Last Updated on November 4, 2021 by Kravelv
Fixing up a roof in the blazing sunshine? What is this, The Shawshank Redemption?
A touch overdramatic, perhaps, but when the sun is shining on a long summer day, the last thing you’re probably thinking about is getting around to that roof work you’ve been putting off. Even so, summer is actually a really good time to get the ladder out and go investigate what’s going on atop your house. In fact, there are several reasons why it’s the best time to carry out a roofing job.
Better weather
Other than it being decidedly miserable to do so, working in the rain or more unpredictable weather is not a good foundation for the quality of your work. Rain can adversely affect the quality of roof installations, threatening water damage, flooding, poor adherence of materials and even voiding your warranty if you have work carried out while it’s wet.
Safety first
The other obvious threat from wet weather is safety hazards. We all know the slippery dangers of wet leaves on the ground, so add them to your roof and you’ve got a recipe for disaster. Summertime means a lower chance of rain that can increase the risk of slips and falls, and also a reduced chance of windy conditions that can be a nightmare when you have moving parts involved.
Happy materials
Your key materials will be much happier in warm, dry conditions. Wet weather can damage roof decking, while applying new roofing to wet barriers or wood is actually against building regulations. Particularly if there’s high humidity, materials like asphalt shingles will not stick to slick surfaces well. All this can lead to you having to extend and redo work, as well as potentially end up with a less-than-satisfactory end product.
Visible results
Summer days mean you can work for longer and in clearer conditions, so you can see the results of your work easier and make adjustments where necessary. Better visibility is good for safety too, as you should never really be doing any work on your roof once the sun’s gone down.
Help is just around the corner
If you’re not an expert roofer, which, let’s face it, most of us aren’t, you’ll need to get some help in. Professional roofers are usually less busy in spring and summertime, meaning they’ll have better availability. It’s still something you’ll probably have to have to budget carefully for.
When you really think about it, fixing up a roof in the rain seems a little silly, doesn’t it? But many people end up having that predicament on their hands because they wait until the colder, wetter months to get work done. Sort your roof out in the summertime and the process will be quicker, easier and safer, and you can look forward to a cosy autumn and winter period.