Flat Roofs: Fixing Your Flat Roof in the Winter

Many may tell you that doing flat roof repairs is impossible in the wintertime. However, it can be done, but there are a few things one should know before contracting a contractor to have these repairs done.

The first thing is the temperature. While you can get the best prices to have repairs or replacements done, some flat roof systems should not be installed when colder temperatures are present. Many of the single-ply systems like EPDM and modified bitumen cannot be installed correctly as the glues and adhesives used will not bond properly, and can lead to premature failure and roofing leaks in the springtime. Warranties may not be covered as the roofing was installed improperly.

However, TPO and PVC flat roofing can be installed in the winter, as they use hot-air welded seams as opposed to an adhesive. These single-ply roofing types are attached with a mechanical assembly with heavy duty screws and plates, and seams are closed with hot-air welding equipment that operates at temperatures of 800 to 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit, and these high temps will make sure seam welds aren't affected during the cold winter months.

The perfect flat roofing system to have installed in the winter is hot asphalt or built-up roofs (BUR), as there is no open flame on the roof; liquid tar or asphalt is pumped to the area of application, and is very easy to work with as it's heated to 400 degrees; and it seeps into crack and crevice.

If you need a new flat roofing system in the winter, the best choice is hot asphalt roofing. Other systems can be installed in the winter, but hot asphalt does not need technique adjustments for a successful installation.

A-Plus Roofing is a Minneapolis flat roofing contractor. Find us online at www.APlusRoofingMN.com.