Leaks don't wait for good weather, and in central Wisconsin a lot of them show up in the middle of winter. Some roof work goes ahead in the cold; some has to wait for spring. Here is what to expect.
Why cold matters
Most flat roofing depends on bonding: adhesives, primers, seam tapes, sealants and coatings. Many standard products have minimum application temperatures, and all of them need clean, dry surfaces free of frost and ice. Cold-weather versions of many adhesives and primers exist, and welded TPO and PVC seams can be made at fairly low temperatures with adjusted settings, but every product has limits set by its manufacturer. Snow and ice also have to come off the work area, which takes time.
What usually can be done in winter
- Emergency dry-ins: temporary patches, membrane or secured tarps that stop the water now.
- Opening frozen drains and clearing ice dams. See ice dams on flat roofs.
- Snow and drift removal. See snow load on flat roofs.
- Many permanent repairs on a mild, dry day, with products rated for the temperature.
- Assessments, core cuts and quotes for spring work.
Roof leaking right now?
Wausau Superior Flat Roofing repairs, coats and replaces commercial and flat roofs across Wausau and central Wisconsin, with a written price before any work starts. Request a quote online and we’ll call you back.
What usually waits for spring
- Coatings, which need mild, dry weather to cure. See are roof coatings worth it?
- Large adhered replacements, where adhesive limits and snow make winter work slow and costly.
- Work that needs a long dry stretch, such as large areas of wet insulation replacement.
How a temporary repair works
A temporary repair's only job is to keep water out of the building until conditions allow a permanent one. That might be a cold-applied patch, seam tape, a secured membrane or tarp, or simply opening a drain so water stops backing up. It gets photographed and noted, and the permanent repair is priced in writing and scheduled for the first workable weather.
Plan replacement in winter, do it in spring
Winter is the best time to plan a re-roof: the assessment, core cuts, options and pricing can all be done now, materials ordered, and the job scheduled for early in the season. See flat roof replacement cost and replacement and installation.