Can Bad Weather Slow Down a Roof Replacement? (4 Things You Need to Know)
The stress of having something go wrong with your roof can be overwhelming and emotionally draining.
At the end of the day, you want a roof that can protect your home and family.
So when issues do occur, and you need a roof replacement, you want the process to be over as soon as possible.
Rescue My Roof has spent over a decade in the roofing industry working with people who share the same anxiety. They need a new roof, and they need it fast.
While roof replacements are generally not a long project, there are a few things that can delay the replacement that you should know about.
Here are four things that can delay a roof replacement. After reading this list, you will be emotionally prepared to tackle any roofing delays that come your way.
Four Factors that Impact How Long a Roof Replacement Takes
An asphalt roof is one of the most popular roofing options in the United States. Generally, asphalt roofs take up to one day to replace.
If you go with another material, the time can vary from one day to two weeks. Materials like clay and slate are harder to work with, so they typically take longer to install.
As Rescue My Roof offers asphalt roofing, we will be discussing the timeline of asphalt roofs for this article.
While asphalt roofs only take approximately one to two days to install, some factors can delay the process.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Rainy Weather
Here in the midwest, we experience it all: rain, snow, and sunshine.
However, some elements are just not suited for roofing.
If it begins to rain or storm during your roof replacement, there will be a delay in when the project is completed.
It is a safety hazard for the crew to continue working on your roof in the rain as it can become slick and slippery. That is why the crews will pause and come back when the coast is clear.
It is important to note that this will not harm your roof, even if the shingles are not on yet. As long as the underlayments are installed, they can protect your roof on their own for up to 60 days.
Additionally, the roofing crews can also tack down tarps to add an additional layer of protection from the rain.
2. Snow
Snow is also tricky for the roofing crews to work around and may cause a delay.
When snow happens the night before the roof replacement but stops before the work begins, your roof will be shoveled off, and there won’t be a delay.
When it is snowing when the work is scheduled to begin, the conditions may make the roof too slippery to work on.
For the crew’s safety, the project will be delayed while it continues to snow.
While roof replacements in the winter months rely on the chance of no snow, that does not mean they cannot be done.
There will be minimal differences in installation, but as long as it is not actively snowing, the project can happen as planned.
3. Shipping Delays
As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have seen an increased delay with materials.
If shingles need to be made to order, like slate and clay shingles, it may take the manufacturers longer to get the materials to your roofing contractor.
Additionally, manufacturing and shipping delays have affected several asphalt shingle options and colors.
Communicate with your sales representative to determine what materials are readily available and when other materials should arrive.
Only then will you get an accurate idea of when the roof replacement can be completed.
4. Hidden Roof Issues Arise
Your roof could potentially be full of secrets that could lead to a delay in the completion of your roof replacement.
Shingles can hide a lot of the damage that may lay underneath. It may not be visible if the decking is rotten until the shingles and underlayment are torn off.
If the crews come across rotten decking, it will add in an extra step. They will have to cut out the rotten decking and replace it.
This will add time to the roof replacement.
How Long Does a Roof Replacement Take?
Without delays, an asphalt roof replacement typically takes one day to complete.
However, be prepared to encounter some hardships along the way. Mother Nature is unpredictable, which means it may snow or rain during the project and cause a delay.
Additionally, shipping delays and rotten decking can also delay the process.
It can be frustrating when you experience these issues without warning. Having to do a roof replacement itself is hard, and with the possibility of extra problems, it can be difficult.
Now that you know what you’re up against, you can emotionally repair for that big home improvement project.
You can learn more about the roof replacement process with “How Much Does a Roof Replacement Cost?”
Are you ready to tackle a roof replacement in the greater Milwaukee area? Rescue My Roof is the contractor for you. Contact us today to get a free roof estimate.