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Can I Replace My Roof in the Winter?

winter roofing

Yes, you can replace your roof in the winter and there are benefits to choosing this time of year. Demand tends to decline during the winter months, so most roofing companies adjust their pricing to suit their diminished workloads. Off-season pricing is a boon if you’re counting pennies, but it’s also the perfect time to weatherize.

A roof replacement can generate a 60% return on investment, and that’s before you factor power savings into the deal. Choose wisely, and those stunning new gables will eliminate infestations, waterproof your home, and protect your indoor air quality.

This is, however, a major renovation, so it needs to be carefully timed. The minimal rainfall and reduced humidity of summer make it the ideal season for this kind of addition, but that doesn’t mean you need to avoid winter work entirely.

What’s entailed in a roof replacement?

Before you can pick your season, you need to know the difference between reroofing and replacement. The latter entails tearing the entire roof down to your deck before adding new felt and shingles. In contrast, reroofing layers shingles over your existing roof.

The latter can be completed in just a day, so it’s easy to find a fair-weather window for the job. Roof replacement can take a little longer. It includes:

  • Roof removal, particularly if your existing shingles are asphalt.
  • Sheathing board replacements or repairs.
  • The placement of an ice or water shield in snowy or icy regions.
  • Roofing paper placement, which will guard your bottom layers from water damage
  • The addition of flashing and shingles. Valley flashing will take care of intersecting panes. Once your decking as been nailed and sealed, your roofing company will install your shingles and then place your roof vents.
  • Flashing adds an extra layer of water protection.
  • A new ridge cap vent will follow to improve air circulation and prevent ice dams from forming.
  • Finally, your roofing company will provide a final inspection and clear away debris.

Replacement can take anything from three days to five weeks, depending on weather-related delays. Winter roofing also shortens roofers’ workdays. Harsh climates assault the body, and even the most dedicated workers will feel those effects.

Can roofs be installed in winter?

With rain and snow around every corner, your roofers can test your new installation in real world conditions. If your roof presents a particular challenge, there’s no better season than winter for a replacement.

The world’s finest roofing companies use several innovative strategies to prevent icy temperatures from affecting your replacement. They’ll store your shingles in heated warehouses prior to delivery so that they can be correctly sealed.

Is it bad to shingle in winter?

The answer is no. Thermally-activated asphalt shingles can create tight bonds that don’t require sunlight. The right sealants will achieve impenetrable effects no matter how much cold Old Man Winter throws at them.

Winter roof replacements might be subject to weather-related delays, but demand dips can make up for them. Snowy days might have no respect for your schedule, but your roofing company will have the time it needs to work around your schedule.

What is the best temperature to replace a roof?

Reroofing demands temperatures of 70 to 80 degrees, but anything below 40 rules out sun-activated adhesives. Most warranties are nullified the moment the weather drops below freezing. To make matters worse, pneumatic guns can’t function at their best in humid air, and most sealants are heat-activated.

Cold temperatures can also add a brittle quality to your shingles and other materials, so cutting them demands extra skill and care. Asphalt is particularly responsive to this problem.

A brilliant roofer can overcome all of those challenges, though. They’ll warm your shingles before installation, switch to a winter-friendly sealant, and change the pressure settings on their pneumatic guns.

new windows, roofing and siding

Rubber roofing shingles in the winter

We can even switch to a more winter-friendly rubber composite shingle, which will weather-proof your roof for the rest of its life. This highly elastic material can tolerate the harshest of temperature extremes.

A good roofer will also adjust to debris and snow, which can place a surprising amount of weight on the roof as they work. Winter boots and jackets add even more pounds to the equation. Add guardrails and hot boxes to the mix, though, and you can keep your tools warm on the iciest of days.

Planning ahead

Since spring is the most profitable time to sell your home, winter is the perfect season for a replacement. By the time ice transforms into sunlight, your curb appeal will have peaked.

A winter replacement also allows you to detect leaks and damage as quickly as possible which, in turn, allows your roofer to pivot their roofing strategy before real damage is done.

With enough care and the right approach, you can enjoy a summer roof installation in the middle of winter. That gives you stellar results at a cheaper price, and who doesn’t love that combination?

Need help with your roof replacement project? Contact 1-800-HANSONS for a free estimate.

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