One of the most common questions we get especially from new homeowners is what the best time is to replace your roof. The answer to this varies for each individual household, however, if we were to provide a general notion of priority in answering this question, it would be as follows.
1st Roof Replacement Priority: Urgency and extent of damage on the roof over your head.
The number one priority to consider when deciding to replace your roof would be the urgency of the roof replacement. Therefore, it almost goes without saying that if the roof over your head has significant damage that is causing major leaks or has direct exposure to the elements, the best time would be immediate or as soon as possible. Major leaks or having the interior of your roof exposed for too long may lead to further structural damage to your home beyond the scope of a roofing contractor. Thus, your total repair costs will undoubtedly increase and may require the services of more than just a roofing contractor.
2nd Roof Replacement Priority: Financial Well-being & Affordability
If there is no sense of urgency from physical damage presently on your roof, then we would follow the second priority in our hierarchy to determine the best time for replacing your roof. Second, to urgent damage, is your financial well being and affordability. If your roof needs a replacement it would always be wise to make sure you can afford it. Of course, if there is a sense of urgency, as mentioned in priority one, there are financing options available to fix and prevent further damage. But if your roof needs replacing due to old shingles and visible minor damage on the top and exterior, we would recommend it wise to ensure you are able to afford the replacement and/or the financing monthly expense that comes with it.
3rd Roof Replacement Priority: Peak Season & The Weather
If your situation checks out on the first two priorities, then you may assess the third which is considered a more general rule of roofing. Roofing contractors will tell you directly that they will not be able to work in rainy, wet, slippery, or extremely cold conditions. This is not only because yes, it is dangerous for them to be on the roof in these conditions, but also because the weather may not allow all tools, materials, adhesives, etc. to properly mold, adjust or function to your roof. Of course, you can call a roofing contractor at any time as it’s not your responsibility to check the weekly weather, but the contractor will then suggest a date based on first availability and the weather. This is not to say that unexpected rainstorms may occur during or in-between a roofing job, which will undoubtedly cause roof installation and repair delays, but an experienced contractor will know how to accommodate for changing weather and be able to minimize this. The ideal season temperature-wise for you to get your roof replaced will be from late spring (after the rainy season), summer, and fall. The peak season for roof replacement is summer and fall as these months have the least rain and ideal weather conditions. Therefore, we highly recommend booking your roof replacement well in advance to get serviced on time.
4th Consider a Local Roofing Contractor.
Lastly, it is always wise to hire a local roofing contractor who is aware of the weather in your residing city. For example, a southern location on the ocean coast such as Florida, which has warm weather most of the year-round, might have different specifications, options, and requirements for their residential roofs. This is the opposite when compared to the northern regions of Simcoe County in Ontario, Canada, or even Bend, Oregon. The majority of Simcoe County is mid-land with some lakes nearby but much different than being on an ocean coast. The weather in Oregon and Ontario Canada also consists of a much colder and wet climate, with very heavy snowfall during the winter months. This would most likely require different variations of material, fortification, and heavier insulation. The following cities fall within Simcoe County and all experience heavy snowfall and extremely cold conditions through long winters. These cites include Barrie, Innisfil, Angus, Bradford, Midland, Orillia, Owen Sound, Georgina, Newmarket, Creemore, Collingwood, Minesing, Oro Station, Shanty bay and more all require a local roofing contractor that is experienced at their craft and familiar with the climate.
