Aside from repairing the foundation of your home, installing a new roof is about as major as it gets. While a new roof isn’t nearly as glamorous as a full kitchen remodel or updating your entertainment area, it is vastly more important. Your roof holds the home together, protects you from the elements, and keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summers. Making sure your roof is in the best possible condition takes time and routine maintenance. But even the most dutiful homeowner will eventually have to admit defeat and get their roof replaced at some point.
If repairs to your existing roof are starting to add up, and it makes more financial sense to just have an entirely new roof installed, what is the best time of the year to tackle such an undertaking? You may be surprised to find out that more and more homeowners are opting to replace their roofs during the winter.
Depending on where you live in the United States, winter can be an incredibly windy and icy season for you, or a rather wet one. Winter would typically be the time of the year that your roof would sustain the most damage, but that actually could make it an ideal time to make repairs.
THE ADVANTAGES TO WINTER ROOF REPAIR
AFFORDABILITY – Obviously, it isn’t ideal to peel back your existing roof when there is a blizzard heading your way. But if you play your cards right and plan accordingly, you could stand to save some money if you wait until the beginning or end of winter to install a new roof. Most roofers see a substantial influx of new business during the warmer months, so when winter nears, roofing companies drop their prices ahead of the off-season to make extra income before the snow hits. This is an excellent time to schedule your roof installation or roof repairs. You get to take advantage of lower prices, and you most likely will get better service because there are fewer roofing projects in the winter.
GUARANTEED PROTECTION – The winter weather is especially unforgiving when it comes to your roof. Freezing rain and heavy snow can really do some damage. But this also affords homeowners a unique opportunity to get their roof right and tight ahead of icy storms. By scheduling roof repairs or replacement during the winter you will know with certainty that your home will be prepared for whatever winter weather is headed your way.
TROUBLESHOOTING IS EASIER – One of the more costly mishaps that occurs when a new roof is installed is that they aren’t sealed up properly and small gaps or cracks allow for heat to escape. When you make repairs or install a new roof when it’s cold outside, you’ll be able to check if any heat is escaping and correct it in real-time. The same can be true for keeping your home cool in the summer. If your roof is properly sealed, you won’t spend as much money heating and cooling it as the seasons change.
PREPARED FOR SPRING SHOWERS – Everyone has heard the term ‘April showers’. In most of the country, Springtime brings rain. A winter torn roof could be susceptible to more leaks and pooling water, which could lead to even more severe damage like mold and rot. By installing a new roof in the winter, you’ll know your home is fully protected ahead of the rainy season. For those that are trying to sell their home, making sure the roof is in great shape during the winter means they can start showing their home at the start of Spring.
DISADVANTAGES TO ROOF REPLACEMENT IN THE WINTER
TAKES LONGER TO DRY – Because of the colder temperatures, any sealants that are used in laying new shingles will naturally take longer to dry. Any experienced roofer would take this into consideration when plotting out the estimated timeline of your roofing project. So while it may be less expensive to get your roof repaired or installed in the winter, it is likely to take longer.
SCHEDULING DIFFICULTY – Keep in mind that with the winter months comes the holidays as well. While roofers may have the free time, that doesn’t mean that your calendar isn’t bogged down with travel plans, guests flying in town and last-minute work obligations. If you want to be there to oversee your roofing project, you may want to block out a sizeable section of time and plan accordingly. Remember that it will likely take longer due to the colder temperatures.
EXTRA RISK FOR ROOFERS – Even on a sunny day in winter, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t melting snow or ice still present on the roof itself. The roofers assigned to your project may have to take extra safety precautions to ensure their safety. If bad weather decides to show up unexpectedly, they may have to postpone while it passes. Rest assured that your roofers will only take jobs they know they can complete, but plan for delays to work around weather patterns and safety concerns.
Regardless of what time of year you decide to repair your roof or install a new roof, it is important that you reach out to multiple companies for quotes and projected timelines. It’s your home, so make sure you select a roofer that is reliable and dedicated to giving you the best roofing service possible.
Window World Boston doesn’t just install windows and doors. We are one of the leading roofing and siding installation companies in Massachusetts as well. Get your roof inspected ahead of the winter season. We offer FREE in-home consultations. Call today: (781) 262-3925
