Generally speaking, the winter season is the slowest time of the year for roofing projects, primarily due to weather related issues including low temperatures, snow, and/or rain. Despite these challenges new roofs are installed in winter under a variety of circumstances including instances where an old roof is in such poor condition that it can no longer provide protection and home sales that are contingent on a roof replacement to close escrow.
Even if you’re not planning to replace your roof within the next couple of months there are several reasons to start the planning process now, including:
1) The process of determining the best roof takes time – One of the biggest advantages of starting the research process early is that you can take your time to develop an understanding of the various materials to select from as well as any additional work that should be included. For example, if the house is surrounded by trees that lose their foliage, you might want to consider a drainage system that includes gutter guards that keep debris that lands on the roof from clogging gutters and downspouts.
2) Most roof installations benefit from warmer weather – Developing full adhesion and the maximum seal for roofing materials requires outdoor temperatures of around 50 degrees and for the roof structure to reach approximately 70 degrees. This doesn’t necessarily require a thermometer reading of 70 degrees as a roof surface that receives direct sunlight can absorb enough warmth to reach this level with air temperatures of 50 degrees or more.
3) The roofing professionals you consult with will likely have more time to discuss questions and roofing options – With winter being a relatively slow time for installations, roofing professionals have a lot more time for consultations versus the high volume seasons of spring, summer, and fall. This can result in more time to discuss deeper details of your project as well as the sharing of experience and knowledge to provide an “insiders” view of your project.
4) Scheduling – Being the first person on the spring schedule will allow you choose exactly when you want your new roof installed, as certain times such as vacation periods tend to fill up fast. This may not seem like a big deal until you are faced with the decision rescheduling a trip or getting your new roof installed.
Even if you’re not going to put on a new roof this winter, get started with the process now. You’ll have plenty of time to discover the best roofing system for your home and have the first shot of getting on the spring schedule before it starts filling up.
