The Best Time of Year for a Roof Replacement

Roof damage can occur at any time. All it takes is one severe storm to rip shingles off your roof and allow water to pour into your house. Fortunately, you can get repairs like this at any time of year. 

But what about homeowners or property managers who are trying to plan a roof replacement project in advance? Is there a time of year that works better than others? We’ll answer this question and identify some of the key differences between having a roof replacement carried out in different seasons below. 

What Is the Best Time of Year for a Roof Replacement?

Fall and spring are generally considered the best times to have a roof replaced. The weather during these seasons is usually relatively mild, without the scorching highs or bone-chilling lows that can occur during the summer or winter. The weather is also more predictable during these seasons, with fewer work-disrupting snowstorms or heat waves to worry about. 

But while both fall and spring are great seasons, fall usually edges out spring, if you want the very best timing for your roof replacement project. This is largely because there is typically less rain in the fall, which will lead to fewer weather-related delays. 

Can You Have a Roof Replaced in Summer or Winter?

Yes, you can have your roof replaced during the summer or winter. However, there are a few drawbacks to summer and winter roof replacement that you’ll want to consider.  

Summer Roof Replacement Challenges

A few of the most noteworthy obstacles to summertime roof replacement include: 

• Labor Difficulties: Sweltering temperatures make summer roof replacements more difficult for roofing professionals. 
• Shingle Softening: Asphalt shingles can become too pliable in the summer, often leading to scuffs, tears, or distortion during installation.
• Adhesive Overactivation: Sealant strips can activate prematurely in high temperatures, causing shingles to stick in place before they’ve been properly aligned.
• Underlayment Sensitivity: Synthetic underlayment materials can expand or wrinkle in high temperatures, affecting proper placement.
• Nail Blow-Through Risk: Nails can be driven too deeply into softened shingles, leading to damage and compromised wind resistance.
• Damage During Storage: Prolonged exposure to sun can warp or degrade materials delivered to the jobsite before installation even begins.

Winter Roof Replacement Challenges

Winter presents its own set of roof replacement complications, such as:

• Labor Difficulties: It can be difficult for roofing professionals to work in the winter, given the season’s frigid temperatures, snow, and ice. 
• Brittle Shingles: Asphalt shingles become rigid during cold weather, making them more prone to cracking when bent or fastened during installation.
• Poor Adhesive Bonding: Sealant strips require warmth to activate and work properly, and cold temperatures slow (or even prevent) proper adhesion.
• Underlayment Cracking: Some underlayment materials become inflexible in the cold, increasing the risk of tears during installation.
• Ice Interference: When present on the roof surface, snow and ice can prevent proper shingle adhesion, leading to potential installation failures.
• Extended Curing Times: Products like sealants and caulks take much longer to set during low temperatures, resulting in project completion delays.

Do Roof Replacement Costs Change with the Season?

Roof replacement can certainly require quite an investment, so many homeowners and property managers wonder whether the timing of the project will alter the total costs. In short, yes — roof replacement costs may vary from one season to the next.  

For example, summer is often the busiest season for roof replacements in many areas. This can make scheduling more challenging, as roofing contractors are in high demand at this time. Material costs may even rise temporarily due to the spike in demand summer creates. Contractors usually don’t charge more for winter installation. In fact, some may even offer reduced prices to help keep their calendars full during what is a slower time of year.  

Ultimately, you’ll just want to discuss the issue with the contractor you choose and inquire about seasonal changes in their cost structure. 

When to Wait and When to Take Action: Can You Wait for the Perfect Season? 

In an ideal world, homeowners and property managers would always be able to schedule a roof replacement project weeks or months in advance to enjoy the benefits of “perfect” timing. However, this is not always advisable; in fact, there are some situations in which you should schedule a roof replacement as soon as possible, regardless of the time of year. 

