You can’t control when you’ll need roofing work to be completed on your home, so it’s a good idea to know when roofers are available. The winter months can be an especially stressful time to have roofing damage or a leak in your home, since It can be difficult to properly see your shingles when they’re covered in snow and ice, and you risk losing heat from your home.
So we’ve created this blog to make sure you know everything you need to about roofing in the winter.
Do Roofers Work in the Winter?
Yes! Roofers can and do work in the winter. They will need to clear off any snow and ice on the roof to make it safe for work, but experienced roofing professionals can figure out a way to make things work if you need repairs done right away.
Can You Replace a Roof in the Winter?
If there is a particularly strong cold snap, some roofers may advise waiting until it warms up a bit before performing a major job such as a roof replacement. Extremely cold temperatures can interfere with roofing equipment and make shingles brittle and more likely to break. For instance, the cold may cause the pressure in air-powered nail guns to shift, leading them to put in nails too hard or too softly. If this is the case, the roofers may need to use hammers to nail in the shingles, which can take longer.
What Causes Roof Leaking in Winter?
Roof leaks can happen in the winter for a variety of reasons, such as fallen tree branches due to heavy snow or high winds. If gutters and drains aren’t properly cleaned during the fall, they can clog up with dead leaves and ice and cause standing water that leads to leaks. Also, periodic melting and refreezing of the snow on your roof will create ice buildup that can damage the roof.
What’s the Best Roof for Snow?
A steep-sloped roof is a great choice for homes that experience heavy snowfall, since the roof is more likely to slide than sit and weigh on the home.
It’s also a good idea to have a well-designed attic with plenty of insulation and some air circulation to prevent condensation that can leads to mold and mildew during the winter months.
How Jobson Approaches Roofing in the Winter
Since we’re located in West Michigan, you can imagine that our roofers are highly experienced at working in wintry conditions. Whenever we’re performing a roof repair or replacement during cold temperatures, we take extra care with our shingles to keep them from breaking.
Our roofers also use high-quality equipment that can stand up to winter conditions, and we know how to make adjustments when necessary. We may also apply a special sealant to ensure the shingles are watertight, since they typically need temperatures of at least 40 degrees before they can seal on their own.
Our Roofing Services
Jobson offers a range of experienced, high-quality roofing services in Grand Rapids, MI, and surrounding areas.
Free Roof Inspections
If you’re worried that you might have received damage from ice, falling limbs, or high winds, it’s a good idea to have a professional inspection completed. We also recommend annual inspections in the spring or fall to spot potential issues before they become a problem.
The experts at Jobson Roofing conduct free roof inspections without the lengthy and boring sales presentation that other roofing companies might include. We just give an honest appraisal and straightforward recommendations.
Roof Repair
We offer a range of roof repair services during the winter months that are built for your needs. If we can fix your roof without having to do a total replacement, we’ll always find ways to save you money.
Residential Roof Replacement
If you’re building a new home or your roof is showing signs of aging and needs a replacement, we’ll be happy to check it out and provide an estimate. We primarily use GAF shingles because they look great and are highly durable. They include features like time-release algae protection and LayerLockTM technology that fuses bonds between overlapping shingles.
Emergency Roof Repair
A leak can cause substantial damage and expense in your home, especially during the winter. You’ll want to have necessary repairs done as soon as possible to protect your insulation, electrical wiring, or other parts of your home. We can have a team at your home to complete emergency repairs as soon as possible. If your roof needs a total replacement, we’ll patch the spot to stop any leaks until it can be completed.
Get a Free Inspection
Think your roof might need some work this winter? Reach out to the team at Jobson Roofing to schedule a free inspection and estimate.