What’s the best time of year to replace your roof?

Considering a roof replacement? You will need to contemplate what type of roofing is best for your home, including material, style and color. Next, you’ll need to determine which contractor will do the job. Once the professionals are chosen, they will likely give you even more options for the detail work like flashings, gutter replacement and more. Finally, you need to consider what the best timing is for replacing a roof in your climate.

When is the prime time of year to replace your roof? The answer depends on the geographical region of your home, the weather swings during various months and the contractor’s availability.

Here are some things to consider to you determine the best time of year to replace your roof.

WHERE DO YOU LIVE?

Does your region have four distinct seasons? If so, there will be more factors to consider. If your climate is warmer year-round the options will be broader. Many roofing contractors say that spring and fall are the ideal seasons for roof replacement, however there are several things to consider.

IS SPRING THE TIME TO REPLACE YOUR ROOF?

Many contractors will say yes, however if you live in an area that has late cold snaps, hail storms and spring wind storms, the answer may be more complicated.

Roof installation success relies on moderate temperatures – too cold outside and your asphalt shingles could crack, too hot and the shingles have the potential to warp. Depending on your location, spring weather may fall into that sweet spot of not too hot nor too cold. In many areas, humidity may be relatively low compared to other seasons.

Another bonus is that roofers may have a more available schedules during the spring than in fall, when many homeowners are hurrying to get roofing jobs completed before winter. Depending on temperature ranges, winter may be the worst time to replace your roof.

Depending on your climate, you may be able to replace your roof in the winter. In fact, there are benefits to choosing this time of year. Demand tends to decline during the winter months, so roofing contractors may adjust their bids to fit the slower workloads.

Colder temperatures can make asphalt shingles (and other materials) very brittle, which makes them vulnerable to cracks. While most roofing contractors agree that the best temperature range for roofing replacement is around 70 to 80 degrees, it is still considered good practice to install into the 50s and 60s. Any temperature below 40 degrees is too chilly. In fact, some manufacturers will deny warranty claims if a roof was installed when temperatures were 40°F or below. Winter installations also can be tricky during cold weather due to slippery conditions. The shorter winter days can also mean the job will take longer to complete.

SO, IS SUMMER THE BEST TIME?

Summer is oftentimes one of the busier times of year for roofing companies. If you plan ahead and get scheduled for a summer installation in advance, there should be no problem … as long as the weather is favorable. Remember that installation stalls when it’s raining, something you’ll need to factor in if you live in a wet climate.

You should also plan on a time when the temperature is less than around 85 degrees for the best weather to install that new roof. Here’s what your professional installer will tell you. If temperatures are exceptionally warm, their concerns will be:

• Asphalt shingles in warm conditions – As asphalt shingles absorb heat, they may warp causing an uneven roof installation that can rapidly deteriorate, allowing for potential roofing leaks.
• Adhesive in warm conditions – Heat can melt the adhesive on the back of a shingle, which weakens the integrity of your roof. If this is the case, your shingles may disintegrate within a few months.
• Installation in warm conditions – Since shingles absorb heat, this creates a very hot work environment for installers and the work day will be shorter than normal. The overall time it takes for your roof installation will vary accordingly.

AUTUMN IS BUSIEST … IS IT THE BEST?

Many roofing contractors will tell you that fall is the perfect time of year to replace your roof. The only problem is that everyone is scheduling a roof replacement in the fall while the weather tends to be nice and the humidity fairly low. With this in mind, fall tends to be the busiest season of the year for roofing installers.

In addition, many people wait until the last minute to schedule a roof replacement and are trying to get it taken care of well before the snow flies. If you’re calling contractors in September to schedule a roof replacement before it gets chilly… best of luck! There is a good chance that you will struggle to find a competent contractor who can complete the job within your timeframe.

Remember, choosing the right roofing installer is critical, while you may think about opting for a contractor with less experience or one who is offering cheaper rates, keep in mind that you get what you pay for. Don’t choose a contractor based on the fact that “it’s your only option.” A contractor who doesn’t do high-quality work will only leave you scrambling to find a replacement. Hiring a roofing contractor with a reputation for quality workmanship is the only way to guarantee your roof will provide the longevity you want through the seasons.

What if my roof is damaged during a “less than optimal” time of year?

Unless something catastrophic occurs that completely destroys your roof, most problems can be fixed on a temporary basis with just the repairs required to save your home from additional damage. While some seasons are better for installing or replacing a roof, it’s not always advisable to wait. Many situations, including missing shingles, a leaking roof, or damaged flashing, call for immediate attention. If you truly require a total roof replacement, you may be able to schedule that at a later date when the weather is less problematic.