Winter is a beautiful season, with its glistening snowflakes and cozy fireside evenings. However, for homeowners, it can also bring a unique set of challenges, especially when it comes to roof maintenance and repairs. Roof repair in winter has its own set of pros and cons, and the question often arises: Can you replace a roof in winter?
While it’s best to get roof repairs done in the summer, know that it’s possible to have your roof checked and repaired this winter. Like any repair, there are advantages and disadvantages to tackling roofing issues during the colder months, so flexibility is key.
The 4 Best Benefits of Winter Roof Repair
1. Lower Cost
Most roofers do the majority of their work in the warmer seasons. Summer is their busiest time because the weather is warm and predictable. Many homeowners schedule their roof repairs during this time because they have free time, and the weather is most likely to cooperate.
When winter comes around, roofers typically have much fewer jobs. In many cases, roofers will offer off-season prices to clients looking to book winter repairs so they can keep their schedule full during the colder months. So, one great reason to book winter roof repairs is to take advantage of those lower roof repair prices and the open availability of your local roofer.
2. Preventing Further Damage
Winter conditions can be tough on your roof. Heavy snowfall, ice dams, and freezing rain can cause significant damage. So, it’s best to take care of those issues sooner rather than later. By scheduling your roof repair for the winter, you can ensure that your home is 100% prepared for the coming winter storms. Plus, you’ll have a professional to identify and take care of any issues you may have yet to be aware of before they become a bigger problem.
3. Improving Energy Efficiency
It’s no secret that Michigan winters are downright cold. From freezing rain to snow accumulation, your roof is one of the only things between your family and the chilly weather outside. If there are any cracks, ripped or curled shingles, or leaks, your roof will let out the heat you’ve been using to keep your home warm, resulting in costly energy bills. Repairing or replacing damaged sections of your roof during winter can help reduce heat loss, ultimately leading to lower heating bills.
4. Protection from Heavy Spring Showers
Michigan is well known for heavy spring rains. The last thing you want during spring showers is a winter-damaged roof that leaks and allows all that rain to seep into your home. By fixing your roof in the winter, your home will be prepared for those spring rains. Plus, if you plan to sell your home, it’s best to repair your roof before the selling season begins. This way, you can start showing your home as soon as the weather warms up.
The Most Common Challenges of Roof Repair in Winter
1. Scheduling
While your roofer may have more availability in the winter, often you may not. Winter can get busy with holidays, vacations, hosting guests, and daily hustle. This can make it difficult to find a block of time that will work to have your roof repaired. If you want to be there while the roofers are working, it might take a while to find some compatible dates, and since the jobs might take a bit longer, you’ll have to allocate more time to the project.
2. Limited Working Hours
Winter weather can be unpredictable and harsh, making it challenging to perform roof repairs. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can interfere with work days and slow down the repair process. Additionally, less daylight in winter means that roofers have less time to work each day, potentially prolonging the repair timeline.
3. Delayed Sealant and Adhesive Bonding
While it’s usually cheaper to get your roof fixed in the winter, it might also take longer. Shingles require a specific temperature range to seal properly and ensure your roof is intact. Because winter temperatures in Michigan are so cold, it can often take much longer for the curing and bonding of sealants and adhesives to take effect, making roof construction a bit more complex and time-consuming.
4. Potential Safety Hazards
Roof repairs in winter may pose more safety hazards than those in spring and summer. There’s often a lot of snow and ice, and your roofer will have to take extra care to ensure they’re keeping themselves safe on the roof. Typically, this means waiting for a few warm and dry days to allow ice the chance to melt a bit. Know that most roofers are very careful and climb up roofs just about every day for a living, so they are prepared to carry out roof repairs in the winter. Though it will be more difficult for them to complete a job and likely take a bit more time, most roofers will only accept jobs they know they can achieve safely.
Begin Your Home’s Winter Roof Repair Before It’s too Late with Werner Roofing
Roof replacement in winter is possible but requires careful planning and consideration of the unique challenges posed by cold weather conditions. Ultimately, the decision to undertake roof repairs or replacement in winter should be based on your home’s specific needs and your contractor’s recommendation.
At Werner Roofing, our team has many years of experience inspecting and installing roofs during every season. So, if you’re considering repairing your roof this winter, contact us for a free roofing estimate. We would be happy to prepare your home for the upcoming season.
