No matter the weather, roofing is a dangerous job. In the summer, you’re faced with extreme heat while wintertime conditions bring extreme cold plus snow and ice. How can you and your crew stay safe when you’re working on a roof in the winter? Read on—we’ve got some cold-weather installation tips that will help!
1. Leverage GripWalk® for Stability
Cold weather often means ice and snow—or at the very least, moisture on the rooftop. Epilay’s underlayments all feature the GripWalk® surface, which is a unique high-traction upper layer that offers a couple of advantages. In warm weather, because this surface is light-colored, it provides a cooler working surface. Most importantly when it comes to cold-weather installation, it offers a textured, non-skid working surface that helps prevent slips and falls.
2. Rely on SkidResist® for Safety
Not to be confused with GripWalk®, SkidResist® is another feature that helps keep you safer when working on rooftops. This is an anti-skid bottom layer made with advanced polymers. The SkidResist® layer is designed to make sure that underlayment stays put while you’re fastening it or walking on it. Not only does it help prevent the underlayment from tearing as you install it, but it also supports safe handling and a more secure base on challenging slopes—even in colder weather.
3. Inspect the Roof Before Installation
Before you start a job, it’s wise to do a thorough inspection. This is not only so that you can identify and address any issues that may need to be repaired, but also for your own safety, too. Existing shingles or metal sheets can hide a lot of flaws — and some of them can be dangerous. In particular, pay close attention to the edges of the roof and also areas around protrusions like chimneys, vents, or skylights. These are the spots that are most prone to taking on water damage, and if you don’t inspect them prior to starting work, you may not realize that the decking in these areas is rotten until you fall through.
4. Be Mindful of Weather Conditions
The blazing summer sun comes with the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke — but just because the weather has turned cold doesn’t mean you’re out of the woods. Cold-weather installations come with their own unique weather hazards. Avoid installations during sub-zero temperatures, and make it a practice to check weather forecasts to avoid working during heavy snowfall.
Most importantly, keep an eye on the wind chill temperature, which is separate from the ambient temperature. Even when ambient temperatures may not seem all that bad, frigid wind chills can lead to frostbite or hypothermia quickly.
5. Why Choose Epilay for Cold-Weather Roofing
When it comes to cold-weather installation, you need a great underlayment that helps make the job easier. Epilay’s synthetic underlayments deliver durability in all seasons, plus they offer features like GripWalk® and SkidResist®, which makes installation safer and more efficient, even when the weather is bad.
On top of that, unlike traditional underlayments, which tend to get stiff and prone to cracking in the cold, Epilay underlayments remain perfectly flexible. You’ll experience excellent rollability no matter how low the temperatures go.
Learn More About Epilay Underlayments
When it’s time for your next cold-weather installation, be sure to check out Epilay’s line of underlayments. We have products to suit all roofing needs in every type of weather. To learn more about our underlayments, contact us.
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