What Time of Year is Best to Replace a Roof?

What Time of Year is Best to Replace a Roof? While most homeowners know that it’s always best to plan for a roof repair or replacement when it’s cold outside and there’s no rain in the forecast, that doesn’t mean their roofs automatically get an off-season pass. The fact is, depending on the season and type of roof you have, now may be the best time to schedule some maintenance so that you don’t have to worry about a leak later.

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. If you wait until winter, it may be too late to find a company that can come out and replace your roof before the next season’s thaws arrive.

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

As winter fades away and takes the cold weather with it, many homeowners start thinking about all the home improvement projects they can tackle now that it’s enjoyable to be outside again.  With spring sitting right around the corner, they may be itching to get started on projects that will improve the exterior of their home.

And if they’re experiencing leaks, drafts or cave-ins, it’s also the time of year many homeowners are beginning to think about replacing their roofs after years of exposure to harsh winter weather.

The best time to replace your roof is in the spring, when the temperatures aren’t yet too hot and the roof won’t begin to self-destruct. 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.

In colder months, when the temperature drops below 45°F for extended periods of time, asphalt shingles tend to deteriorate much faster. This is because as the temperature drops, the oils in the shingle become volatile and begin to deteriorate. Over time, this process can cause the shingles to delaminate and even separate from the roofing tar underneath.

 Summer’s high temperatures can accelerate the aging process significantly. High temperatures encourage the growth of mold and bacteria that can break down a roof’s asphalt shingle adhesive, causing it to deteriorate. This leads to leaks, which can cause major damage to your home.

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).

For roofers, the summer and fall months represent a peak period for business as people try to get their homes ready for winter and spring. 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.

While summer is the most popular time for roof repair, this season does have its downsides. For one thing, 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 high demand for roofing repairs, it may be difficult to get an appointment with a licensed contractor .

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.

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 today’s home improvement trend is towards roof replacements that take place in the fall when the weather is most cooperative.

While fall may not be the peak season for construction activity, there are many reasons why it may be one of your better times for a roof repair or replacement. The weather is typically more cooperative than during spring or summer months. Temperatures average between 45°F and 85°F, which means that shingles typically set and seal quicker, improving overall durability of your new roof. And since there’s less sun during the day and cooler temperatures at night, workers can work longer days without getting overheated, helping your project get finished faster.

However, replacing your roof in the fall can have some drawbacks. Because of the high demand for roofing work during the winter months, you may have a longer wait time than you want. In addition to a longer wait time, your roofing contractor may choose to work on major projects first. These can include repairs that need immediate attention such as leaks, damaged shakes or shingles, and missing/loose tiles, 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 can be a difficult season for roofing contractors to complete roof replacements. It’s nearly impossible to engage in roofing work during the winter months without an over abundance of caution when it comes to safety and health concerns. Safety is a top priority for contractors who engage in roofing projects in cold climates. As the temperature drops, contractors will need extra efforts to ensure their projects stay on time and within budget. One should always remain vigilant in ensuring safety conditions are met at all times. 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.

But is it possible to replace your roof in the winter? The answer is yes as long as your roofing contractor knows what they’re doing and everyone’s schedule is accommodating to any changes in weather. 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.

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. And since there’s a decrease in the amount of work that roofers are able to book, you may be able to snag a good deal.

A new roof is one of the most important investments you’ll make in your home. When it’s time for your roof to be replaced, allow us to help protect what you love most about your home from the elements.

With Long Roofing, you’ll get the highest quality roof no matter the time of year. Our expert installers know the tricks of the trade to work with the weather and make your last for years to come. Contact Lenox Roofing Solutions at 843-839-2445 or to request an estimate for your replacement roof today in Myrtle Beach, SC.