How to Shingle in Hot Weather Without Scuffing the Roof or the Crew

Step by Step

1. 1Step 1: Plan the day around the heat

   Heat builds through the morning and peaks in mid-afternoon. A roof that is comfortable at 7 a.m. can be dangerous at 2 p.m. Work the south and west slopes first, while they are cool, and leave the shaded slopes for later. Check the forecast, since a heat warning is a reason to reschedule.

   Shorter shifts with frequent breaks keep crews safer and work better than long shifts pushed through the heat.

2. 2Step 2: Keep bundles shaded and cool

   In direct sun, bundles heat up and the shingles inside can stick to each other or distort. Keep bundles on the ground in the shade, or in a covered truck, and stage only the day's material on the roof. Put the stacks on a plank or shingle scrap to keep them off the hot surface.

   Do not cover bundles with a plastic tarp in the sun, which traps heat. Use a breathable tarp, or shade them with a raised sheet that allows airflow. See how to load and stage shingle bundles.

3. 3Step 3: Reduce foot traffic on laid shingles

   Soft asphalt marks easily. A twisting foot scuffs the surface and pulls granules, and tracks of black asphalt may stay visible for months. Use roof jacks and planks to spread weight, avoid pivoting on one foot, and keep stones and grit out of boot treads. Keep loose granules swept from the walking path, where they roll underfoot.

   Plan the work so the crew walks on the underlayment and old shingles, not on new ones. Lay from the eave up, and do not step back onto finished courses unless needed.

4. 4Step 4: Adjust the nailer and handle shingles carefully

   Hot shingles are softer, so a nail that sets flush in the morning may overdrive in the afternoon. Recheck the pressure as the day warms. See shingle nailing: placement, count and depth.

   Soft shingles stretch when pulled and do not return, which throws off the exposure. Lay each one flat and square to the line. A hook blade drags on warm asphalt, so use a fresh blade and lay the shingle on a flat surface. See how to cut asphalt shingles cleanly.

5. 5Step 5: Protect the finished field

   Ladder feet, tool bags and dropped nailers make marks on hot shingles that do not come out. Place scraps of underlayment or plywood under ladder feet and tool stacks. Keep the roof clean of nails, which can be pressed into soft shingles.

   New shingles will lose a few loose granules in the first weeks. That is normal, but heavy loss is a sign of scuffing or a product issue.

6. 6Step 6: Look after the crew

   Drink water often, before thirst, and have an electrolyte drink available. Break in shade every hour or so in extreme heat. Light, loose, breathable clothing, a hat and sunscreen help. A harness and gloves add heat, so take extra care.

   Know the signs of heat illness: headache, dizziness, nausea, heavy sweating followed by dry skin, confusion. Anyone with these signs needs to come down, cool off and get help. Heat stroke is an emergency, so call 911.

   Watch out: Do not send someone back up the roof after a heat episode without rest and clearance. Heat illness can recur.

Hot-Weather Quick Reference

Fraser Valley Notes

Common Mistakes

• Working through the afternoon peak. Shingles scuff, tools burn and crews overheat.
• Leaving bundles in the sun. Shingles weld together and distort.
• Pivoting on new shingles. The boot twists and leaves scuff marks that stay.
• Covering bundles with plastic. The heat builds up under it.
• Not drinking enough. Heat illness can start before you feel thirsty.
• Not stopping for a heat warning. No roof is worth a heat stroke.