Weather And Roofing Replacement – What Do You Need To Know?
Severe weather is a common reason for homeowners to replace their existing roofs. Hail, heavy winds, and severe rain can cause substantial damage, often making a full replacement a more cost-effective and reliable option than many spotty repairs. However, weather conditions can also impact the installation of your new roof.
If you're lucky enough to live in an area that's warm and dry most of the year, you may not need to worry much about how the weather will affect your roof replacement. For everyone else, keeping these three considerations in mind when working with your roofing contractor to plan your new roof is important.
1. Your Roofer May Define a "Weather Window"
The best time to work on a roof is when conditions are relatively calm, with minimal chance of heavy winds or rain. High temperatures can also pose challenges, especially since roofers must work in direct sunlight with no available shade. As a result, heat waves are also typically not ideal for a roof replacement.
A "weather window" is a period long enough to complete your roofing project during which the weather is most likely to provide a safe environment for work. It's important to work within this window to ensure your roof's safe and efficient completion. Rescheduling may mean waiting for another acceptable window, which can potentially delay your project longer than you might expect.
2. Rain or Heavy Winds May Cause Delays
While professional roofers will choose a window that will provide the best odds of good weather, nature can often be unpredictable. Sudden storms can cause significant problems for roofing installations, and it's often impossible to continue working on a project during heavy winds or rain. Instead, your roofer will need to secure the unfinished roof and wait for better weather.
Fortunately, experienced roofers know how to deal with these issues. If it seems like the weather may turn dark, your roofing crew will generally begin protecting unfinished areas with tarps while working on completing what they can. This approach allows them to get as much work as possible done in the remainder of the day while ensuring the weather doesn't cause damage to unfinished areas.
3. Roofing Isn't Seasonal
It's a common misconception that roofing is a seasonal business. While roof replacements are most common in the spring and summer, there's no reason you can't replace your roof while conditions are colder. While heavy snowfall or ice will make roof replacement impossible, cold weather shouldn't be an obstacle for most roofing crews.
If your roof is in poor condition, leaking, or otherwise in need of replacement, contact a local residential roofing replacement contractor any time during the year.