Roof Replacement in Winter: Is It a Good Idea?
Replacing your roof in winter can sometimes be a good idea, while other times it may be a bad idea. In this post, we’ll be going over the ins and outs of whether or not it’s a good idea to replace your roof in winter and how we at American Remodeling can be of assistance with your winter roof replacement. Read on to learn more about how factors such as snow, ice, high winds, and more may affect your winter roof installation and discover how our team of roofing experts has truly seen it all and is more than willing to help you with your roofing project, even in the heart of winter.
Understanding the Challenges of Winter Roof Replacement:
Weather Conditions:
- Temperature: If the temperatures are low enough, asphalt shingles may become too brittle and crack. It’s important to always double check roofing shingles prior to installation to ensure they’re of the right quality.
- Snow and Ice: Snow and ice is a winter weather hazard no matter what you’re doing. Whether you’re driving, walking, running, etc… Snow and ice could be detrimental to your wellbeing. Now, take that same concept and apply it to walking on a slippery, icy roof. It can be quite dangerous if you’re not experienced in working in these conditions.
Installation Complications:
- Sealant Issues: Asphalt shingles in particular need to be sealed with a thermal bond to ensure proper application. This can be somewhat difficult to achieve in colder temperatures. It takes extra time to ensure the job is done right the first time.
- Worker Safety: As mentioned above, ice and snow can create uniquely dangerous conditions for workers. It’s important to always be harnessed when working on a roof, especially during wintry conditions. Roofers will often take their time to ensure worker safety is held, and this may cause the project to take longer to complete. At the end of the day, it’s all about safe conditions for everyone involved.
Material Handling:
- Storage and Flexibility: Shingles may need to be stored in a heated area to prevent brittling of the materials. Once they’re ready to be applied to the roof, they can then be transported to the job site. This helps ensure a quality final product.
Benefits of Winter Roof Replacement:
Urgency and Necessity:
- In some cases, delaying roof replacement until warmer months is not an option, especially if the roof is severely damaged or leaking. Winter installation can prevent further interior damage from water leaks, which could lead to more complex, expensive repairs. In certain cases, there may be an emergency need to replace the roof. While this is not the ideal situation, it can be much worse if you choose to ignore your roof replacement until spring.
Contractor Availability:
- You may find the availability of roofing contractors to be plentiful, as winter tends to be a slower season. This could potentially lead to more flexibility in scheduling and an overall positive experience compared to the summer rush.
Preparation for Spring:
- Having your roof replaced in the winter can be a great way to enter into spring. It’s certainly a proactive approach to ensure your roof is ready for not only spring, but also summer.
Considerations for Successful Winter Roof Replacement:
Choosing the Right Contractor:
- Selecting the right contractor is crucial for your roof replacement in winter. You’ll want to ensure they have the right level of experience and expertise working in the winter months. It’s best to ask them for examples of roofing projects they’ve completed in the winter months.
Material Selection:
- Choosing materials which can be successfully installed in winter months will help the installation process be that much more successful. Several modern roofing materials have incorporated weather-proofing which allows them to withstand frigid temperatures and still be pliable.
Timing and Weather Forecasts:
- Replacing a roof in winter can pose other challenges in the form of an ever evolving weather pattern. There could be a blizzard which appears out of nowhere, causing a halt to the roofing project. There could be high levels of sleet and mixed precipitation which requires a pause on the roofing job. A whole host of delays could occur if there was a winter storm surge. These are the potential possibilities which could happen when replacing a roof during the winter. Choosing a roofing contractor such as American Remodeling can help ensure you’re working with a company which has dealt with all of the above, and more.
Enhanced Safety Measures:
- Choosing safety first is always the right option. When it comes to worker safety and your home’s safety, we always go the extra mile to ensure everything is safe and sound when working on your roof. We want our roofers to be taken care of and we want your home to look and feel better than ever post roof installation.
Replacing a Roof in Winter Can Be Both Good & Bad, But Ultimately Necessary
Replacing a roof in the winter months is not always ideal, but it’s usually necessary. With our team of roofing experts working on your roofing project, you’ll find our attention to detail, our craftsmanship, and our dedication to customer service will go above and beyond anything you’ve experienced before when working with a roofing company. We hope you’ve found this post informative and should you have any questions, feel free to contact us and we’ll be sure to respond to your message as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
