Winter Roofing: Is “Waiting For Spring” Really a Good Idea?

February 28, 2020 Laura MacCormac

The best time to get roof repairs done is as soon as possible to prevent further damage.  Some say it’s best to wait for Spring, but why?  Is it because they worry the roofers hands might freeze?  Do they think it won’t get worse over time? We haven’t found an answer yet because roofing in winter is effective and safe, as long as the contractor knows which minor adjustments need to be made.

With well-trained Roofing Technicians, proper safety gear and instructions from roofing material manufacturers it’s better to get roof repairs done in winter to prevent further damage when temperatures rise.  Though it might seem intuitive to wait until Spring, getting repairs done now is best.  Here’s why:

The Roof Thaw

The most common reason that we see roof leaks in Spring is due to the constant cycle of freezing and thawing over the winter.  Moisture on the roof frosts on the first freeze and expands, causing small tears in roof material.  Over time, as additional precipitation thaws and re-freezes these small tears expand and wear down the roof membrane.  When temperatures rise in mid-Spring, the roof membrane expands and tears leading to water ingress. Those who have roofs assessed and repaired before Spring are able to prevent those leaks from happening and they save their Condo Corps from the inconvenience and damage that roof leaks cause.

It is Safe

Roofing technicians must be trained in fall protection per WSIB guidelines.  They check their equipment daily and they are trained on how to use their safety gear in cold temperatures, high winds and on ice. Fall protection equipment is specifically made for working in adverse conditions and is there to prevent falls whether or not there is ice. A reputable roofing company takes the time to properly train roofers on how to stay safe in cold temperatures.  As long as you know your roofing contractor is covered under WSIB, you are covered.

Roofing Materials Can Handle Cold Temperatures

The materials that we use on roofs come from highly reputable manufacturers, like Siplast, IKO and Soprema.  These companies provide detailed instructions on how to use their products at low and below-freezing temperatures.  Roofing technicians review these steps prior to every job in these weather conditions.

Weather conditions do affect how the work is done, but they don’t prevent the work from being done.