If you’ve been putting off your roof repairs for a while now, you might be wondering if it’s okay to get your roof looked at over the winter. If the summer just slipped by too quickly, and you simply forgot to have your local roofer come out and inspect your home before the first snow fell, winter probably snuck up on you pretty quickly. While most people typically choose to get roof repairs done in the summer, know that it’s possible to have your roof checked out this winter. Like any type of repair though, there are both pros and cons to scheduling your roof repairs in the winter:
PROS:
It’s cheaper
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 in the warmer months because that’s when they have the time, and that’s when the weather is most likely to cooperate. So, when winter comes around, roofers typically have a lot less to do. 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. One great reason to book winter roof repairs is to take advantage of those lower prices and the open availability of your local roofer.
Fix problems immediately
Winter is exceptionally hard on your roof. Heavy snowfall, ice dams, and freezing rain can cause major damage, and it’s always 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, and you’ll have a professional up there to identify and take care of any major issues you may not have been aware of.
Ensure you’re not letting heat escape
It’s no secret that Michigan winters are cold. From freezing rain to feet of snow accumulation, your roof is one of the only things that stands between your family and the chilly weather outside. If there are any cracks, ripped or curled shingles, or leaks, your roof is sure to let out the heat you’ve been using to keep your home warm, which can cost you a big chunk of money on those heating bills. By getting your roof repaired this winter, you’ll ensure that your home is sealed up tight, keeping warm air in and cold air out.
Be ready for spring
Michigan is pretty well known for heavy spring rains. The last thing you want is a winter-damaged roof that leaks and allows all that rain to seep into your home. By fixing up your roof in the winter, your home will be totally prepared for those spring rains. What’s more, if you’re planning on selling your home, it’s best to have your roof all set to go before the selling season starts. If you get your roof repaired in the winter, then you’ll be able to start showing your home as soon as the weather warms up, rather than waiting until your roof is finished.
CONS:
Shingles take longer to seal
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 that your roof is completely intact. Because winter temperatures in Michigan are so cold, it can often take much longer for those asphalt shingles to seal properly, making the roof construction a bit more difficult and time-consuming. Your roofer will be able to give you a time estimate on how long they expect it will take for those shingles to seal, but know that any winter roofing job is likely to take a little bit longer than one done in the summer.
Harder to schedule
Even though roofers usually have greater availability in the winter, that doesn’t mean that you do. Winter can get pretty busy, what with holidays, winter vacations, hosting guests, and the general day-to-day 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 for the project.
More dangerous for roofers
Obviously, winter roof repairs are a bit more dangerous than those done in the spring and summer. There’s often a lot of snow and ice, and your roofer will have to take extra care to make sure they’re keeping themselves safe up on the roof. Typically, this means waiting for a few warmer days after the ice has had a chance to melt a bit. Know that most roofers are very careful, and climb up roofs just about every day for a living. Though it will be a bit more difficult for them to complete a job, and it will probably take a bit more time, most roofers will only take jobs they know they can complete safely.
Like any type of repair job, there are both pros and cons to winter roof repair. But if you’ve been pushing off getting your roof fixed up, it’s better to do it now than wait until a major problem shows up. If you don’t mind waiting a bit longer for your repairs to be completed, winter can be the best time to get your roof fixed, and at a cheaper price than in the summer! If you’re considering winter roof repair, be sure to get in touch with Werner Roofing in Grand Haven. With years of experience roofing in West Michigan, we’re used to winter roof repair projects and would be happy to help get your home in shape for the coming snowfall. Give our office a call at 616-844-5382, or contact us online today for your free roofing estimate.
