Maybe you avoided addressing your roof repairs in the summertime, or maybe some roofing problems popped up just as the temperatures dropped. All your problems can be solved by using roof tarping services from totalcarerestoration.com.
Yes! The right roofing contractor can certainly repair or replace your roof in any season. But the chilly temperatures do change the conditions for completing those repairs. Check out our guide to learn everything you need to know about winter roof repair and replacement.
Make sure that you get the top-rated roofing experts in your locality to handle your roofing repairs. For example, if you live around Atlanta, look up credible roofing companies like Team Roofing, with experts that will do an impressive job.
Considerations Before Doing Winter Roof Repairs
It’s cold and icy outside. You certainly don’t want to go climbing up on your rooftop in these conditions—so is it really safe to hire a roofing professional to do the job?
Fortunately, roofers have experience working in all types of weather, and they’re experts at adapting to the climate. While extreme weather like snow and ice storms are more common in the colder months, roofers will take added precautions to ensure the job is done safely and correctly.
However, keep in mind that if it’s snowing or raining outside, this may delay your roofing repairs or replacement. Roofing contractors can work in very cold temperatures, but they should not be on your roof when rain or snow is coming down.
Why Should You Opt for Roof Repairs in the Colder Months?
If winter roof repairs require extra effort, you may be wondering why anyone would choose to do them at all.
Prevent Further Damage
While it may be more ideal to complete the repairs when it’s warmer, some repairs simply cannot wait. Harsh weather can really do a number on rooftops, creating ice dams, clogging gutters, and causing leaks, mold, or mildew in the attic. These issues should not be put off until the temperatures rise, because the problems may get worse in the meantime. Premier Roof Cleaning Inc is a company in Orlando that helps to maintain and clean your roof and home’s exterior.
Taking care of roof issues as soon as they come up will save you money in the long-term by avoiding other problems that might pop up down the road. You may even save your roof from needing total replacement by acting quickly when repairs are needed. A timely repair could save you thousands of dollars by avoiding roof replacement.
Roofing Business Is Slower in the Winter
Many roofers are also less busy in the winter months, meaning they’ll likely be able to schedule you in quickly. Roofers who are in a particularly slow period may even give you a more affordable quote or offer you a discount for services.
But remember that some of the best roofing companies stay busy all year long—so if you’re not able to get a cheaper rate, don’t let that deter you from hiring the contractor.
Precautions to Take When Completing Winter Roof Repairs
Not all roofing companies are created equal, so homeowners should be diligent in hiring an experienced contractor to conduct roof repairs or replacement in the winter. The best roofers will be able to tell you what they’ll do to make sure the work is up to your standards and to keep their team safe in any weather. Here are some things to note about winter roofing:
Sealing Shingles
In warmer weather, heat from the sun is used to seal shingles to the roof. This is known as self-sealing—and it’s usually not something roofers can rely on in the colder months. Therefore, roofers need to use another method to seal shingles. This process is called hand-sealing, and it can be done in a few different ways.
Roofers can either use a propane torch to activate the sealing of shingles, or they can use a mechanical system like a Duro-Last to manually fasten shingles. Either method is just as effective as self-sealing shingles. In fact, hand-sealing could be considered a higher quality method, since roofers can better ensure that each and every shingle is properly sealed.
Operating Equipment
Roofing repairs require special equipment to do the task properly. Roofing contractors use nail guns, compressors, and other devices that can sometimes be affected by cold—especially if the temperatures are below freezing. (There’s less airflow when the temperatures drop, changing the way the equipment functions.) Experienced roofers will know how to adapt to the colder temperatures and take extra care when operating all equipment.
Make sure your roofer is up to the task by asking if they change their installation process and the way they use their equipment in the winter. Nail guns are especially prone to over-shooting in cold temperatures, but a prepared roofer will know how to compensate for this challenge.
Roofing Safety
When it’s extremely cold outside, roofers may face some added risk when working on the roof. Shingles can be extra slippery, the roofers might deal with lower visibility, and skylights might be covered in snow.
But it’s important to note that there are always risks inherent when repairing or replacing a roof, even in warmer weather. Responsible, experienced roofing contractors will follow proper protocol and have all the right safety equipment to minimize risk while working on a roof in cold weather.
Preparing Your Roof for Winter
If you’d like to avoid winter roof repairs or replacement, there are many things you can do in the fall to keep your roof in good shape until spring. Here are a few maintenance tips to help prepare your roof for winter:
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Get a thorough roof inspection from a professional roofer
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Replace shingles or tiles as needed
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Nail down loose rafters
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Seal up all holes
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Clear out clogged gutters
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Remove fallen trees and other debris
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Apply a coating to the roof
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Fix or replace caulking
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Repair flashings as needed
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Replace roof vents
Hiring the Right Roofing Company
Remember that winter roof repairs are possible, but it’s always best to hire a seasoned expert to do the job properly. Take time to research roofing companies near you and make sure the roofers are prepared for all types of cold weather. By fixing your roof when problems arise, you’ll prolong the life of your roof and save money over time.