Can I Replace My Roof in Winter?

Sometimes, your roof needs replacing now — and it can’t wait for warmer temperatures. If your home’s roof is far from delightful, but the weather outside is frightful, don’t worry. An experienced roofing contractor will work with you to install your roof and protect your home as quickly as possible.

Why It’s Okay (and Sometimes Better) To Replace a Roof in the Winter

If you call around and talk to roofing contractors, some might tell you that it’s never okay to replace a roof in the winter, or when temperatures fall below freezing. They might mumble about adhesives not sealing properly, or claim that caulk won’t work in extreme cold.  

It might sound like a reasonable explanation, but is it accurate? Do roofing materials simply stop working when the temps dip too low?

The answer is simple: no. Not only can you replace a roof in the winter, but it might also even be better for your roof’s longevity if you do.

The Sealant Used for Asphalt Shingles

If you’re like the majority of homeowners in the U.S., you have an asphalt shingle roof. Shingles contain a strip of sealant (also called adhesive or glue) that interacts with warm temperatures — which you normally get during summer, late spring, and fall — resulting in an automatic seal. The sealant should seal on its own due to a combination of heat and pressure. Shingles are also nailed down to prevent them from curling up.

In cold temperatures, however, the roofing crew must hand-seal each shingle to ensure the sealant bonds properly. In other words, they can’t rely on natural heat from the sun to activate the seal. As an experienced roofing professional knows, hand sealing takes a bit longer, but it ensures that each and every single one is sealed.

The Roofing Crew’s Experience

It’s also important to note why it’s so important to work with a roofing contractor that only uses experienced roofing professionals. A knowledgeable crew knows when a roof requires hand-sealing, and they make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and guidelines for sealants and temperatures.

Homeowners may find that some roofing companies charge less in the winter months because they experience a slump in business when the weather is cold. When you work with an experienced contractor, however, you can expect them to be busy year-round.

While you might be tempted to take advantage of a lower price, remember that reputable roofing companies stay busy for a reason — they deliver a high-quality job that will last for decades. If your roof needs replacing now, and it can’t wait until summer, make sure you work with a company that will take the time to hand-seal each and every shingle. And if you’re concerned about how long your roof will last, you should only work with a highly experienced roofing company that stands behind its work.

Find Out How You Can Save on Roofing Materials

Is your roof nearing the end of its lifespan? You don’t have to wait until summer to replace it. Contact Nu Look Home Design to discuss your roof replacement project.