Which Season Is Best For Roof Replacement?
A roof is an elementary component of any structure and helps protect the interior from flying debris from strong winds, rain, hail, or dust. With time, the roof quality can degrade, and after numerous repairs, you may end up facing the decision to replace it. While you should never put off any roof repairs or replacement projects, most people tend to wait out for the snow or monsoon season to clear (or about to start) before calling up a roofing contractor to discuss roof replacement. The most common question we receive when it comes to roof replacement is “Which season is best for roof replacement?” or “When should you schedule a roof replacement.” We aim to clear this confusion for good from this article by listing out the ‘pros and cons’ of roof replacement in every season.
Winter (December, January, February)
The time of the year when every house (with sloping roofs at least) is covered in a picturesque layer of snow. This is a season when most homeowners detect the cracks in their roofs due to the increasing energy bills to keep their homes warm enough. There is snow, ice, and cold winds blowing that bring specific challenges but roof replacements are possible during winters. Winters are generally off-season time for roofing contractors, you can get quicker appointments for roof replacements.
Looking at the disadvantages, unless the weather conditions are favorable, roof replacements are quite painful. Asphalt shingles are difficult to cut in a cold environment and become more rigid. When forcefully nailed, they can crack or break easily. The workaround is keeping the shingles in a warm environment and quickly applying them to make sure the seal is strong. Moreover, the cold can form sleet that can be an occupational hazard for those working on the installation.
Pros
Quicker Replacement Appointment
Cons
Heavily reliant on weather condition
A cold environment can damage the shingle during installation
Sleet formation can be hazardous
Longer project completion due to fewer daylight hours
Spring (March, April, May)
Spring is the time when all the snow has melted and the weather is enjoyable for taking up DIY projects. Roofs damaged by the harsh cold of Cincinnati roofing contractors are mostly repaired in this season. Owing to the pleasant atmosphere & lower humidity, as you transition from chilly winters to sweltering summer heat, roof replacements in spring can be done easily. Compared to winter, the asphalt strips don’t take much time to set and creates a seamless sealing. Business gradually picks up in spring, but you won’t be struggling to get an appointment from your roofing contractor.
Rains during the spring season are as unexpected as they can get and can push back schedules or hold off work altogether. For contractors with extensive experience, they can accommodate the roof replacement projects according to the changing weather and prepared beforehand to tackle any hindrance.
Pros
Ideal temperature owing to low humidity
Easier appointments due to off-season
Roof replacements won’t take as long as during winter
Cons
Unpredictable rains may cause delays
Summer (June, July, August)
Summers in Cincinnati can go up to 93oF and the start of summer is when roof replacement inquiries start pouring in. Since, the humidity has not yet begun to set in during early June, getting appointments then might be a hassle as there would be a lot of people looking to schedule theirs. This can drive up the cost of roof replacement as the material cost will increase with the demand. When pushed too far, the roof replacement may end up happening during the peak heat. This not only causes dehydration and fatigue in the workers so the number of time workers spends every day would be less which would lengthen the overall work duration.
The heat also affects the structural integrity of the roofing materials. The shingles may expand from the heat and shrink back during colder temperatures leading to openings in your roof later on. Moreover, the heat can lengthen the time taken by the asphalt strips to set.
Pros
Appointments in June are hassle-free work
Cons
Sweltering heat takes a toll on the body as well as the roofing material
Long waiting or delayed appointments due to high demand
Costs might increase from demand
Increased project completion time
Fall (September, October, November)
A combination of the right weather conditions, fewer temperature fluctuations, and upcoming winter is the most ideal condition for roof replacement. There is ample daylight time without the taxing humidity and since there is no chance of rain, work can go on for a longer duration which means the overall project completion would be quicker. The mild temperature range of 45F and 85F is neither too hot nor too cold and this won’t affect the roofing material quality. Since this is the last chance to replace your roof (unless you plan to do so in winter) roofing contractors are flooded with work during this time. In fact, some summer jobs can also extend to the fall.
Pros
Ideal weather condition
Mild temperature means quicker project completion
No effect of weather on material
Cons
Too long waiting period
Wrapping Up
While roof replacements can be done all year round, early summer or fall season are the best time to avail of them. Yet, it is greatly advised that unless you need emergency roof repair services, plan at least 1-2 months in advance. This way, you book the spot with the right contractor for the most affordable rates.