It might seem obvious that the perfect time to replace your roof is sometime during the fall, right before the winter season begins and brings with it every undesirable weather element possible. If you look around the internet, “experts” will agree with you and say that the best time to replace your roof is indeed in the fall. But I’m here to crush your bubble and bust that myth. Further research and testimonies from fellow homeowners will tell you that the worst time to replace your roof would be the fall.
So when is the best time to replace your roof you ask? Well, the best time for roof replacements is during the offseason.
Offseason Roof Replacement Perks
Although it may be going against every bone in your body to it wait out until the offseason to replace your roof, it will potentially save you a few extra coins. Planning out your roof replacement and scheduling a time to have the replacement done before April 1st is the ideal time and method to replace your roof.
Prices typically see a spike after April 1st as roofing suppliers and contractors begin to prepare for their busy periods. So it’s best to have this type of service done during the springtime, but you can also get the work done in the summer and wintertime as well.
Planning ahead of time to schedule your roof replacement will not only be a load of stress off your back, but it will give your contractor ample time to pencil you in. Roof replacements can sometimes take between two-three weeks to begin, depending on how busy your contractor is. Reduce the potential added delay you could face from not scheduling your roof replacement in advance.
When scheduling your roof replacement, see if you can get this agreement signed through a contract. There are multiple benefits that come with this process. Signing a contract will be a written agreement, which is a good sign when wondering if the company you are doing business with is shady or not and having physical proof of a contract will also lock in your prices. Sneaky roofers and roofing companies might try to finesse you into paying a higher amount than previously discussed with additional price increases on labor and materials.
It is best to go to a reputable and reliable roofing company when actively searching to get your roof needs fixed. Unknowing customers might fall prey to price changes when roofers adjust their prices based on slow and busy periods.
When is the Best Time to Install a Roof | Angie’s List
What Information Should Be Getting in a Roofing Estimate | Angie’s List
BBB Warning to Storm Victims: Beware of Shady Contractors | Premier Roofing Company
Fall and Winter Professional Maintenance
The start of the fall and winter seasons typically brings happiness and excitement with the approaching holidays, but these seasons can also be a daunting time, especially if you are apprehensive about your roof. Worrying about and hoping that your roof will make it through one more winter season isn’t the most ideal approach to maintaining your roof, but there are some preventative actions that can be taken now so that you will not have to worry about the longevity of your roof.
It’s important to note that consulting with a professional roofer is a wise move. These professionals will be able to determine whether or not your roof needs to be replaced and if not what would be some minor repairs that can be done at this time.
So what can be done now during this time of transition between seasons?
Look around for any work that can be done on your own. If some minor roof repairs are out of your control or expertise, seeking a professional for these repairs and even signing up for a regular maintenance program can have bountiful effects for the continued use of your roof. Check up on your roof with comprehensive periodic roof repairs during the fall and winter and invest in a roof replacement in the spring, if need be.
It’s important to clarify the difference between roof repairs and roof replacements. Roof repairs generally involve small fixes for the upkeep of your current roof, while roof replacements require a whole installation of a new roof. With proper maintenance of your roof with repairs, it shouldn’t take too much time to complete, but roof replacements might require more time. If you know your roof is nearing its end, its best not to push it off, but it’s definitely important to consult a trusted professional to take a look at your roof first.
Repairing your roof right now, could be more beneficial to you than having to pay for constant roof repairs in the future. A leaky roof or the potential collapse of a roof can be avoided if you take the right steps to sustain your roof.
The immense benefits that come from roof repairs and regular maintenance service programs will save you some peace of mind as you prepare for the harsher months. These services will not only minimize and prevent the emergency costs on your roof, but they can also check and fix minor problems before they grow into major problems. Investing in a roof maintenance system or program can extend the life of your roof, keep your costs down and check for roof leaks, cracks or other damages and potential problems.
Stay on top of the minor issues, so you won’t have to worry about making it through the colder months.
Roofing: Repair or Replace? | HouseLogic
Should You Replace or Repair Your Roof | Bob Vila
3 Reasons to Hire a Professional for Roof Repair | Matt’s Roofing & Gutters
Weather Elemental Effects on Roofing
It’s important to have a game plan in place when caring for and maintaining your roof. Your roof is an investment piece that you want to last many years, seasons and storms to come, so staying on top of roof maintenance will prepare you for all the curveballs Mother Nature has to throw your way.
Rain is one of the most, if not the most, expected weather element condition across the board that affects millions of people. Rain hits a vast majority of the world and more importantly, can have major effects on your roof if not treated properly. The potential threat that rain can have on your roof cannot be evaded, literally.
Even if you haven’t looked up at your ceilings lately, the detrimental effects of rain can still exist. You may not be able to detect it at first, but rain can seep into a hole or crack in your roof and expand into a larger issue.
