Can Roofs in Saskatoon Be Repaired in Winter?

Not the ‘Regular’ Picture

When we picture the ‘classic’ roofing image, it usually involves a sweltering summer day, the sun beating down, and workers on the roof desperately gulping electrolyte drinks to stay hydrated.

So, understandably, “- 40” and “roof repairs” don’t fit together in the prairie imagination, and you might feel some panic if you notice missing shingles after a mid-winter blizzard or a watermark on your ceiling in mid-January. 

Is it possible to fix your roof when the temperatures are below freezing? Absolutely.

This blog post aims to debunk some of the most common myths surrounding winter roofing work.

Myth Busting: Why Winter Roof Repair in Saskatoon is Possible

Who wants to be on a roof in an icy blizzard? 

No way, José.  

That's why sane people put up Christmas lights before Halloween.

But if you notice any signs that you need a roof repair, waiting five months for the snow to melt isn’t the best plan. 

The good news is that professional roofing companies can do winter work safely, effectively, and economically. 

Let's bust some myths.

3 Winter Roofing Myths

Myth 1: Shingles Won't Stick in the Cold.

The Reality:

Engineers have developed modern roofing materials that are significantly more flexible than traditional materials. Following proper storage and transport steps, workers can apply them even in cold temperatures. Professional roofers use materials and adhesives specifically rated for cold-weather installation. While the cold can slow down the sealing process for shingles, professionals can use specialized cold-weather techniques to ensure your house remains weatherproof until spring arrives again. 

We’ll discuss those techniques in more detail later in the post. 

Myth 2: It's Too Dangerous for Anyone to Work on the Roof!

The Reality:

Although winter conditions present legitimate challenges due to snow, ice, and frost, professional crews have the training to manage these risks. A crew will monitor the Saskatoon weather forecasts daily to ensure a safe work environment.  If it's too icy or snowing heavily, a reputable company will postpone work.  A professional team will never compromise safety for speed. 

Even when the weather is clear, strict safety protocols are in place for clearing snow and ice before work begins.  A crew will also use specialized safety equipment, such as harnesses and roof jacks, to maintain stability while working.

Myth 3: Winter Roof Repair is Always More Expensive.

The Reality: 

Not necessarily. While some unique complexities (removing heavy snow/ice or shorter work days) are a factor, winter is an ideal time to schedule non-emergency work. The spring and summer are the busiest times for roofing contractors, so in the quieter winter season, you find more flexible scheduling and, in some cases, better rates as contractors look to keep their experienced teams working. It's always worth reaching out to a company (like us!) and getting a quote to find out.

Specialized Materials and Techniques for a Reliable Winter Seal

Let’s take a minute to focus on cold-weather adaptations that a professional company can make while roofing in the winter.

1. Material Management for Flexibility

Asphalt shingles and other composite materials lose their flexibility and become more brittle in cold weather. That brittleness makes them prone to cracking during installation if not handled correctly. A professional team will make two adjustments to compensate for that fragility:

Keep Materials Warm: Professionals know to store shingle bundles and other cold-sensitive materials (such as certain adhesives) in a warm location, typically above 10 °C, until they are needed on the roof. This keeps them pliable and prevents breakage, ensuring a proper fit and seal.

Tool Adjustment: Roofing tools require optimization for cold conditions. Nail guns, for example, require their pressure settings to be checked and adjusted to ensure that nails are driven correctly into colder, denser materials and sheathing without over-penetrating or under-driving. Professionals will know and calibrate accordingly. 

2. Advanced Waterproofing and Sealing

Ensuring a water-tight seal is the most critical part of any repair, especially when facing immediate snow and freezing cycles - potentially within hours!

Ice and Water Shield: 

For critical areas prone to leaks, professionals rely heavily on winter-specific, self-adhering membranes known as ice and water shield (also referred to as peel-and-stick). Peel-and-stick is designed to seal around the nails that secure the shingles, providing a higher level of immediate and long-lasting waterproofing, even in winter, compared to standard felt underlayments.

Hand-Sealing: 

New asphalt shingles have an adhesive strip designed to help bond and secure them to the shingles below.  This adhesive relies on the sun's heat to activate and bond securely to the shingle below, which is not a problem in the summer. In winter, however, this natural process is too slow as the sun isn’t up long enough or shining directly for enough of the day. It's also flippin’ cold!

Professional roofers will hand-seal the new shingles using roofing cement as soon as they lay them down, ensuring they can withstand wind, snow, sleet, and whatever Saskatchewan has to offer. It really is the duct tape of a roofer: holding things secure until spring, when the sun completes the thermal bond on the shingles.

This critical step guarantees your home's protection from all weather as soon as the crew leaves.

Busting the “It Can Wait Until Spring” Myth

In nearly every roofing scenario, addressing the problematic issue promptly is the more cost-effective choice compared to waiting for warmer weather, when structural and interior damage will inevitably worsen. At the very least, you owe it to yourself to make a call and find out what your best options are. 

Winter Already Calls Too Many Shots. 

Don't let the cold dictate the health and safety of your home. If you've discovered a problem or suspect one, contact us at OXE. We specialize in winter roof repair in Saskatoon and have the experience, staff, insurance, and customized equipment to repair your roof promptly, even in winter.