If you’re starting to notice signs of wear, tear, damage, and aging on your roof and gutters it’s probably time to get your roof replaced. You may be wondering though, what is the best time of year to replace your roof and what factors play into it? One season is usually out of the question, AKA the bad winter months depending on what climate you live in – here in Denver, CO it’s December through February. For the purpose of these tips, we will assume you’re in a climate that experiences all four seasons. Keep reading for a summary of the pros and cons of replacing your roof each season.
Winter (December, January, February)
Replacing a roof during the winter comes with its own challenges. Winter isn’t always snow and ice. If you live in Denver where Red Hawk Roofing is located, or in the western United States in general, you know we can get some nice days with sunshine and a decent temperature. The biggest positive to getting a roof replacement done during the winter is that roofing companies usually have more availability, meaning you could get it done quickly compared to other seasons.
The challenges of getting a roof done in the winter are tied to the materials needed for the job. Shingles have a tar sealant on the back of them that is activated by heat and sunlight, which most areas don’t have as much of during the winter. If you’re wanting to use asphalt shingles, the cold temperatures cause these types of shingles to stiffen and decrease flexibility. This makes it harder to put nails through them as well as cut them when needed. A whole roof replacement in the winter usually takes longer due to the shorter days and the materials are a bit more challenging.
Spring (March, April, May)
When the warmer weather starts to break through, usually everyone is sprinting to get their home improvements done after being cooped up for a few months. If your area experienced a worse than usual winter you may be seeing signs of roof damage and it will probably be high on your list of improvements – in our opinion, roof repairs should be of the highest importance. Spring is usually a good time to replace your roof as there’s less humidity in the air and a more open schedule for roofing companies. Lower humidity than summer months can lessen possible moisture damage during the process of roof replacement. Even though it might be easier to get on the schedule for a roof replacement there is the concern over springtime rain which could potentially delay the project by a few days until the weather looks better.
Summer (June, July, August)
What everyone waits for after a long winter and rainy spring is a nice, sunny summer. Most people wait until the summer months to get their roof replaced making it harder and usually a long wait to get onto a roofing company’s schedule. Depending on where you’re located, summer can sometimes even bring unworkable conditions due to intense heat, keeping in mind that your roof and the area being worked on are usually significantly hotter than the ground below. Some materials may be harder to use due to the heat. For example, asphalt shingles can soften making them less durable and therefore prone to damage when installing them. Higher humidity is usually seen during the summer which can cause moisture damage during the process of the replacement as it can get trapped underneath the new roof. On the flip side, the summer months usually bring a more consistent climate to work with. Warmer weather and less chance of rain, make for an easier time to complete a roof.
Fall (September, October, November)
After an extremely hot summer, we start to see temperatures cool off resulting in a great time to replace a roof. Fall is usually universally considered to be the best time to replace a roof. These months are accompanied by comfortable temperatures and milder weather. Not only are these conditions better for your working crew, but also for your roofing materials; they won’t become rock hard or lose durability like during the winter and summer. Lower humidity and better temperatures will allow your shingles the time they need to seal fully before winter.
Fall usually brings more storms than summer, but if you start your project earlier in the fall you will run into fewer issues with weather. These months are usually extremely busy for roofing companies as it’s every homeowner’s last-ditch effort to get repairs or a replacement prior to snowfall. It might be harder to get on the schedule or it might just be a while until your replacement is done.
Every season has its pros and cons for roof replacement. Oftentimes, when you schedule your roof replacement comes down to what works best for you, the extent of the roof damage, and the availability of roofing specialists. The rule of thumb though is that fall is universally considered the best season to get a roof replacement due to the temperatures being good for the crews and the materials. Here at Red Hawk Roofing, our team understands Colorado weather and has the experience to work with the schedule that best suits your needs. If you think you may need a roof replacement, we’d be happy to do an inspection to determine what is needed – contact us today for a free consultation!
