Protecting your biggest home investment — your roof — is imperative. But even the strongest materials hit the end of their useful lifespan at some point. When that happens, you will have to consider replacement, whether you have an asphalt shingle roof or a metal one. There are better times than others to tackle this kind of project, so let’s go over when the ideal time is to get residential roofing replacement.
Seasons
Living in Texas, we don’t have to deal with ice and snow (much), but in climates where snow in winter is a concern, this is probably the worst time to get a roof installed. Not only could the cold temperatures make materials hard and brittle so that they can actually crack during installation, it’s unsafe and difficult for contractors to work on a roof in those conditions. Tools don’t work as well in the cold and sealants can’t be effectively applied.
Fall is an ideal time to get your roof replaced because the weather is mild and you can get all the problems fixed before the cooler months hit. However, this tends to be a busy time for contractors because the weather is cooler, plus you may spend a premium on materials if you choose this busy season. Summer is typically a slow season for contractors in Texas because the weather is oppressively hot. This means roofing is unpleasant for the contractors, not to mention the heat and humidity can affect the integrity of the materials. Asphalt shingles, for example, can soften up and make them less durable to install.
In general, the best weather in which to install roofing is between 45 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. This is why fall is best, as the cooler temps allow for quicker, easier installation. However, be prepared to wait in line behind everybody else, as this is a busy time for roofers and materials may also be at a premium.
Busy vs. Slow Season
That being said, every roofer is different when it comes to their slow or busy times. They tend to increase their prices when they are busy due to the simple law of supply and demand. When they’re busy and jobs are plentiful, they can afford to be more discriminating in which jobs they will take on and how much they will charge. They can easily increase their prices between five to 15% when competition is lower. Slow seasons will have them lowering those prices again when competition is high. Generally, it’s best to schedule your installation during the off-season if you want to save money.
Overall, you should do what’s best for you. If you’re not in a rush and can afford to wait four to six weeks for installation, great. If you are in a rush and don’t want to be stressed out by dragging the project on and on, plan accordingly. That being said, even the most precise of roofing installation jobs that look like they may go seamlessly can’t compete with Mother Nature. If it’s been raining for a week, no one is getting their roof worked on, which pushes all other projects out.
Contact Ferris Roofing in Fort Worth, TX
With locations in Dallas, San Antonio, Fort Worth and Austin, Ferris Roofing is your first choice for full-service roofing for commercial and residential needs. Got questions about when to start your roof replacement? Please contact us toll free at 888-939-7663 or fill out our online estimate form.