When Is the Best Time to Replace a Roof?

At some point, as a homeowner, you’ll likely need to replace your roof. Ideally, you’ll be able to plan ahead and pick the right moment for such a project. There is a best time to replace a roof, and booking it in advance can make all the difference. 

Find out which season is ideal for replacing a roof and the pros and cons of doing it in the off-season. 

What Is the Best Time of Year to Replace a Roof?

Most contractors and roof installation pros will say that fall is the optimal time for roof installation. The weather has cooled after summer, allowing workers to have longer and more productive days. Plus, this weather is best for shingles to set and seal effectively before the extreme winter weather.

However, fall tends to get very busy for roofers. According to data from Angi customers, September was one of the most booked months for roof installation. March and April were also in higher demand, with more customers tackling roof projects as the snow melts away and the weather becomes suitable for outdoor work.

Prices can shoot up during times of high demand, so it’s best to plan months in advance to lock in your roof installation and avoid last-minute costs. Alternatively, consider booking during the months when roof contractors are less busy. Angi’s data shows that, of the warmer months, May and June had fewer bookings for roof projects.

Factors to Consider When Scheduling a Roof Replacement

Fall may be the optimal roofing season, but it’s not your only option. If it’s already in decent condition, or you live somewhere that’s sunny year-round, you can open yourself up to other seasons.

Your Roof’s Current Condition

If your roof is in good condition but is getting up there in age, you’ll be less rushed to plan a replacement and can take your time booking something out months in advance. Alternatively, a roof with less damage is also easier to repair, even in inclement weather. You don’t have to worry that things will fall apart if the weather takes a turn for the worse.

Weather

With an exterior project like a roof replacement, there’s no avoiding the realities of bad weather. You can replace a roof in the winter, but it won’t be easy. Heavy snowfall can cause fragile, unsealed shingles to fall off or structural damage to your roof at large. Not to mention, ice build-ups are likely to occur and slow down construction as a result, and the fact that temperatures are especially low and sunsets early makes it harder to work. 

In spring, heavy rainfall is also a concern, as it can be extremely hazardous to work up high when conditions are wet and slippery. Plus, all that added moisture can cause damage to both the inside and outside of your home. The last thing you want is for a sneaky water buildup to make a home in your attic, where it will slowly transform into unwanted mold and mildew. 

Finally, hot summer temperatures are also not ideal working conditions for such a labor-intensive project, and anyone you hire will need to start work very early, undoubtedly disrupting your beauty sleep in the process.

Budget

If your budget is tight, booking your roof replacement in a slower season can cost less. Yes, you’ll have to deal with the inconveniences of doing this kind of work in a less-than-ideal season, but it may be worth it if you’re trying to stick within a certain budget. 

The Worst Time of Year to Replace a Roof

Winter is the worst time of year to replace a roof. With the bitter frost, unrelenting snow and slush, ice builds, short days, and cold temps, it’s hardest to work in and the least efficient. Expect a replacement done around this time to take double the time it would in another season. The only upside is that you may pay a little less or have less difficulty hiring a roof contractor near you because of their increased availability.  

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Roof?

The cost to replace a roof ranges from $6,000 to $13,000, with an average of around $9,400. What you pay will depend on factors like the size of your home, the materials you choose, and what time of year you do the replacement. The more booked a contractor is, or the worse the weather is, the more you’re likely to pay. 

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro 

While a skilled DIYer with extensive knowledge about how to replace a roof could likely perform their own roof replacement, we highly recommend against doing the work yourself for safety reasons. Even during the best time of year to replace a roof, getting on top of your home invites the danger of falling off—and working from a ladder simply isn't practical during a roofing job. 

Hiring a professional to complete the job removes any risk of personal injury or the consequences of incorrect installation. Professionals handle every aspect of the project, from the roof inspection to the installation and cleanup.