When is the Best Time of Year to Replace a Roof in Austin?

Your roof is the workhorse of your house, and it rarely gets the credit it deserves for keeping your family protected and your home’s structural integrity intact. When it does get noticed, it’s usually because something has gone wrong.

If, after a major storm or throughout the course of routine maintenance (yes, we see you straight-A homeowner students!), you discover something has gone wrong, then what? When is the best time of year to replace a roof in Central Texas?

Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter?

Depending on multiple factors, roof replacements can come with a high price tag, so those who are not facing a roofing emergency and have the luxury of planning ahead could benefit by replacing their roof when the rest of Austin is not also scrambling for roofers. 

While the best time to replace a roof is when it works for you, there are some seasonal considerations to factor into your decision.

• Spring – Before the heat of summer sets in can be a good time to replace your roof. Any damage that ensued over the winter has made its presence known, and you may realize that this is the year you need to take action. The challenge with spring roof replacements is that the weather can be unpredictable, and you may experience rain interruptions during the project. 

• Summer – Late spring to early summer is a popular time to replace your roof in Austin because the weather is relatively stable. It also means roofers are in high demand. As summer progresses and heat intensifies, it can take a toll on roof workers as well as affect shingle installation. If the weather is too hot or cold, the shingles may not seal correctly.

• Fall – The autumn months are among the busiest for Texas roofers. The weather is typically just right for roof installations, and homeowners have begun to look ahead to winter. They want their roofs in tip-top shape before the colder months approach.

• Winter – These cooler months are generally the least busy for Austin roofers, which means winter can be a good time for you to pick up the phone and call an experienced roofer. Unless the temperature dips considerably and for a long period of time, most roof replacements can continue to proceed even during the winter. 

What is the Best Temperature for Replacing a Roof?

The whims of the weather have always impacted our daily lives, and they can also constrain our ability to install a roof. Yes, it can be too hot or too cold to replace a roof in Austin.

Asphalt shingles, which are by far the most common type of roofing material for residential roofs, should be installed when the temperature is between 40° and 85° Fahrenheit, with 70° to 80° being the sweet spot for roof repairs and replacements. 

What Happens When the Temperature is Too Cold?

When the temperature dips below 40°F, asphalt shingles can become brittle and prone to breakage. You should never use damaged shingles on your roof, so the more unusable shingles you encounter during installation, the more expensive your project will be.

Moreover, roofing products require adhesives that need the sun’s heat to be effective. If the right conditions are not achieved during the roofing process, you could risk having a faulty seal on your shingles. Some warranties may also be void if installation occurs when the temperature is below 40 degrees. 

What Happens When the Temperature is Too Hot?

Conversely, if the temperature climbs too high, you risk damage in the other direction. Shingles can become too pliable, lose their original shape, and easily damaged during installation. The adhesive may also dry out too quickly when the temperature is very high. Humidity levels are another factor that will impact shingle installation.

The reality for many homeowners, however, is that we don’t always have a choice about when we replace our roof. Emergencies may necessitate a roof repair when it is very cold or hot in Austin (and Central Texas). Rest assured, there are ways to work around temperature constraints and fully and effectively repair or replace your roof. 

How Long Does it Take for a Roof to Seal?

A common misconception is that once new shingles are nailed to your roof, the replacement is done and you’re good to go.

Not quite. 

Before a roof replacement is fully completed, the asphalt shingles must form a seal. If this process doesn’t happen, they are prone to being ripped off by a gust of wind.

What Does It Mean for Shingles to Seal?

When roofers talk about a roof seal, they are not talking about shingles sealing to the roof deck itself, but rather how the shingles seal or bond to each other. 

Each asphalt shingle has a strip of heat-activated adhesive running along its top. Once properly activated by sun and heat, this adhesive forms a bond with neighboring shingles. A well-bonded seal secures your roof and prevents shingles from being lifted up and away by wind.

How Long Does it Take for Shingles to Seal?

The time it takes for shingles to seal will depend on the weather. The adhesive must be warmed to an ambient temperature of 70°F. Because of solar radiance, this can still be achieved even when the air temperatures are in the 40s. It just might take two or three days to seal.

During this exposure to sun and heat, the shingles relax and lie flat. They shouldn’t be disturbed. If installed properly, they will settle and seal on their own.

Another thing to be aware of when planning a roof replacement is that if temperatures are too high, the adhesive may warm too quickly, causing problems. 

How Do I Know If I Need a New Roof or Simply a Patch to an Existing Roof?

Several key indicators mean it’s time to pay attention to your roof. Some may seem less alarming than others. Some are also much more obvious than others. Here are a few warning signs that mean it’s time to look up:

• You spot a shingle (or two or three) in your yard
• You see signs of water damage on your ceiling or walls
• A tree branch has lodged its way into your roof deck
• A full-on leak is pouring into your home 

Regardless of the severity of the roof damage, it’s always important to take action as soon as possible. By acting promptly to repair any damage, you can extend the life of your roof by several years—and save money.

Should You Repair or Replace Your Roof?

The decision to patch or replace your roof should come after consultation with a roofing expert. At Storm Guard of SW Austin, we’re happy to take a look at your roof and offer recommendations on your best course of action. Get in touch with us to schedule a roof inspection.

Ultimately, the decision about repairing or replacing your roof will come down to a few key factors:

• The age of the roof – Most Austin roofs don’t last much beyond 20 years, even those with 30-year shingles on them.  
• The extent of the damage – A replacement is probably the best choice if you have widespread roofing issues.
• The location of the leak – Sometimes the damage is isolated to a given area, and by replacing a few shingles or repairing the flashing, you will be back in business in no time.
• How long you will be staying in the home – If you are moving in the near future and the damage isn’t enough for an insurance claim, you might consider letting the next homeowner deal with a full roof replacement. Or, you can choose to replace the roof yourself to increase your home’s resale value. Either choice will come with a financial impact as well.

As you decide whether to repair or replace your roof, evaluate its physical condition, the amount of money you’re willing to spend, and other intangible factors, such as how a new roof will improve your home’s curb appeal and enable you to live worry-free about it for a while. 

At Storm Guard of SW Austin, we can help you understand your options and their associated costs to make the best decision for your home and family. Call us today to schedule a roof evaluation.