Roofers work all year long, rain or shine. There are some circumstances that make roofing difficult ot impossible; snow is one of them. In this guide, we’ll review when roofers will and won’t work in the snow to help you plan your upcoming roofing project.
Why Roofing in the Snow Is Not Ideal
Snow is part of life here in Metro Detroit. Approximately half the days in January and February have at least one inch of snow on the ground. This will impact certain roofing services, but it doesn’t mean you cannot get roof repair or a new roof in winter.
Here are some obstacles that arise for roofers in winter:
- Some roofing materials cannot be installed in extreme cold temperatures. Even if there is no snow on the ground, the frigid air may hinder parts of the installation process. This is particularly true for rubber roofing or any liquid roof adhesive.
- Snow and ice create safety concerns. Roofers must take extra precautions when working in the snow, which may increase your labor expenses and installation timeframe. Worker safety is crucial to us here at McLean Roofing and Siding. We check weather patterns daily to ensure our roofers and your home are safe at all stages.
- Active storms may further increase safety concerns. Wind feels much different on the roof than it does on the ground. Hail, blizzards, heavy rain, and strong winds could cause delays with your roof services.
- Warm clothing hurts worker efficiency. The added weight of jackets, winter gloves, boots, etc. is going to slow down your roofers. It may be prudent to wait a few days if it means cutting your installation time in half. These are factors we consider during our scheduling to provide the best experience for our clients.
- Freezing temperatures may make certain tools impossible to use. Even if we have a crew of willing roofers to brave the storm, the tools they use don’t have the same enthusiasm. If it’s too cold to use vital tools, we’ll have to wait for warmer weather.
- We don’t want to get snow in your attic. If your roofing services require us to remove part of your roofing and leave your attic exposed, we’ll aim to do that on a day with no precipitation. Sometimes we use tarps for temporary roof repair to shield exposed roofing until we can successfully repair and replace it. Learn more: How to Get Snow off Your Roof
You can protect your home from winter roof damage with some proactive steps, such as boosting your attic insulation. The sooner you take action, the better protected your home will be.
Roofers Can Work in the Snow with Proper Precautions
Roofers work in the snow, despite the hurdles listed above. They also work in the rain, summer heat, windy weather, and more. If you’re not dealing with a roofing emergency, it may be best to delay your project until the weather improves. If the situation is time-sensitive, your roofers will take extra precautions to protect themselves and your house.
McLean Roofing and Siding is a locally-owned company that has served the Detroit metro for decades. We understand the weather in this area and know how to adjust our roofing strategies. We’ll remain in communication with you at every turn to keep weather adjustments to a minimum. Customer satisfaction is always a top priority, second only to safety.
Should I Wait Until Spring to Replace My Roof?
Every situation is unique. The right time for your roofing project will depend on several factors, including material availability, inclement weather, urgency, and more. If you need a new roof before listing your house for sale, you may be pressed for time. If you’re getting a new roof because yours is reaching the end of its lifespan, you may be able to wait a few months to start the project.
We’ll discuss all of this during your consultation so that you can make an informed decision for your home. You’ll get an accurate idea of how long your roof repair or roof installation will take and what time of year will best suit your needs. Contact us at (248) 524-1111 to schedule your roofing consultation.