Imagine having a leaking roof during the winter season. We know — it’s an awful situation. This is why roofing Howard County companies make themselves available even during this time of the year.
While the common practice is for people to wait for spring, experts recommend that in most cases, you have your roof repaired or replaced as soon as possible so as not to worsen the damage.
The Challenges
There are several challenges that roofing experts face when they helm a repair or replacement project during winter. One of which is the materials getting affected by the cold weather. For instance, adhesives become less sticky, while shingles become more brittle.
There are also instances when the season brings about unpredictable weather patterns. Sudden winter storms can slow down a roofing Howard county project and ultimately cost you more.
Safety is also compromised during this time of the year. Due to factors like slippery roofs and low visibility, roofing contractors are hindered to deliver projects more efficiently.
What To Do
Despite the risks and challenges, there are ways in which a roof can still be repaired or replaced during winter. However, take note that there are types of roof materials that can’t be repaired during this period.
In this section, we’re tackling what you or roofing experts can do in the following types of roofing:
Metal roofs
As metal roofs are designed to give way to expansion and contraction, their quality won’t be compromised even if they are repaired or installed during the winter. What you have to make sure is using a premium synthetic underlayment to avoid having a moisture-related problem.
Flat roofs
Among the many types of flat roof materials, the only ones that can be installed during winter are the PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and TPO (thermoplastic olefin). You’d only to ensure their seams are hot air-welded properly. Rubber roofs — a popular alternative — are not advised to be installed if the temperature is below 40 degrees.
Sloped roofs
The main challenge of repairing or replacing asphalt shingles (which are the most common materials used in sloped roofs) is their tendency to become brittle during winter. Adequate heat is also needed to make sure that the seal applied on the overlapping shingles will become effective. Expect encountering issues when fixing sloped roofs during the winter.
Taking the Proactive Approach
To avoid incurring extensive damage, it’s best to do regular roof maintenance. According to the National Roofing Contractors Association, this should be done at least twice a year — during the warmer seasons like spring and autumn.
By taking a proactive approach, you’re reducing the possibility of doing a roofing Howard county in seasons where the weather can be extremely cold — or extremely hot.
Apart from conducting roof maintenance regularly, it’s also important to have your roof checked for any damage every after a severe weather condition hit your area (for instance, a hail storm or tornado). This is to minimize the damage that can be incurred from that situation and ultimately, help prolong the life of your roof.
At WFS Schmidt Construction Company, we offer the best roofing Howard County options for you. Contact us and we’ll help make an informed decision that fits your needs and budget.