For those who have roofing needs on their homes or properties during the cold Utah winter, you may be wondering what’s possible while it’s especially cold outside and snow is on the ground. Can roofer still provide services during these settings? Are there particular services that can or cannot be provided depending on the temperature or other elements?
At Whitaker Roofing, we’re proud to offer many roofing services throughout the year, including things like roof inspections, roof repairs and more. However, it’s true that there are certain minor limitations on what roofers like ours can do during the winter – and these limitations are in place not only to protect our staff and maintain safety, but also to ensure that clients are not left with low-quality roofing materials or services due to problems with temperature. Here’s a look at what roofers typically can and cannot do during the coldest parts of the year.
Roofers Can Work in Winter – But With Limits
As we alluded to above, roofers can in fact work on a roof during the winter months – but there are limits. And in many cases, the primary variable that impacts these conversations is the temperature.
For instance, if the temperature is above 35 degrees Fahrenheit, most types of typical roofing work can usually be carried out. Basic roof inspections and tune-ups will definitely be okay in these settings (and often when it’s even colder), and many even larger jobs like repairs or installations will also be just fine. In fact, there are only a few minor limitations if the temperature is above this level, and most relate to heavy quantities of snow or ice (more on this in a moment).
However, if the temperature is at or below this level, that’s where things can get dicey for certain needs. While many basic tune-ups and repairs are still easily possible at colder and even freezing temperatures, things like full-roof shingle installation and large-scale repairs should usually be avoided. When the temperature is this low, it can lead to a variety of problems with installation materials, and these issues may not be noticeable until after they have been installed.
As Utah residents well know, however, there are plenty of periods during the winter where temperatures stay well above 35 degrees during the day. This means it’s still easily possible to have all your roofing needs handled during this season.
Snow, Ice and Safety
Relatedly, even if temperatures are over the 35-degree mark, another possible risk factor for roofing in Utah during the winter is snow and ice. If there are large amounts of either on a roof, it’s usually best to wait until they have melted before attempting any type of work – this is not only because they create an unstable footing surface, but also because melting can impact installation materials and systems.
At Whitaker Roofing, we always prioritize safety and quality of work over speed or convenience. If you have winter roofing needs in the SLC or Utah area, reach out to us today so that we can discuss what’s possible – and how to do it safely!