When is the best time of year to install a new roof? If you’ve been putting off getting your roof replaced, the summer months can be the ideal time to get the job done!
More stable weather conditions, longer daylight hours and greater contractor and material availability are just a few of the benefits of reroofing in the summertime – read on to find out 12 reasons why summer is the best time to replace your roof.
1. Stable Weather Conditions
One of the biggest benefits of replacing your roof in the summer is that the weather is more settled. As a result, moisture levels are low, temperatures are more favourable for outdoor work, and the likelihood of strong winds is reduced. Dryer conditions will also reduce the risk of leaks developing before the roof has had time to settle in.
2. Less Chance Of Delays
Unforeseen interruptions to the work schedule can prolong the reroofing process. Having your roofing work done during the summer means there is less chance of weather related or contractor availability delays that will slow the project down.
3. Easier Installation
Generally speaking, climbing up on the roof is a job made easier in more moderate temperatures, thus allowing contractors to work more quickly and efficiently. Bitterly cold weather can make roofing materials more difficult to handle, sealants may take longer to set, and working conditions can face additional safety challenges. Overall, the speed and ease of the roof installation process is improved when carried out in spring or summer.
4. Longer Daylight Hours
In New Zealand, the summer months from December through to February provide the added bonus of more daylight hours offering the ideal opportunity for roofers to work for longer periods. This means the job gets done faster with as little disruption to the home and its occupants as possible.
5. Enhanced Roof Efficiency
If your roof is suffering from existing damage or deterioration, it can seriously affect the efficiency of its performance, specifically heat retention and its long-term structural integrity. For example, if leaks, gaps and cracks are left unrepaired going into the winter months, not only is water able to penetrate the home, heat will easily be able to escape leading to a cold, damp home with higher energy bills.
6. Lower Overall Costs
Since installation can be done quicker and more efficiently during the summer months, there is the assumption you will be spending less on labour for project management and installation. This is primarily due to the fact that there is less chance of disruption to the schedule or unforeseen delays, which can make the job more time-consuming and, therefore, more expensive. As summer is not typically a time when roof leaks are discovered (due to lack of precipitation), roofers may also be less busy, meaning they might be looking for work and more inclined to quote for the job more competitively. It never hurts to take advantage of off-season prices!
7. Greater Material Availability
The uncertainty of recent times has meant it may be difficult to get your hands on certain roofing materials in a timely manner. This applies to all building materials, but for roofers, this particularly relates to sourcing roofing materials over the winter when there is high demand driven by necessity. Ordering these products in the summer will mean less competition and greater availability.
8. No Shrink Wrapping Needed
Generally speaking, reroofing projects in the summertime do not require shrink wrapping as there is far less potential for water damage. This will need to be discussed on a case-by-case basis with your roofer, but it has the potential to save time and money when reroofing your home.
9. Less Demand
In the winter months, there is a higher demand for emergency roof repairs, making this a busy time for roofing contractors. If you are thinking about booking a roof replacement, demand-wise, it is always best to do it during the summer months. At other times of the year, you are likely to encounter a higher demand for reroofing contractors and materials, as well as workers tied up with more urgent roof repairs from damages that happened during the winter season.
10. Easier Identification Of Potential Issues
During summer, any existing issues with the ongoing performance of your roof are much more easily identified, making it much easier to ensure issues that might cause potential damage in the long run are taken care of. This is largely due to dryer, more settled weather conditions that allow for a more extensive look into the roof structure, ensuring not just durability but also longevity of your roof.
11. Lower Moisture Levels And More Ideal Temperatures
Although roofing contractors are trained to work in all conditions and protect your house whilst reroofing work is in progress, it is ideal to work with low moisture levels and in warmer temperatures during a roofing project. Depending on which part of the country you live in, snow, ice, freezing temperatures and frequent rainfall can all contribute to making roofing materials damp and difficult to work with while also causing delays. Typically the summer months yield less rain and warmer temperatures making installation less of a problem all around without the risk of added complications.
12. Peace Of Mind
And last but not least, changing climate conditions mean you never know what kind of weather may be on its way for the winter. Installing your new roof in the summer will prepare you for any, and all, bad weather conditions heading into winter, with the added bonus of better heat retention, ultimately lowering your winter heating bills – giving you peace of mind when it comes to protecting and preserving your greatest asset!
5 Things To Consider When Booking A Re-Roof
While we’ve established opting for the summer season is a wise choice when it comes to reroofing, it is isn’t the only important consideration when booking your roof replacement. There are a few other things to think about, including:
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- Previous Commitments. Whether it’s a family holiday, a wedding, visitors on their way, or any one of the many other life commitments we face on a regular basis, scheduling a roof replacement when you are otherwise occupied will only lead to unnecessary stress and additional time constraints. Always plan well ahead and make sure you avoid any previous commitments.
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- Contractor Availability. It always pays to check with your roofing contractor as to whether they are available to carry out the work when you want them to. Good roofing contractors can be booked up months in advance – this may be a deal breaker if you are on a tight schedule. Booking well ahead will secure your preferred time slot.
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- Existing Building Work. Do you have any other renovations planned? Although you might think it’s great to get everything done at the same time, having multiple contractors and building works going on at the same time is only going to complicate the process for everyone and may lead to added safety issues.
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- Roofing Material Accessibility. Some roofing materials can be difficult to get your hands on at the moment or be subject to unavoidable manufacturing and delivery delays. It is best to speak with your roofer to understand any possible hold-ups before committing to the project.
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- Emergency Roof Repairs. Even the best-laid plans can go awry, particularly when it comes to an emergency repair situation. If your roof is in urgent need of repair, don’t wait, you should hire a reputable roofing company to fix or replace it immediately. Some things that may be considered a roofing emergency include:
- Significant internal water damage
- Mould and moss growth in the roof cavity
- Light shining in through your roof
- Loose or missing roof tiles
- Sagging areas in the roof
- Damaged flashing or roofing materials (from high winds, tree branches, stormy weather etc.)
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- Obvious leaks causing rot or damp areas in roof framing
- Emergency Roof Repairs. Even the best-laid plans can go awry, particularly when it comes to an emergency repair situation. If your roof is in urgent need of repair, don’t wait, you should hire a reputable roofing company to fix or replace it immediately. Some things that may be considered a roofing emergency include:
If your roof needs replacing, summer is a great time to have it done! See here for more info on everything you need to know about reroofing or get in touch with the roofing professionals at Action Reroofing for expertly constructed roofing solutions.
