So, you’ve noticed your roof looking a bit shabby as of late. Or perhaps there’s a leak or two warning you that it’s time to consider roof replacement. Replacing your roof is a major home improvement that can make your house a safer place to live and increase the resale value if and when you decide to move. Unlike interior home renovations, however, one of the most important factors to consider is timing.
The time of year you replace your roof matters for many reasons. The right time can make the process move more smoothly or even save you a few dollars. The best season to replace your roof may vary a bit based on where you live, but in RoofAid USA’s service area, the timing is similar all around. This guide will help you understand why you may want to wait for a particular season to get started on major roofing projects and introduce you to other factors that can affect your project.
Factors that Affect the Timing of Roof Replacement
Choosing the best season to replace your roof is the broadest decision to make once you determine your roof is in need of some work. Even after you decide that, there are plenty of other factors to consider when considering tentative dates for construction. Let’s take a look at some of these year-round influences that affect when the best time is to replace your roof.
Climate and Weather
Weather and climate play a complex role in the replacement of your roof. Some weather conditions, like storms and heavy wind, can make roof replacement dangerous and impossible. Furthermore, many fixtures, like shingles, require precise conditions and temperatures to lay and adhere properly, so even if the weather is decent, it may affect the installation, and therefore the long-term integrity, of your roof.
Though you must anticipate climate patterns, there is, of course, no way to control them. Know that even if you schedule your roof installation in advance after having done plenty of research, there may be some delays due to weather conditions.
Contractor Availability
You can’t replace a roof without a contractor, so your roofer’s schedule is important to keep in mind. They may be scheduled out far in the future, so contact them with questions as soon as you know when you want to replace your roof. You may find conflicts in aligning your schedules during their busy season, so off-season replacement may be necessary. Though off-season roofing comes with its own challenges, you may get better pricing.
Homeowner’s Schedule
The homeowner’s schedule is the final piece of the puzzle. Aside from looking at the best time of year to replace your roof, you may have personal obligations like work, school, vacation, and other commitments that prevent you from getting a replacement during certain times. Though you don’t want to miss any of these important moments in life, try to find a balance between a good time of year and a good time for you to schedule a roof replacement.
The Best Times of Year for Roof Replacement
Those factors are ones you will have to consider regardless of the time of year, but that doesn’t bring you any closer to knowing which season offers the best time for roof replacement. Below are some considerations regarding different times of the year for roof work based on the advice of many well-known roofing companies, including our own.
Spring (March, April, May)
Mild temperatures and warming weather make spring an excellent choice for roof replacement. Without the overwhelming heat and humidity of summer, your roofers will be more comfortable working and their supplies will hold up better. The ideal conditions allow your roof to set well and get the seal it needs to be fortified.
Timing can be a bit of a concern when it comes to spring roof replacement. Early in the season, contractors may be busy with emergency fixes that come with bad winter weather, and as spring leads into summer, roofing teams may have many requests as their busy season approaches.
Summer (June, July, August)
Similarly to winter, the extreme temperatures of summer can create less-than-ideal conditions for roof work. Roofs, particularly dark roofs, absorb a lot of heat, making conditions up top sweltering for your roofing team. Despite this challenge, summer is the most popular season for roof replacement. The days are longer, allowing more work to get done throughout the day. Because there is such demand, though, you may face significantly higher prices than you would in the middle of winter.
One of the main arguments for roof replacement during this time is that the summer heat and sunlight can help shingles properly adhere to the roof. If you aim to make the most of this advantage, try to schedule your replacement as early on in the season as possible. This will keep things from getting too hot on your roofers and prevent humidity and storms alike from affecting your roof’s integrity.
Fall (September, October, November)
Most roofers agree, though, that the best time for roof replacement is during the fall. Autumn brings mild temperatures and lower humidity than the dog days of summer, and as contractors begin to wrap up summer projects, their availability may start opening up. Still, early fall is prime time for this work, and contractors may be busy splitting their time between new projects and finishing up last season’s busy time. Try to plan a few months in advance to ensure your project stays on track.
Like in the summer, you may face more fees for replacement in the fall due to current demand. Regardless, replacing your roof in September, October, or even November can give your roof the time it needs to seal before being exposed to wet winter weather. Then, as the holidays approach, you can appreciate them fully without thinking of the heavy snow gathering on your roof. You may even notice an improvement in energy efficiency as this durable system prevents heat from escaping outside!
Winter (December, January, February)
As with most outside activities, winter is the least favorable season to complete roof replacement. Certain shingles and fittings can only be installed in ideal weather conditions when the temperature is above freezing or even around 40 degrees and rising. Plus, rain, wind, snow and ice can cause delays in building, stretching out the work much longer than expected.
Winter is often considered a more affordable time to replace a roof, as it’s usually the slower season for roofing companies. Professionals might offer off-season discounts due to lower demand, and there’s generally more scheduling flexibility. Thus, winter can be a cost-effective option for roof replacement, especially if the winter is expected to be mild.
When Should You Replace Your Roof?
Many experts suggest fall as an optimal time to replace a roof, as the climatic conditions are often advantageous for the process. Temperatures are usually milder and humidity lesser, aiding in the roofing process. Additionally, the fall season could allow for the new roof to seal before winter’s arrival, potentially enhancing energy efficiency.
Spring could serve as a good alternative, making use of warming weather and moderate conditions. Arranging the task early might help avoid the late spring rush of contractors.
Summer might be challenging due to potential high temperatures yet is often chosen due to the extended daylight hours.
Replacing a roof in winter might present challenges due to temperature and other environmental factors, but it could also provide advantages such as potential off-season pricing and scheduling convenience.
Find Year-Round Roof Assistance at RoofAid USA
Whatever time you decide to replace your roof, make sure you’ve taken all these ideas into consideration so you can be prepared for any challenges that may come your way. When you’ve made your decision, contact your roofing team right away to secure your time and lay down a schedule.
RoofAid USA is ready to take on any commercial or residential roofing project whenever the weather permits. As a family-owned business, we care about the communities we serve. Request a quote today and let us prove our commitment to your home’s well-being.
