Fun fact: every brand of shingle today has a narrow adhesive strip on the back of each shingle, to stick the shingle to the shingle beneath it. That is one of three reasons why, when you ask “Can you shingle a roof in the rain,” every responsible roofer answers, “No!”
Stick to It
When roofers install shingles, the roofers peel off strips of plastic film to expose narrow, sticky adhesive lines. That adhesive holds the shingle firmly to the shingle underneath it. As roofers install shingles from the bottom edge of your roof to the top, every shingle has a place to stick.
Wet shingles:
- Defy the adhesive
- Are slippery to handle
- Trap moisture between shingle and underlayment
All of this is bad news for your new roof.
Mold, Mildew, and Rot
Water is great stuff; we are mostly made from it, and our oceans are full of it. Your roof, by contrast, should be a desert: no water anywhere, especially during installation!
You want a clean, dry roof, which includes all the layers:
- Rafters
- Sheathing
- Underlayment
- Shingles
If you try to roof in the rain, all those roofing components get wet. The water gets trapped in the many layers, leading to water damage:
- Rot
- Soaked insulation
- Mold
- Soggy sheathing
- Mildew
- Saturated shingles
Slippery When Wet
Residential roofing is already dangerous work and working in the rain makes it even more life-threatening. A fall from a two-story building can have fatal results. Residential roofs are classified as “steep-slope” roofs, meaning their pitch (angle) is big enough that the surface is treacherous to walk on.
A good roofer wants a satisfied customer, but we all want to see our families at the end of every workday.
Reputable Roofer
When comparing roofers, you can even use the question, “Will you roof in the rain?” as a test. A reputable roofer will never subject crews to conditions where the roof could be ruined, their lives could be risked, and the home might be damaged.
Even if the work is only a small repair job, be willing to wait for good weather. Work only with a quality roofer, whether you have a small job or full roof replacement. Your home and your roof will thank you for keeping them out of the rain. Contact Moss Roofing today to learn about our complete program of residential roofing. We provide full service, from repairs to roof replacement, as well as siding, insulation, gutters, and more.
