Homeowners whose roofs are between 20 and 30 years old will have to consider a roof replacement as it nears the end of their lifespan. A roof replacement costs anywhere from $15,000 to $28,000 on average, making it one of the most expensive home improvements. So you’re going to want it done well. But when is the best time to do it? Can you replace a roof in the winter?
We’ve spoken to expert roofers with a wealth of experience in the industry who have the answers to these questions. While replacing a roof in the colder months of the year is possible, it's not always ideal. Below we break down some pros and cons and find out the best time of year for you to carry out this project.
Benefits of Replacing a Roof in the Winter
More roofers are available
Winter is not the preferred season for an intrusive project like roof replacements. Therefore, it's more likely that you’ll find a lot more companies and contractors available in your local area. This also means more flexibility to fit around your schedule.
Jimmy Hertilien, a roofing contractor in New Jersey with Herts Roofing & Construction, says “A major benefit is reduced contractor lead times since fewer people look for replacements during colder months, which allows us to bring in top-notch crews on short notice.” This frees you up from worrying about lengthy delays or restricted choice of companies.
Competitive contractor rates
With more roofers available for work, you are more likely to find better rates for their service than at other times of the year. For a project as costly as a roof replacement, this is a hugely attractive benefit to homeowners who may believe this outweighs any of the negatives.
Don Schneider, Brand President at Mighty Dog Roofing advises inquiring contractors about this, saying “Some contractors offer off-season discounts, which can make winter replacements more affordable. If you need the work done, it’s worth asking about any seasonal pricing.”
Savings on further costly damages
If your roof is already showing signs of nearing the end of its life, it may not be up to the job of protecting your home through the harsh winter weather. This could result in further damage, meaning you end up paying more. Jason Hedtler, Owner of Hedtler Roofing LLC, recalls experiences of this: “Winter roofing can actually prevent further damage from harsh weather if done promptly. I've seen cases where timely winter replacements saved homeowners from extensive water damage when old roofs couldn't handle snow loads.”
If you find yourself in a similar situation, a winter roof replacement may be the best option. Hedtler goes on to say “Recently, we replaced a roof in January, ensuring proper sealing and insulation, which kept the home energy-efficient and leak-free. Given the necessary precautions, winter roof replacements are a viable option, and I often recommend them to prevent exacerbating damage.”
Drawbacks of Replacing a Roof in the Winter
Bad weather conditions could lead to delays
Whereas scheduling a contractor may be a quicker process in winter, you could see delays if there are dangerous weather conditions. Experienced professionals will know how to properly take precautions. Yet, certain conditions would breach safety regulations, meaning the project could be delayed for days or weeks. As Jason Lamprey, Owner of Lamprey Construction points out “Winter installs can offer benefits like contractor availability and potentially lower rates, but it's crucial to balance this with ensuring safe working conditions and using the right materials.”
Issues with some materials
Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material in the U.S. However, asphalt shingles are not as easy to install in cold wintry conditions compared to warmer weather. Kyle Asfar, Manager at All Heart Roofing and Construction, comments “The primary drawback is that cold temperatures can make certain materials, like asphalt shingles, more brittle, which may require extra care during installation.” This could slow down the overall progress of the project.
The Best Time to Replace a Roof
Fall is the best time of the year to replace a roof. Before harsher weather conditions draw in, fall allows you to have a brand-new roof ready to protect you from the winter elements. For many parts of the country, fall means less humidity, making some material installation easier, such as asphalt shingle adhesion.
If, however, you realize your roof needs replacing and winter is already here, Lamprey says “For non-emergencies, I'd often suggest preparing with quality temporary fixes and scheduling a full replacement in early spring when conditions improve for lasting results.”
Expert Advice About a Winter Roof Replacement
If you’re considering a roof replacement during winter time, or need one, Asfar says “I’d recommend scheduling it as early in the winter season as possible to avoid severe weather disruptions.”
Schneider adds “If you need a roof replacement this winter, it can definitely be done, but you’ll want to go with an experienced roofing crew who knows how to work around cold-weather challenges. They’ll know how to handle the timing, the materials, and all the extra details that make a winter roof replacement.”
Make sure to get quotes from different local roofing companies to find the best match for your roof replacement this winter.
Adam Graham is a construction industry analyst at Fixr.com. He has experience writing about home construction, interior design, and real estate. He communicates with experts and journalists to make sure we provide the most up-to-date and fact-checked information. He has been featured in publications such as Better Homes and Gardens, and written for various outlets including the National Association of Realtors, and Insurance News Net Magazine.