The team at Buffalo Roofing, LLC in Kearney, NE, often hears from homeowners wondering whether they can get roof repairs done during the winter. If you’ve put off maintenance for too long or find a leak during the first storm of the season, you’re in luck. These experts can perform a variety of services, including complete roof replacement, all winter long.

A Guide to Winter Roof Repairs

Why It Works

If you discover a leak during the first snowfall, waiting until spring to have it repaired is not the best choice. Sudden changes in temperature cause roofing materials expand and contract, which can make existing leaks worse and even create new ones. By the time spring returns, your home might have extensive water damage.

Roofing contractors work during the winter to keep issues from getting worse over the course of the season, and some even prefer it to working in the summer. Since roof coverings are usually dark, they absorb heat. In the summer, these surfaces can be significantly hotter than the outdoor air temperature, so performing roof repairs can be uncomfortable and potentially unsafe. Contractors follow special safety measures to work in the winter, including shoveling snow to prepare the area and using safety equipment to avoid slipping on ice.

The Exceptions

There are some types of roofing work that cannot be done during the winter. For example, the adhesives used to make rubber flat roofs will freeze, which prevents them from bonding. Attempting to install this material in temperatures under 40 degrees Fahrenheit can result in a faulty roof. Asphalt shingles must be sealed together with heat, so they can also be a challenge to install in cold weather. However, contractors sometimes use hand-held tools to work around this problem.

Snowy conditions will be here before you know it—is your home ready? The contractors at Buffalo Roofing, LLC have worked through many Nebraska winters and are prepared to provide roof repairs as soon as you need them. Visit their website to learn more about their full range of services, and call (308) 224-3163 to request a free estimate.