A Guide to Winter Roof Replacement

While most homeowners prefer to have their roofs replaced when the weather is nice, there are sometimes situations in which wintertime roof replacements become necessary. Maybe, for instance, your roof was damaged during a major storm or perhaps your energy bills skyrocketed and it became apparent that it would be more cost effective to invest in a new roof. You might be wondering, though, if it is even possible to have a new roof put on during the winter season. In this guide, you’ll discover helpful answers to some common questions regarding this issue. 

What temperature does it need to be for roofing to be installed?

Although different roofing materials have different ideal temperatures, asphalt shingles still account for about 75% of the roofs in the United States, so we will be focusing on them here. Ideally, asphalt shingles should be installed when the temperature is between 40 degrees Fahrenheit and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Even if you purchase the best shingles on the market, they can crack when they are being hammered down in sub-40-degree weather. Fortunately, in many areas of the country, highs do reach at least 40 even during the winter months. If you live in a region where the weather tends to be extremely cold, your contractor may simply have to wait for an unexpected “warm” front to move through. 

Are there ways to reduce the risk of my new shingles breaking?

Luckily, there are several things that can be done to reduce the risk of newly installed asphalt shingles cracking or breaking during the winter season. The primary thing, of course, is to simply wait to have them put on until the weather is going to be in the 40s for at least a few days. Your contractor will be checking the weather report to figure out the best time for your job. 

It is also important for the shingles to be as warm as possible when they arrive at your home. This means they need to be stored in a heated space and transferred to a heated van or truck. Finally, your contractor needs to ensure that the shingles are properly sealed to avoid future problems. Since the majority of sealers are solar activated, he or she may opt to seal every shingle manually to avoid any issues. 

Are there any benefits to having a roof installed in the winter?

There are, as a matter of fact, certain perks that come with choosing to have a new roof put on in the wintertime. The primary benefit is that you are likely to save quite a bit of money. Spring, summer, and fall are all busy for most roofing contractors, while business tends to wane significantly during winter. This means the majority of contractors lower their rates to attract more clients when it’s cold outside. Furthermore, you may receive discounts on materials because manufacturers often run their best offers of the year when sales are slow. 

Another benefit of opting to have your new roof installed when it’s chilly is that you probably won’t have to wait long, if at all, to get on your preferred contractor’s calendar. The odds are good, in fact, that he or she will be able to begin your project almost immediately. This means that you’ll have a new roof to keep your family safe and comfortable in no time!

US Roofing Roof Replacement

If you are interested in having a new asphalt shingle roof installed in the near future, give US Roofing a call to discuss pricing and availability this winter. We will do everything in our power to work around any weather issues to get your roof installed quickly. We look forward to working with you soon!