SpecTips: Specifying Cold Weather Installations for Roof Projects
Most specifiers have specified cold weather requirements or asked contractors to provide a cold weather plan for cladding materials such as masonry. This is because the procedures for ensuring a quality installation in very cold weather can be lengthy and complex.
The same can be said of installing roofing materials in cold weather. Heated spray rigs for 2-part polyurethane adhesives and hot boxes for adhesives, primers, and flashings are commonplace on a roof in the winter. Contractors use these tools to extend their working season, especially in colder climates.
However, it is always a good idea to add these procedures to your specification so the subcontractor and general contractor can include them in their bids. This is much easier than asking for a change order if winter comes early and they did not account for the colder temperatures.
Cold weather roof installations need to start with system selection, including membrane type and attachment method. While many adhesives can work in at- or below-freezing temperatures, any adhesive that contains water is susceptible to freezing at lower temperatures. If your design calls for an adhered assembly, make sure you are specifying the correct adhesive. You can also switch out bareback membranes for fleece-backed alternatives which use a 2-part polyurethane low-rise adhesive that can be extruded using a heated spray rig. This is perfect for very low temperatures because the applicator can control the temperature of the adhesive as it is applied.
When it comes to cold weather installations, you may want to avoid adhesives altogether and look to alternative attachment methods for the roof assembly. You could consider a loose-laid ballasted or mechanically fastened system, or alternatives such as VacuSeal™ (a wind ballasted roof system), or RapidLock™, a hook-and-loop attachment system. These options are good for colder weather because they minimize installation delays and keep your project moving forward.
When specifying any roof system for a cold weather installation, mention a cold weather plan or ask for an informational submittal. This is a good way to alert the installer that they should add in some time and money for a cold weather installation.
SPECTIP
Coordinate with your Roof Membrane Specification:
- Section 075323 – EPDM Roofing
- Section 075419 – PVC Roofing
- Section 075423 – TPO Roofing
Utilize or specify the correct adhesives for your cold weather application for adhered roofing, or choose an alternative roof attachment method such as FleeceBACK® or RapidLock.
In PART I of the roofing membrane specification section under ‘Informational Submittals’, specify or request a Cold Weather Procedure Plan, which would contain methods, materials, and equipment be used to comply with cold weather installation requirements.
For additional information and recommendations, refer to Carlisle’s Product Data Sheets for the individual temperature restrictions of adhesives and primers, or click here for the Carlisle Product Reference Guide.
The same can be said of installing roofing materials in cold weather. Heated spray rigs for 2-part polyurethane adhesives and hot boxes for adhesives, primers, and flashings are commonplace on a roof in the winter. Contractors use these tools to extend their working season, especially in colder climates.
However, it is always a good idea to add these procedures to your specification so the subcontractor and general contractor can include them in their bids. This is much easier than asking for a change order if winter comes early and they did not account for the colder temperatures.
Cold weather roof installations need to start with system selection, including membrane type and attachment method. While many adhesives can work in at- or below-freezing temperatures, any adhesive that contains water is susceptible to freezing at lower temperatures. If your design calls for an adhered assembly, make sure you are specifying the correct adhesive. You can also switch out bareback membranes for fleece-backed alternatives which use a 2-part polyurethane low-rise adhesive that can be extruded using a heated spray rig. This is perfect for very low temperatures because the applicator can control the temperature of the adhesive as it is applied.
When it comes to cold weather installations, you may want to avoid adhesives altogether and look to alternative attachment methods for the roof assembly. You could consider a loose-laid ballasted or mechanically fastened system, or alternatives such as VacuSeal™ (a wind ballasted roof system), or RapidLock™, a hook-and-loop attachment system. These options are good for colder weather because they minimize installation delays and keep your project moving forward.
When specifying any roof system for a cold weather installation, mention a cold weather plan or ask for an informational submittal. This is a good way to alert the installer that they should add in some time and money for a cold weather installation.
SPECTIP
Coordinate with your Roof Membrane Specification:
- Section 075323 – EPDM Roofing
- Section 075419 – PVC Roofing
- Section 075423 – TPO Roofing
Utilize or specify the correct adhesives for your cold weather application for adhered roofing, or choose an alternative roof attachment method such as FleeceBACK® or RapidLock.
In PART I of the roofing membrane specification section under ‘Informational Submittals’, specify or request a Cold Weather Procedure Plan, which would contain methods, materials, and equipment be used to comply with cold weather installation requirements.
For additional information and recommendations, refer to Carlisle’s Product Data Sheets for the individual temperature restrictions of adhesives and primers, or click here for the Carlisle Product Reference Guide.
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