“Can I have my roof installed during the winter?”
People often ask us which is the best time of year to replace their roof. And when we tell them that we don’t recommend having it done in colder weather, they often assume that it’s simply because in winter it would simply be too cold to remove some of their home’s weather protection or that it’s just too cold for us, as roofing contractors, to be up on the roof in the winter. But that isn’t why is it not a good idea to install roofs when it’s too cold outside.
The simple answer is: the shingles need to seal.
Roof Installation During Warmer Weather
When you have a new roof installed in warmer weather, the sun’s warmth seals the new shingles. If the temperature is below 50 degrees, it is much more likely that the shingles will not set properly. It’s possible to install a new roof all the way down to temperatures of 40 degrees, but it is really much better to wait until the sun is out and warming everything up.
If the shingles themselves are cold, it is also possible that they could crack when they are nailed in. A cracked shingle is a leaky shingle, and none of us want that. That’s a recipe for a sooner-than-wanted visit from your friendly neighborhood roofer.
It’s also not a great idea to install new shingles when it’s windy outside, and cold weather and windy weather often to go together. The wind will wreak havoc on shingles as well.
Ideally, we like to wait until we will have had a few days of consistently warm temperatures before beginning a roof repair or installation. That ensures that the roof’s subsurface has warmed up sufficiently, so a single day or two after a cold snap is also a less than ideal scenario for the installation of a new roof.
Plan Ahead for Roof Repair Season
So, if your home is in need of a non-urgent roof repair or replacement, it’s best to plan ahead for spring, summer, or early fall. (Obviously, in a roofing emergency, we can repair or replace your roof any time of year.) It’s also good to know that although roof repair is seasonal, many home exterior repairs and maintenance can be done year-round: our Milford based roofing and siding company does window installations, gutter work, all variety of siding installation and maintenance, and many other jobs that we can take on when the weather is less warm.
Whether or not it is cold out today, you can call us at 513-444-6098 to start planning your roof repair or replacement, for more information, and to set up a thorough, professional estimate.