A roofing job can take weeks or even months to complete. As with any other project, you can always expect to run into hurdles. For roofers, Mother Nature has a tendency of throwing a wrench into the works when you least expect it. So, what happens when the heavens open in the middle of a new roof installation? This post will explain how most roofing contractors keep the rain from messing up a project.
What if it rains during roofing?
In most cases, roofing companies have tarps on hand whenever they are working on a project. This is very true for sites in predominantly rainy regions or during the wet season. If it starts to rain, they simply cover the unfinished portion of the roofing deck with a tarp until it stops raining. They can also use scaffolds for this purpose if there is no other option available at that time.
Can you install a roof in the rain?
Generally, it is not advisable to continue new roof replacement in the rain, although some scenarios may allow you to keep at it. For example, if it’s simply light rain that will stop after a short while, a roofing contractor may cover up with a waterproof jacket and continue with their job. Furthermore, if the job is a few roofing shingles from completion, that may be a reason to finish up before it turns into a heavy downpour. Finally, emergency roof repair may keep roofing contractors from abandoning the job.
Why should you not roof in the rain?
If you’ve ever been on a home improvement project that was interrupted by rain, it should be obvious why roofing in the rain is not advisable. Some of the reasons for this include:
It is dangerous
Roofing is a dangerous job, even under ideal circumstances. You are working at great heights and dealing with heavy equipment that can cause severe injuries if mishandled in any way. In addition, inclement weather hazards such as slipping and falling only set the odds against you. All of these reasons are why roofing contractors should avoid working in the rain if possible.
It undermines the quality of work
A roofing project requires careful attention to detail for the structure to stand the test of time. If you are forced to work in the rain, there is a good chance that your focus will be on getting through the job as fast as possible, so you don’t get caught up in another downpour or thunderstorm. This often results in making more mistakes than usual due to working under pressure, leading to even more significant problems later on.
It limits visibility and access to materials
Roofers need a lot of tools for their job, many of which are pretty heavy. If you have to carry these around in the rain, it can quickly get tiresome because your grip will slip more often than usual. Furthermore, if there is any water on top of the roof, it may be challenging to find good footing. This makes working in the rain even more dangerous than usual because of the associated risks of slippery conditions and poor visibility.
It compromises the longevity of roofing materials
Water and high humidity levels can cause materials to expand or contract at a different rate than intended. This leads to the possibility of cracks forming in shingles, tiles, and other roofing components, leading to leaks down the road. It may also be challenging to lay down shingles in wet conditions, and this can easily result in roofing installation defects.
It slows down progress
Roofing installation is already known for being slower due to the technical nature of the work. However, working in wet conditions will slow you down even more because it is much harder to handle tools and materials on a wet roof and when there’s a high chance of falling off. This means that roofers will have to take more frequent breaks to rest their arms and hands, which is never good for productivity.
Can you install wet shingles?
Generally, shingles get slippery when wet, but this mostly happens to old or worn-out ones. New shingles, such as asphalt, are designed with rock granules on the surface that maintains their traction. While some roofers may want to continue working in such a scenario, the risk of losing your footing and falling off the roof is very high. The best course of action is to stop working and wait for the rain to clear.
Can you work on a roof if there are thunderstorms?
It’s one thing to try and work on the new roof in the rain, but when you bring in the dangers of lightning, you are asking for trouble. Working on a roof puts you on the house’s highest surface, which is the perfect target for lightning. To avoid being struck, you should stop working and wait until there are no more thunderstorms before resuming work.
Pioneer Roofers are here to help!
Whenever you need help with your roofing needs, contact Pioneers Roofers right away. Our technicians are always ready to respond to roofing emergencies and assist both homeowners and businesses. Give us a call when you need a residential or commercial roof replacement, and we’ll respond with urgency.