Many homeowners plan major projects in the spring and summer months, but contractors say some jobs are better left until the fall. Heavy rain and soaring temperatures are not a problem for home improvement contractors who work indoors in air-conditioned comfort. But roofers work outside and are exposed to the elements. Here are some of the reasons why roofing contractors say fall is the best season for replacing your roof.
Hurricane Season Is Over
Homeowners in the Southeast feel relieved every November when hurricane season ends. The high winds and heavy rains of hurricane season can reveal roofing issues that would otherwise have remained hidden. Therefore, this is a good time to assess roof damage and prepare for winter weather events. Installing a roof after hurricane season ends can also make financial sense. Projects that aren’t interrupted by hurricane warnings are completed more quickly, so labor costs are lower.
The Weather Is Kinder
Roof replacement projects are often delayed in the spring and summer because of the weather. Heavy spring rains can make working on a roof impossible, and covering a partly completed project with waterproof materials to protect it from the elements increases costs. When summer arrives, sweltering temperatures can make working outdoors dangerous. In the fall, the weather is ideal for roofing projects. Temperatures are mild, and rain is less of a problem.
Optimal Shingle Sealing Conditions
Replacing a roof in the spring or summer can be challenging because asphalt shingles become malleable and difficult to handle when exposed to high temperatures. In these conditions, roofers use cushions and take extra care to make sure they don’t damage shingles. This prolongs the project and leaves the home vulnerable to extreme weather. Roofers don’t run into these problems in the fall, and cooler temperatures allow shingles to properly bond to the roof and seal. This provides a more durable roofing surface that can better withstand high winds.
Lower Prices
Home improvement contractors usually have plenty of work in the spring and summer, so finding a good deal can be difficult. Demand lessens in the fall, so contractors may be more willing to charge less. The cost of roofing materials and supplies could also be lower in the fall. Another reason why roofing projects may be less expensive in the fall is that they are completed more quickly, so less material is lost to weather-related mishaps.
Are You Ready for a New Roof?
If your roof has seen better days and may not be able to withstand the next major storm, fall is a great time to replace it. A roofing contractor can complete the job quickly because there probably won’t be any weather-related delays, and mild fall temperatures are ideal for installing asphalt shingles.
To learn more about a roof replacement in Tampa, FL, call the experienced professionals at Handyman Roofing today.
