Don’t be fooled, cold weather absolutely impacts shingle installation methods.
If the shingles are below 40°F, they are brittle, and will be damaged from the hammering of the shingle.
At 40°F the shingles become more brittle and subject breaking.
If the tar strip on the shingles are cold, reduced bonding or no bonding occurs.
In general, don’t let a new shingle roof be installed on your roof unless the temperatures are IDEAL. (It can be too hot, too, btw.)
The day needs to be warm enough for the tar strip to bond. The colder the day, the more full sunlight is needed to warm up the tar strip for a great bond.
If shingles are being installed on a cold day, any shingles installed after sundown are problematic.
Special Instructions by Manufacturers
Research the manufacturer instructions for the specific shingle to be installed on your roof.
Below are some links by several shingle manufacturers to review what is acceptable, and how to work around cold weather.
OWENS CORNING
Owens Corning – special instructions below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
https://getagoodroof.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/10022497-Cold-Weather-Shingle-Installation-Technical-Bulletin.pdf
Extra care should be taken when handling and/or installing asphalt shingles when the air and surface temperatures
are at or below 40°F (5°C). Owens Corning® Roofing recommends the following procedures for additional fastening
strength and wind blow-off resistance when shingles are installed during cold weather: (see linked PDF for full instructions)
GAF
“When temperatures dip below 40°F/4°C, asphalt shingles will lose flexibility and may crack. As such, workers need to use extra caution when handling, cutting, and moving shingles. When shingles crack, it can lead to leaks and even affect the roof’s warranty.
Asphalt shingles contain a thermally activated sealing strip that bonds the shingles after installation. This sealant strip needs warmth, sun, and temperatures above 40°F/4°C to activate. When shingles are not properly bonded, they are vulnerable to wind uplift and water infiltration.”
IKO
“According to Roofing Construction & Estimating By Daniel Benn Atcheson, the best temperatures to install asphalt shingles is between 40 and 85 degrees F (4 and 26 degrees C). If you’re installing roofing shingles in cold weather below these temperatures your shingles may become brittle and more prone to breakage. To prevent this, when working in below-zero temperatures, store your materials in a warm place (above 50 F or 10 C) until right before you need them. Shingles will also mould to the shape of the surface they rest on – so keep them flat, stacked and raised on pallets so they don’t touch the ground. Be sure never to throw or drop your shingles when they’re in the cold weather, or they may break.”
“Most asphalt shingles include thermally activated asphalt sealant, which bonds the shingles together after they are applied to the roof. Sealing time will vary depending on the slope of the roof, its orientation, and the amount of sun/heat exposure that the shingles receive. Depending on the weather conditions at the time of application and the anticipated weather conditions in the days thereafter, manual sealing of the shingles with an approved asphalt roofing cement may be needed to help ensure wind resistance until warmer weather occurs and the shingles have the opportunity to seal down.”
Check your specific manufacturer
There ARE a few options of shingles specifically designed for the cold and freezing weather.
Look up the shingle to be installed on your roof at the manufacturer website to get necessary installation information.
WARRANTY – Make sure the installation and weather do not negatively impact your warranty.