New roof installations usually aren’t in the winter months, when inclement weather makes working outdoors more challenging. However, a new roof can go on during this time of year if it must. You just need to prepare for the added challenges that snow, ice, and freezing temperatures bring. If you need a new roof this winter, learn how to approach the installation.
Clarify Your Snow Removal Responsibilities
First, clarify any snow removal responsibilities you have with the roofing installation company that you hire.
The company’s workers will likely clear any snow and ice that are on the roof itself, but you might need to clear certain areas. For example, you may need to clear the driveway so that the company’s truck can bring materials close to the house and park in a safe location. You may also have to clear a perimeter around your home so workers can more easily move about.
Even if you don’t need to clear snow and ice from around your house, you might still want to. Since clearing snow takes time, the roofing company might charge more if their workers have to spend hours clearing snow before they get to work. If you could do this before workers arrive, you may be able to save a little on the total cost of the installation work.
Whatever agreement you come to, ask for the snow removal arrangement to be in your contract. This probably isn’t a standard part of the company’s contract, since most roofing projects are during non-snowy parts of the year. An explanation of how snow and ice will be dealt with is easy to put into a contract, however.
Expect the Roof Installation to Take Longer
Second, expect the roof installation project to take longer than it would if work was done during a more pleasant time of year. Even if you see to all on-ground snow removal obligations, the company’s workers still likely won’t be able to proceed at their regular pace. Several challenges will slow how quickly the project progresses:
- Workers will need to clear any snow or ice off that accumulates on the roof.
- Workers will also need to clear snow or ice that accumulates on scaffolding.
- Workers will need to pause occasionally to warm themselves or their fingers.
- Workers will have to take additional safety precautions given the more hazardous conditions.
- Workers won’t have as many daylight hours to work.
Depending on where in the country your home is located and the exact period when the work is done, the difference in daylight alone can have a major impact. In the Northern United States, the difference in daylight hours on the June and December solstices is five hours or more.
Exactly how much additional time putting a new roof on your home will take depends on many factors, such as the size of your home, type of installed roof, and location of your home. The roofing company you hire can provide a customized estimate of how many workdays the project will require.
Be Flexible With When the Company Performs Work
Finally, you have to be flexible with when the roofing company will actually work on your home’s new roof.
If you install an asphalt shingle roof, the ideal working temperature is 40 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. At temperatures below this, the shingles can become brittle, and the adhesive that secures them doesn’t work as well.
Because temperature is so important, your roofing company will probably want to wait until a slightly warmer stretch of winter days, such as when the highs will be above 40. As soon as such a stretch is in the weather forecast, they may get to work.
If your home needs a new roof this winter, contact Cloise & Mike Construction, Inc., to schedule an installation.