When you own a house, your roof is one of the main features of your property that you need to maintain. Although the structure is built to last for several decades, it will eventually need to be replaced. When you’re ready to install a new roof on your house, it’s important to know when it’s the best time to install the new materials during the year while working with a qualified roofing professional.
Consider Replacing Your Roof in the Warmer Seasons
Most roofing professionals will agree that the best time to replace your roof is during the spring or summer season when the temperatures rise. It’s a lot easier to rip off the old materials and install new shingles or tiles in clear weather when there isn’t a lot of rain, wind, or snow. When you’re planning to install your roof in the future, it’s important to try and wait until the spring or summer season, unless the roof is in poor condition and needs immediate attention.
The main drawback of trying to schedule to have your roof replaced during the spring or summer season is that it’s when other homeowners are also trying to get a new structure installed. This requires scheduling the project several months in advance to ensure you can secure the right time slot. You may need to pay more to have the roof installed during these seasons because it’s when the services and work are more in demand in the industry.
The spring season is a great time to replace the roof because the weather makes it easier for the asphalt shingles to adhere to the roof to ensure they seal properly. The shingles can be a lot more difficult to install in temperatures below 45 degrees. Depending on where you live, there can still be a few storms that arrive in the summer with days where there’s rainfall, which can lead to delays at times.
The summer season is known as the busiest time of the year for most roofing professionals because the higher temperatures make it easy to install all types of materials on residential and commercial buildings. In some cases, the humidity can be problematic in warm climates. The high temperatures can also cause a few of the asphalt shingles to become damaged, which can affect their durability.
Schedule a Roof Replacement in the Fall
The fall is also a great time to have your roof replaced because the weather is cooler and a lot more stable. You don’t have to worry too much about heavy snowfall or high winds. In most locations, the temperatures settle between 45 to 85 degrees and rainfall can occur from time to time. The cool temperatures makes it easier for roofing technicians to work longer hours without taking as many breaks, which can allow the project to be completed a lot quicker.
Keep in mind that the fall season is when other homeowners are also trying to get a new roof installed. You may have to wait a few weeks before you can get started on the project after finding the right roofing professional to hire. Scheduling the service one to two months in advance can allow you to obtain the services at the right time.
Replacing the roof in the fall is also ideal because it can allow you to prepare your house for the winter season and have the necessary protection to prevent water damage from occurring. Although the roof installation may be an investment, it can help you to save more money and protect the quality of your home once storms arrive at the end of the year.
Replacing Your Roof in the Winter
It’s no secret that winter is the least desirable time to replace your roof due to the inclement weather conditions. The sudden rainfall or snow means there are often a handful of interruptions, which can delay the completion date. The low temperatures can also lead to damage to the asphalt shingles because they can become brittle when they get too cold. The shingles will require thermal sealing to ensure they can set properly, which is a lot easier to do in warmer weather conditions. The wet conditions can also make this a time that is less safe for roofers to spend time on the top of your house.
In some cases, you may not be able to wait any longer to replace your roof if severe leaks or damage is present, especially when you’re waiting for storms to arrive. Fortunately, you can still replace the roof at this time. A roofing professional can take extra steps like keeping your shingles stored in a warm climate to reduce the risk of damage before they’re installed. Roofers are also more available during the winter season, which can make it easier to book the services without waiting several weeks or months.
When to Replace Your Roof
Replacing your entire roof is no easy task, which makes it necessary to plan properly while working with a certified roofer with a high level of experience in the industry. First, you’ll need to know if it’s time to replace the roof and if it’s reached the end of its lifespan. Start by scheduling a roofing inspection to ensure a professional can take a close look at the materials to determine if they’ve deteriorated. They can check for leaks, lifted flashing, and sagging that may be present. You can expect the roofer to give you a detailed report of the inspection. They’ll inform you of any immediate repairs that are needed, which you should schedule promptly if your roof still has a few years left before it needs to be replaced.
You’ll need to replace your roof when you experience frequent leaks throughout the year. You may find that you’re constantly scheduling for repairs to be performed, which can add up over time. A roofer will check the ceiling in your attic to look for any water stains that may be present. They may also hose off the roof to check for any spots where moisture leaks through.
