When Is the Best Time to Install a Commercial Roof?
A commercial flat roof that’s properly installed and maintained can last for up to 40 years before replacement is necessary. However, factors like inclement weather and high UV rays can impact that expected lifespan. When the time comes for a roof replacement, you may be wondering what time of the year may be best to schedule an installation.
Truthfully, there really is no perfect time of year to have a commercial roof installed. What’s more important is that you have the work done correctly on your property when it becomes necessary. But to give you an idea of some of the challenges and advantages of each season, we’ve put together this comprehensive article.
We’ll start with the pros and cons of scheduling commercial roof installations in the winter.
Winter
Winter tends to be the “slow” season for commercial roof installations—and scheduling your project during this time can offer a few key advantages. One, prices are likely to decrease on roofing projects, so you could save some money compared to scheduling a roofing project during one of the more in-demand seasons. And two, there’s also likely to be more availability during the winter months so you can get your roof installed faster.
However, there are a few cons to winter roof projects, especially in a climate like Southeast Michigan. The biggest factor is the weather, as it’s difficult to complete work in cold or snowy temperatures. What’s more, the roof is supposed to protect and insulate your commercial property. A project that’s carried out during the winter months has the potential to jeopardize this.
Spring
Next, spring is typically the time when property owners begin to think about replacing their commercial roofs. Why? Because winter is over and they know installation crews won’t be challenged by the cold, snow and ice. Additionally, winter weather can take its toll on a commercial roof, so a project during the spring can ensure that any damage incurred during the cold weather months is addressed.
The one downside of replacing your roof in the spring is that it tends to be the start of the busy season, so you might have to wait a bit for crew availability. Additionally, Mother Nature can have an impact on the installation schedule, as spring tends to come with unpredictable storms.
Summer
Summer is another popular time to install a commercial roof. However, there’s one big disadvantage of having this work done during the summer months: the heat. Installation crews are baking up there on the roof in the hot summer sun, which can hamper productivity and even lead to schedule changes. Some roofing companies won’t even let their employees work a full day in the heat. Others may require workers to take frequent breaks. The heat is the main challenge that you’ll have to account for when it comes to scheduling roofing projects during the summer season.
Fall
Lastly, late summer and early fall are among the best times to have a commercial roof installed. This is because the rush of jobs during the spring and summer busy seasons is over. Plus, the weather is cooler overall, reducing the strain that is put on installation crews. Additionally, most roofing damage is caused during the winter and summer seasons, so a new installation in the fall will protect your property well.
Is There a Right Season to Schedule Installation?
As previously mentioned, there’s no real right or wrong season to install a commercial roof—you just need to understand the pros and cons of scheduling an installation in each of the seasons that we described above. If you think the benefits outweigh the disadvantages of installation in a particular season, then there’s really no reason not to pursue the work.
So what’s the right season to install a commercial roof?
Answer: When your roof needs it.
Schedule Your Commercial Roof Installation Today
Do you need to schedule a commercial roof installation? Turn to Summit Commercial Roofing. We provide year-round flat roof services, including maintenance, installations, and repairs, to businesses in Southeast Michigan (Wayne, Monroe, and Washtenaw counties). Fill out our online form today to learn more about our team, or to request a quote.
