What’s the Best Time of Year for Commercial Roof Replacement?
Holding off maintenance because you’re wondering what the best time of the year is for a complete commercial roof replacement? While each season has their own pros and cons, the best time to schedule your roof replacement is when you need it! Don’t wait for a better season if a replacement is needed right away.
If you have the luxury to plan and schedule your roof replacement though, here are the seasons ranked from worst to best to get that new roof you’ve been considering for your business or commercial space.
4th Place: Winter Months
If you can avoid it, the winter months can be a tough time to complete a commercial roof replacement, especially in cold weather climates. While there are some benefits to this particular season (like less wait times and more roofer availability), there are reasons for that.
Cold temperatures are the main factor in making this season the least ideal for roof replacement. For one, your roof protects you from the elements. If your building’s roof is removed to be replaced, you are losing that protection (temporarily) not only from cold temperatures but also from snow and ice.
Additionally, roofs can collect a lot of snow and ice buildup during this time of year, and that accumulation will need to be removed before the roofers can get to work on replacement.
Not to mention, when the snow melts it could lead to water damage, leaks, or growth of mold and mildew. Ice on your roof can lead to scratching the materials and potentially puncturing your roof as well. These cold weather elements will all put a strain on your roof and the replacement process.
Additionally, because of the freezing temperatures, the material used on your roof may not be able to adhere properly, leaving you with problems down the road. Sealants are harder to apply in freezing temperatures and could lead to less stable roofing repairs. Because of this, it’s imperative to use an experienced, knowledgeable roofing contractor – they will know what products can and can’t be used, along with how best to navigate difficult weather and low temperatures.
Sometimes, though, winter roof replacement can’t (and shouldn’t) be avoided. The plus side of winter roof replacement or repair is shorter wait times, since winter is usually the least busy time for roofing projects, and the commercial roofing company may be able to schedule your roof repair sooner rather than later. Don’t keep holding off if your roof has a leak. If you need a roof repair or replacement, call a trusted roofer today.
3rd Place: Summer Months
You might be thinking: “Summer has nice weather, why wouldn’t it be the best to schedule my roof replacement?” For most, it is common sense that a harsh winter can bring damage to their roof. However, fewer people don’t realize that summer weather can be just as damaging.
Another thing to consider when choosing a season to replace your roof is the strain on your roofing contractors. Summer heat can be intense, especially in the middle of the day…on top of a roof! Your roofers will be out and working throughout the hottest parts of the day, and while professional commercial roofing companies can manage this, it is still easier on the workers if they are able to work in cooler temperatures. Your roofing materials are also a factor in this decision. Metal roof installation during the summer months can be harder to handle for roofers due to the high temperatures.
When picking this season for your roof replacement, it may be better to lean towards late summer, when your roof will have less immediate exposure to extreme temperature highs right after being replaced. Scheduling a roof replacement for early summer is also a nice option, but may have to work around temperamental weather patterns lingering from late spring.
But remember, the perfect time to replace your roof is when you need to! Don’t hold off on replacing your roof if it is excessively damaged.
2nd Place: Spring
One of the better times to replace your roof is in the spring. For starters, winter is over at this point. If you replace your roof in the spring, you start fresh after all the potential winter damage that your roof may have experienced over the cold months.
Winter weather can cause a myriad of problems to your roofing system. By replacing it once the weather warms, you have the ability to start over free of any roof damage accumulated.
Alternatively, by replacing your roofing system in the spring, your new roof will be better able to withstand harsh weather leading up to the summer; asphalt shingles and other roofing materials will have much stronger durability to withstand extreme heat or drastic temperature changes.
However, spring is not short of problems. Thunderstorms are most prominent during the spring and summer months. Due to strong winds and flying debris, you could find storm damage on your roof in the aftermath of extreme weather.
1st Place: Fall
Fall is typically the busiest time of year for roofers, and there’s a reason for that. Roof repairs and replacements are easier to conduct in the fall months thanks to the typically cooler temperatures and milder weather patterns. This time is less likely to see extreme temperature highs and lows or rapid changes in weather.
Since both summer and winter are known for causing the most roofing damage, it makes sense to complete all roofing services in between. Summer can cause roofing materials and shingles to degrade in the heat, repairing your roof immediately after will eliminate those problems before they get worse. Regular roof maintenance is the best way to prevent your commercial property from needing an entirely new roof for as long as possible.
Similarly, protecting your building with a solid roof foundation going into cooler temperatures in the winter months is important since winter is also known to cause roofing damage.
Fall weather, however, still presents its own challenges to roofs and buildings. While falling colorful leaves can be beautiful, they can cause issues to your roof. Leaves themselves are light and harmless but the more that add up and trap in moisture, the heavier they get. If leaves and excessive water pool on your flat roof, this could cause it to sag or lead to water damage. If leaves build up and collect moisture in your gutters, the weight will pull down on your roof and harm the shingles. Even if you aren’t repairing or replacing your roof, this is still the time for preventative maintenance by clearing your gutters and cleaning off your roof of any debris.
Hire a Trusted Commercial Roofer
No matter what season you need to repair or replace your roof, hire trusted professionals to make sure your building is in the best shape. An improperly installed roof will degrade and need to be replaced much sooner than expected.
Annual roof inspections are the best way to make your roof last and avoid an emergency roof replacement, because regularly checking the status of your roof helps repair problems before they turn into leaks and keep your roof longer. Even with all the pros and cons of each season, the best time of year for commercial roof replacement is when you need it. Call TEMA Roofing Services for all your roofing needs.