Should You Get Your Roof Repaired in the Winter?

If the roof of your home is not in very good condition, you might be wondering whether roof repairs and even replacements can be done in winter or not. You may be under the impression that the answer is no, given the tough weather conditions the residents of most areas experience at this time of year which make the task not only unpleasant, but also possibly unsafe to perform. 

Winter roofing repairs can be done- at a price.

While roofing in the wintertime is harder to do and can be unsafe for everyone involved – roofers, homeowners and inhabitants and ever passersby who– the truth is, it can be done if the necessary precautions are taken. This is primarily in the case of an emergency, which is why professional roofers still work during winter if only on a minimum capacity, and usually for a higher fee.

What about a total roof replacement?

So, should you have your roof totally replaced in the winter? Probably not, unless there is a dire emergency. Aside from the fact that it is unsafe and unpleasant, the conditions for roofing aren’t exactly fantastic during winter. Also, failing to respect the need for good weather while fixing or placing a new roof generally tends to result in a less than desirable final product, which will likely not be any safer or less prone to leaking than your current roof.

There are products available that facilitate and make winter roofing possible, allowing for those urgent leak repairs to be done in the colder month. But the fact is that traditional materials don’t dry properly in the freezing cold – or snow – and they don’t dry well with humidity either. This means that the roofing structure will not be fixed properly, and might even become defective and more fragile. Another fact you should keep in mind is that the leaks are harder to find during winter, and looking for them then isn’t the best idea, particularly if you are not experienced and have no idea of what you are doing.

What if you notice a leak in your roof during the winter months?

If you have noticed a leak in the roofing structure of your home during winter, your best bets are: covering the roof with a tarp and waiting for at least a few days of decent weather to appear. Or, take note of any existing problems with your roof, even adding in some photos if possible, and get in touch with a professional roofer to plan for the roof repairs or replacement to take place as soon as possible when the weather becomes more suitable roofing work.