As your home’s first line of defense, a roof should always be a priority, especially during the fall season. While high-quality roofers can guarantee the same standard of work all year round, some days can make it difficult to get any roofing work done. This is because the weather and temperature during a roof repair can affect the cost and difficulty of the process.
Most professional roofers will agree that fall is the perfect season for roofing projects for several good reasons. Here is everything you need to know about why the milder fall conditions are best suited for roof repairs.
Better Working Conditions
There are a lot of factors that make roofing projects a dangerous job. Every time a roofer climbs on a rooftop, they need to take every precaution and avoid hazardous situations, including the risks from weather conditions. Each season has different weather patterns that can create hazards for roofers.
During winter, snow and ice can make it easy to slip and lose footing. The snow can also make it nearly impossible to navigate through the roof or properly see its damaged areas. Summer seasons may bring in sunny days, but roofing work involves hours of working under the blistering sun without shade that can lead to dehydration or heat exhaustion.
The fall season offers the ideal weather conditions and temperatures to get work done. It falls under a sweet spot that is not too hot or too cold. There are also fewer instances of thunderstorms, heavy rain, or snowfall during this time.
Faster Sealing for Shingles
This season also creates the ideal condition to allow roofing materials to heal on the roof better. According to Roofing Construction & Estimating, roofing materials like shingles are best installed on clear days with temperatures that range between 45 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. These temperatures ensure that shingles stick together and adhere properly to your roof, providing a sturdy and long-lasting roof.
When the temperature gets too hot, it can be more difficult to nail down and handle shingles. In cold conditions, shingles can freeze and become too brittle. These problems can cause delays, which can make the project more expensive for homeowners.
Wear and Tear from Previous Seasons
Spring and summer can do as much damage to the roof as harsh winters. Major storms are common around these seasons, and they can take a toll on a roof, especially when it’s approaching the end of its expected lifespan.
The heavy rains and hail can wash away the protective layer on the shingles. Winds can also lift any curled shingles until the underlayment wears away. When combined with the beating from the blazing sun during summer, your roof will seriously degrade in just a short time.
Furthermore, it will become more vulnerable to damage in the following months. This can also negatively impact the overall comfort of your home. It will become tougher to get these repairs once you get into winter. The repair costs will even increase.
The fall season is the best time to assess any damage that your roof may have sustained during the previous months and determine the necessary roofing services. This will at least provide some peace of mind heading into colder months.
Prepare for Winter Weather
As winter looms on the horizon, you need to take this opportunity to prepare your roof for the upcoming season. Call in professionals to make sure your roof is indeed airtight and able to secure from sudden winds, drops in temperature, as well as outside moisture.
Winter storms can worsen any existing damage on a roof. If the snow on your roof melts during the day and freezes overnight, the hole on the roof can widen and let in more water into your home. The weight of heavy snow and ice buildup can also increase the risk of the roof collapsing.
Some roof repairs like replacement shingles take time to set. By getting the work done on fall, your roof will be prepped and ready to prevent leaks and drafts by the time the cold winter months arrive.
Save Money on Heating Costs
Roof repairs during fall can also save you buckets on your heating costs once the cold winter temperatures hit. People tend to crank up the heater when it gets colder to stay warm in their homes. However, this can lead to your energy bill to skyrocket for the entire winter if you have a damaged or poorly insulated roof.
Damaged roofs will not correctly function when it comes to insulation. As they’re prone to leaks, it will make it more likely to allow cold air from outside to seep into your home. This will create more work for your heater, forcing you to pay a lot more for your heating costs than you should have.
Patching any issues in the fall will improve insulation before the temperature changes, helping you reduce your heating bills.
Fahey Roofing Contractors has the experienced and skilled contractors you need to help you with any necessary roof repairs and roof replacement. We serve various areas in West Virginia and Ohio. If you have more questions, visit our website today or contact us at (304) 826-1323 for West Virginia and (740) 523-0380 for Ohio to learn more.