Roofing in the winter can be tricky. There are lots of different factors to consider when carrying out roofing work, which can cause problems in the winter. A particular problem during the winter is lower temperatures resulting in ice. Tiles and roofing materials need to be flush to the rafters in the roof to ensure they are water tight, so if moisture freezes into ice during construction, a gap can be left which then enables water to seep through.

A number of precautions can be taken to prevent this, such as using heat guns, salt, or a manual method, but it is far better to try and choose a warmer time of year for your new roof unless you have emergency repairs that need to be undertaken.

People often ask if they can carry out roofing work in winter if there is a spell of cold dry weather. The answer to this is simple; you can, but the finished product can be severely affected. Whether your project is a garage roof, self build or a new conservatory roof, the various materials used in constructing and finishing each type of roof have specific guidance and temperature requirements adivsing how they ideally should be fitted.  The last thing you want is for adhesives to freeze,  and roofing felt to crack and break. In addition, with steep sloping roofs, you have to be careful that the underlayment does not become brittle.

Condensation can also be a problem in winter, which occurs when warm moist air hits something cold, like the warm air in your house hitting a cold roof deck. There is an easy solution to this which is to install a vapour retarder at ceiling level. This works by trapping warm air rising from below, and preventing it hitting the bottom of the roof deck. Alternatively ensuring there is adequate ventilation in your home can prevent condensation build-up which can in turn lead to damp problems, mold and mildew.

Related posts:

1. Choosing A Professional Roofing Contractor To Repair A Leaking Roof
2. How to Avoid Burst Water Pipes in Winter
3. Maintaining a Waterproof Roof by Replacing Chimney Flashing
4. The National Federation of Roofing Contractors
5. Cold and Damp Related Illness and How to Prevent it