Winter roofing is tricky.
Asphalt shingles won’t self-seal when it’s below 40°F. In freezing temperatures, they become brittle and break easily. Air compressors stall, and ice and snow make working at heights even more risky.
While most winter roofing challenges have workarounds, many are labor-intensive and time-intensive. So, unless you live in a region where winters stay frigid year-round, the costs and risks of Auburn roofing in cold weather outweigh the benefits. But there are things you can do to maximize safety in the off-season.
Tips To Keep Your Roofing Strong
Offer Specialized Winter Services
Home and business owners need specialized services during the winter. Many are roofing-adjacent, so you already have the crews and equipment to complete these jobs. Offer these services to meet wintertime needs and keep your cash flowing.
Holiday Light Installation And Take-Down
Hanging lights isn’t practical for some home and business owners. Health problems or age can make it impossible for them to climb ladders and work at heights. Or they may just be too busy to do it themselves. Plus, they need to learn how to hang lights correctly. So, a self-install could damage the roof and gutters or pose a fire hazard.
Offering holiday light installation services helps clients avoid potential disasters while helping you boost winter revenue.
Snow And Ice Dam Removal
When snow gets too heavy or ice dams form, it strains roofs and can cause leaks, structural issues, or even collapse.
Educate clients on these dangers and offer your expert snow and ice dam removal services as a solution. Not only will you help people protect their roofs in winter, but you will also become a trusted name in your community.
Emergency Repairs
When home or business owners experience urgent winter Auburn roofing problems, be the roofer who provides fast service and prevents further damage. When it’s time for a full roof replacement, customers will remember you, and they’ll recommend your services to others in the meantime.
Evaluate And Improve Internal Processes
During the busy season, it’s easy to see which systems and processes aren’t working—but it’s hard to find enough time to make changes. So, schedule time in the winter to reevaluate and strengthen your business.
Analyze Past Projects
Make it a priority in the winter to evaluate past Auburn roofing experiences to find what works and what doesn’t. Address any bad habits that may have developed over time. Decide if new measures are needed to maximize productivity, improve safety, and enhance your company culture.
Train Your Team
Train your teams to make the most of the quieter months. Get certifications from Auburn roofing manufacturers and implement team-building activities to strengthen relationships and enhance workplace culture.
Experiment With Software
Winter is a great time to try out new software for the upcoming year—or learn more about your existing software.
Organize Warehouses And Maintain Equipment
Putting off maintenance and organization tasks when things are busy is easy. Use the winter slowdown to perform overdue maintenance on tools, equipment, and trucks. Clean and inventory your shop, and check that your warehouse is fully stocked and well-organized.
Ramp Up Marketing Activities
Advertise now to fill your warm-weather roster. Roofs stressed during the winter often start leaking when the weather thaws. Marketing your roofing services now will keep you at the top of your mind when people need you.
Winter-Friendly Roofing Materials
When you do need to work in the cold and snow, use tools and materials that work well for cold-weather installs, like these:
- Polymer-modified shingles: The added polymer in these asphalt shingles improves their flexibility in the cold. They don’t crack and can adhere, even in cold conditions.
- Pre-cut ridge cap shingles: Pre-cut ridge cap shingles don’t require cutting or folding, which reduces the likelihood of cracking or breaking in the cold.
- Metal roofing systems: Most metal roofs can be installed at subzero temperatures.
- Liquid-applied membranes: These Auburn roofing systems can be installed in temperatures as low as -20°F.
- Roof-measurement software uses satellite, aerial, and drone images to calculate precise roof measurements, including angles and pitch, without climbing a ladder or clearing snow off roofs.
Plan And Schedule Effectively
Harsh winter weather can significantly impact project timelines. Keep close tabs on weather forecasts, and be ready to change tasks quickly if bad weather is expected.
Plan full roofing jobs when the forecast calls for several consecutive days of good weather. Save less temperature-sensitive tasks for periods of frigid cold. You’ll also have to plan for shorter workdays since there’s less daylight in the winter. To use daylight wisely, schedule tasks that require optimal conditions during the warmest and brightest hours of the day.
Remember, ladders and decks can still be cold and slick even when it is sunny outside. So, workers will have to slow down and take extra precautions, and winter Auburn roofing jobs will take longer to complete than warm-season jobs. Build plenty of extra time into your projects to account for this. And never put a project’s timeline above your workers’ safety.
Prioritize Worker Safety And Well-Being
While keeping jobs moving when possible is essential, taking care of your team’s health and safety is more important.
Here’s how to keep Auburn roofing crews safe in the winter:
- Conduct weekly safety meetings that focus on staying safe in cold conditions.
- Educate workers on how to dress for the cold by dressing in layers and wearing non-slip boots.
- Ensure workers take plenty of breaks in heated areas to avoid cold stress, hypothermia, and dehydration.
- Perform daily winter hazard checks.
- Show crews how to spot black ice on walking surfaces, ladders, and roofs.
- Use safety gear and fall protection devices to prevent dangerous slips and falls.
Last Thoughts
Implementing these Auburn roofing tips can help ensure the longevity and durability of your roof. By prioritizing regular inspections, maintenance, and repairs, you can prevent costly damage and extend the lifespan of your roof.
Hire a trusted roofing contractor like Building Solutions for roofing needs or concerns.
With our expertise and professional services, you can rest assured that your roof is in good hands. Don’t wait until it’s too late; schedule your roof inspection today and protect your investment for years.
Contact Building Solutions now for all your roofing needs.