Upon purchasing the house, you knew the roof was going to need to be replaced in a few years, but it was one of those projects you were pushing off until later.
However, you’ve just weathered a bad storm and noticed that you’re missing a few shingles, and you can’t deny the need to replace the roof too much longer.
But now winter is coming — can you even have a contractor complete that job in the cold, wet winter months?
Read further for suggestions from experienced roofing professionals.
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Can You Replace a Roof in the Winter?
It is possible to replace roofs in the winter but it may not be the best idea — it depends on the situation.
The best time to replace your roof if you live in the Pacific Northwest is during the summer when you have the least chance of rain or snow. Roofing companies will work throughout the year, but once it gets too cold or the rain and snow starts to fall it is not recommended.
As a rule of thumb, as long as the weather is dry and not overly frigid, it’s acceptable to replace your roof.
Read further for specifics on roofing and the ideal weather situations — and it’s not just because the crew would prefer to be sitting by the fire during those months of chilly temperatures!
What Temperature Is Too Cold for Roofing?
As long as the weather conditions permit, your new roof can be installed in the winter.
In order for your shingles to seal, sunshine is helpful — sunlight is usually sufficient to heat the shingles enough to seal properly.
Each type of shingle has a minimum temperature for installation per the manufacturer guidelines, with a general range of 42-45°F.
However, some days it is just too cold to install a new roof and it should be delayed for a better day, with the lowest temperature threshold generally being 40°F or below.
3 Reasons It Might Be a Good Idea To Replace Your Roof in the Winter
Winter may present some weather challenges, but a leaking roof needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. Along with preventing further harm to your home, there are other benefits to replacing your roof during the winter.
#1: You Can Get on the Schedule More Quickly
Because of the myths associated with not replacing a roof in winter, fewer people schedule work to be completed during the cooler winter months.
This makes it much easier for most roofers to schedule your job across dates that work for you, rather than what fits their schedule.
This can be important if you want to be home during the process or if you prefer a time when your children are going to be in school and away from home.
#2: There’s Less Risk to Your Landscaping
The job of repairing, replacing, or installing a new roof is physically and mentally demanding of the crew. Even if the workers are being extremely careful, few contractors would claim that your landscaping does not take a beating from accessing the roof and falling debris.
Winter roofing helps reduce the impact on your landscape because bushes, shrubs, and trees are in a dormant state with reduced foliage. Flowers aren’t in bloom, and the grass is mostly brown.
Additionally, without the landscaping being in full summer bloom, pieces of shingles and other scraps are easier to spot for clean-up.
#3: If There’s a Break in the Weather, You Can Strengthen Your Roof Before More Rains Come
The rainy season in Gresham is generally from October through April.
However, if your roof is leaking and needs replacement, any dry periods with suitable temperatures can be utilized.
Your local competent and experienced roofing company, New Generation Roofing, could quickly and efficiently get the job done without compromising your home — before the next raindrop or snowflake starts to fall.
3 Reasons You May Want To Wait Until Winter Is Over To Schedule Your Roof Replacement
Although it may be easier to schedule your roof replacement in the winter, it still may not be ideal, and you may just want to wait for the warmer months ahead.
#1: Shingle Performance May Be Compromised
Chances are your roofing project is not an inexpensive project to complete, so you want to be sure the shingles are installed properly and will last for many years to come.
Your new roof can be replaced during the cold months, but there are factors to be considered.
Shingles are made from asphalt, and this material will lose the ability to bend and be shaped properly if it’s too cold.
When shingles are cold, they become more brittle, which can compromise proper installation.
Shingles are made with a sealant strip that causes them to adhere together.
This happens easily in the summer months, but this strip might not activate properly in cold temperatures.
This can then increase the chance of shingles blowing off in windy conditions or storms in the future.
Caulking the shingles with roofing cement may be a necessary and additional step for proper installation in cold temperatures if the bonding strip does not activate between the shingles.
#2: Tool Performance May Be Affected
Roofs are not installed today with traditional hammers and nails like they were years ago.
Tools like air compressors and nail guns can be affected by temperature and humidity changes. The air pressure usually needs to be adjusted in lower temperatures.
Humidity may turn into water and freeze in the airlines, which will compromise the force from the nailer. The nails should be flush against the shingles — which may not happen if the nail gun is not functioning correctly.
#3: Working Conditions for Roofers Can Be Dangerous in Winter
Of course, snow can always be shoveled and the crew can always bundle up against the wind. However, the safety of the roofers is a priority and it can be a dangerous job on any day, especially in the winter.
Winter can pose a threat to crew safety with increased potential for hazards such as ice patches, malfunction of equipment, and overall exposure to the outdoor elements.
Since roofing is a serious hands-on job, it is important to note that roofers can only wear thin gloves, and it can become very uncomfortable or even impossible to do the work in cold temperatures.
A roofing job should never be more important than the well-being of the workers.
You Can Trust the Top-Rated Gresham Professionals at New Generation Roofing
If you need your roof replaced and aren’t sure if conditions are ideal, contact New Generation Roofing for advice.
If it’s not a great time for a full roof replacement, they may be able to complete repairs that will last until the warmer and drier weather reappears.
New Generation Roofing strives to provide the highest quality roofing replacement services, and working with them means you’ll have peace of mind.
Our years of proven experience providing the PNW with professional roofing services will ensure a satisfactory and rewarding result, and our passion for roofing reflects our commitment to homeowners.
Contact us today with your roofing needs!
