Yes, a roof can be installed during the winter months. The question is should you install your new roof in the winter?
When roofing in cold weather, you run the risk of materials becoming brittle and breaking. This may mean that your roof installation won’t be up to standard and will fail sooner than it should.
You risk a faulty roof installation if you do not pay attention to the temperature outside. The potential for voided warranty also increases. Many roofing products have adhesive properties that require the sun’s heat for activation. When working below 70° F, the adhesive may not reach the ideal elasticity and will not create a perfect seal. If shingles are applied below 50° F to 55° F ambient temperature without the specialized adhesive, you risk a voided warranty. Manufacturers recommend the temperature be above 45° F (7° Celsius) for installation. In our experience, this recommended temperature is not very practical and has caused many shingles to not lie flat and fail to adhere, making the roof subject to wind damage.
In addition to a faulty installation, slick surfaces are a safety hazard for workers along with the extra weight of snow on a roof may also make it more susceptible to collapse. This type of damage may not always be obvious on the surface.