Your roof serves as your home’s primary protection against rain and harsh weather. But installing a new roof can expose your home to the elements, especially if it starts raining during the process. What happens if this occurs? Professional roofing contractors are prepared for this scenario. They typically monitor weather forecasts closely and have contingency plans in place. If rain begins unexpectedly, they will quickly cover exposed areas with tarps or protective sheeting to prevent water damage. By taking these precautions, contractors ensure your home remains safe and dry, even if the weather turns unfavorable during roof installation.
The staff at Shumaker Roofing has been assisting homeowners with being ready for anything that could come with a new roof for more than 75 years. For this reason, I’ll outline what to anticipate in the event that your new roof installation is delayed due to rain or other bad weather.
Can Roofers Install a Roof During Rain?
No, it is incorrect to assume that a roofer can or should install a roof in the rain. When the roof is wet, roofing work should not be done, regardless of the likelihood of rain or unexpected showers.
However, it is generally better for both the roof and the workers to avoid working in the rain.
Installing a New Roof During Rain Can Lead to Significant Additional Costs
Your roof is left “open” after the decking is removed during the tear-off procedure for a new roof. Your home’s interior may sustain major water damage if it starts to rain while your roof is open.
If it rains enough, water will seep into every part of your house, causing damage to your belongings, the flooring, the drywall, and anything else in its path. You’ll need to hire a professional to properly clean up after the water damage, in addition to having to replace any damaged items.
All of this adds up quickly, and if you hire an uninsured roofer, you can have to pay for repairs out of pocket or through your insurance.
Your roof won’t be installed properly
Installing a new roof over damp roof decking ensures installation complications, even though water seeping into your home is already a problem. If the decking is left damp and saturated, it will rot and develop mold or mildew, the wood will alter form, or the boards will no longer be able to support any weight at all.
When materials are laid over a damp or slick surface, such as a wet decking, the result is a deformed roof and improper or uneven shingle adhesion. Installing a roof in the rain, no matter what, almost always results in issues later on.
Installing a new roof during rain is not considered safe
The previously mentioned two issues genuinely affect you and your finances. But because it’s unsafe, roofers shouldn’t put up a new roof in the rain.
Rain greatly increases the risk of roofing, which is already perilous on a dry day. It always surprises me to see teams working in the rain because the last thing any serious roofing company or you want is for someone to fall off your roof.
What Happens if it Begins to Rain While Your New Roof is Being Installed?
You now understand why roofers shouldn’t put on a new roof while it’s raining. Still, there’s always the possibility of an unplanned shower.
The workers will cover the exposed decking on your roof with a tarp if it starts to rain while they are installing your new roof. Until it is safe to return to your roof and start the installation procedure anew, this tarping will remain in place.
Sadly, when rain comes, a major issue that novice roofers have is when a whole roof is left exposed or when there are too many large sections to cover with tarps. This is why it’s important to start “drying in” areas as soon as the old roof is removed.
Just applying underlayment to the roof decking to help protect it prior to shingle installation is known as “drying in.” This guarantees that your house will be shielded from moisture until it becomes sufficiently dry to reopen.
How can a roofer prepare for rain during the roof replacement process?
One of the most important aspects of replacing your roof is protecting your house, and part of that is having a plan in place for when it rains. It goes without saying that all roofers should be ready with tarps already on site. After all, you just learned that they will cover your roof if it starts to rain.
To find out whether it’s safe to open your roof on the day of a roof replacement, every roofing professional should, nevertheless, also examine the weather. As a general guideline, if there is 40% probability of rain on the day the roof is intended to be placed, the roof should not be opened.
Even if there is a higher likelihood of rain, it is still possible to carry out the plan. Provided that it is well-executed. If the weather seems like it might cause us problems, I just like to be safe.
What is the full process of replacing a roof?
Should it rain during the installation of your new roof, you will be safe provided your roofer is organized and focused. Additionally, if you work with a trustworthy roofing company, a plan will be in place, so you won’t have to worry if rain is predicted.
Your main concern is that the weather may increase the time it takes to do your roof replacement. Regretfully, if you don’t know what to anticipate, the actual roof replacement process can also be extremely stressful.
This is particularly true when things start to get chaotic and debris starts to fly. For this reason, I broke out the complete roof replacement process in another article.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while rain can certainly complicate the process of installing a new roof. Professional roofers are always prepared to handle unexpected weather. With precautions like monitoring forecasts, having tarps ready, and drying in areas as soon as possible. A reliable roofing company ensures that your home stays protected during the installation process. Although rain might extend the timeline, proper planning prevents costly water damage and guarantees the job is done right. When choosing a roofing contractor, make sure they have the experience and expertise to manage weather challenges and keep your roof installation on track.
FAQs: What Happens If It Rains During a New Roof Installation?
1. Will rain damage my home during roof installation?
Roofers protect your home by covering exposed areas with tarps, preventing water from entering.
2. Do roofers continue working when it rains?
Roofers stop working when it rains to ensure safety and maintain the quality of the installation.
3. How do roofers protect the roof during unexpected rain?
Roofers quickly cover exposed sections with tarps or protective sheeting to prevent water damage.
4. Does rain delay roof installation?
Yes, rain delays the process to ensure the roof is installed in proper conditions.
5. Do roofers install new roofs over wet decking?
No, roofers avoid installing over-wet decking to prevent long-term issues like mold and improper shingle adhesion.
