Can you replace a roof in the winter? Yes, it’s actually ideal for homes in Florida, especially since there are only rare cold snaps that happen. As long as conditions are dry and the temperature is over 40°F, you can have your roof replaced in a Floridian winter.
According to The Spruce, a roof should last 25 to 50 years, but the exact timeframe will depend on things like the material, quality of the installation, and the climate. Regardless, there will come a time when you need to get your roof replaced, and that can happen any time of the year.
Because of that, you may be wondering: Can you replace a roof in the winter? This is what you should know about roofing in cold weather.
Can You Replace a Roof in the Winter?
Yes, you can replace a roof in the winter in Florida. In fact, it’s actually one of the best times to schedule roofing work!
This is because Florida winters are mild, and the daytime temperatures are ideal for shingle adhesion and contractor safety. Plus, hurricane season is over and done with, so there should be fewer weather disruptions and lower storm risk.
The only worry is that there may be occasional cold snaps in North Florida. This can set things back if you’ve scheduled early-morning work.
But as long as the conditions are dry and the temperatures are above 40°F, winter roof replacements are both safe and effective.
What’s the Best Time of Year To Replace a Roof?
In general, the best time of the year to replace a roof in Florida is during the late fall and winter months, between November and February. This period usually has ideal installation conditions, such as:
- Consistent dry weather
- Lower humidity
- Mild temperatures
- Outside of peak hurricane season (so no sudden storms, high winds, and heavy rainfall)
Outside of late fall and winter, spring can also be a good choice. However, weather patterns can be more unpredictable, especially as you get closer to summer.
What to Consider About Winter Roofing Replacements
Replacing your roof in the winter will be slightly different than doing so in other seasons. Here are some considerations you should keep in mind.
Availability of Roofing Materials and Labor
Often, in the winter, there’s better access to materials and labor, which is good. However, you should still keep supply timelines in mind.
Many suppliers use the winter months to restock after the high summer demand. But specialty materials (like premium metal finishes, tile variations, or impact-rated shingles) may still require longer lead times since there are nationwide supply fluctuations. So keep this in mind.
As for labor, availability is generally higher, but still expect longer waiting periods for experienced crews. They’ll probably book up quickly in areas recovering from storm damage earlier in the year.
So plan and book ahead of time for the best results possible.
Impact on Landscaping and Property Protection
Cooler temperatures in the winter will reduce stress on plants and lawns compared to the summer heat. You’ll still need to protect these things though, as foot traffic and equipment can still cause damage if you’re not prepared.
Consider trimming any overhanging branches beforehand, and focus on extra protection for your pool enclosures, patios, and screened lanais.
Insurance and Warranties
Winter is the ideal season to align roof replacement with insurance requirements and warranty qualifications. Nowadays, many Florida insurers require roofs to meet specific wind-resistance standards or use newer underlayment materials so that homeowners maintain coverage or reduce premiums.
So if you have your roof replaced in the winter, then you’ll have plenty of time to complete upgrades before the next hurricane season. Plus, some manufacturers have seasonal warranty promotions or extended coverage for impact-rated shingles and energy-efficient materials.
Wintertime installations also give you more time for follow-up inspections or paperwork processing. This can result in significantly less stress.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When Should You Not Put a Roof On?
In general, you shouldn’t install a new roof during periods of:
- Heavy rain
- High winds
- Active storm systems
Essentially, avoid installing new roofs during hurricane season (June through November). Materials like underlayment and shingles need dry and stable weather to properly adhere and seal. Plus, high humidity can slow the curing time for sealants.
The safest approach is to schedule the installation during a dry and calm stretch of weather.
What Temperature Is Too Cold To Install a Roof?
Anything below 40°F is considered too cold to install a roof. The good news is that Florida rarely sees temperatures this low, but it can still happen.
When it drops below 40°F, asphalt shingles can become brittle, and they may crack during nailing. Adhesive strips may also fail to activate, and this can prevent shingles from sealing correctly.
How Do You Know It’s Time To Replace a Roof?
There are several tell-tale signs that indicate to homeowners that it’s time to replace their roofs. Common red flags to look out for include:
- Curling, cracked, or missing shingles
- Dark streaks or algae growth
- Granule loss
- Frequent leaks
- Stains on ceilings
- Moisture in the attic
In general, expect your asphalt roof to last 15-20 years. So if your roof is nearing that age, or if you’ve had to make multiple repairs, you may need a full replacement.
Get Your Roof Replaced in a Timely Fashion
Your roof is vital for keeping your household safe, warm, and dry inside, so getting a timely replacement can make a huge difference in not only your comfort level, but also your finances. However, the need for a roof installation can happen at any time of the year, so you may be concerned about needing a replacement during winter.
Thankfully, the answer to the question, “Can you replace a roof in the winter?” is “yes.” It’s even optimal to have the installation done during this season since it’s relatively dry and temperatures are cooler. So at the first sign of trouble, don’t hesitate to get a roofer over to replace your roof.
Contact us today if you need reliable off-season roof replacement. Innovative Roofing has 150 years of combined experience, and we’ve done over 3,500 quality installations.
