What's The Best Time Of Year To Repair A Roof?

There are a lot of things to take into consideration if you think you may need a roof repair, and if your repair needs are not urgent, you might ask yourself: what's the best time of year to repair my roof? Each season has it's own pros and cons - let's take a closer look at what they are.

Spring

When temperatures begin to warm in early spring, it's a good idea to take a look at what kind of roof maintenance you may need. Temperatures are not as extreme as other times of the year, and as things begin to thaw, damage that may have occurred during the cold winter months becomes more apparent. Early in the spring is also a good time to make preparations for any extreme weather later months may bring, depending on where you live. The downside to spring however, is that the weather can sometimes be unpredictable. Rain can result in significant delays, especially if you are working with an inexperienced roofing contractor. Skilled roofers are usually able to adapt to unexpected weather conditions though, no matter the season.

Summer

The summer can be a good season for roof repair. The weather is usually predictable and the temperatures are warm, especially in early summer, so roofing is fairly straightforward. However, the influx of appointments in late spring and early summer many roofing contractors experience means that prices can go up, and getting on the schedule may be difficult. If you aren't able to get in with a contractor early in the season, your project may have to be completed in extreme heat and humidity. This affects not only the hours that roofers can reasonably work in, but sometimes the materials themselves. Asphalt shingles are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat, and they may start to melt during installation, making them more susceptible to damage and scuffing.

Fall

Fall is usually considered to be the best overall time of year for roof repair and replacement. The weather is cool and generally consistent, and with winter approaching many homeowners are eager to take care of their roofing needs. Scheduling can be the biggest issue during this time. Many roofing contractors are so busy it can be weeks before they have an opening in the schedule. If you need an immediate repair you're in luck though, because with winter approaching many roofing companies want to make sure the most necessary repairs get done first to keep people safe in their homes before the cold sets in.

Winter

Winter isn't typically considered the best time of year for roof repairs, but it can still work in your favor. Winter is a slow time for roofing companies, so you can find greater availability and scheduling flexibility with appointments. The extreme cold of winter can cause problems though, and can even prevent some sealants from being able to set properly. The cold can also make roofing materials more prone to cracking. The main issue in winter is with asphalt shingles, as they need warmer temperatures to be able to set properly. When there are several days below 40 degrees, it may take days or weeks for the thermal setting to adhere to your roof fully. 

So, What's The "Best"?

The best time for roof repair doesn't really exist. There are pros and cons to each season, with some offering more favorable conditions than others. Ultimately though, when your roof is in need of repairs, the best time to do it is right now, before your issues become major. Damaged roofs that are left unprepared can continue to cause unseen damage to your home that may lead to dangerous issues later on. If you think you may be in need of a repair, call us today! At Colony Roofers, we offer free 30 minute inspections, and we are always happy to help our customers answer any questions they may have about their roof.