Autumn in Colorado is a mixed bag of weather. It can be snowing or very warm and dry. The abundance of sunshine is balanced with the potential for strong storms which makes it difficult to plan anything outdoors. However, Denver roofing contractors are doing roof installations and hail damage roof inspections in the winter because Colorado has so many sunny days. You may think a hail damage roof replacement is difficult during unpredictable weather seasons, but with so much sunshine, roofing in Denver is not a problem in winter.
What is the lowest temperature for a hail damage roof replacement?
The manufacturers of asphalt shingles will often avoid answering questions about the lowest temperature to do a Denver roofing replacement. The biggest concern for roofing material manufacturers is the possibility that the adhesive strip on the back of the shingle may not activate if the roof temperature is too cold.
Among most roofing manufacturers, the most commonly agreed-upon roof temperature is 40 degrees. Homeowners may ask what is the difference between the roof temperature and the air temperature, and that is a valid question. The air temperature can be colder and the roof temperature can be warmer.
How low can you go?
Roofing in Denver has the benefit of ample sunshine for roof replacements in the fall and winter. The radiant energy from the sun warms the surface of the roof, even if the air temperature is colder. If you have been outside on a cold and sunny winter day in Colorado, you know how warm the sun ray’s feel on your skin. When the warmth of the sun heats up the roof surface to 40 degrees, a certified Denver roofing contractor can comfortably and easily install a new roof or do hail damage roof repairs.
An experienced roofing contractor who has been roofing Denver for a while knows that hail damage roof replacements can be done with an air temperature as low as 30 degrees. Some roofers in Denver have installed new roofs with snow on the ground in temperatures between 20 to 30 degrees.
The ideal air temperature is above 30 degrees where the roof has full sun exposure. Denver roofing contractors should replace asphalt shingles in direct sunlight. This is very important because the heat from the sun helps activate the self-adhesive sealing strips on the backside of the shingle. If the adhesive strips are not activated, wind can blow dust and debris under the shingle which adversely affects how the shingle performs.
Can I replace a hail damaged roof in the winter?
The answer is yes! If you think you have roof hail damage, it’s important to have a qualified Denver roofing contractor conduct a hail damage roof inspection, even in the winter. Installing asphalt shingles in the winter is standard practice for roofing contractors in Denver. A qualified roof inspector is cautious and uses common sense to make sure a cold-weather roofing installation is appropriate.
The one disadvantage to a roof replacement in winter is that asphalt shingles may not lay flat immediately after installation. The shingles may appear wavy or bumpy on your roof. Cold shingles are less flexible than warm shingles, and when cold shingles are installed, they may not look smooth or even. It can take a while for the sun’s radiant heat to flatten out the shingles so they have a smooth and continuous appearance. This is normal and does not affect the performance of the roof. On the rare chance that the sealing strips do not adhere, the shingles may need to be resealed in warmer weather. Otherwise, the majority of hail damage roof replacements in winter are successful and the homeowners are pleased with the results.
At Peak to Peak Roofing, our certified Denver roofing contractors work year-round conducting hail damage roof inspections, hail damage roof repair, and complete roof replacements. Even though the weather is unpredictable, at Peak to Peak Roofing, we consistently provide the best service and support for our clients and our roofing products. Give us a call today at 720-372-1188 to schedule your free roof inspection.