Your roof is one of the most structurally significant components of your home. When we think of our roof, we often simplify its function as providing shelter, but in fact, it is much more than just a cover over your heads. While your roof provides protection from the elements, it also provides structure and support to your home. As such, it is incredibly important that it is properly maintained and leaks are regularly repaired. However, even the most structurally sound roof will require replacement in time, so when is the best time of year for a new roof?
The best time to replace an existing roof is a common question faced by contractors. While some homeowners are vigilant about roof maintenance and have the luxury of planning their repairs, others either ignore or are unaware of damage and replacement becomes an emergency. In cases such as these, the timing of your roof replacement is irrelevant. While best not to install a new roof during rainy weather, roofing contractors can conduct a replacement just about any time of year – at a cost. Indeed, during winter or wet seasons, the cost of roof replacement tends to be considerably higher. This is because the replacement must be completed quickly and may require the contractors work longer hours or with larger crews.
Nevertheless, if you are careful about maintenance and your roofing contractor has recommended that you replace your roof over the next 12 months, you have time to coordinate your replacement at the best time of year. So, one factor to consider is the change of seasons. Indeed, most homeowners spend very little time considering the quality of their roof until a leak appears; and this generally happens when the weather starts to turn. To avoid the need for emergency roof repairs, roofing contractors recommend two annual inspections – in the spring and fall.
By checking the quality of your roof in the spring, your roofing contractor can tell you whether your roof has sustained any damage over the winter months. Moreover, roofs in hot, dry climates may also suffer damage in the form of bending and cracking of roof materials, and you need to be sure it is not at risk. By inspecting your roof in the fall, your contractor can prepare it for possible inclement weather. Fall tends to be the busiest time of year for roofers, as homeowners want to ensure their roofs are ready for the winter months.
Ultimately, the best time of year to replace your roof will depend on your climate and your roofing contractor. Obviously, replacement should be coordinated with the time of year that you have the best weather, generally the summer months. But you also want to choose a time that your roofing contractor is available. You’ll find that the cost of your roof replacement is considerably lower in months when your contractor is least busy.
