Residential construction contractors naturally know more about asphalt shingles than the average homeowner. Those who have special certifications from the most recognized manufacturers might know even more. And those who have been in the industry the longest probably have the deepest knowledge.
One of the most important aspects of roofing that they should understand is how asphalt shingles perform against heat. Roofers should also have the knowledge to prevent heat damage to shingles so they can last for a long time.
As a roofer, home improvement,and remodeling contractor, they know these things better than anyone:
Protection During Storage
Asphalt shingle manufacturers have specific instructions for the best practices in storing their products. Asphalt shingles should not be stored where they are exposed to direct sunlight. While most people would think this is counter to what they expect of shingles, which spend their life span being exposed to heat and rain, storing conditions should not be as punishing.
When exposed to direct sunlight for a long time, the packaging materials used for shingles begin to weaken. This can cause a problem when roofers have to move them or transport them to a worksite.
Shingles in storage also have a release film that prevents them from sticking to each other while packaged. The film has a sealant that, when exposed to sunlight or a source of heat for too long, will become more aggressive. This will make the shingles difficult to separate when it’s time to install them during new home construction or a residential remodeling project.
Double-stacking pallets of shingles is also discouraged, as this can deform the shingles especially if they are stored in a warm place.
Timing of Installation
While most people think a hot, sunny day is a perfect time to install a new roof, it’s actually almost just as bad as installing during a rainy day. The asphalt coating can soften a little when exposed to heat. This can make the shingles slippery.
The soft asphalt can retain the roofers’ footprints. If the roof is steep, the roofers’ toe and heel marks may be even more pronounced. Such scuffing on shingles is permanent.
To avoid slip and fall accidents and to prevent making footmarks on the roof, professional residential construction contractors time their installation properly. If the forecast shows a hot day, they start early, before temperatures reach a maximum. Timing also involves knowing which side of the roof to work on during specific times of the day. Roofers would start on the slope facing the west in the morning, then move on to the east-facing slope in the afternoon.
Another reason roofers do this is that working during the hottest hours of the day can be unbearable. Discomfort can affect any worker’s performance, not to mention their health and safety.
Wearing Proper Work Gear
To avoid slipping while installing a new asphalt shingle roofing system, roofers time their work to coincide with the coolest times of the day. They also wear the proper gear, specifically their workboots. Without the proper shoes for working on a roof, a roofer risks slipping and falling, and also causing damage to the shingles. Uncomfortable and slippery footwear can take away from a roofer’s focus, possibly putting them and others in danger and adding to the likelihood of the roof’s damage.
Protection From Dust and Dirt
Roofers have to protect shingle bundles from dust, sawdust, dirt and other debris in storage or at the job site. Dust and other debris can find their way to the asphaltic sealant and completely compromise its performance.
The asphaltic sealant is what bonds shingles together when they are installed. It is thermally activated, which means the bond will improve after the newly installed shingles are exposed to the heat of the sun for several weeks.
The sealant can fail if it’s exposed to dust. In this case, the new home construction or remodeling contractor has no choice but to manually seal each shingle following the specifications of the manufacturer.
Pre-Installation Removal
In most cases, it’s virtually impossible to keep bundles of shingles away from the sun once they’ve been transported to the job site. This is why manufacturers also have specific instructions to roofers on how to remove the shingles from a bundle that’s been sitting in the sun.
Some shingles separate more easily from the bundle if they are lifted granule side up. Some manufacturers recommend snapping the shingles out of the stack as quickly as possible to break the bond and avoid damaging the shingles. Professional roofers always follow manufacturer-recommended methods, including how they’re supposed to remove shingles from a stack or a bundle.
Repair Techniques
When roofers repair an asphalt shingle roof in the summer season, they know it’s most difficult to remove old shingles if the sealant has bonded completely. Heat keeps the bond strong. This is why roofers typically start early in the day or when it’s cooler. Trying to remove or repair shingles when the sun is at its hottest — and the sealant’s adherence is at its strongest — can lead to a more difficult repair and torn shingles.
If the bond is still too strong, roofers can also use cold water to cool the shingles and make removing them easier.
Proper Installation
Apart from not installing the asphalt shingles when the sun is at its highest, roofers also have to follow their best practices for installation. Poor installation can make even new and top-quality shingles fail when exposed to the heat of the sun.
For example, if the felt underlayment is not installed properly, it may wrinkle in some places. Shingles bond more quickly when it’s hot, so it would be difficult to install them properly if they’ve adhered to the wrinkled underlayment. Removing them can cause even more damage, so the roof might end up having an uneven surface.
To avoid problems with your roof installation or residential remodeling, work only with a seasoned roofing professional who knows how to properly protect asphalt shingles from heat damage and other detrimental factors before and during installation. Kingdom Restoration can help with your residential construction, renovation and roofing projects. We also offer other home improvement services. Call us today at (941) 263-8715 or use this form to tell us more about your project.
