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Roof replacement in winter

Winter Roof Replacement in Calgary

A popular question we get asked as the fall weather settles in is “Can I Replace my Roof in the Winter?” and we reply with a confident “Yes!”.

 

It’s a common misconception that roof replacements are seasonal, especially in Southern Alberta.  Many homeowners are in a rush to have their roofs replaced in the spring & fall but don’t realize that their roof can be replaced in the winter.

 

Winter roof replacements may take a bit longer as special care will be taken to ensure proper application and a safe work site, but the wait time for the work to begin will likely be shorter than in the warmer months.

 

If you need to replace your roof in the winter, there are some steps you can take to make the process safer and more efficient.

 

Tips for Roof Replacement in Winter

  1. Choose a reputable and experienced roofing company: A reputable and experienced roofing company will be familiar with the challenges of working in cold weather and will have the necessary equipment and safety measures in place.
  2. Use the right materials: Some roofing materials, such as metal or rubber, are better suited for cold weather than others, such as asphalt shingles. Make sure to choose materials that are appropriate for the winter weather.

  3. Clear the roof of snow and ice: Before the roofers begin working, clear the roof of snow and ice to make it safer and easier to work on.

  4. Use heaters and tarps: To keep the roofing materials and tools warm and flexible, use heaters and tarps to create a warm and sheltered workspace on the roof.

  5. Monitor the weather: Keep an eye on the weather forecast and be prepared to reschedule the roof replacement if conditions become too challenging.

Overall, replacing a roof in the winter can be challenging, but with the right preparation and precautions, it can be done safely and efficiently.

Roof replacement in winter

Safety

Before any work will be completed the snow will be removed from the roof (if applicable) and the crew will ensure the roof is safe to walk on.  Safety harnesses and ropes will be worn by everyone who requires it (by Occupational Health & Safety standards), which is mandatory year-round.

Can I get my roof replaced in the winter?

Application

According to a GAF Technical Advisory Bulletin, there is no upper or lower temperature limit governing when asphalt shingles may be applied, if appropriate precautions are taken.

It may seem like Calgary & Southern Alberta are in a deep freeze all winter long but according to www.currentresults.com, the temperatures in the chart below might surprise you.  The sunny winter days and chinook conditions work in our favour for installation and a mild, sunny day is all it takes to seal the shingle adhesive.

Calgary Roofing Companies

Winter application precautions include:

  • Use extra care when handling shingles to ensure they do not crack
  • Adjust nail guns accordingly (this is normal practice in the summer as well)
  • Hand-seal shingles when needed (this is not required often due to the number of sunny days we experience)

 

We will not perform work in temperatures that will put the material at risk or compromise the safety of our crews.

Inspection

We inspect every roof we replace to ensure it meets our high standards and double check that no roofing material was left behind.  If a snow filled yard prevents us from completing a thorough ground check, we will schedule a day to return in the spring to ensure no debris was unaccounted for.

Winter roof replacements are a great option for homeowners in Calgary & surrounding areas.  Our crews often prefer a cooler day to a hotter one; which comes with its own set of application precautions.

Our warranty at Hubbard Roofing & Exteriors will remain the same no matter what month you replace your roof, which is our guarantee that we will provide the best workmanship and only work in conditions that support that.  Request a free quote today to get started.

Contact us today for a free estimate and to learn more about our lifetime workmanship warranty, an option available to our customers no matter the temperature.

Roof replacement in winter

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