Can You Install a Single-Ply Roofing System in Cold Weather? 

Yes—you can install single-ply roofing systems like GAF’s EverGuard TPO and PVC in cold weather, if you plan carefully and follow best practices. At Weather Shield Roofing Systems™, we know that roofing needs don’t stop just because the temperatures drop. For over 40 years, we’ve helped commercial property owners and managers protect their investments year-round—including during Michigan and Tennessee’s coldest months. 

So, what does “cool weather application” really mean, and how can it be done safely and successfully? Let’s break it down in simple, clear terms. 

What Does “Cool Weather Application” Actually Mean?

In roofing, anything below 40°F (4.4°C) is considered cool weather. But it’s not just the thermometer that matters. 

Here are the other key factors to watch for: 

• Wind chill – Makes surfaces colder than the air temperature. 

• Surface temperature – Could be much lower than air temp, especially early in the morning. 

• Humidity – Affects drying times of adhesives and sealants. 

• Precipitation – Rain, snow, or even frost can halt work or ruin materials. 

• Sun exposure – More sun = warmer surfaces = easier installation. 

So, even if the air temperature is around 40°F, wind and shade can create challenges. The trick is being prepared. Even small missteps in these conditions can lead to costly issues like: 

• Membrane wrinkling 

• Poor seam welds 

• Adhesion failures 

• Trapped moisture or blisters 

Related blog post: Can I Replace My Commercial Roof in the Winter?

Is It Really Safe to Roof in Cold Weather?

This is a question we hear often. The short answer is yes, but with the right planning, materials, equipment, and safety measures. Cold temperatures require more thought, not just for the roof but for your crew’s health and your building’s long-term performance. 

Related blog post: The Property Manager’s Guide to Winter Roofing Safety

How Should You Plan for Cold Weather Roof Installation?

Planning is everything. Whether you’re a property manager overseeing the job or a contractor performing the work, your success depends on having a solid plan before anyone steps on the roof. 

What’s the Weather Forecast?

First, only begin a section of roof that can be completed before precipitation arrives. Partially finished areas left exposed to snow or freezing rain can cause membrane failures and delays. 

Where Are the Materials Stored?

Storage matters more than most people think: 

• Membranes should stay in temperature-controlled storage until they’re ready to be installed. 

• Water-based products can freeze, so they must be kept warm. 

• Solvent-based adhesives and primers must be at specific temps to work properly. If they’re too cold, they won’t dry or bond correctly. 

• Use heat blankets, hot boxes, or warming tents to keep products at the right temp both before and during application. 

How Do Cold Temperatures Affect the Roofing Crew?

Cold weather isn’t just hard on materials—it’s hard on people, too. Workers face risks of cold stress, frostbite, and fatigue in cold environments. 

To keep crews safe and efficient: 

• Educate them on cold weather workwear. 

• Provide heated break tents. 

• Encourage frequent warm-up breaks. 

• Use portable outdoor heaters when possible. 

Happy, healthy crews do better work—especially when precision is key, like in cold-weather welding or adhesive application. 

What Are the Best Practices for Installing TPO or PVC Roofing in Cold Weather?

Let’s dive into some practical cold weather installation tips based on GAF’s best practices for single-ply systems: 

How Should Membranes Be Handled?

Leave membrane rolls in warm storage until they’re needed. Cold membranes are stiffer, harder to roll out, and more likely to wrinkle. Warmer membranes lay flat and weld better.

What Adjustments Are Needed for Seam Welding?

Welding seams in the cold takes finesse: 

• Lower outdoor temps mean you’ll need to slow down your automatic welder to give it more time to deliver heat. 

• Hand welders will also need adjustment—field test your settings often. 

• Field test welds multiple times a day—especially in the morning, after breaks, and whenever the weather shifts. 

How Do Adhesives and Sealants Perform in the Cold?

Adhesives slow down in cold weather: 

• They take longer to flash off (dry). 

• Their “working time” is shorter—especially for solvent-based spray adhesives. 

• Store them warm, and use heat boxes or blankets to keep them at the right temperature during use. 

• Only take out what you can use right away—cold product = poor adhesion. 

What About Fasteners and Induction Tools?

EverGuard TPO and PVC systems use fasteners like screws or the RhinoBond induction tool. In cold weather: 

• Wrinkles may appear due to temperature shifts. 

• Small wrinkles (under 1 inch high when pressed flat) generally don’t affect performance, according to GAF. 

• Test welds should be done throughout the day to ensure the RhinoBond settings are adjusted for conditions. 

What Happens If You Ignore These Recommendations?

Skipping proper cold weather prep can lead to: 

• Weld failures that let water in 

• Adhesion problems that require rework 

• Membrane damage from stiffness or wrinkles 

• Delays and cost overruns 

It’s always better to invest in planning and preparation than to deal with costly repairs or premature roof failure. 

When Should You Call in a Professional?

If your commercial property needs roofing work during the colder months, make sure your contractor is experienced in cool weather installation; not all of them are. At Weather Shield Roofing Systems, we’ve worked through Michigan’s coldest months and know how to keep your roof installation on schedule without sacrificing quality or safety. 

Whether you’re evaluating a new TPO or PVC system or trying to finish an installation before spring, we’re here to help you navigate cool weather roofing the right way. 

We specialize in commercial roofing systems and provide long-term, cost-efficient solutions that keep your building protected—rain, shine, or snow. 

Need help planning your winter roof project? Contact us here to talk with one of our roofing experts today.