause water to overflow over the back and leak along the inside walls and inside the home. In addition, flue pipes inside of a chimney may cause water to leak if they are not properly aligned. Improperly installed or defective siding and windows are among other common causes for roof leaks.
When a roof leaks after heavy, wind-driven rain, it is usually caused by a problem with the windows or siding. During the winter, a roof leak along the inside walls or basement is most commonly caused by an ice dam. In this scenario, melting snow and ice will travel over the back of the gutter or through the side of gutter spikes and down the walls. An ice dam is caused by inadequate intake and exhaust ventilation.
Most of the time, the leak can be repaired but if you need a roof replacement, it is possible to make a temporary repair or Tarp over a roof until warmer weather arrives in March.
If you have major problems, you may need to replace the roof even if it is still winter. It is possible to install a roof in the winter but special precautions need to be taken.
Find more information about Atlas Roof and Exteriors
Asphalt shingles have a sticky tar strip that adheres to the shingle above it, and it relies on warm weather to make the tar soften and stick.
However, that doesn't stop roofing contractors from installing shingles in the winter.
Atlas Roof and Exteriors has a special process for cold weather installation:
1) Atlas puts the shingles under a tent and heats the bundles before installing them. In some circumstances we may need to add a couple of small dabs of roofing cement (also called "tar") to the underside of each shingle tab. The roofing cement products we use are quite good at bonding in cold weather, but the tar needs to be kept warm or else it's too thick to apply
2) Atlas Storm Nails the shingles. This means we use 6 – 7 nails per shingle.
3) We only use the highest quality products. We use dimensional shingles that will hold up in windy conditions.
Atlas guarantees the shingles will hold under the guaranteed wind conditions.
If I just want to wait until warmer weather, what should I do to keep my roof from leaking?
Winter months in Ohio seem to reveal more roof problems than any other time of the year. There are a number of factors that may lead to roof leaks so there is not a simple answer. One of the most common causes of leaking roofs in winter is clogged or improperly installed gutters. This will cause water to overflow over the back and leak along the inside walls and inside the home. In addition, flue pipes inside of a chimney may cause water to leak if they are not properly aligned. Improperly installed or defective siding and windows are among other common causes for roof leaks.
When a roof leaks after heavy, wind-driven rain, it is usually caused by a problem with the windows or siding. During the winter, a roof leak along the inside walls or basement is most commonly caused by an ice dam. In this scenario, melting snow and ice will travel over the back of the gutter or through the side of gutter spikes and down the walls. An ice dam is caused by inadequate intake and exhaust ventilation.
Most of the time, the leak can be repaired but if you need a roof replacement, it is possible to make a temporary repair or Tarp over a roof until warmer weather arrives in March.
If you have major problems, you may need to replace the roof even if it is still winter. It is possible to install a roof in the winter but special precautions need to be taken.
Find more information about Atlas Roof and Exteriors
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