(BPT) Cool breezes and falling leaves are around the corner, and for many parts of the country those telltale signs of fall signal the best possible season for roofing.
So what makes fall a great time for roof repairs or a full replacement?
1. Perfect Weather
The same perfectly cool weather that makes fall a favorite time of year for camping and outdoor activities also makes it a great time for roofing – and not just because it’s more comfortable for the roofer. Asphalt shingles, the most popular form of roofing in the U.S., have an optimum temperature for installation. Keep in mind, the perfect roofing weather of fall can mean busy contractors.
2. Spring and Summer Storms
The warmth and humidity of the spring and summer months are notorious for spawning severe thunderstorms. Hail can fall any time of the year, but is most common in the spring and summer months, reaching a peak in June in several regions. High winds from spring storms can also uproot trees and snap limbs, both of which can fall on the roof.
“We always recommend homeowners hire a professional to examine their roofs, both for their safety, and to protect their roof,” said Stephen McNally, vice president of sales and marketing for TAMKO Building Products, a major manufacturer of asphalt shingles.
3. Winter Is Coming
Depending on the area of the country, winter can bring subzero temperatures and up to 10 feet of snow. Freeze-thaw cycles, ice dams and damp weather require the roof to be in top shape to defend against these threats during the winter months. Winter can be a difficult time to roof, so leaks that show up during the winter months can take longer to fix.
“Weather is always a concern – as a contractor, I would never tear more off a roof than what could be re-shingled in one day,” said Rick Taylor, a longtime roofing contractor, now working as an industry sales trainer known as Rick the Roofer. “And if there was more than a 50 percent chance of rain that day, I waited to start the project.”
With the optimal temperatures and weather – and the need to prepare for winter – homeowners will find fall to be a great time for roofing. With a skilled labor shortage already pushing project start dates out weeks or months, homeowners should act quickly to schedule their roof project if they want it completed before winter.
