Roofing Services in the Winter

Severe weather has hit the Niagara Region pretty hard over the last couple of days so we are going to talk about roofing services that you may find you need in the winter.

First off we will answer a common question that we get which is: "Can you actually have work done on your roof during the winter?"  The answer is yes, you actually can.

Here’s what can be done, and what you should do to minimize problems during the colder months.

Why Would I Need Roofing in Winter?
If your roof is already experiencing damage, then winter isn’t going to change that. Over the colder months, that damage will get worse and will still need fixing as soon as possible.

Some issues that can happen this time of year include: Ice dams that will happen when gutters are blocked and water can’t run away from the roof, high winds that lift shingles/break them off of the roof (creating weak spots that water can get through) and debris on the roof from storm winds that can cause damage.

If any of this happens, you’ll need to handle it, and quickly. Roofers will always come out to you in the winter if you need help with your roof. Don’t put off the repairs because you think it’s too cold for the problem to be fixed.

Guttering In The Winter
One of the most important parts of your roofing in winter is the gutters. It allows water to roll away from your roof and into the drains. Water is the number one enemy of your roof, so it’s vital that your gutters are working as they should.

In the colder months though, it’s so easy for them to get blocked, or stop working as they should. In fall, you’ll see leaves start to fall from the trees and onto your roof. They find their way into the gutters, blocking them. If they’re left long enough, they will stop water getting away from the roof. This allows water to overflow back onto the roof, eventually leading to leaks and the ice dams in the winter.

The solution?  Get the gutters assessed by a professional to see if they need clearing or replacing immediately. If you want to stop future blockages, it’s a very good idea to install a gutter protection or guard to stop debris from getting in, but still allowing water to flow through.

Installing Shingles In Cold Temperatures
Does missing shingles require roofing in winter to fix them? It’s easy for a few shingles to come away from the roof, leaving it open to leaks, and mold too. 

While it’s very true that sometimes you can’t install shingles in the winter, good roofers know that you need those shingles installed ASAP and they have methods to make it happen in the cold weather when needed.

Firstly, they may keep the shingles in a warm place prior to installation, to ensure that cracking won’t happen. They may also use heating elements to seal the shingles. There are special adhesives that roofers use in the winter too, to ensure that the shingles seal properly.

Find The Right Winter Roofer
You can and will be able to find roofers to handle your roof during the winter. When you’re looking for a contractor, ensure that you’re asking them the right questions. Ask them how many roofs they’ve worked on in the winter months.

Also, ask how they’ll ensure that the shingles seal on your roof. Finally, ask them what temperatures are just too cold for them to work on your roof. If they can answer these questions, they’ll be able to handle any repairs during the colder months.


Wrap Up
If you need roofing work done during the winter, find the right roofer and get the job done as soon as you can. Remember, the sooner you fix the problem, the easier it will be.  

The team at Class EH! Roofing are experts at assessing and repairing any aspect of your home's exterior during the winter.  Please do not hesitate to contact us for a free estimate and expert advice.  We look forward to hearing from you!
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