If you notice any of the following signs, you’ll want to contact a roof replacement expert promptly and get your project scheduled quickly:

• Persistent Leaks: If your roof is actively leaking, you’ll want to get the repairs or replacement work you need as quickly as possible to avoid moisture damage.  
• Missing Shingles: Missing shingles mean that your roof is not properly protected from the elements and leaks are likely to occur during the next heavy rain event.  
• Sagging Roof Decking: A sagging roof deck is an emergency situation that requires immediate repairs to prevent a total collapse. 
• Mold or Attic Moisture: Even minor mold and moisture-related issues can quickly turn into huge problems that’ll affect your health and lead to thousands in repair costs.  
• Claim Deadlines: Because you may face deadlines when navigating the insurance claim process, it’s usually wise to have replacements carried out as soon as possible. 
• Upcoming Home Sale: If you’re intending to sell your home, you may want to go ahead and schedule the work promptly to avoid delays at closing time. 

How Far in Advance Should You Schedule a Roof Replacement Project?

Obviously, if you’re dealing with a pressing roof issue, you’ll want to contact a roofing contractor immediately to get your job scheduled as soon as possible. But if you’re in no rush, you can make a longer-term plan for getting your roof replaced. 

Typically, roofing contractors will schedule work to begin about 6 to 12 weeks out during the busy summer season, while they may be able to get your project scheduled in as little as 1 to 3 weeks during the winter. Spring and fall roof replacements will usually fall in between these two extremes. 

However, because you’ll likely want to solicit quotes from multiple contractors, and you should always build in a little wiggle room to accommodate last-minute challenges, it’s wise to start calling around about 8 to 12 weeks before you want the project to begin. 

The Best Time of Year for a Roof Replacement: FAQ

Have more questions about the timing of your roof replacement project? We’ve rounded up some of the most common questions our clients have and answered them below. 

What time of year is cheapest to replace a roof?

Generally speaking, roof replacement costs are lowest during the winter, when demand is low. Some roofing contractors even offer discounts during the winter to keep their crews busy. 

What is the 25% rule for roofing?

The 25% rule of roofing essentially states that if more than 25% of a roof is damaged, it should be replaced rather than repaired. 

How can I save money on a roof replacement?

There are a number of ways you may be able to save money on a roof replacement, such as by selecting a more affordable material or having the work performed during the winter. You may also consider having a roof overlay installed, rather than having your existing roof torn off and replaced. 

Should a 20-year-old roof be replaced?

By the time most shingle roofs are 20 years old, you’ll want to start considering replacement. Some shingle roofs can last much longer than this, but it’s a good idea to have a roofing professional perform an inspection so you can determine whether replacement is warranted.  

What type of roof will last the longest?

Metal, clay tiles, and high-end architectural shingles all last a long time, but slate is likely the longest-lasting roof material widely available in the Ohio area. 

Is it cheaper to replace a roof in the winter?

It can be cheaper to have a roof replaced during the winter, as this is the slowest time of year for many crews. 

Will insurance help pay for a new roof?

Insurance may help pay for the costs of a new roof, but it will depend on a variety of factors, including the age of the existing roof, the cause of the damage, and the details of your policy. You’ll simply have to contact your insurance provider to know for sure. 

Choose Asbury Roofing & Siding for Your Roof Replacement Needs!

Whether you’re trying to plan ahead and schedule a roof replacement during the ideal time or you’re suddenly faced with an emergency that requires immediate attention, Asbury Roofing & Siding can provide the roofing solutions you need. With 5-star reviews on Google, Facebook, and Trustindex, as well as a 4.9 on Angi and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, we’ve built a reputation for being the roofing contractor homeowners and property managers in Northeast Ohio can trust. 

Contact us today to schedule your free roof inspection and video report! 

Sources & References

• Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) – “Cold Weather Application Guidelines”
  Explains how asphalt shingles behave in both hot and cold climates, including issues like brittle cracking, improper adhesion, nail blow-through, softened shingles, and temperature-related installation limitations.
  https://www.asphaltroofing.org