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Winter Roofing Installations: Is It Possible?

December 28, 2020

Virtually every Guelph roofer has pointed it out: there's no advantage in having winter roofing installations. If anything, it'll be much more costly in terms of labor, roofing material, and expenses. However, emergency winter roofing is viable in emergencies and desperate situations, but it requires the best preparation, foresight, and understanding of all unfolding events.

Roofing during the spring and summer seasons already have their high-level dangers. However, all professional roofers traverse these thanks to their training, experience, and dependable equipment. On the other hand, practices during these two seasons are wildly different with winter roofing installations. 

Snow is a dodgy, concealing, and troublesome material. Sub-zero temperatures have varying effects on bare roof moldings, materials, and roofers. Truthfully, the more stories a property has, the more dangers roofers face in the process.

However, winter roofing isn't impossible, especially for roofers who practice the following:

Prioritize Roofing Team Safety

Both clients and roofing teams must prioritize the installation team's safety at all times. Even if a roofing emergency requires professional roofers, clients must keep in mind that no roofing team is willing to risk their lives meeting the schedule or completing a roofing project.

Sub-zero temperatures, especially prevalent in Guelph and the country during winter, have detrimental effects on human health. 

Precautions Against Slippery Ice

Snow is a concealing and slippery roofing hazard. Many Guelph roofers refuse roofing projects during this season for all the right reasons. However, emergency roofing or keeping their business afloat may require them to work during this season.

Therefore, professionals must take numerous precautions against ice. They must guarantee that the entire team has their roof-fall equipment and winter-rated protective gear and accessories. In doing so, they can traverse the slippery snow slopes and work methodically with meticulous attention to roofing hazards as the snow pummels.

Cold Weather's Effects on Work Performance and Endurance

It's unhealthy to remain in low-temperature surroundings. The roof has the highest altitude, meaning it has the lowest temperature relative to ground temperatures. If the ground is experiencing sub-zero temperatures, you can expect the higher altitudes to have lower values.

In this light, roofers might work sluggishly. Continuous exposure to cold weather will harm health and cause possible hypothermia.

Snow's Weight and Roof Moldings

Rain and sunlight are low-density elements with barely any weight (in the case of rainfall). However, compacted, solid snow has a density that is heavier than rain or sunlight. Roofers have to contend with snow during their installations, increasing all possible hazard risks, such as weakened roof moldings.

Therefore, winter roofing installation teams must take extra care and pay attention to concealed weak roofing joists and molding areas. Furthermore, regular scaffolding inspections for possible weaknesses due to sub-zero temperature is crucial.

Roofing Materials You Can Install During Winter

You can install any roofing material of your choice during the winter season. However, asphalt shingle roofs and winter roofs are the easiest materials for roofers during winter. Snow-concealed clay tiles have the highest risk of unexpected foot traffic, which can break them apart.

If you have yet to find an excellent roofer for friendlier weather, you can always count on us at Turbo Roofing. Contact us today to learn more about everything that we can do for you.