Cold and snow during winter send a larger part of the construction workforce indoors for some months. However, roofers always find their way out of this challenge. Roofing projects are mostly done outside, so it means during this period, roofing professionals would be out working.
How do they cope with the weather? Read up this piece to see how roofers get their jobs done when the weather is snowy and cold. Note that winter roofing is dangerous and proper precautions should be taken.
Don’t Make Use of Asphalt Shingles During Winter
Asphalt shingles are mostly used for roofing projects. However, in winters, installing asphalt shingles is a wrong idea. One of the reasons is because the adhesive used for sealing the tiles needs about 70°F or more to seal tightly. At lower temperatures, especially during winter, the sealants fail to seal properly, and this could lead to leaking challenges. It is advisable to wait till when the sun is high or late in spring before installing asphalt shingles.
Wear Thick Layers
Roofers like to be free and on their overall, to get a full range of motion for executing the job right. However, the winter weather is not friendly with what the roofers need. Wearing thick layers of clothes up to 2 or 3 is enough to keep you warm inside.
Keeping your skin exposed can lead to contracting frostbite quickly. Without putting on the right skin protection, you could be at risk of contracting hypothermia which could get the roofer disoriented, which could be disastrous. This may cause the roofer to fall off the roof if care is not taken.
Mind The Ice
Ice is another major concern for roofers working during winters. Ice can form on any part of the roof unexpectedly. Before you start working on any roofing project, make sure you try as much to remove much of the ice from the roof. You could make use of guardrails to prevent you or your crew from falling in case of slides.
Note that ice can build up on your ladder and other equipment used. So, try as much as to de-ice your equipment to prevent the risk of falling. Don’t take anything for granted when working on the roof during winters.
Don’t Run Out of Warm Water for Hydration
Dehydration occurs quickly during winter, especially, for roofers on the roof, this could be quite dangerous. Cold weather triggers the human body to work overtime to prevent hypothermia, overwork leads to draining essential fluids of the body. So, it is advisable to get enough warm liquids on a winter roofing site. There is a need for enough drinking water to prevent you and your crew from getting dehydrated. Snow is never a substitute for clean and healthy water for drinking.
Conclusion
Carrying out roofing projects during the winter period is most dangerous. But, some works are urgent and need to be attended to immediately. Therefore, always stick to the safety precautions to avoid injury and fall.
