Volume 49, October 2003: Cold Weather Roofing Applications

Perspectives
A Quarterly Information Source from Benchmark, Inc.
Volume 49 October 2003

Cold Weather Roofing Applications

by Derek Josephson

As consultants, we strive to specify a roof system that best accommodates the performance criteria, site conditions, and environmental considerations of a given facility. Meeting each of these requirements is often a balancing act that can eliminate many roofing options from the outset. When we arrive at the final solution, we should have a "buildable" roof system that meets all of the criteria, but it isn't always possible to know when the roof will be installed. Oftentimes roof design and bidding take place months in advance of construction, and construction delays and schedule changes are inevitable.

If your roofing project is just beginning this time of year, it's important to realize that virtually all roof system installations are affected by cold weather. Here are some points to consider for cold weather roofing application:

The majority of materials used in any roof system are affected by cold weather. Left unprotected, they can get wet or too cold. Installing them if they are wet or before they have arrived at the proper temperature is likely to create problems with blisters and/or wrinkles. This is particularly problematic for materials such as SBS modified bitumen that needs to "relax" prior to installation.
Many membrane and insulation adhesives can only be installed when the ambient air temperature is 40 degrees F. and rising. In addition, they must be kept at acceptable temperatures during storage. If the adhesives are installed below these temperatures or are allowed to freeze, the materials may never achieve proper adhesion.

Several adhesive manufacturers restrict the shipment of water-based products to the "snow-belt" during winter months. If your project was specified with these adhesives, they may be unavailable to you when construction begins.

Even if the materials are not directly affected, waiting for the morning frost to melt, or moving snow before beginning the daily roofing work, can burn precious hours of daylight. This usually means less production on a daily basis and can push a schedule further into the winter months.

Cold weather also takes both a mental and physical toll on the mechanics who install the roof.

Winter storms or very cold temperatures can shut down production for weeks at a time, or even until spring arrives.

When faced with these conditions and restrictions, undertaking a reroofing project in the winter can be a daunting task and may not always be the most desirable course of action. However, building owners may be unable to wait until warmer weather arrives.

Several of the limitations mentioned here can be mitigated with proper planning such as temporary heated storage or temporary enclosures. Understanding the cold weather limitations of the roof system to be installed and discussing the options available before undertaking the project, will enable all parties to make informed decisions that help complete the project successfully.