Learn how to prepare your roof for fall and winter weather. As winter approaches, it is time to start working on these home projects before the weather changes. You should check off your roof as the first item on your list. No matter where you live if you do not prepare your roof for inclement weather, your home may be damaged, and you will be unhappy. To help answer some of the most commonly asked questions about roofing, we gathered notable roofing consultants from around the country.
When is the ideal time of year to have my roof worked on?
The best time to install a roof is during the spring, summer, and fall. Asphalt shingles on your roof need direct sunlight to activate their self-sealing features and protect them from harsh elements like rain, wind, and snow.
Roofs installed in the spring, summer, and early to mid-fall are well prepared for serious weather before the season begins. This is why, to avoid upcoming snowfall, we install new roofs in advance.
Can roofing be done in cold weather?
It is possible to make small repairs a little later in the fall and even in cooler weather, but we need dry, sunny conditions to properly install a new roof. If you get too much snow on your roof, your shingles may not bond properly.
Freezing temperatures can also make materials brittle and fragile. Snowy or icy weather also makes it dangerous to be on roofs. To avoid any early snowfall, it’s a good idea to have your roof installed between September and November at the latest.
How long will it take to install a new roof?
There are several factors to consider here. What is the size of the roof to be replaced? A roof is measured in square feet in blocks of 100 square feet. The roof area of 3,000 square feet would be equal to 30 squares (3,000/100). Second, what material will be used for the replacement roof covering? Metal or tile roofs are much slower to replace than asphalt shingle roofs. Last but not least, how complex is the roof being replaced?
We can then begin to deduce how long it will take to install a new roof as soon as we have defined all of these factors. Those who have a simple roof design can finish a 30 squares asphalt roof in just six to seven hours. It could take 10-12 hours if it’s a very complex task. If you have a complicated design, it could take a week or more to replace a 30 square roof with a metal standing seam roof. Standing seam metal roof installation times are similar to those for tile and slate roofs.
How long can I expect my new roof system to last?
Depending on the materials and workmanship used, a new roof will last for several decades. Your new roof will last a lifetime if you use common sense and give it regular care. We should keep three things in mind before we compare materials:
- Having a long-lasting roof system requires proper installation. Always hire a professional roofer. Poor installation can be very costly.
- If you live in a storm-prone region or a place with hot solar radiation, some materials are better suited to your climate than others. Your home’s style and region should guide your choice of materials.
- Maintaining and inspecting your roof will extend the life of your roof. It is vital to inspect the property for damage after a storm, as well as every season. Maintain a clean roof and underlayment by removing debris, such as leaves and branches, which can lead to pooling and damage, resulting in mould or other issues.
Here are typical lifespans of common roofing materials under moderate conditions and regular care:
- Asphalt or composite shingles 20-30 years, premium brands up to 50
- Wood/cedar shakes 30 years
- Cement or clay tiles 100+ years
- Slate 75-100+ years
- Copper 70+ years
- Metal 40-80+ years
New roofing materials on the market may simulate the look of traditional roofing materials, like wood or cedar, and last longer, with better fire resistance.
Is it normal for a new roof to lose granules?
Asphalt shingle roofs often show some granule loss after installation. The loose granules are often leftover from the manufacturing process where they are added to ensure that the granule layers are fully absorbed into the material.
For the first few months, you may see excess granules washing off. In most cases, the process will end on its own. After several months of loss, if it is still occurring or the roof seems damaged, call the installer to check it out. A manufacturer’s warranty should cover any defects.
How can I extend the life of my roofing system?
You can save thousands of dollars by extending the life of your roof. Periodic inspections are a good start. By doing so, you will recognize small problems before they fester into bigger problems or the need for a new roof.
I recently noticed a small area of blown off roofing material on a commercial roof. A large area of the hill was about to be blown away due to the wind. To prevent further damage to the roof, we secured it as soon as possible.
A residential roof can be damaged in the same way. The shingles are interconnected and seal to each other. Getting one row of shingles blown off can cause the wind to blow the adjoining shingles off as well, leaving the whole roof exposed.
During inspections, staying safe is a priority. Roomers talk and train about safety techniques a lot. It’s not for everyone to get on a roof. Even if you look through the front or back yard at a roof, you might not notice some damage that you would not notice unless you are up on top of it.
My worst-case scenario may be somewhat extreme, but I’ve seen more severe injuries. Roofs are not for everyone. Call a professional if this is you.
Inspecting for damage is one of the things we do for free. Make sure your roofer has Workman’s Compensation Insurance before they climb on your roof. You can check online reviews for your roofer. You don’t want to be responsible for anyone’s hospital bill.
What steps should you take to prepare your roof for the winter months if you live in a warmer climate?
1. Clean Your Rooftop
You should always keep your roof free of debris including leaves, branches, pine needles, and other debris, in addition to cleaning your gutters. It doesn’t matter how small the debris is; it can cause mould and rot, which will gradually degrade your roof.
2. Check Your Roof for Damage and Deterioration
Check your entire roof system and the entire surface of your rooftop after it has been cleaned and debris-free. A loose, broken or missing shingle should be inspected. It’s best to replace them. Make sure that there is no flashing around your chimney, vent pipes, skylights or any other projections on your roof.
To keep out rain and moisture, make sure they are properly sealed. It may be time to replace your roof if it is more than 15 years old. Your gutters will fill up with debris over time. Working on your rooftop is a good idea if you are comfortable with it:
- Water the gutters and downspouts with a hose and push any stubborn clogs out with a chimney brush or broom handle. Keep downspouts and gutters clean so that debris doesn’t collect at the end.
- Keep your gutters clear of falling debris by installing leaf guards. To prevent your foundation from being flooded, extend your downspouts.
Will I need to replace my skylights and gutters at the same time as my roof?
When a new roof is being installed, we always replace skylights. Our workmanship warranty covers the entire roof, so you can rest easy knowing your home is safe. It is possible to save a little money by working around existing skylights, but the risk isn’t worth it.
Gutters are different. It is not necessary to install them together with the roof since they are not part of the watertight surface. When you install a roof and gutters together, the workmanship warranty is the same, as well as the fact that they appear great together. Until your gutters need to be replaced, you shouldn’t replace them until you need a new roof.
What are the best ways to prevent winter ice-related issues from happening to my roof?
In the case of a steep-sloped roof, ice damming occurs. The ice under your shingles is lifted as it expands as it melts on your roof and then refreezes as temperatures drop. If your roof is not kept cold, it will prevent ice damming and other winter-related issues.
If you experience ice damming, it will damage your insulation, and allow water into your home. Differences in temperature between the cold air outside and the warmth inside your home contribute to ice formation.
Check your attic’s insulation before winter hits. Attics with leaks of cold air should be sealed. The minimum distance between the ice and weather shield and the warm wall is 24 inches when you replace your roof in the future.
If you want to protect your home from extreme weather, you should install ice and weather shields that are six feet high and three feet wide along the gutter edge. Under your shingles, ice and weather shield creates a leak barrier. In the event of wind-driven rain and ice damming, this product prevents leaks.
If you have questions about making sure your roof is winter ready Texas Landsource has two great contacts in Texas. Post Oak Roofing in Allen and Tyler TX and Peak Perfection Contracting in Marshall and Longview TX.
Get in touch with Texas Landsource today and know if you need help with your home or if you have questions about land for sale in Texas.