Top Ten Winter Tips for Roofing Installations
Liquid Roofing & EPDM Systems
Winter conditions can present real challenges when installing flat roofing systems. Lower temperatures, increased moisture, and reduced daylight all affect how materials perform on site. With the right preparation and understanding, high-quality installations are still entirely achievable.
Below are our Top Ten Winter Tips to help you avoid common issues and deliver reliable results throughout the colder months.
Top Ten Winter Tips for Liquid Roofing Systems
Most fully adhered epdm rubber roof systems should only be applied when temperatures are above 5°C. Industry curing times are based on 20°C, meaning curing will take longer in winter.
To maintain control and ensure proper curing, work on smaller roof sections so each area can cure effectively before progressing.
Do not apply adhesives at or near the dew point. Surface moisture can compromise adhesion, extend curing times, and negatively affect the final finish.
Dew point calculator apps are widely available and should be used during winter. Dew point conditions are most common early morning and late afternoon.
Water based and Contact Adhesive can become extremely cold if left outside overnight in winter. Cold materials are harder to apply, more difficult to spread evenly, and can even freeze.
Always store products in a warm, dry location and bring them up to the correct application temperature before use.
Cold weather slows curing times, increasing the risk of product disturbance. Breaking the roof into smaller, manageable areas allows better control and reduces the risk of system failure.
While cold weather challenges may be obvious to installers, customers may not realise how low temperatures affect the chemistry of roofing products.
Clear communication helps manage expectations, justify programme changes, and reinforces professionalism.
Winter Tips for EPDM Roofing Systems
In colder weather, pressure-sensitive (PS) tapes become stiffer and harder to work with. Gently warming them using an electric heat gun improves flexibility and ease of installation.
When forming corners, uncured installation tape stretches and performs better when the elongated diamond pattern runs parallel to the deck membrane.
Using the protective release film as a separator when folding corners helps prevent exposed tape edges sticking together.
All pressure-sensitive uncured tapes require Carlisle Lap Sealant to be applied and feathered over exposed edges where water may sit.
Lap sealant should be applied on the same day as installation. If stored below 15°C, allow it to return to room temperature before use.
Adhesives should be kept warm before and during application.
Before applying EPDM primer in cold conditions, warm the target area using an electric heat gun to ensure the chemical bond is not compromised.
If ambient temperatures are below 5°C, heat the membrane to at least 18°C prior to primer application.
Final Thoughts
Following these Top Ten Winter Tips will help ensure successful roofing installations throughout the colder months. With proper preparation, correct storage, and good communication, liquid roofing and EPDM systems can perform just as effectively in winter as they do in warmer conditions.
For winter-ready roofing materials and expert advice, contact The Roof Shop today.
