Should You Schedule Your Roofing During Winter Season?
- 271 Views
- Ryan Reynolds
- May 31, 2023
- Real Estate
Generally speaking, spring through summer is peak roofing season. Hence, if you are looking to have your roof replaced or repaired, chances are you will face a wait time for the project to start.
However, what most homeowners don’t realize is that there is another option! Roofing contractors can also work on your roof during winter.
Weather Conditions
Roofing during the winter can be challenging due to weather conditions. Strong winter winds can loosen, break, or blow shingles off your roof, creating a need to replace them.
Clogged gutters that are full of leaves and debris can cause water to back up onto your roof during heavy snowfalls, causing leaks and other damage to the structure of your home. It is also important to trim tree limbs that hang over your roof during the winter. Heavy branches can fall on your roof, causing broken shingles and other damage.
Working in harsh temperatures can lead to fatigue, which can make the job more difficult. Ensure that workers are wearing appropriate clothing for cold temperatures and drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated. This will help prevent dehydration, hypothermia, and frostbite. Additionally, ice and snow can create slippery surfaces that can be dangerous to workers. This can lead to injuries and costly mistakes. It is a good idea to invest in ice and snow guards to protect your roof during winter storms.
Weather Forecasts
As summer winds down and the temperatures cool, many homeowners decide to start working on home improvement projects before winter. For some, replacing a roof is on the list.
While fall is a popular time for roofing replacement, the demand is high and scheduling can be difficult. It may also be more expensive than other times of the year.
Winter is a less popular season for roofing, so you can expect more flexibility with appointment times. However, it’s important to work with a reliable roofing contractor who will make responsible decisions about scheduling. This is especially true in areas that experience winter weather, like New York. Colder temperatures and snow can delay or halt projects, and cause damage to materials. This can void the manufacturer’s warranty on your roofing materials. Also, winter adds extra hazards to roofing work, such as slippery wet leaves and ice, and windy conditions that can blow debris off the roof.
Time of Year
Roofing contractors are usually busy during the spring and summer seasons when homeowners want to replace or repair their roofs before winter. They may also be busy after a strong storm or hurricane season.
Because of this, a homeowner can have a longer wait time between scheduling an estimate appointment and actually getting the roof work done. This can drive up unnecessary stress levels, raise blood pressure, decrease libido and lower overall life satisfaction.
When the weather is clear, a roofing contractor can work quickly. They will still need to clear off anything that could be a hazard, such as patio furniture or outdoor decorations, but they can work efficiently and comfortably. Also, it’s a good idea to flag where sprinkler heads are located in the attic so they don’t get run over by equipment or otherwise damaged. It’s important to cover any items stored in the attic as well so they don’t get covered in dust during the roofing process.
Cost
If you have an old or damaged roof, it’s important to get it replaced as soon as possible. This will prevent your home from losing too much heat, which could lead to higher heating bills in the future. It will also keep cold air out of your home, which will help save on energy costs.
Roofing contractors are usually not as busy during the winter season, and because of this, they tend to lower their prices. In addition, materials for a roof replacement are also often less expensive in the winter.
In the spring, there is a bit of a construction rush as homeowners catch up on their bills and file tax refund checks. However, this is still a good time to have your roof repaired or replaced as temperatures aren’t too hot and the summer storm season hasn’t yet begun. It will also be easier to schedule a job as you won’t be competing with many other homeowners for the contractor’s attention.