Tips for Roofing in the Summer Heat

Roofing when the temperatures get well into the ’90s and hotter can be a challenge to anyone installing a roof.

From my perspective being an installer for many years, it is a surprise how the body adapts to the heat as long as there are gradual climbs in the higher temperature. I definitely would suffer when working in reasonable spring weather, then, having a big jump into the 100’s.

So what roofing tips can we give for those that work in the hot summer months?

• Drink plenty of water to hydrate your body.
• Wear a light-colored shirt. This helps reflect the heat away from your body. Darker shirts like black red and green, for example, absorb the heat and can raise your body temperature.
• Wear a hat. This also helps cool the top of your head. In extreme heat, keeping my head shaded throughout the day would keep me cooler. When taking a break a splash of water through my hair is very refreshing and is just like how our bodies produce water to cool it down.
• Using tools with wood or rubber handles. Grabbing a metal flat bar or cats paw setting in the sun, will burn your hand no matter how tough you think you are.
• When roofing on steeper roofs, the shingles can get scared or marked up from traffic or working in one area too long because the asphalt gets very soft.
• Always use personnel fall protection. If you faint because of the heat at least you won’t fall off the roof if you are pass-out.

We work around metal we nickname flashings because when the summer sun hits them they flash into our eyes. Wearing a good pair of shade safety glasses is a great way to protect your eyes from the bright sun and flying objects.

Summer heat takes good planning

• Plan your day so you are in an open area to catch any breeze there may be or planning to be working in the shade if possible, in the hottest parts of the day. When re-roofing homes, a mature tree overhanging the house is a great place to be in the afternoon.
• Most roofers know how hot it can be working on tar paper. This black felt absorbs the heat like an asphalt road you see in the summer. You know that heat you actually can see rising off the road. Trust me it gets that hot up there.
• Take a break and sit in the shade if you start feeling dizzy or light-headed. Heatstroke can kill you or affect you in a way you may fall and get injured.
• Keep an eye on your employees or workmates as they may not recognize the symptoms of heatstroke. Acting lethargic, stumbling, speak incoherently, are just a few signs to watch for.

As professionals, we are very lucky when we have an employer that has regular safety meetings. Summer heat is a needed topic to discuss so we can gain a better understanding, as to how to work in extreme heat conditions. We need to keep the roofing projects going even in the hot summer months but not at the expense of life or injury. Keeping we worker informed helps us in the manor.

Using the lighter color underlayment reflects the heat upwards and away for you. Just like wearing lighter color shirts vs darker. It keeps you cooler as you install the product then also cooler, as you install your roofing shingles over the top of it.

Summer heat is here and we need to be reminded of these couple of helping aids to make our jobs run smoother, safer and more comfortable.

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Disclaimer: The information provided on AskARoofer.com or information sent by emails is the opinion of the writers. It is the responsibility of the reader to check for accuracy in one's own jurisdiction, as there are different codes and restrictions for different parts of the country. AskARoofer.com does not accept any liability for the use of information on this website or email. AskARoofer.com has no controls over product failures, installation, or climate conditions that may change the roofing process in your area. Our information is in general to our area and cannot be the same as your local town or state. It is advised to seek the local Building Department, Licensed Contractor and local Product Representative for proper installation requirements and code enforcement when installing a new roof.