Q. After the last snowstorm, my roof was covered with so much snow that the ceiling was wet in several places and I’ve had to make repairs inside. Unfortunately, I have to keep the buckets on hand because the roofer told me he can’t do the correct repair in this cold weather. Is that true, and what can I do in the meantime?
A. Your roofer is right — not only because he may be concerned about appearances, but also because he probably wants to avoid more damage and to repair the leaks without replacing large areas. The winter season is the worst time to repair roofing material, since the shingles need to be flexible in order to lie down correctly and stay down. They’re too brittle to work with now.
It’s possible to heat them, and I’ve seen this done with some success, but it isn’t advisable, because there are too many weather variables. One interesting problem with putting shingles on in cold weather is that, just like other materials, they expand and contract. So when they’re nailed down, cool and contracted at this time of year, they’ll buckle when warm weather hits.
What can be done in cold weather is that the areas where leaking has been spotted can be heated with a portable heater, and tar paper or roofing felt can be worked under the shingles. Silicone sealants can also be applied around flashing (metal valleys and at side walls). Certain black plastic roofing cements can also be used, although they’re often unsightly. Just remember to make a more complete repair when the weather changes, since none of the quick fixes are long-lasting. All should be applied only according to the label or instructions.