Hot Take Tuesday: Fall & Winter Roof Replacements

Welcome to Hot Take Tuesday, where your endearing host, Cassie Findley, gives you the hot takes on roofing materials, brands, and manufacturers every week. She works to provide her dear readers with a quick tell-all on the current roofing trends, types, and technologies, without all of that cold & clinical copy. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy!

When it comes to roofing, timing is everything. Most homeowners don’t realize that the time of year they choose for a roof replacement can significantly impact the process, cost, and even the longevity of the roof itself. While fall and winter might seem convenient, especially if you notice leaks or damage after heavy rains or snow, they’re often not the ideal seasons for a roof replacement. That being said, let's break down why fall and winter are less than optimal for roof replacements and what you should consider before scheduling your next project.

Weather Conditions Slow Down the Process

Roofing work is highly dependent on weather. In fall, while the temperatures are often cooler and more comfortable for roofers, there’s an increased chance of rain. Rain can cause work delays, potentially extending the project timeline significantly. Roof replacements are best completed when the weather is dry to ensure proper sealing and adhesion of materials, especially when installing shingles.

Winter, on the other hand, presents even more challenges. The cold weather can affect the materials used in roofing, particularly asphalt shingles, which can become brittle and difficult to work with. When temperatures dip below freezing, shingles can crack, and adhesives won’t set correctly, which can compromise the overall quality of your roof.

In short: Weather-related delays in fall and winter can stretch out a roof replacement project, leading to more disruption and potential costs.

Materials Don’t Perform as Well in Cold Weather

Did you know that roofing materials are designed to be installed in specific temperature ranges? Asphalt shingles, the most commonly used roofing material, require temperatures of at least 40°F for proper installation. In colder weather, they become stiff and less pliable, making them difficult to handle and prone to cracking. The adhesive strips on the shingles also need heat to activate and bond correctly, which isn’t possible in freezing temperatures.

In contrast, during warmer months, materials can be installed more efficiently and perform better, ensuring a stronger, longer-lasting roof. If you decide to replace your roof in the winter, you may need to wait for several warm, sunny days for the materials to bond and cure properly, which is not always predictable.

In short: Cold weather can hinder the performance of roofing materials, reducing the quality of your roof replacement.

Safety Risks Increase

Roofers face greater safety risks when working in adverse conditions, such as icy roofs, snow, or freezing temperatures. Slippery surfaces increase the likelihood of accidents, and cold temperatures can lead to hypothermia or frostbite if precautions aren’t taken. The last thing you want is for workers to rush through the job to avoid these risks, potentially compromising the quality of the installation.

Choosing to replace your roof in the fall or winter puts additional pressure on the crew to work under more challenging conditions. This not only increases safety concerns but can also result in a rushed job with mistakes that can shorten the lifespan of your new roof.

In short: Icy and slippery roofs increase safety risks, which can lead to rushed or improper installations.

Shorter Days = Less Work Time

In the fall and winter, the days are shorter, which means roofing crews have less daylight to work with. Most roofing contractors won’t work after dark for safety and quality reasons, so they may only be able to work for a limited time each day. This reduced schedule can extend the project timeline, disrupting your home life for longer than expected.

During the spring and summer, contractors have more daylight hours to complete the work, which allows for faster turnaround times on roof replacements. Projects that could be finished in a few days during the warmer months might drag on for a week or more in the winter.

In short: Shorter days in fall and winter limit the amount of time roofers can spend working, which can prolong your project.

Costs Could Be Higher Due to Increased Labor

Because of the additional challenges that come with roof replacements in the fall and winter, you may find that the labor costs are higher during these seasons. Roofing contractors might charge more due to the extra time, effort, and precautions required to complete the job safely and effectively. Additionally, if weather-related delays occur, those extra hours can add up quickly, leading to higher labor costs.

In contrast, scheduling a roof replacement in the spring or summer often leads to faster project times, more favorable working conditions, and, potentially, lower labor costs.

In short: Replacing your roof in the colder months can drive up labor costs due to the increased difficulty and time required.

Best Seasons for Roof Replacements: Spring & Summer

While fall and winter aren’t the best times for roof replacements, spring and summer are ideal. In the spring, the weather is generally mild and consistent, allowing for a smoother, quicker installation process. Summer provides longer days and warm temperatures, which help roofing materials adhere properly and ensure the installation is done efficiently.

Additionally, scheduling your roof replacement in the spring or early summer allows you to avoid the busy fall season when many homeowners rush to get repairs done before winter sets in. This could give you more flexibility in scheduling and possibly even lead to better pricing.

Final Thoughts

While it may be tempting to replace your roof during the fall or winter, the risks and challenges associated with these seasons often outweigh the benefits. From weather delays and material performance issues to increased safety risks and higher costs, it’s clear that spring and summer are better suited for roof replacements.

By scheduling your roof replacement in the warmer months, you’ll not only ensure a smoother process but also improve the quality and longevity of your roof. So if your roof is due for a replacement, consider holding off until the weather is more favorable - your home, your roofers, and your wallet will thank you!

Remember: If your roof needs servicing or replacing, never hesitate to contact a professional roofer. Regardless of the season, if your roof needs help, always give your local roofing contractor a call to discuss what can be done