Financing & Insurance Options
You might not think that the winter season is conducive to putting a new roof on your home. However, the truth is that you can complete this project at any point during the calendar year. Let’s take a look at what you should know about working on this part of your home during December, January, or February.
Keep an Eye on the Weather Report
The weather in Arkansas isn’t too cold in the winter, but temperatures can get to near freezing at night. December and January also happen to be among the rainiest months of the year in the state. Furthermore, on average, there are one or two days of snowfall during December, January, and February.
Therefore, it will be important to keep an eye on the forecast when scheduling service. It may be necessary to take additional steps to ensure that shingles adhere properly or that the home is protected from cold or wet weather until the new roof is fully installed.
Colder weather may also extend the timeline of your project as it may take longer to install shingles. During periods of rain, ice, or snow, it may become too slick to walk on the roof safely, which may postpone your project for a day or two. Your contractor will talk to you about the protocols that are put in place to account for any inclement weather.
Lead Times Shouldn’t Be an Issue
One of the benefits of installing your new roof during the winter season is that it tends to be slow for contractors. Therefore, you won’t necessarily have to wait weeks or months before your project can begin. This can be ideal whether you need urgent service because of missing shingles or a roof leak or if you simply want to replace your older roof as quickly as possible.
Shingle Types for Winter Roof Replacement
While in theory, any type of roof can be installed during winter, asphalt shingles are a solid material due to their flexibility and affordability. With proper care during installation, their adhesive strips can still activate in cooler weather, though a heat source may be needed to ensure sealing. Metal roofing is another excellent option, as it performs well in cold climates and doesn’t rely on adhesives.
On the other hand, wood shingles or shakes are not as ideal for winter installation. Cold temperatures can make them more brittle, increasing the risk of cracking during nailing. Additionally, moisture from snow or ice can lead to warping or swelling. Your roofer will be able to make the judgement as to what is best for your new roof installation or roof replacement, and may delay work on certain steps until there is a warmer day to lay the shingles down.
Protect Your Home Against the Elements
The weather in Little Rock tends to be hot and humid during the spring and summer months. Putting a new roof on your home during the winter season may help to ensure that it is able to protect against sun and moisture damage. It may also help create a stronger barrier against pests that like to live in humid environments and may try to make your home their own.
Typically, your roof is ready to guard against the element as soon as it is installed. This means that it can also protect against ice, rain, or cold temperatures during the balance of the current winter season.
There’s Never a Bad Time to Replace an Older Roof
If your shingle roof was put on your home more than 20 years ago, it’s time to replace it as soon as possible. While it may look like the shingles are in good condition, there may be problems lurking below the surface that you might not think to look for.
As shingles age, they lose the granules that help protect against sun, wind, and water damage. This means that water could have already gotten through the shingles and to the decking below. If left unchecked, water could make its way through the attic all the way down the foundation of the home.
It’s possible that you won’t even notice a roof leak or other signs of water damage because you won’t see the initial warning signs. Those signs often include the mildew scent associated with mold or a drip from the ceiling during a period of heavy rain. The sooner that you have the roof replaced, the less likely it is that you’ll experience negative consequences associated with a leak or other issues.
The team at Big Rock KangaROOF in Little Rock can do it all when it comes to residential roofing services. Let us inspect, repair, or replace your roof to make sure it can protect against the elements at all times. In addition to shingle roofs, we’ll also help resolve issues with metal roofs to better meet the needs of our residential clients. Give us a call today to schedule service or learn more about how we can help.
