Why Fall And Winter Are Perfect Times To Replace Your Roof.

If you could choose a season to replace your roof, which season would you choose? Is there a season that is better than the other? Weather permitting, most roofing contractors work the year round so why would the season make a difference? Well, believe it or not, there are some common sense reasons why one season is better than the others, especially in terms of cost, labor, and material availability.

Slow Season vs. Busy Season

Many homeowners will wait until they must replace their roof. Roofing contractors often have a busy and a slow season. Many roofers adjust their labor fees based on their work load so keep in mind that during slow times you may be able to negotiate a better price. You also will not have to wait weeks to get your project started, and very often the quality of the installation is higher. This makes it important that homeowners plan ahead when choosing a time for roof replacement. Late summer and early fall are typically the busiest times for roofing contractors. It may get so busy that homeowners may have to wait up to a month to get their project started. This will also impact labor and material prices. Another factor to consider is the quality of installation. Poor workmanship can happen when a roofing contractor is too busy. Spring and summer are also busy times of year for roof replacement. During the spring, construction trades pick up and suppliers may increase their prices. If your area experiences more rain in the spring or summer, this may impact your roof replacement. High temperatures and humidity can make it unpleasant for roofers which can impact the quality of installation. It can also affect the materials by softening the asphalt in the shingles. Roofers may need to adjust the pressure in their nail guns to keep from damaging the shingles. Too much traffic on the roof during this time of year needs to be avoided in order to protect the shingles.

Geography

Geography does play an important role in choosing when to have your roof replaced. Manufacturer specifications need to be followed in terms of weather and temperature conditions in order to achieve optimal performance. Asphalt shingles should be installed when the temperature is 40 F degrees or higher. If not, shingles can crack during installation, sealants won’t apply effectively and will take longer to adhere. The tools roofers use may not work efficiently in cold temperatures.

Southern Climates

In mild climates, such as the climate in Charleston, SC,  late fall or winter can be the perfect time to replace your roof. Many roofing companies are experiencing a slow time and need the work. Cooler temperatures can allow roofers to work longer hours with easier installation. The moderate weather allows shingles to seal effectively and manufacturers do not change their warranties due to temperature at the time of installation. In fact, roofing material prices may be less expensive during this time of year.

So what season is best to replace your roof?

The bottom line is that in terms of cost of labor and materials and time availability, late fall and winter win the contest. In all circumstances, however, planning ahead is important. Get more than one quote from licensed and insured roofing professionals.

Harper Roofing offers a free roof inspection which will keep you informed of your roof’s condition and lifespan. We have a long history of satisfied customers,