Generally, we strongly advise all homeowners to invest in regular roof maintenance and the periodic replacement of things like broken shingles. Not only does it help to maintain the structural integrity of your home but it also helps to keep it protected against dampness.
In our experience as a roofing contractor in Lake Ozark, poor roof design or construction is the underlying reason for many leaks which in turn leads to damage, not just to the roof, but to your personal belongings. Take for instance the fact that improperly channeled water can erode the foundation of a home. The constant pounding of rain can lead to the roof sagging and leaking. All of these issues need to be repaired ASAP, or they can threaten the structural integrity of your home.
Also, the last thing you want to have to deal with in winter is a damaged roof and then having to crank the heating all the way up just to compensate while you get repairs done. Plus, if required, a roof replacement or even replacing a few damaged shingles can be a nightmare during the freezing months. That is why the best time to get your roof inspected and repaired is during fall because that’s when the weather is best suited for this type of job.
Why Is Winter The Worst Time for Roof Repair?
Sleet, snow, and ice during the winter months can make it very challenging to perform quality and lasting roof repair in Missouri. The cold renders most sealants ineffective which means they do not adhere all that well. Consequently, shingles take longer than they should to set. That’s why most professionals, including ourselves, strongly recommend that you wait until warmer months to get any type of roof work done if it’s possible. However, exceptions can be made in an emergency.
Why Do We Recommend Roof Repair in Fall?
Fall is a time when it is neither too hot nor cold; it is the “Goldilocks” environment of the weather continuum! Experts often recommend installing and repairing roofs in temperatures between 45 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Now, this is particularly the case if you are installing asphalt shingles, which also happens to be the most commonly used material for roofing.
Fall is also a time when it is most comfortable for a roofer to get on top and properly inspect the roof and fix it. Setting a shingle roof during fall allows enough time for it to adhere securely and that’s what is required for it to perform well during winter. When the same repair is doing during the summer heat there is danger of harming the new shingles, as they get extremely soft in the summer sun. And in the winter, you’ll have to wait a lot longer for the singles to adhere and that consequently raises the odds of them breaking.
You Will Save Money!
We strongly advise against putting off roof repair till the middle of winter because that’s when it can get very expensive. Starting from December right up until March you’re going to be dealing with snow and storms. No roofing contractor really wants to work on a roof in those conditions, and those that do will often charge you a higher fee. Though you may run into some roofing contractors offering discounts during winter because they aren’t getting as much work, those aren’t the types of professionals you should hire for a job that requires a lot of experience. The majority of roofing contractors get busy with other kinds of work during winter, or they take their vacations while it’s slow. So, the bottom line here is that you may end up spending more on roof repair, and if you aren’t discerning and selective you can get a lower quality job if you choose to have it done during winter.
Plenty of Daylight to Get the Job Done
To get your roof inspected, repaired, or replaced takes time, and you need daylight. Fall allows for plenty of time because the days are still long, especially in the early Autumn. However, during the winter we all know that we’re going to have those much shorter days. And interestingly, spring does not have as many long days, either. Even though the countdown to shorter days starts in the Fall, there is more than enough daylight to finish most types of roof repair quickly and easily.
Save on Heating Costs During Winter
By making sure that you get roof repair or reroofing (whichever is needed) during Autumn, it is possible to reap the benefits of a well-insulated home. A roof that’s well-insulated can help to reduce your heating bills, which can help offset the costs of roof repair in part. So, reroofing in the Fall is a great way to save on heating, and it ensures that your family continues to feel cozy in winter. If the HVAC is near the attic, installing a new roof will ensure that the system operates at peak efficiency.
Keep Critters Out During Winter
As it becomes colder your friendly neighborhood critters start to nose around looking for a warm place to seek refuge and build their nests. These critters include squirrels, birds, mice, and raccoons, in addition to many others who will start searching for a weak spot in your fascia, soffit, or roof to get in. Regardless of where you live a damaged roof system makes their life a lot easier because they can then get in and easily take up residence through the winter.
So, if you want to keep the critters out of your home, and in particular the attic, the entire roof system (including fascia and soffits) will need to be properly installed and well-sealed. And that’s another reason why getting roof repair in Fall makes so much sense because a newly repaired roof will have no weak spots for those furry little freeloaders to exploit!
Conclusion
Whether you have a shingled, slate or tiled roof, the important thing is to get your roof repaired in time. While the best time for all types of roof work is Autumn, when possible you should never wait till Fall if the roof is leaking or deteriorating. For these types of issues call an emergency roofing contractor in Lake Ozark right away. That being said, one of the best things all homeowners can do is to schedule a Fall inspection each year. Then if there are badly worn, cracked, curled, or broken shingles, those can be replaced right away without having to worry about further damage to the roof during winter.
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