When the mercury drops, construction doesn’t stop—but it sure gets trickier. Cold weather can turn routine installations into a real test of skill and patience. Materials stiffen, adhesives struggle, and moisture lurks as a silent enemy. So, how do you keep projects moving without sacrificing quality? Let’s break it down—and show you how CertainTeed can help you warm to winter work.
Why Cold Weather Throws a Curveball
If you’ve ever tried installing shingles in freezing temperatures, you know the pain. They get brittle, hard to cut, and prone to cracking. Adhesives? They don’t like the cold either—bonding slows down, and primers take forever to dry. Add in condensation and thermal movement, and suddenly, what should be a simple job feels like juggling in mittens.
Smart Moves Before You Start
The CertainTeed lineup is loaded with products engineered to counter the cold without slowing you down. Here’s the game plan for cold-weather success:
- Pick products built for the chill. Not all materials are created equal—choose ones designed to stay flexible when temperatures dip. Rubberized polymers keep NorthGate® ClimateFlex® Shingles shingles flexible—even when it’s freezing—so you can cut and nail without cracking.
- Know your thresholds. Every product has a minimum temperature for installation. Respect it. Arctic Edge™ Cold Lap Tape works down to 35°F, meaning no more waiting for warm days or swapping rolls mid-season.
- Plan for safe movement. WinterGuard® Underlayment is sticky, elastic, and tough enough for foot traffic—perfect for sealing against winter’s worst.
- Materials expand and contract with temperature swings—give them room to breathe. Drywall and joint compounds need heat to cure properly. CertaWrap™ Weather-Resistant Barrier keeps water out while letting walls breathe—a must for cold climates.
- Fight moisture. Insulation, ventilation, and vapor control are your best friends against mold and ice dams. InsulSafe® SP and TrueComfort® are insulation solutions that help lock in heat and prevent moisture problems that lead to ice dams.
Pro Tips for Winter Work
- Use the Integrity Roof System® for a complete, cold-ready roofing solution.
- If extreme weather is a real possibility, consider the enhanced protection offered by a CertainTeed® FORTIFIED-Compliant Roof System.
- Maintain indoor temperature above 50°F for drywall work.
- Combine insulation with smart vapor retarders like MemBrain™ to keep moisture in check.
Ready to Make Winter Work Easier?
Wintry weather doesn’t have to mean downtime. With CertainTeed products and a little planning, you can keep projects moving, avoid callbacks, and deliver results that last—no matter what the thermometer says.
Explore CertainTeed’s full lineup of cold-weather solutions and installation resources. Visit CertainTeed.com to find the right products for your next project, or contact your local CertainTeed rep today for expert guidance.