Written By Owens Corning Roofing

•Date Published 10/15/2024

Can You Get a New Roof or a Roof Repair in the Winter?

While you might think roof repairs and reroofs only take place during the warmer months, there are many reasons a homeowner may need work on their roof during colder times of the year. Sometimes, it’s due to a sudden problem, such as damage from a severe storm, and other times what began as a minor area of concern suddenly escalates into a full-blown disaster just as winter strikes.

When that happens, homeowners can feel fortunate that professional roofing contractors can (and do!) work on roofs during cold and wintery conditions.

Common Cold Weather Roof Problems

Sometimes roof difficulties are directly related to the outside temperature and precipitation. And some regions of the country are known for their severe winter storms, like New England’s Nor’easters and the blizzards across the Great Plains. Here are a few roof problems common to winter conditions. Homeowners can feel confident that professional roofing contractors can (and do!) work on roofs during cold and wintery conditions.

Ice Dams

When snow or ice melts on the rooftop, the water flows down into the gutters. But occasionally, brisk winds and cold temperatures cause this runoff to freeze along the eaves. When that happens, water begins to pool behind the ice dam, giving it a chance to infiltrate any tiny holes or cracks in the shingles. Using a quality synthetic underlayment and a specialty ice and water barrier can help prevent the formation of ice dams. Adequate attic insulation and proper ventilation can also help prevent ice dam formation by controlling the temperature of the indoor air directly beneath the roof’s surface.

Read the complete article at Owens Corning