Can you roof in winter?
By Best Roofing Answers · Published May 2026 · Updated July 2026
You can install an asphalt shingle roof in winter down to about 40°F, but below that manufacturers commonly require hand-sealing every tab because the self-seal adhesive strip will not activate until temperatures rise; metal, tile, and slate installs have wider temperature windows than asphalt.
The manufacturer rules
Per GAF, CertainTeed, and Owens Corning cold-weather install bulletins, the standard practice below ~40°F is to place six manual dabs of roofing cement per shingle to guarantee bond until the seal strip activates in spring. Skipping this step in winter is one of the top causes of first-year blow-off claims.
Ice-and-water shield underlayment is actually easier to install cold — it's less sticky and less prone to wrinkling — so cold weather is not the whole story.
Sources
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