If you can wait for a warmer day, do it... learned that the hard way.
Interesting point, but I’ve actually had decent luck with cold-weather installs when using winter-grade adhesives and making sure the shingles are hand-sealed. It’s definitely more work, but sometimes waiting just isn’t an option, especially with tight project timelines. The key for me has been keeping the bundles warm right up until installation and using a heat gun on stubborn tabs. Not ideal, but it’s worked in a pinch—just takes a bit more patience and attention to detail. Anyone else tried this approach?
The key for me has been keeping the bundles warm right up until installation and using a heat gun on stubborn tabs.
I’ve done the heat gun thing too, but honestly, it’s a pain if you’re trying to save money and time. Last winter I had no choice but to do a patch job in 30-degree weather—bundles sat in my basement until the last second, but even then, some shingles just wouldn’t lay flat. Ended up hand-sealing a bunch, which worked okay, but I’m still watching those spots. Not my favorite way to do it, but sometimes you just gotta get it done.
I totally get the frustration with cold-weather installs. I tried the “keep ‘em warm” trick too, but even then, some shingles just didn’t want to cooperate. Ended up using roofing cement on a few stubborn ones, which was messy but held up through a couple storms so far. Not ideal, but sometimes you just gotta work with what you’ve got, especially when the weather won’t wait. I’m still checking those spots every time it rains, just in case.
That roofing cement trick is a lifesaver when nothing else seems to work, even if it’s not the cleanest solution. I’ve had to do the same with a couple of tabs that just wouldn’t seal in late fall. Honestly, as long as you’re keeping an eye on those spots and they’re holding up, I’d say you did what you had to. Sometimes I wonder if the “ideal” way is even possible when you’re racing the weather and trying not to blow the budget on extra materials or labor.
Yeah, I’ve had to resort to roofing cement in a pinch too—especially when the temps drop and nothing’s sticking like it should. Last year, the wind kicked up before I finished a ridge and I just didn’t have time to mess around with “perfect.” It’s not pretty, but it’s holding fine. Honestly, unless you’re working in perfect weather with unlimited time and cash, sometimes you just need to get it done and circle back later if needed. Those “ideal” methods are great in theory, but real life doesn’t always line up.
