Truth be told, the best time of year to replace your roof is whenever you’ve been able to adequately plan for it. Acting under pressure from a leaking roof or a gaping hole can push people to make rash decisions that they’ll regret later. Not to mention that depending on the time of year, scheduling a replacement could take weeks if your roofing contractor is busy.
When it comes to roofing, busy season usually falls between late summer and fall, but that doesn’t mean that the other parts of the year are better or worse for getting your roof replaced. U.S. News & World Report does suggest avoiding seasons known for bad weather, which may change depending on your climate, so it’s worth taking a look at all the times of year that you could replace your roof and decide which is best for your needs.
What time of year is best to replace a roof?
Spring
As winter fades away and takes the cold weather with it, many homeowners start thinking about all of the home improvement projects they can tackle now that it’s enjoyable to be outside again. And if they’re experiencing leaks, drafts or cave-ins thanks to harsh winter weather, it’s also the time of year many homeowners start thinking about replacing their roofs.
Winter can be too cold, summer can be too hot and fall can be too busy, so for most areas of the U.S., spring is the best time of year to get your roof replaced. Asphalt shingles in particular need time to adhere to your roof and create the sealing that keeps them in place, which can’t happen in temperatures below 45°F. This makes spring an ideal time to consider a roof replacement.
The only downside to replacing your roof in the spring is that the weather can be a little unpredictable. Rain interrupting your install can result in some delays, but good roofers know how to accommodate for the changing weather and often come prepared with backup plans if the sky decides to open up. If you can plan ahead to avoid the weather, you don’t have to let spring storms rain on your parade (or install).
Summer
For most roofing contractors, summer through fall is the busiest time of year. The weather is typically consistent and warm enough to allow all tools and materials to function, making it a time when most people book their roof replacements. Late spring to early summer is often marked as one of the best times of year to replace a roof since, in most climates, the rain has stopped and the extreme heat and humidity of late summer haven’t set in yet.
One downside to this optimal time, however, is that there are a lot of people trying to schedule roof replacements at once. This means that prices go up and time slots become very limited. Roofing contractors will work with you to schedule the best time to come do your roof, but due to the significant increase in appointments during this time, it may be a while before they’re able to get to your house.
If your project gets pushed too far back into the summer season, you may end up having to install your roof during the dog days of extreme heat and humidity. Not only does this type of weather have an effect on the working conditions and hours your installers can reasonably work, but it can also affect the roofing materials themselves.
Extreme heat can start to melt asphalt shingles, making them less durable during installation and more prone to getting scuffed and damaged.
Fall
A basic Google search will tell you that fall is the best time of year for roof replacements. The combination of cool, stable weather and the onset of winter leads most homeowners to start thinking about how their homes will be affected by the upcoming cold, snow and sleet — which is why fall is one of the busiest seasons for roof replacements.
Since the temperatures average between 45°F and 85°F with little threat of unpredictable rain, fall is typically one of the best times of year for shingles to set and seal. With the overall cooler temperatures, roofers are also able to work longer days without getting overheated, helping your project get finished faster.
But replacing your roof in the fall can have some drawbacks. Since so many people are often vying for the same appointment slots for their roof replacements, it can be weeks or longer between when you sign your contract to when you get your new roof. Roofing contractors will also often tackle the most needed roof replacements first, possibly pushing your roof replacement into the beginning of winter depending on your roof’s condition.
For these reasons, Devon Thorsby, a real estate editor for U.S. News & World Report, advises that if you hope to replace your roof in the fall, it’s wise to plan a month or two in advance so you’re prepared for any delay that may arise.
Winter
Winter can be a difficult season for roofing contractors to complete roof replacements. If winter is when your schedule allows for a roof replacement, or a sudden emergency forces your hand, it’s important to try and plan ahead as much as you can.
Replacing a roof becomes problematic when temperatures drop below 40°F. Shingles need thermal sealing in order to set, and while this process can happen quickly in warmer temperatures, it could take days or weeks in colder temperatures. If shingles get too cold, they can also crack or break during your install. Plus, snow, sleet and other winter weather can make it extremely unsafe for workers to complete an install.
Fortunately, it is still possible to replace your roof in the winter as long as your roofing contractor knows what they’re doing and everyone’s schedule is accommodating to any changes in weather. When shingles are properly stored in a warm environment and are quickly applied with specialized tools, they can seal just as well as shingles applied in the spring or summer. Another benefit to winter roof replacements is that there’s a decrease in the amount of work that roofers are able to book, which means you may be able to snag a good deal.
Any reputable contractor can guarantee the quality of their work regardless of the weather, so replacing your roof in the winter may be the best option for you if you want schedule flexibility.
Call Five Points Roofing today and we can help with any other questions you may have: (615) 794-4001
