Choosing the Best Time of Year for a Roofing Replacement

Roof replacement is a big investment in your home, particularly for its safety and your own security. The trick is to choose a time. Since this project is done mostly outside and improves your protection from weather, it’s important to pick a time that works for you as well as the house. The good news is that there are a lot of right answers. Keep these factors in mind before you schedule your project.

When Is the Best Time to Replace a Roof?

If you do a general search for the best season for replacing a roof, you might be surprised (and confused) by the answers you get. While there are a few times of the year that replacing a roof isn’t a particularly great choice, you have a lot of flexibility in selecting times that would be perfectly acceptable. Here are a few ways you can determine the right time for you.

Time of Year

When considering the time of year for your roofing replacement, it is important to keep weather, general temperature and scheduling in mind. Fall features moderate temperatures, with much milder weather than we get in winter. That is why we say that a roof replacement in fall is our best recommendation for weather and scheduling. Of course, if you choose very early, you should be aware that there might still be wet, soggy weather for your roofing replacement date.

Weather

The weather you can expect from the season, as well as the events in the forecast for your roofing project, can seriously affect your timeline. Winter is worst because of the cold temperatures and the ice and snow. You are more likely to have clear days and a dry roof in early fall, but you will face more competition for available spots at that time. Late fall may also be a good choice, but you should keep in mind that you may need to schedule it further in advance.

Looking for a company that offers Wilmington roofing services year-round? Contact us to learn more.

Busy Season

The busy season for roofing starts in summer and extends into the fall. If you decide in late May that you would like to replace your roof, you might not be able to find a skilled roofing contractor available to do the work.

No matter which season you pick, the best time to schedule your roof replacement is well in advance of needing one. We suggest that you start thinking about the roofing materials you want, and the best time for you to do it, at least six months to a year ahead of that date. That way, you will have plenty of opportunities to find a company you can trust and get on the schedule.

Wondering if your budget will accommodate your home improvement plans? Check out our roofing cost guide for more information.

What Is the Best Temperature to Replace a Roof?

There are plenty of obstacles that temperature poses for a roof replacement. If it’s too cold and icy outside, roofing contractors are much more likely to slip and fall. When the weather is blistering hot, roof work can be dangerously exhausting. While our team does work in any season, there’s no denying that replacing your roof in the fall is safer for everyone involved.

When Do You Know It’s Time for a New Roof?

You can replace your roof anytime you like. If your roof is still in good shape, but you want energy-efficient alternatives, that’s a reasonable time to replace. Otherwise, your roofing will give you a number of warning signs that it’s time to consider replacement. These include:

• Bare spots where the granules have washed off
• Missing or broken shingles
• Leaks or gaps around the flashing
• Mold growth
• Damage to the roofing structure
• Material approaching the end of its lifespan

Don’t wait until your roof is leaking regularly or sagging before you call a professional.

How Warm Does It Need to Be for Shingles to Seal?

Asphalt shingles need the right temperature to seal. If the temperatures are consistently below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the shingles can become stiff and difficult to move. Until it seals, the roof may not provide a watertight surface to keep wet weather from passing through. As a general rule, you should plan to replace an asphalt roof when the temperatures reach 70 degrees Fahrenheit. That way, you don’t have to wait months for a successful seal.

How Often Should a Roof Be Replaced?

You can keep your roof for as long as it continues to do the job, which ranges from 10 to 75 years depending on the material. Asphalt shingles typically last up to 30 years with good care, after which you should consider replacing them. Other materials may last longer, particularly if you maintain them well.

Can’t tell if your roof is in good shape? Follow our roof maintenance tips to help you get a closer look at the entire system.

Best Time to Replace Roof in Wilmington, DE

The best time to replace a roof is one where the weather is relatively mild, and you don’t have anything big on your own schedule. Outside of those conditions, you have plenty of choices you can make, especially if you start early. At Bromwell Construction Company, we have more than 25 years of experience in home remodeling in Delaware. We’re happy to help you get the roof you want. To get started on your roof replacement project, request an estimate today.