What is the best time of year to replace your roof? 

Is your roof due for a replacement? Your roof is integral to your home’s architectural stability, so making sure it’s always up to snuff is crucial. 

Choosing the right time to schedule a roof replacement can significantly impact both the quality and cost of the installation. Here is the breakdown on what time of year is best to replace your roof.

Replacing a roof is not an easy decision. It’s a significant investment, costing an average of $10,000 for a 3,000 sq. foot roof or even more if an older roof must be stripped first.   

Why do you need to replace your roof? Most roofs should be replaced every 15-25 years (frequency depends on the type), but there are other reasons why a roof might warrant replacement. Here are some of those reasons: 

As mentioned above, a roof will need to be replaced when it has reached the end of its lifespan. However, every roof material has a different durability. For example, a traditional asphalt roof may last up to 25 years. A metal roof, however, can last over 40 in some climates. Wood shakes may last 15 years before they’ll need to be replaced. Roofs that are reaching the end of their lifespan may show it through deterioration of shingling, leakage, dark patches, and more.  

Has your roof started to sag unexpectedly? Can’t handle the weight of heavy snowfall? It may be experiencing structural issues. This could be associated with your roof’s age, or it could be poor installation. Whatever the reason, if your roof is unable to hold itself up, it may be time to schedule a roof replacement. 

If it seems like your roof is constantly getting damaged with every snowfall or weather event, it could be time to schedule a replacement. Recurring damages could be due to poor installation, incorrect material for the climate you’re in, or because your roof is getting older.  

Some roofing materials can’t handle certain climates. For example, clay and tile roofs tend to fare better in warmer weather. They may not be able to handle the impact of hail or heavy snow, which is prevalent in colder temperatures and can cause these roof types to deteriorate much faster than expected.  

The impact of the seasons on your roof’s installation is huge. It’s more than simply scheduling a replacement based on when your roofing company has time available – it’s also about what time of year is best to ensure optimal installation. So, which season is best? 

Fall is universally considered the best time of year to replace your roof. Stable, cool conditions allow for shingles to seal properly and set prior to winter. Plus, with the cooler temperatures it’s usually a more comfortable working environment for the installation crew. Homeowners can take this time to prepare their homes for the upcoming winter. 

That said, summer is the most popular season for roof replacement. Summer offers similar favourable conditions as spring, but without the excess precipitation and winter backlog. However, summer still poses some challenges as intense heat and possible thunderstorms (depending on where in Ontario you live) can be detrimental to the installation of your new roof. If you are looking to replace your roof in summer, try to book as early as possible in the season to take advantage of the predictable warm weather without the heat waves or storms.  

Although roof replacement is still possible in spring, sometimes heavy precipitation can cause issues with the sealing of your roof. However, it does offer more comfortable working conditions for your installation team, as it isn’t too cold or warm. Sometimes spring can be quite busy for contractors due to the winter backlog, so it can be tough to schedule your replacement in.  

What about winter? It’s usually not advised to schedule a roof replacement during winter unless necessary. Colder temperatures can compromise the sealing process, which means shingles may not adhere correctly. In some climates it may be possible, plus winter is a much slower season for roofing contractors so you may not find much issue in scheduling a replacement. 

Yes! Some companies will offer what is called a “preferred rate” for homeowners that have a roof under a certain age. Certain companies may also charge homeowners with older roofs more due to the higher risk of potential damages. A new roof has the potential, depending on the provider, to lower premiums by between 5% and 30%.  

Ask your broker about your insurance provider’s “rules” around roof replacement, such as when it’s required, if inspections are necessary, and if replacing your old roof will qualify you for an insurance discount. 

Mitch is happy to pick up the phone to discuss any concerns you might have about your home insurance, savings opportunities, and more. Ask us about discounts, like home and auto bundle discounts, new roof discounts, and much more.