4 min read • Roofing Resources
Wondering about the best time to replace a roof? Early fall is the optimal season for roof replacement in Northern Virginia due to mild weather and low humidity that allows the shingles to come into direct contact with the roof deck and crews to work efficiently. A roof replacement, however, can take place almost anytime of year and the “best” time to have a new roof also depends on your needs, budget and availability of the contractor you choose. To help know when to plan and how to get the best value, here’s a guide to each season.
Why Timing Matters
The importance of timing in the roof replacement process
Asphalt shingles depend on heat to activate the adhesive strips that hold them together and create a wind tight seal. They should be installed at a temperature not too hot or too cold, or else the shingles could scuff when installed and they wouldn’t bond until spring. Because of the four seasons in Northern Virginia, there is not a set time when the roof is best replaced.
- Weather windows: dry and mild are best for clean installs.
- Contractor demand: peak season equals longer wait times and greater pricing.
- Damage urgency: if it is leaking, it cannot wait for the next “perfect” season.
- Budget: the availability and quoting of off-season scheduling can be better.
Just as important as the calendar date are the humidity and dew point. A November afternoon with a dry 50°F is a better day for installing than a muggy and stormy afternoon in July. That’s why it’s important to have a local crew with experience in the forecast so the schedule is adjusted, rather than sticking to the season, and the ultimate goal is to get a clean, dry area and shingles that seal as the manufacturer intended.
The Sweet Spot
Fall: The Best Time to Replace a Roof in Northern Virginia
The best time to replace a roof is generally early fall through mid-fall. Shingles seal well when temperatures are between 45°F and 85°F, and the dry conditions prior to winter help keep your home protected before snow and ice. The downside: fall time is the busiest time and contractors get booked up quickly. Fill out the free estimate form several weeks in advance to guarantee a time.
Spring and Summer: Solid Runner-Ups
Spring is a solid runner up. Mild days and longer daylight hours equate to efficient installs, and spring repair work corrects any damage which may have been caused over the winter. Be aware of spring rain which may delay start date.
This works well in summer too, since shingles seal up well in warm weather, but extreme heat slows crews and can make working in attics miserable. Early-morning starts help. Both seasons are ideal for getting ahead of storm season and if you have recently had damage, our roof repair team can stabilize until you are ready for a replacement.
Winter: May Be, With Trade Offs
Replacing your roof during the winter months is certainly possible in Northern Virginia and, in some cases, the simplest time to schedule a solid crew. Veteran roofers hand-seal shingles and select dry and mild days to work. The drawbacks: the daylight is shorter, weather delays, and shingles require heat to form a strong bond. When it comes to repairs, don’t wait for spring if you have an active leak or storm damage as a winter replacement will avoid months of water infiltration that can cause rotten decking, mold and damaged insulation.
Get the Best Value
Whatever the season, how to get the best value
The biggest cost lever is not the month, it’s planning ahead. Don’t wait until you’re at the last minute to get an estimate, compare itemized estimates and know your numbers first. Through our roof replacement cost estimating guide and our roofing cost calculator, you can start planning and be ready to jump on the right window of opportunity when the weather is right.
Questions Homeowners Ask
Frequently Asked Questions
The ideal time to replace a roof in Northern Virginia is early fall when the weather is mild and dry and shingles can seal correctly. If the damage isn’t urgent, spring is a close second.
Yes. The roofers here replace roofs all year long, by hand-sealing shingles and working on mild, dry days. Availability of crew may be better in the winter, but this time of year can be delayed due to weather.
Off season (late winter) could also mean more availability of contractors and more flexibility in scheduling. The cost of material remains relatively constant; however, the best way to control this is to plan ahead.
Typically, most homes in Northern Virginia can be completed in one, two or three days depending on the size and pitch of the roof and the weather.
Preparing to Schedule Your Replacement?
The ideal time to replace a roof is before a minor issue turns into a major problem, whether it’s the height of fall or the middle of January. For more than 40 years, Summit Roofing has been serving Northern Virginia.