It’s also important to consider the age of your roof when determining when it’s reached the end of its lifespan. The roofing materials that are installed will determine when the roof needs to be replaced. Asphalt shingles can last an average of 20 to 30 years, depending on the climate and how well you maintain the materials over time. Clay tiles have a lifespan of 60 to 100 years. Wood shakes are commonly present on older homes and tend to last around 30 years. Slate tiles are the most durable type of material in the industry and can last 100 to 150 years in all types of climates.
If severe sagging is present on any part of the roof, it’s an immediate sign that your roof is no longer holding up well and needs attention. Most roofers recommend replacing the entire roof if sagging is present instead of only repairing part of the structure.
You’ll also need to take a good look at the shingles that are present. You may find that a lot of shingles fall off the building after a heavy storm. They may even be curled if they have too much sun exposure, which can cause the roof deck to become exposed.
Look at the gutters and downspouts to check for any shingle granules that may have accumulated throughout the season, which indicates the shingles have started to deteriorate and are no longer holding up well. You may also find a lot of asphalt shingles present in the yard every time there’s a storm, which indicates that the structure isn’t durable enough to hold up well in high winds and heavy rain.
Your Flashing Will Tell You When to Replace Your Roof
The flashing that is present on your vents and chimney on your roof will also indicate if it’s time to replace your roof. If there are any breaks or cracks, it’s a sign the other roofing materials are likely reaching the end of their lifespan. If the roof is still in good shape, you can consider replacing the flashing with metal materials for increased durability.
Flashing that has lifted on the skylights or vents will cause moisture to come through, which can quickly lead to leaks and water damage in the building.
You may also have a wide dam that collects a lot of moisture and debris throughout the season, which can also cause leaks to form. Holes can start to rust through the flashing if your roof doesn’t have a chimney cricket present. When you’re planning for your new roof installation, ask the roofer if the new structure will include a saddle or cricket to prevent damage from occurring again in the future.
Consider Your Budget
When you’re getting ready for a roof replacement, your budget is one of the main factors to consider to ensure you’re ready to invest in your home. Some financial experts will recommend saving one percent of the value of your house each month to prepare for the project. Try to plan at least two to three years in advance to make it easier to put more money towards the expense. This should be performed after you’ve already had a roof inspection performed and a roofer has confirmed the roof is no longer offering enough protection on the building.
The type of materials that you choose to install will also influence the overall cost of the roof replacement. Asphalt shingles are the most cost-effective roofing material and are the most popular type of product to install on buildings in North America.
You’ll also need to get an estimate from a local roofing professional to ensure you can get an accurate number in advance. Once you choose to move forward with the right roofer, you’ll need to get everything in writing to protect yourself and avoid any surprises or hidden fees. Avoid hiring a roofer that offers you the lowest rate. Although you may want to save as much money as possible, this can mean that they won’t perform quality work and will install cheaper materials. Try to get an average of five estimates before making your selection.
Finding the Right Roofer
Hiring the right roofing professional is one of the main parts of starting the planning process when you need to replace your roof. The type of roofer you hire will determine how smoothly the project goes and if the work is completed correctly.
It’s important to hire a roofer that is licensed and insured. They should have the proper license and training to ensure they’re qualified and experienced to install a new roof. Don’t be afraid to ask for proof of their license or insurance in advance for added peace of mind.
You can also read online reviews to get an idea of how satisfied their former customers are with the work performed. Avoid hiring a roofer that has low ratings in the last year or two.
You should also consider meeting the professional in advance to ensure you can evaluate their level of professionalism. They should be friendly and take their time answering your questions instead of making you feel rushed. You should feel comfortable interacting with the professionals and feel that they have your best interest in mind while working on your home.
By knowing when to replace your roof during the year and what the project involves, it can allow you to schedule the work at the right time when it’s convenient for your schedule, as well as the roofers you hire. You can look forward to having a smooth and successful process with your new roof installation and can improve the value of your home once the work is completed.
