With over 30 years of experience working on Maryland roofs, Brothers roofing consultants are often asked, “what is the best time of year to replace my roof?” While we repair and replace roofs year-round, fall offers some significant advantages.
Your roof made it through last winter just fine, but if it is more than fifteen years old, then spring and summer rain and winds could have caused damage. Inspect your roof at the end of every summer – and every time there is a big storm – to spot issues right away. Even if you have a newer roof, excessive rain and wind can still do damage. Look out for signs of wear such as lifted and cracked shingles, or smooth dark areas where shingle granules have worn off. If spring and summer weather has weakened your shingles, your roof may not make it through the winter months.
While remodelers can work on your roof year-round, the best time to install asphalt shingles is on a clear day when the temperature is above 45 degrees. Asphalt shingles have a sealing strip that melts in the ambient heat, so the shingles adhere properly. This thermal sealing process takes time. If you install shingles in temperatures that are too cold, they may not seal correctly. Replacing your roof in the fall gives the new shingles time to form an airtight seal before freezing temperatures set in.
New shingles will help with energy efficiency, but that’s not the only update that can prepare your house for colder temperatures. If you have noticed that certain rooms never seem to be the right temperature or your energy bills are unusually high, then it may be time to replace the insulation in your roof. The best time to replace your insulation is during a roof replacement, when the contractors can blow-in insulation through the open roof, saving the hassle of doing two separate renovations. Insulating your roof will help with temperature regulation through the winter and summer.
If you have an existing hole or leak, it will only get worse when winter weather hits. Snow can pile up and become heavy, putting stress on the roof. If the roof has any pre-existing problems, there is a strong likelihood that snow will cause leaks and sagging. Additionally, ice dams can form, loosening shingles and creating leaks. You can prevent ice dams by adding insulation to your attic, making sure you have proper ventilation and seals, and ensuring that flashing is intact before winter begins.
While fall is a great time to replace your roof, in reality, if there is any visible damage or sign of aging like mold or crumbling shingles, it is time to call a professional roofing company. When you schedule an appointment with Brothers Services, our experienced roofing consultants will thoroughly assess what needs to be done on your roof, so you can have peace of mind all year long.