Winter weather can be tough on a home’s exterior, especially a home’s roof. The freezing and thawing cycle can cause water to infiltrate the materials underlying shingles and make its way into attics and ceilings inside a home, causing significant and costly damage. If you find yourself in the position where you need a new roof once winter has set in, it is possible to install a new roof in cold weather but there are advantages and disadvantages to doing so.
A new roof installation or roof replacement is almost always an option throughout the year.
Advantages of Winter Roof Installation
The fact that not many people install new roofs in the winter works to a homeowner’s advantage. If your roofing contractor works through the winter your project may get done a lot sooner than when jobs are piling up in the late spring and summer.1
Also, some roofing contractors offer significant discounts to homeowner installing roofs in winter because they want to keep their crews working. Because installing a new roof in winter is more difficult, it is important to hire a professional roofing contractor that has experience in cold weather roof installations and repairs.
Winter roof installations and repairs are not a job for the do-it-yourselfer.
Another major advantage of a winter roof installation involves apparent damage. If you have water intrusion into your home, waiting until spring can add considerable repair costs. Wood, insulation and ceiling materials inside the home may have to be replaced and mold mitigated.
Disadvantages of Winter Roof Installation
Manufacturers recommend that shingles be installed in temperatures above 40 to 45 degrees and no higher than 85 degrees, so winter roofing installations pose challenges.2 Asphalt shingles, the most common shingle, generally have a self-sealing strip of adhesive on them so they stick together. When it is extremely cold out, the adhesive doesn’t adhere as well, but a few sunny days can heat the roof enough to make the adhesions work.3
The roofing crew also has the option of hand sealing the shingles with roofing cement. Storing roofing materials in a warm and dry place prior to installation can also make winter roof installations go more smoothly. Roofers often use air compressors and nail guns to improve the quality and speed of roofing projects, but cold weather can impact the performance of these tools.
In some cases, winter roofers may have to resort to using hammers, which will add more time, and often cost, to the project.
Ice and snow are a problem for winter roofers, not only because roofing materials are more brittle and prone to damage from contractors walking on them, but also because of the safety aspect for workers. Your job also may not be completed as fast in the winter because workers need more breaks to warm up in harsh winter conditions.
Keeping a close eye on the condition of your roof will help you avoid having to get a roof installed in the winter. If you are unsure of the condition of your roof, it is best to call in a roofing professional and get their advice on whether it is advisable to do the job in the winter or wait until warmer weather. Fall is actually the optimal season for installing a roof as the weather is best for shingles to set and seal effectively before winter.4 Late spring and early summer are also good times to install a new roof.
Residential Roof Installation Near You
If you live in Michigan, you know what to expect once winter hits and making sure your roof is sound and secure means both the inside and outside of your home will fare well. At Level Up Improvement in Dearborn, our roofing services will exceed your expectations. Offering exclusive warranties, partnerships, and a Certainteed Select Certified status means you are getting more than a roof. Your roof will be secure and reliable, built and installed to last decades.
Our expertise extends beyond roofing. We specialize in insulation installation, siding, windows, doors, and more. Our commitment is to provide unmatched experience, prioritizing customer satisfaction and exceeding expectations to make your experience with us extraordinary. Visit us online to discover how we can enhance your home’s comfort. We offer free estimates.