When is the Best Time of Year to Replace a Roof?

When it comes to installing a new roof, there are a lot of decisions to make. Not only do you have to research and find a quality contractor, decide on the roofing materials, select a color, and set up your financing, but you also need to decide on the best time of year to replace a roof.

Generally, fall is considered the best time of year to replace a roof. However, if you’re in dire need of a roof right away—perhaps because of storm damage—you can schedule the installation at any time of year with the right roofing contractor. However, there are certain advantages and disadvantages depending on the season.

We’ll explore those below to help you make an informed decision.

The Best Time of Year to Replace a Roof: The Four Seasons

The changing seasons can have a big impact on roof replacement. There’s not only the weather to consider, but scheduling as well. Certain seasons tend to be more popular for replacements, and your roofing contractor’s calendar will fill up quickly.

Of course, there’s your schedule to consider as well, as it’s likely you’re busier in some seasons than in others. When will you be available to organize the project? How will it affect your home life, and what can you do during that time?

Planning these facets of the project can help increase the odds that everything will go smoothly.

Fall: Considered the Best Weather, but Often Busy

Fall is considered the best time to schedule a roofing project because it often boasts the best temperature range for roof installation. The weather has cooled off from summer highs, but it hasn’t gotten too cold yet.

The temperatures are often fairly consistent during this season, giving contractors the time they need to complete the project before the colder weather arrives. There are fewer storms, reducing the risk that the project will get caught up in heavy downpours or high winds. Delays are less likely to be an issue.

Moderate fall temperatures also help asphalt shingles adhere firmly. Warmer weather softens them and allows the glue strips to stick securely to the roofing surface, while other adhesives and sealants bond more effectively under the right temperatures and conditions. That means your roofing materials will be less likely to crack or warp.

All these conditions can make for an ideal installation, which in turn, extends the life of your roof.

Potential Disadvantages

Though fall is considered the best time for new roof installments, it can be a very busy roofing season. That means contractors may not be able to fit you in if you don’t schedule in advance, so be sure to avoid missing out by making your appointment months ahead of time.

Winter: Easier to Get Booked, but Bad Weather

Installing in the winter isn’t ideal because of the bad weather, as extreme cold temperatures and other conditions can damage roofing materials.

For instance, if you’ve chosen asphalt shingles, the outdoor temperature needs to be 40 to 45 degrees or above for them to adhere correctly. They may become brittle and crack during installation if colder than that. Cold temperatures will affect other sealants and adhesives, too.

Metal roofs, on the other hand, can more easily be installed during the winter months.

If you live in an area that experiences frequent snow storms, high winds, ice, and hail, installing a roof will be more difficult. These conditions make roofing materials more vulnerable to damage, which could lead to premature wear and tear. Workers will have to take more breaks when the bad weather comes, which could extend installation time.

Potential Advantage

There is one advantage to winter installations: they’re easier to schedule. Because it’s not an optimal season for roofing, contractors are not as busy as they are in the other seasons. Prices may be a little lower, as well.

If you live in a mild climate, a winter roofing project may work out perfectly.

Spring: Chance of Rain, but Warmer Temps with Greater Contractor Availability

Spring can be a good season for roofing because the temperatures are warmer. This will help adhesives and sealants bond more securely to the roof and will make it more comfortable for contractors to do the work. It’s not overly hot, either, which is an advantage for workers.

Spring also tends to be less busy than summer or fall, so you may have an easier time scheduling your project. Getting a new roof in the spring can feel great—as a sort of “spring cleaning” project.

It’s also a good time to prepare your roof for any extreme weather that may occur later in the season. If you live in a climate with heavy thunderstorms or tornadoes, an early spring installation may give you time to prepare.

With a spring installation, you can also enjoy the rest of the warmer seasons with the peace of mind that comes with a new roof protecting your home.

Potential Disadvantages

Although spring weather is better than winter, it can still be wet, depending on where you live. You could experience more rain delays, though most roofing companies can easily avoid these.

Spring can have higher humidity levels too, which affects sealants and glues. Overall, the weather is more unpredictable during this season, so you and your contractor need to be flexible.

Summer: Busy for Contractors, with Higher Prices

Summer is a popular season for roofing because of the warmer weather. Not only are the temperatures where they need to be for glues and other adhesives to seal correctly, but there are typically fewer storms to worry about. (If you live in a climate with severe summer storms, fall is likely to be a better time.)

The days are longer, so there’s more time to work. This can result in a faster installation that creates fewer interruptions in your home life.

Summer may also offer a clearer calendar for you and your family. School is out, and there are often fewer extracurricular activities going on, making it easier to manage the project at home.

Potential Disadvantages

Summer temperatures can be too hot and humid in some areas. If you schedule in early summer, you may be fine, but be sure to consider your climate.

High temperatures can make it difficult for contractors to work, and they will need more frequent breaks. Humidity will also negatively impact sealants and glues.

Summer is often when roofing contractors are busiest, and their schedules spill into the fall. That makes getting your project on the calendar the most difficult during these two seasons, so it’s best to contact your roofing contractor months ahead of time.

Finally, because so many roofing projects are going on in summer, it can affect the prices of materials and labor. They are likely to be higher during the summer and fall than in other seasons.

Roof Replacement for Any Season

Though it’s best to schedule your new roof replacement, it’s not always possible. For example, maybe you’ve just experienced a severe storm and now have roof leaks that urgently need to be repaired.

In that situation, you don’t have the luxury of waiting. Indeed, if your roof has been damaged, waiting will only make things worse.

At Erie Home, we are well-equipped to replace your roof in any season. With 50 years of experience and a limited lifetime transferable warranty, we can guarantee the quality of the installation regardless of the season.

Call us today at 1-800-998-8301 to learn more and to schedule a free roof evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time of year is the cheapest to replace a roof?

Winter is typically the cheapest time of year to replace your roof. Fewer replacements are done during this season, so prices tend to become more competitive.

However, bad weather may create delays, making the project last longer, and can increase the risk that some of the materials may be damaged.

When should you not put a roof on?

If temperatures drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit or climb above 85 degrees, it’s best not to be working on a roof.

Colder temperatures can increase the risk of damaging roofing materials and make it harder for shingles to adhere to the roof. Hot and humid days, on the other hand, can make it harder for roofers to work for long periods and can affect the ability of glues and sealants to adhere correctly.

How long does it take for new roof shingles to seal?

How long it takes for shingles to adhere depends on the outdoor temperature. If it’s between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, the shingles will seal quickly—often within a few hours.

In cooler weather (below 70 degrees), the sealing time will be longer, usually a full day or more.

In areas of high humidity, the sealing time will be much longer—anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

Does the roof need to be dry before installing shingles?

Yes. Shingles should never be placed on a wet or damp roof, as it can affect their ability to adhere correctly. Installing when it’s wet can result in premature aging and blistering. A wet roof is also more dangerous for contractors, increasing the risk of a slip and fall.

Is it normal for new shingles not to lay flat?

If your new shingles are not lying flat after a few weeks, contact your roofing contractor. It could be that something went wrong during installation. Usually, shingles will adhere and lie flat either right after installation or after a few weeks.

At Erie Home, our experienced, professional installers always ensure that your roof is installed correctly.