Wind, like rain, is another constant recurring Mother Nature element that can have adverse effects on your roof. Strong winds can pull gutters from the sides of houses and buildings and can rip shingles, panels and tiles from the roof.
Strong and forceful winds can also blow around surrounding trees and tree branches, which can either find a new home on your roof or rub up against and deteriorate your roofing protection. These winds can not only rip these tiles, paneling and shingling from your roof, but winds and tree branches can also loosen these intact tiles, which could lead to further problems.
Snow and ice can work a bit differently, but can still be problematic to your roof. Snow, especially heavy snowfall can accumulate on your roof and rest there until it melts or worse collapse into your home. This snow can build up and cause the roof to bow and sink under its weight which could also lead to rotting if your roof is not sound and sturdy or hasn’t been repaired recently. Heavy snowfall can affect a weak roofing foundation, so it is imperative to know the status of your roof and possibly have any needed repairs done before major storms hit.
During the colder months, your roof will start to contract, but during warm periods (which can randomly happen in the dead of winter in certain locations) will cause your roof to swell and expand. Thermal shock, extreme temperature changes in one single day, can potentially be a major issue as well. Imagine what this will do to a roof that is not properly maintained. A minor crack that’s left untreated, especially during the wintertime, can cause melted ice and snow to seep into that crack and create additional issues. In thermal shock conditions the water in that crack could quickly freeze back over and be an undesirable problem.
It’s important to check the condition of your gutters, because ice can also affect them. Too much ice in your gutters could lead to ice dams that can displace your gutters and cause further troubles.
What Weather Conditions Have the Biggest Effect on Your Roof | Mr. Roof
How Extreme Weather Effects Your Roof | Longday Exteriors
How Do Storms & Weather Affect Your Roof? | Scrapality
Home Roof Maintenance Practices
It is wise to periodically check the condition of your roof after major storms or harsh weather. Checking for roof damage doesn’t have to be an intimidating process; actually some of it can even be done from the ground.
After a major storm you can easily check your yard to see if any shingles, panels or roofing tiles have come off the roof or been thrown to other parts of your roof. Another way you can track the status of your roof is by inspecting to see if any of these panels, tiles or shingles are curling or starting to peel off of the roof. A lot of curling, peeling or slightly moved shingles can be a sign that it could possibly be time to replace your roof.
After a heavy rainstorm or after a heavy snowfall, check to see that water is running down the side of your home the way it should be, through the gutters. After these storms you’ll want to check the condition of your gutters. Are they still intact or are parts loose? Are they clogged? Are there holes and cracks within the gutter system, etc? If there are minor damages, you may be able to fix these issues on your own, but if it is worse than a few minor issues, you may need some additional help.
Speaking of gutters, you’ll also want to periodically check them for leaves, branches and other debris to keep water from building up and to continue to move smoothly through your gutters. A few tell-tale signs that your gutters need to be cleaned or that there could be a potential problem with them, is if you’re experiencing water in your basement or the paint on the side of your house is damaged. Clogged gutters could lead to rotting, so it’s best to be proactive about the maintenance of your roof…and your gutters. A potentially valuable purchase would be getting gutter covers or screens to make your gutter cleanup a bit easier.
Any outside maintenance of your roof should be done on dry days, so that you are not susceptible to rain, ice and avoidable potential accidents. If you decide to venture on top of your roof, you can check for cracks, peeling, mold, moss, and worn sunken spots. Another thing to check for while on the roof would be to see if there are loose or missing nails, metal roof bolts or loose flashing. If you have the required materials to tighten or replace these minor issues you can, but if not, don’t be hesitant to get the help you need.
Trees provide you with the needed oxygen to breathe, but trees can be a nuisance to your roof. If you’re comfortable with a ladder, take some time and trim overhanging branches to help prevent branches, leaves and moss from gathering on your roof.
A more common and simple way to check for damage to your roof is looking for damage internally in your home. More specifically, you’ll want to look for warping in the ceiling, discoloration and water stains. These are key indicators that you do indeed have water damage.
The purpose of self roof maintenance would be to ensure the full use of your current roof. Taking a small amount of time out of your day here and there for maintaining your roof, or house for that matter, will provide you with valuable dividends.
How Does Weather Affect My Roof | Bell Roofing
What Can I Do to Maintain My Roof | Angie’s List
Tips to Make Your Roof Last as Long as Possible | HouseLogic
The mindset of “spring cleaning” will be a valuable one to you as you look into replacing your roof. It’s best to start fresh in the spring before heavy rainfall and snowfall occurs. Installing a new roof before the winter will let you rest assured in the status and condition of your roof, while your neighbors will be scrambling to beat the clock and left stuck waiting in line during these busy periods just to fix their roofs.
Remember, the early bird catches the worm!