The short answer to the question is now!
Seriously though, roof shingles can be fixed onto a roof at any time of year but there are a few things that it is worth taking into consideration.
In the Winter you need to think about whether you are brave enough to actually go out there and do the job. On a more serious note you do need to make sure it is safe.
Many parts of the World where shingles are used are known for their cold, wet and windy Winters. Up on a roof you will find it a lot colder than down on the ground because of the wind-chill. Roofing with shingles can take a few hours depending on the size of the roof but it does not require a lot of energy. This means you will get cold quickly.
If there has been ice, snow or even frost, the roof surface will be slippery and unsafe. You will need to wait until it has melted until you can start fitting the roof shingles.
If it is very windy, it is simply too dangerous to go anywhere near a roof.
A little bit of drizzle will not stop you using shingles for roofing but if it is pouring down then it is not suitable for working with felt roofing tiles. You are trying to waterproof the roof, not trap a load of moisture in there before you even start. You will need to wait for a fine day – not so easy to find during the Winter.
The Shield range of IKO roofing shingles features an adhesive bitumen layer which heats up in the sun and creates an extra protective layer. If there is not any sun then bitumen layer will not activate. Whilst the roof shingles will still be fine because they are held down by clout nails, it is nice to get that layer activated as soon as possible.
In the Summertime most of the obstacles are the exact opposite of those found when fitting roof shingles in Winter.
In the Summer it can get very hot up on a roof, especially if using black felt roof shingles which absorb more heat. You will need to wear a hat, use suncream and drink plenty of water.
In the hot weather the bitumen layer on the Shield shingles will start to activate and become sticky. If you peel off too many of the peel off strips in one go you may find you have a pile of tiles all stuck together.
You also have to be really careful when moving around on the roof in the Summer. The whole of the tile will get hot and become more malleable than usual. Even just stepping on them can leave a footprint.
So, Spring and Autumn are the best times of year to fit roof shingles. The weather is a lot kinder – not too hot and not too cold. They are also the times of year when we think about outdoor DIY projects rather than getting side tracked by Christmas and Summer Holidays.
