If you have been putting off roof repair or are surprised by a roof leak, you may be wondering if you can replace a roof in the winter. There is no need to worry, as it is not too late. In fact, replacing a roof in the winter is more common than you think. While it is true that roofing contractors do most of their work during the summer and fall months, if the weather is good enough, your contractor will be there. In Connecticut, where we are, the weather can be all over the place, but homeowners still have roof problems that may warrant calling a CT roofing contractor.
Has a tree or storm caused damage to your roof?
Are you looking to sell your home soon? Those roof repairs need to be done before you list your home.
Whatever your situation is, it is important to know that you don’t have to wait out the winter.
Yes, you can replace your roof in the winter
Usually, roofing contractors prefer early fall, summer, and spring to do their work. Weather usually isn’t an issue unless it rains. It is very possible to find a contractor in the winter although you will be limited to warmer days. Different techniques will be applied by your roofing contractor, but the job will still get done professionally.
Of course, there are challenges. But if researched correctly, the winter could be the best time for a professional roof replacement. In this article, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of pursuing a roof replacement during the winter.
I know the question in your mind; Isn’t it too cold to repair or replace your roof in the winter?”
Generally speaking, roofing is done best when the temperature is between 40 degrees and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. When the temperature drops below 40 degrees roofing materials begin to fail.
Asphalt shingles become very brittle, and adhesives have a hard time sticking. However, when there is serious damage to your home it is important to know that you are still able to get proper repairs. Even in the cold winter months.
Don’t wait to get repairs done
Roof leaks, shingle damage, and other types of roof damage should not be left alone for the winter months. Minor damage will certainly lead to major damage if left alone.
Do you notice any of these signs on your property? If so, request a free inspection and replacement cost estimate. Your local roofing contractor will quickly come out to you.
Typically, during the winter months, the demand for roofing services dwindles. This will both increase the availability of a roofing contractor and lower the overall cost of your project. If you are looking for ways to cut down on your roof replacement price, scheduling a time in the winter will definitely lower your cost.
Sounds great right?
The pros and cons of replacing a roof in the winter can be discussed with your local roofing contractor. They will tell you about the materials they are using, how safe they feel completing the project, and their plan for installing your roof properly in the cold. The major disadvantage here is that if the weather is too cold, your roofer may have to reschedule until the weather is warmer.
Advantages
Availability
As we said above, during the colder months roofing work tends to slow down. It is not something that a lot of homeowners think about during the winter, which means you are highly likely to find a roofing contractor at this time. Because of the extra time and a less busy schedule, your roofing contractor will give your job full attention and answer any questions you may have. This will especially come in handy if you need to handle an insurance claim during this time.
Costs
During the winter, replacement and repair of roofs are usually slightly less expensive because the cost of materials is always lowered. Your best chance to score a good deal on your roof repair will be the winter. This is the time that a roofing contractor is most likely to give a discount and this could be an advantage you want to explore further.
Predictable Weather
At times, it is usually difficult to predict the weather during fall to spring, because the humidity and air are warmer, there could be surprising rainstorms which could cause a delay when you are fixing your new roof. In the winter, however, it is easier to predict the weather. Roofers will plan their work around the cold temperatures. The worst that can happen is that your roofing contractor will have to reschedule because it’s too cold.
Disadvantages
There are some disadvantages associated with replacing your roof in the winter that make the summer and fall months superior times, let us check these out below:
Roofers’ Safety
For roof replacements, you will need to consider the safety of the roofers. Roofers can complete roof replacements and repairs in the winter, but there are additional precautions and obstacles that the roofing contractor will face. The chance for slips and falls significantly increases during these months with the icy conditions. It is important for roofers to take their time in icy conditions to lower the risk of falling. Extra safety protocols may also be put in place to protect the roofers more. The extra safety precautions and colder temperatures will slow down the process a little bit. Your roofing contractor will go over any extra safety factors that may come up during your project as well.
Demanding temperatures
The schedules in the winter could be very flexible for roofing companies, but the weather may still not cooperate with the installation. Things might not always go according to the plan of the roofing contractor or you the homeowner because of the weather. A very stable temperature is needed for a strong bond between the shingles and roofing materials. In addition, roofers will also need consistent temperatures to walk around on the roof while working. Because shingles are brittle in the cold, they often break under the weight of your footsteps or when you use a hammer and nail to install them.
Roofing material limitations
There may be some limitations on the type of material that you can install if you want to fix your roof in the winter. Asphalt shingles lose their resistance properties and flexibility Some shingles require installation in certain temperature conditions and the installation will not be covered under a warranty or future insurance claim.
The self-sealant strips on some shingles have no problem sticking during the warmer months. This creates a perfect seal on your roof and prevents them from blowing off in a storm. During the winter, however, these sealing strips do not stick very well. When this happens, it is better to wait until the weather is warmer to install the shingles properly.
Furthermore, some roofers’ tools like nail guns, compressors, and battery-operated tools used for installation are affected by cold temperatures. They can freeze up or have lower battery life in extremely low temperatures. This of course could affect the installation of the roof and often leads to unpleasant replacement.
Additional precautions
Now that you are aware that you can replace a roof in the winter you probably realize that it would be better left to the professionals. Not only are the conditions slippery and unsafe for you, but your attempts to fix them yourself may cause additional damage. Having considered the advantages and disadvantages of replacing your roof in the winter, there are several things to consider if you choose to undergo the process. Let’s quickly find out below:
- Prevent roofing materials from getting too cold. The warranty and your future insurance claims ride on the fact that the materials used were installed per the manufacturer’s instructions. Your roofing contractor will make suggestions on how to keep the roofing materials at the appropriate temperatures, but it is always a good idea to help if possible. Storing some materials in a warm shed or garage will make everyone’s life easier in the end.
- Ensure the roofers use guardrails when they are working in very cold conditions because it will help them remain protected from falling from steep slopes. Nobody wants to witness a fall, and especially not on your own property. It is quite easy to install guardrails temporarily when replacing the roof in the winter, and worth it to get the job done safely.
- Ensure you remove hazardous substances like snow and debris if possible when you want to replace your roof in cold conditions. This will save you and your contractor a lot of time when undergoing the roofing project.
Ready for the next step?
Thinking about replacing or repairing your roof during the next brutal New England winter? Now you have all the knowledge you need to make an informed decision. Call a local contractor today like Above The Rest Roofing And Siding and get the job done right the first time. We offer free thorough inspections and cost estimates to the entire state of Connecticut. We have ample experience working in cold temperatures and creating a safe work zone on your property.