Cold Weather Roofing: Keep Your Project Moving When Temperatures Drop

Cold weather can complicate a commercial roofing project, but it doesn’t always have to stop it. With the right products, preparation and attention to temperature requirements, contractors can keep projects moving through colder conditions.

Choose Products with Cold Weather in Mind

Not all roofing products react to cold temperatures the same way. Chemical viscosity and reaction time can be affected by temperature, making proper storage and application especially important during colder months.

One option is JM QuickFoam® Adhesive. JM QuickFoam® can be installed when ambient temperatures are 25°F (-4°C) and rising, while the adhesive itself should be maintained at 70°F (21°C) during application.

That distinction is important: ambient temperature and adhesive temperature aren’t always the same thing. Checking both before getting started can help crews stay within product requirements.

Simplify Membrane Installation

Self-adhered membranes can also help crews navigate colder conditions. JM EPDM FIT SA and JM TPO-SA feature factory-applied adhesive and can be installed at temperatures as low as 20°F. Their peel-and-stick application eliminates adhesive flash-off and can provide installation up to three times faster than traditional methods.

Don’t Forget the Weather Beyond Temperature

Temperature isn’t the only number to watch. Humidity, dew point and the upcoming forecast can all affect adhesive application. Dew point is the temperature at which moisture in the air begins to condense, which can lead to moisture forming on roofing surfaces. For JM adhesives, it’s important to maintain adequate separation between the ambient temperature and dew point during application.

Water-based adhesives require particular care. JM water-based adhesives should not be applied below 40°F (4°C) and cannot be exposed to freezing temperatures before or during installation. JM also recommends storing these adhesives between 60°F and 80°F (16°C and 27°C).

Contractors should also allow additional time for EPDM, PVC and TPO membranes to relax and lay flat when installing below 50°F (10°C).

Plan Ahead and Keep Roofing

Before application, contractors can also turn to the JM RoofTech Xpert® app. Its built-in Adhesive Advisor uses real-time temperature and humidity data to gauge approximate adhesive flash-off times, helping crews make more informed decisions based on conditions at the jobsite. The app can also be used to verify local temperature and dew point, an important consideration when evaluating conditions for adhesive and flashing applications.

With the right products, preparation and jobsite information at your fingertips, dropping temperatures don’t have to catch your crew off guard.