Winter roof repair is often unavoidable, especially in Michigan, where harsh weather takes a toll on your roof. While roofs are built to last, unexpected storms, heavy snowfall, and fluctuating temperatures can accelerate wear and tear, sometimes forcing a replacement sooner than expected.
In some cases, the damage is obvious: missing shingles, leaks, or visible storm impact. Other times, issues go unnoticed until they become bigger, costlier problems. And when roof trouble strikes in the middle of winter, it’s even more challenging to deal with. Unpredictable weather doesn’t wait for a convenient season, which is why winter roof repair is essential to keep your home safe and secure year-round.
How can you tell when it’s time for a new roof, and what’s the best approach to winter roof repair and replacement?
Winter, in general, makes the adhesives of certain roofing types—such as shingles—much more difficult thanks to the low temperatures. Other materials, like metal, are easily replaced in the cold weather. Although it’s not ideal for residential roofing.
Aside from unpredictable weather damage, here are a few indicators that it might be time for a roof replacement.
Roof’s Age
Sometimes it’s not so much obvious signs as much as it is about simply looking at the calendar and doing some math. If your roof is at least 20 years old, it’s probably time for a replacement. While a lot of roofing is designed for durability, it doesn’t last forever and there are other problems like ventilation and moisture that can speed up the aging process.
Growth on the Roof
You may see dark stains on your roof. That’s a type of airborne algae that attaches to the roof and is, more or less, a simple cosmetic problem. But something like moss is not. Moss can grow between shingles where moisture gathers and apart from being an eyesore, it also will keep moisture held against the roof and can cause serious structural issues and eventual saturation and leaks.
Unsightly Roof Damage
When shingles start missing granules, start curling up, or start peeling and breaking off, that’s when you know its nearing time to get some new roofing up there. The roof may also just look worn down and old. This isn’t just a cosmetic issue. It can hurt the integrity of the roof if you don’t get it replaced and spruced up.
Related Questions
Can You Replace Shingles in the Winter?
It is possible, and necessary if you have an emergency. But it’s not ideal. The low temperatures can have an adverse effect on the adhesive that shingles use. In some cases, the sealant won’t even activate until the temperatures warm up. But it can be done, with a few caveats.
What Are My Options?
If you don’t have serious or widespread damage you can do spot replacements until the weather is better for a full replacement. Professional roofers have the know-how, equipment and materials needed to complete a winter roof installation.
Keep an eye on your roof, look at what your neighbors are doing, and do research on best practices when it comes to your roofing type and age. Although a new roof can be installed during the winter, it’s not ideal so planning ahead in the warmer months is wise.
Leveling Up your Michigan Home
As one of Michigan’s most trusted roofing companies and home improvement contractors, Level Up Improvement in Dearborn can help you make the right choice for your home, beginning with an evaluation of your roof and Free on-site estimate. Because each of our residential home improvement projects goes through several quality assurance inspections, Level Up has the highest workmanship standards in the industry, one of the many reasons why homeowners choose us.
Our residential roofing and home improvement services include new door and window installation, vinyl siding replacement and more! Connect with us for fast, reliable service that will enhance your home’s safety and efficiency. Fill out a Form online today!