Can You Install an Asphalt Roof in December?

What’s your gift philosophy come Christmas? 

1. Open the stockings on Christmas Eve. Everything else waits! 
2. “Don’t you want just one early present?” 
3. Gifts are saved for Christmas! No exceptions. 

At our house, Trina and Michael want to open presents faster than I can wrap them! But I’m in category “C”- all gifts wait under the tree until Christmas morning. 

The Christmases we spent celebrating while serving in Kenya weren’t as lavish as the states. Instead, we were grateful for time together celebrating our savior’s birth. I see gifts as an extension of that celebration and it’s why we wait to open our presents until Christmas morning. 

Besides, I love when everything comes together all at once. 

Sometimes waiting is better. And once the winter weather hits? Waiting might be something you should do, too, if you’re ready for a new asphalt roof. 

This may surprise you but we don’t schedule many asphalt roof installations in the winter. Why? Well, cold temperatures put our installation’s integrity- and our crew!- at risk. 

In this article, we’re going to talk about why you shouldn’t install an asphalt shingle roof in the coldest season of Pennsylvania.

Reasons Why Not To Install Your Roof In The Winter

Have you made gingerbread houses yet this year? Every year we do our best at cookie construction, thank goodness I have Vern on our “home construction crew”.

Count on Vern to build a solid gingerbread house. First, he warms the icing to the perfect temperature and density. If the thick layer of icing isn’t the right consistency and temperature, it just won’t hold. 

Although there’s a huge difference between gingerbread and real houses- in both applications adhesive makes a BIG difference!

Like gingerbread, asphalt shingles also need good sealant to protect your home for the long haul. This is why temperature matters so much! 

Your asphalt roof’s sealant is activated by heat and sunlight. When installed on cold days, it’s slow to activate. Improper adhesion leaves space for water and pests, both unwelcome “presents” on Christmas!

A slow curing sealant isn’t the only way a cold installation can fail your home. We also run into problems like: 

• Brittle and cold shingles are difficult to cut
• Cold air affects the nail gun pressure- making installation unreliable
• Edges of your shingles can curl up in the cold during a winter install 

The ideal temperature for an asphalt roof installation is above 40° F. Anything below this will affect the way your roof functions. 

We proudly work with the best in the industry. One of the best things about GAF (our roofing manufacturer) is their fantastic durability and best-in-the-industry warranties. As a homeowner, we want you to have the maximum protection on every roof you have us install. We aren’t willing to risk voiding your warranty on a hasty and chilly project.

It happens, too- so watch out for any contractor willing to lay a completely new roof while the snow is flying. Layered shingles, poor ventilation, and improper installation temperatures all void your warranty. 

We’d rather wait and do it right. 

Our Crew is Family 

As a family owned and operated company, we treat everyone with love and respect. That includes our clients- and our crew!

That’s another reason why we won’t install a roof in winter. We value and protect the people who work with us. They’re part of our family. 

And the truth is, installing a roof in winter is dangerous.

It’s a health hazard. 

• Temperatures 32° F or lower can cause frostbite. 
• Hypothermia from wind can occur at temps 40° F or lower. 

You’d be surprised how fast frostbite can set in. The National Weather Service shows some alarming statistics here. 

Ice also increases the likelihood of injuries from falls. In 2014, construction work related fatalities saw a 6% increase. The rise is attributed to slips and falls. 

Vern and I never want Martin to be the reason a family member doesn’t come home for Christmas. We want the best for our crew and the best for your home. 

Support starts at the top and it’s why we save our roof installations for the warmer months. 

Emergency Roof Repairs 

No one wants to worry about a failing roof at Christmas, but winter roof repairs don’t follow schedules or aim for convenience. If you’re experiencing the effects of ice dams, or noticed a leak, don’t wait to call. The sooner you address a problem, the easier it’ll be to fix. 

Ready to replace your asphalt roof? You can still give us a call now. While we won’t begin the installation process yet, we will start planning. Vern will bid your project and we can get your materials ordered. We’re already booking roof installations for spring 2022- so if you’d like to be prepared, let us know!

We’re so excited to start on your new asphalt roof installation in warmer weather! 

Until then, enjoy the happiest time of the year.

-Jenny Martin