When Is the Best Time of Year to Replace Your Roof?

While your home’s roofing system is meant to last for decades, there’s a good chance that you’ll have to plan at least one roof replacement in your lifetime. Of course, the planning part is a bit more complicated than simply calling up your local roofing company and scheduling the next available date.

If you think that your roof is in need of care, figuring out the best time to replace your roof in a given year means taking into consideration the following critical factors:

• Weather conditions
• Cost
• Contractor availability

These things are also directly related to the season, which we’ll explain below.

The Best Time to Replace Your Roof By the Season

The average roof replacement can take between one and 10 days, depending on the materials being used. Asphalt shingles, being the most popular roofing material, usually only take a day or two to install over an average-sized home of 3,000 square feet or less.

Of course, there are several factors that will determine how long an individual roof replacement will take, such as:

• The complexity of your roof
• The accessibility of your roof
• The roofing materials you choose
• The weather on the day (or days) of your roof replacement
• The time of year you’re having the roof replaced

It’s also important to understand that roofing contractors have busy seasons and slow seasons. Depending on your location, certain seasons may be more or less in demand as they depend on the outdoor temperature and weather conditions. 

Having said that, autumn is arguably the best time to replace a roof due to the mild weather. However, in the case of missing shingles, exposed light, damaged flashing, or leaks, you may not be able to wait until autumn comes around.

So, let’s explore what each season has to offer when it comes to roof installation:

🍁Fall

As mentioned above, fall (September through November) is the best time to schedule a roof replacement. This is because a fall roof replacement offers ideal conditions, such as:

• Cooler temperatures that range between 45 and 85 degrees
• More consistent and predictable weather
• More daylight hours

Essentially, fall allows for more productivity due to the consistent weather and daylight hours. Plus, the average temperatures are said to be better for allowing new shingles the time they need to effectively seal before the snowy months come around.

There’s only one downside to planning your roof replacement during these months — and that’s that this time of the year tends to be the busiest season for roofing companies. This means:

• Appointment slots may be limited or completely booked up
• Prices may be higher due to the demand

If you’re looking to have your roof replaced in the fall, it’s best to schedule the project months in advance to lock in your installation date.

❄️Winter

Winter is typically the slowest season for roofing companies. Some even close up shop from December to February due to the extreme cold, snow, and ice. However, it’s still possible to schedule a roof replacement during the winter months if the weather conditions permit.

The greatest upside to a winter roof replacement is that your roofer is guaranteed to have availability. However, they’ll only install a new roof if:

• The temperature remains above 40 degrees, as asphalt shingles require heat and sunlight to adhere and seal properly
• The weather forecast doesn’t call for snow or sleet, or freezing rain as these elements can weaken brand-new roofing materials

New roof installations in the winter will also take longer due to the following:

• The installation process will take longer because the roofers will likely need to take more breaks due to the cold
• Due to a lack of heat and sometimes sunlight, the roofers will have to use hand-sealing techniques to ensure that your new shingles adhere and seal properly
• Due to the cold, the materials will be more difficult to work with
• The days are shorter which means less productivity
• Winter weather can be unpredictable 

It should also be noted that having to use hand-sealing techniques to install new shingles will likely add to the labor costs, making winter roof replacements more expensive.

🌷Spring

The spring season — March through May — is regarded as the second best time of year to replace a roof. 

This is because springtime offers up:

• Less humidity
• More open slots for appointments
• Plenty of sunlight and warmth for shingles to adhere and seal properly

Of course, springtime does come with stretches of rain which can push back the time frame for your roof replacement. These conditions can also bring about moisture damage to the materials if the roofing contractor isn’t careful. 

☀️Summer

June, July, and August provide longer and sunnier days as well as:

• Excessive heat and humidity
• Thunder and lightning storms
• Regular rain storms and sun showers

It should also be noted that during the summer months, your roof can be up to 20 degrees hotter than the temperature on the ground. Therefore, the roofers will have to take more breaks to avoid heat stroke and heat exhaustion. 

Asphalt shingles are also not meant to set in very high temperatures as extreme heat can weaken them or even cause them to melt.

However, this doesn’t mean summer is a bad time to get a new roof. In fact, summertime roof installations can be very successful if you schedule the installation at the right time — such as at the beginning of the season. 

Aside from the entire autumn season, the month of June alone is the best time to replace your roof since:

• The real heat and humidity haven’t set in yet
• There’s less rain (if any at all)
• The days are nice and long, making it easier for the roofers to be productive and efficient

Keep in mind that because June is such an ideal month for roof replacements, it may be hard to schedule yours on short notice. 

Ready to Schedule Your Roof Replacement?

Scheduling a roof replacement is easier than you may think, as long as you plan it in advance. If you’re unsure as to where to start, the best thing you can do is find a reliable and trustworthy roofing company in your area and schedule an inspection. 

During this time you’ll be able to discuss your needs and concerns with your roofer, as well as the best time to schedule the project. 

When you’re ready, call the roofing professionals at Tectum Roofing. We’ll provide you with an accurate and fair estimate as well as guide you through the entire process!