If you live in Florida, choosing when to reroof your home is easy. Florida is sunny year-round and rarely experiences the cold that we do. There’s no concern over ice, snow, or other dangerous winter conditions.
However, residential roof replacements in Pennsylvania and the Northeast, seem a little trickier. Many homeowners are confused about when they can call a professional residential roofing company over the course of a year.
Have you found yourself asking if you can find residential roofing near you in the dead of winter? Have you wondered if residential roofers even work in the winter?
Don’t worry. You’re not alone. Many people have asked if you can get a residential roof replacement in the cold winter months.
We’ve heard this question so often that we have decided to create a guide to help homeowners dispel some rumors. Can you get roof repairs or a residential roof replacement in the winter? Spoiler alert: You can. Joyland Roofing is the perfect residential roofing contractor for you to call to get the job done right.
Do Shingles Adhere Properly in Cold Weather?
One of the top questions we hear is whether shingles still adhere to each other when it’s cold outside. Here’s how it works:
Each shingle has a tar strip on its underside. When shingles warm up, even on a sunny day with temperatures around 25 to 30 degrees, the tar strip activates and seals the shingles together. This seal is crucial to prevent shingles from blowing off in high winds.
Even if the temperature stays cold for several days after installation, shingles will still perform their job by shedding water, ice, and snow. Once the sun comes out and warms the shingles, the tar strip will adhere properly.
The Real Concern: Nail Placement in Cold Weather
While the tar strip isn’t a major issue, nail placement is something roofers need to be careful about in winter. Cold temperatures can make shingles more brittle, and if a nail gun’s pressure is set too high, nails can crack or punch through the shingle. This weakens the hold and compromises the integrity of the installation.
At Joyland Roofing, we’ve been handling cold-weather installations for over 30 years, and we’re meticulous about ensuring nails are properly set without damaging the shingles.
Will a Winter Roof Replacement Increase the Risk of Leaks?
Another concern we hear is whether replacing a roof in the winter increases the risk of leaks. This fear often comes from the assumption that ice, snow, and unpredictable weather make winter roofing riskier.
In reality, the risk of leaks isn’t tied to the season but rather to the roofer’s expertise. Professional roofers make sure every roof is watertight at the end of each workday, no matter the time of year. Whether it’s snowing or raining, your roof will be protected at every stage of the job.
Should I Shovel Snow Off My Roof?
Many homeowners worry about the weight of snow on their roof and wonder if they should remove it. Here in Pennsylvania, roofs are designed to handle significant snow loads—even up to two or two and a half feet.
In most cases, it’s better to leave the snow where it is, especially on sloped roofs. Shoveling can damage shingles, creating more problems than it solves. Flat commercial roofs can typically handle similar loads, but in rare cases of extreme snowfall—three feet or more, followed by heavy rain—removing snow may be necessary. However, always consult a professional to avoid injury or roof damage.