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The Pros and Cons of Replacing Your Roof in Winter

The Pros and Cons of Replacing Your Roof in Winter

Whether your roof is damaged or has come to the end of its lifespan, a roof replacement is something that cannot always be put on hold. Sometimes, even an emergency roof replacement might be needed for a severely damaged roof. 

Most commonly, roof replacements are done from spring to fall. And while this generally might seem like the ideal time for a roof replacement, it might not always be the best time for you. Depending on your situation, winter too can be a good time for a roof replacement. 

Winter roof replacements have both their pros and cons, so if you require a roof replacement during the winter, it is best to check with a professional roofer the best options for your situation.

In the meantime, read on to find out what the pros and cons are.

 

Pros of a Winter Roof Replacement

 

Potentially Lower Prices

One of the benefits of having a roof replacement during winter is that it can sometimes cost less than during spring or fall. Since the weather can get tough, winter is considered an off-season for roof replacement and repairs, and not many homeowners decide to replace their roofs in the winter months. 

Consequently, roof replacement prices may be lowered and roofing contractors might offer you an off-season discount. In some cases, you might even end up spending less on materials if you look for deals.

 

Availability of Service

Not many people look for roofers to replace their roof during winter, so the chances are good that the roofer you have in mind will have time for you. You might even be able to schedule a roof replacement on short notice during the winter. 

This can be extremely beneficial to you as you can rest assured that the roof replacement will be done to perfection since the contractor will not be in a rush.

 

Immediate Solution 

If your roof is severely damaged, then the longer you wait, the more costly the problem may be. Heavy rains and winter storms can cause extensive damages to a roof that is already leaking as water will get into the underlayment and cause rotting. 

Your home’s structural integrity can also be impacted negatively if your roof does not offer adequate protection. Luckily for you, if your roof needs an emergency replacement during the winter, chances are high that the replacement will be scheduled promptly. 

 

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Cons of Replacing a Roof in Winter

 

Safety Risks

During the winter, a roof can get more slippery, which means that the job can also get more dangerous. Professional roofers, however, are experienced when it comes to working in such conditions but it will mean that safety equipment is needed and more precaution will be taken. As a result, your roofing project might take longer than usual. 

 

Material Issues

Some roofing materials are challenging to work with during the winter, including asphalt shingles and cedar shakes. It can take longer to seal the roof in winter conditions and asphalt shingles can break more easily when hammered. On very cold days, it can also prove to be a bit more tricky to stick on the adhesive properly. 

And while your experienced roofer will always find an efficient solution, roof replacement might be a bit more time-consuming and challenging in winter conditions.

 

Final Thought

A roof replacement during winter might be the best option if your roof is severely damaged. However, in some cases, your roofer might offer a temporary solution to avoid further damage until better working conditions arrive. 

Nevertheless, if you think your roof needs a replacement, a professional roof inspection should be done as soon as possible. An experienced roof replacement contractor in Arlington Heights IL will be able to advise you on the best solutions for your current roofing issues.

 

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How to Prevent Roof Condensation Issues

drops of water on metal in Arlington Heights, IL

If you’re seeing water droplets developing on your home’s roof, deck, or insulation, chances are good you are dealing with condensation. This condition usually pops up during the colder winter months and, if it goes by unnoticed or unchecked, it can cause severe structural problems to your roof.

Luckily there are several practical solutions to consider if you notice that condensation has become a problem for your roof. Read on to learn more.

 

How Condensation Occurs on Your Roof

Condensation is one of the six major roofing issues homeowners may encounter during winter. When heated air inside your home rises to the roof, it meets with the colder temperatures from the outside environment. The hot air then rapidly cools, causing immediate condensation. 

Because home heating is more common and intense in colder months, condensation is more prone to appear during winter. And since moisture has no place to go, it soaks into surrounding materials, causing problems with rot, mold, insects, and other unpleasant side effects. 

Condensation is mostly associated with the attic area, but keep in mind that it can occur throughout the roof assembly, increasing the chances of roof damage.

You can identify condensation problems through the signs of wet streaks and drips that remain on the roof. However, condensation can also freeze in thin sheets in certain areas of your roof, which is challenging to detect. That’s why your best bet is to call in a roofing specialist who  will be able to identify the issue with thermographic imaging.

 

 

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Solutions for Roof Condensation

The best way to deal with condensation is to eliminate moisture. Here are some solutions you can implement to achieve that:

Install Ventilation

With proper ventilation, you can ensure enough air flow to remove moisture but not so much as to compromise your home’s safety and heating. Ventilation should, therefore, be adequately balanced.

Balancing attic and roof ventilation can be tricky, but a proper ventilation system can easily be installed by an experienced residential roofing contractor. Additional vent options, such as those for ridges, roofs, gables, eaves, and ceilings will help to balance out the air flow. 

Un-Cool Roofs

While having your roof converted into a cool roof is a great way to save money on air conditioning during the summer months, this might also cause you condensation problems during the winter. Cool roofs are designed to reflect the sun’s heat and stay cooler, which means that when the warm air from a heated home’s interior rises, it will meet this cold roof and cause condensation.

Therefore, if you already have a cool roof installed, you should determine whether un-cooling the roof might solve the condensation issue. And if you’re still only considering getting a cool roof, it is crucial that you look at the potential unwanted effects it might have on condensation inside your home.

Insulation and Vapor Barriers

Insulation and vapor barriers are a great way to keep your roof warmer and simultaneously diminish condensation issues. Vapor barriers are membranes that keep the water vapor from passing through. They can also help to prevent moisture build-up on vulnerable materials like insulation and wood. 

You won’t need a significant renovation when installing these barriers, which makes them ideal for homes with existing condensation problems. However, keep in mind that vapor barriers can damage your roof during the summer because they will stop the hot humid air that’s coming from the outside and, with nowhere to go, the humid air and subsequent moisture will stay trapped in the roof and outside walls.

Therefore, the best thing to do is to take them down during that time. 

 

Conclusion

Condensation on roofs can lead to severe roof damage if not taken care of in time. Even if you don’t notice signs of condensation, it does not mean it is not there. Therefore, the best way to understand how your roof functions and learn about its condition is by having annual roof inspections done by a professional residential roofing contractor.

 

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