Why EVERY Property Owner Should Inspect Their Roofs Prior to Winter.

Lateef Farooqui
Nov 3 · 4 min read

Your roofing system is the barrier that stands between the interior of your home and the exterior world. It protects your assets, living space and family/occupants daily without complaint. Although we take it for granted, you should recognize that your roofing system requires routine inspections and maintenance similar to your vehicles.

A typical single-family roof replacement costs $12,000 (often more based on size, type, and location). Unlike your vehicle where you would pay for an inspection, several qualified contractors will perform free, no-cost courtesy inspections that could save you a devastating financial blow. As a property owner, you must recognize, your roofing system is not “forever” it has a lifespan!

A common misconception is that your roofing system fails only after a catastrophe or major weather event, the reality is quite the opposite. In fact, the majority of roofing systems fail from day-to-day exposure to the elements. Not just rain, snow, ice, and sunlight as most would assume, but winds, fallen branches, temperature variances from hour-to-hour and even leaves that take rest on your home. All these various elements test your roofing system and most often deteriorate its protective surface.

A poor or failed roofing system often is unnoticed and only reveals itself with obvious leaks, more than often in winter or high rains. By this stage mold and mildew have likely set in and the damaged area has grown. What minor damage could have cost a fraction (at times nothing) if tended to in a timely manner, now will cost far more for repair or possibly replacement. When a contractor is called in to perform these urgent repairs premiums are charged further adding to your out of pocket expenses.

There are other collateral losses as well, increased energy costs due to a lack of efficiency for one. In some cases, health ailments may affect your occupants due to mold and mildew. If you lease your properties you may suffer from a financial loss by losing tenants or prospects.


As winter approaches it is an intelligent choice by you, the property owner, to have your roof inspected and maintained to avoid winter repairs or replacements.

If you’re wondering what temperature is too cold to install shingles, here’s the answer: The ideal temperature for installing asphalt shingles is between 40°F — 85°F (4–26 degrees Celsius).

If you find it absolutely essential when installing roofing shingles in cold weather there are certain things you need to be aware of, although it is always better to fix your roof on a calm and warm day; it may not seem necessary at the time but it is safer for you and your roof.

Note Installing roofing shingles in cold weather is dangerous.

Going up on your roof in cold weather, especially when there is ice or snow is potentially very dangerous indeed. Any traffic on your roof should be avoided wherever possible because a slippery roof is likely to result in very serious falls. If you do have to go on the roof to conduct repairs you should always ensure that the roof itself, ladders and any equipment you will be using are dry and safely secured.

You can easily damage the materials if installing roofing shingles in cold weather so repairs or replacements should be left to a professional.

Avoid shoveling your roof surface, or hiring a company that is not qualified in removing ice or snow from the roofing system as it can cause serious and irreparable damage to the roof. Scarping away at anything on your roof can easily lead to you removing the protective surface on the shingles, and this surface is the best protection you can get against the elements. It prevents damage to the material itself and ensures that any water will run smoothly off your roof surface without collecting. Removing it means your roof is more prone to leakage. Also, the slightest knock to a freezing cold shingle is likely to break it very easily.

Don’t rush to repair, at times it’s better to tarp your roof or make temporary repairs to wait for proper conditions. The most important thing to remember in the event that you need to install roofing shingles in cold weather is your personal safety. Traversing a sloping roof in icy conditions is near suicidal and should be avoided at all costs. There is a reason that you can’t get a roofing contractor to come out and fix your roof in these conditions and it isn’t because it’s too cold to work. Snow is no better and even early morning dew can create a very slippery surface that is potentially lethal to anyone trying to walk on the roof.

A few tips if you do decide to make repairs — try to remain on the ladder or flat surface and be sure to handle the shingles with as much care as possible so that you don’t damage them. You will have to manually seal the tabs of the shingles down yourself because the warmth of the sun normally activates the adhesive strips, but this obviously will not be possible in cold weather. Check your work soon as conditions improve as you may find you will have to repair your repair once again.


Overall the best decision is to simply routinely have your roof inspected and maintained, it’s suggested to perform a pre and post-winter inspection regardless of the age of your roofing system. Finally, you should also inspect your roofing system after any severe weather. Build a relationship with a local qualified roofer, ask that they put you on an annual inspection program and have them document conditions with notes as well as digital photos for your records.

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