Roofing in a winter wonderland

By Emma Peterson. 

How Unified Steel products keep contractors working in the cold season. 

For many roofers, the colder season means slower business and more downtime. This is because traditional asphalt shingles do not install well at temperatures below 40°F (they will begin cracking due to lost flexibility). But it doesn’t have to be that way! Westlake Royal Roofing Product’s Unified Steel™ shingles were engineered with a Galvalume® steel core that resists brittleness, meaning it maintains flexibility and strength even in the cold weather. Keep reading to learn more about utilizing these winter-friendly products and installation practices. 

Systems designed for the cold 

Beyond simply being installable in the winter, Unified Steel performs better in the cold than traditional asphalt systems. This is due to the material’s structural integrity and flexibility, making it ideal for carrying heavy snow loads. Sarah Lograsso, director of marketing and product management at Westlake Royal Building Products, recommends the following for optimal snow and ice management with Unified Steel, “In regions with over 100 inches of annual snowfall, use a minimum 4/12 roof pitch, ensure full-deck underlayment coverage and incorporate elevated or counter-batten systems to maximize airflow and reduce ice dam formation.” 

Beyond the roofing product 

Once you have picked out the right products and systems to install in the winter, it’s time to think about setting up your crew for success. Just like you need to worry about environmental safety challenges in the summer (such as sunburns and heat exhaustion), you need to keep an eye out for safety hazards common during winter months. Things like black ice and pneumonia are no laughing matter and can be very dangerous. You also need to have a plan in place for storing temperature-sensitive installation tools, such as adhesives, caulking and pressurized nail guns.  

In conclusion 

Overall, wintertime roofing is very possible and can be a great way to keep your business competitive. All you have to do is equip your crew with the right products and safety measures, and they’ll be ready to roof in a winter wonderland!