Winter time shingle repair

[jmur5074]

Can anyone tell me if I can repair/replace shingles in the winter time?

The porch on the side of my house has developed quite the little ice dam that has damaged some shingles, which in return, has caused a leak down the window frame and wall, and down to the floor.

I just got inside from raking the snow off the roof and chipping and pouring salt on the ice dam to get it removed (hopefully).

If I have to I can rake it all winter long, but I'd rather fix the problem than put a band aid on a gunshot wound.

Thoughts?

[Car 4]

Jmur...do you know how to weave shingles? And will it ever get above freezing for you in the next few weeks?

Those two questions are key....if you try to weave shingles in sub freezing weather, you will probably break them or hole them with the roofing nails. Even if you use a broad belled heating torch, it can be a problem.

If your roof is comp, that is. If it is rolled comp or another type, you may be able to work it out. What do you have on your roof?


Car 4

[jmur5074]

Jmur...do you know how to weave shingles? And will it ever get above freezing for you in the next few weeks?

Those two questions are key....if you try to weave shingles in sub freezing weather, you will probably break them or hole them with the roofing nails. Even if you use a broad belled heating torch, it can be a problem.

If your roof is comp, that is. If it is rolled comp or another type, you may be able to work it out. What do you have on your roof?


Car 4

No, and No. But my dad has done roofing in the past and is an all around general handy man. I haven't gotten ahold of him yet so I figured I'd start here!

It's a shingled roof, beyond that I dunno. I don't know anything about roofing.

[Jks9199]

Yes, you can do shingle work in the winter. However, repairing after an ice dam isn't what I'd suggest as a first shingling job... Talk to your father -- but you may be better off finding a pro that, among other things, is bonded and insured and can take the blame if it fails. Especially if you ever may sell the house...

[jmur5074]

Yes, you can do shingle work in the winter. However, repairing after an ice dam isn't what I'd suggest as a first shingling job... Talk to your father -- but you may be better off finding a pro that, among other things, is bonded and insured and can take the blame if it fails. Especially if you ever may sell the house...

ha.

It's for sale right now. Which is why I want it fixed asap.

He's experienced at it, although obviously not bonded and insured like a professional would be. I've since gotten ahold of him since starting this thread. He said he has done it before in the winter and can help me with it.

I've already got plywood in case it's rotted, and a ton of shingles in my garage.

[sgtbear111]

You might consider a new steel roof. Snow and ice do not cling to steel as well as asphalt or wood shingles. As the old roof comes off, you can add insulation before the new plywood, tar-paper (vapor barrier) and streel. Did this on a house in snow country that had asphalt shingle and ice dams. Also reduced the insurance, and upped the resale value.