Is it Too Late to Get a New Roof This Year?

Winter is a time when many homeowners notice an issue with their current roof. Perhaps they knew they were in need of a home roof replacement and hoped they could make it through one more winter. Maybe they didn’t know their roof was in need of repair. But no matter the reason, it can be unsettling to realize that you need to replace your roof in the middle of winter. You may wonder if it’s even possible. In fact, you can replace your roof, no matter what the season, and it is not too late to get a new roof this year, provided you are smart in how you go about it and hire the right roofing contractor.

An old american house in winter. Snow covered.

Advantages of Getting a Home Roof Replacement in Winter

If you need a new roof, there are advantages to having your home roof replacement in the winter. Most likely, if you have your home roof replacement in the winter, it is because there is a problem that should not be ignored until spring. Scheduling a home roof replacement for winter is definitely the smarter choice than risking a winter of ice and snow on a roof in need of replacement, where inclement weather will almost certainly cause additional damage. Waiting for spring with a damaged roof can cause water and structural damage to your home.

In addition, because most roof contractors are not busy during the winter, you may be able to get the best price because the roof contractor will be glad to have work. They will be able to work with your schedule and make you a priority.

Challenges of Getting a Home Roof Replacement in Winter

In a perfect world, all roof shingles would be installed when the exterior temperature is between 40 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Higher and lower temperatures can cause problems. In the winter, the biggest issue is that installing shingles in weather that is too cold can cause the shingles to crack and break. In addition, when the temperature drops, the adhesive on the shingles may have difficulty sticking. Your roofing contractor may watch the forecast and try to schedule your roof replacement for a stretch of days when the temperature will be in the right range. Finally, winter can be a more dangerous time for a crew to be on your roof. They will need to clear any ice and snow and may have to slow down due to slippery conditions.

Finding the Right Roof Contractor

When you find the right roof contractor, you will, most likely, be able to have a successful home roof replacement, even during the winter. A good roof contractor will:

  •   Watch the temperature, looking for the best window of opportunity for your home roof replacement.
  •   Keep the shingles warm by storing them in a heated garage or warehouse before bringing them to your property for installation.
  •   Use the proper technique for sealing shingles. In the winter, your roofing contractor may choose to hand seal the shingles with a roofing cement.
  •   Ensure that they are protecting their crew with proper installation and safety techniques. Your contractor will make a day to day determination as to whether or not it is safe for a crew to be on your roof.

If you know your home is in need of a new roof, don’t delay. It is not too late for a home roof replacement. Installing a new roof during the winter certainly has its challenges, but you can prevent further damage and make sure that your home is safe and secure for years to come. If you suspect your roof is in need of repair or replacement, don’t hesitate to contact All-Nu Construction for an evaluation.