Is It Safe To Install A Roof In The Rain?

Rain can hamper any home improvement project, but it greatly impacts a roof repair or replacement. After weeks of planning, you may feel impatient or frustrated when a storm lingers. But there are several good reasons to wait for drier weather before you proceed. Here’s what to know about roof projects and rain.

Can You Replace a Roof in the Rain? Not Without Risk

While some roofing projects can be completed in as little as a day, the average home re-roof takes several days. Wait until conditions are clear and your roof is dry to make any repairs and installations. Here are a few of the risks you take if you proceed in stormy weather:

1. A slick roof can put workers at risk, and increases the likelihood for injuries.
2. Tearing off your old roof (or portions of it) during rainy days leaves the inside of your home vulnerable to the weather.
3. Installing a new roof during wet weather could mean it never functions properly.

Let’s dive further into that final point and explore the reasons why a new roof installed in wet conditions may not do what you want it to.

Shingles May Not Properly Adhere to Wet Surfaces

A wet installation can cause a new roof to fail.

Shingles and roofing materials may not adhere properly to slick surfaces with high humidity. If the sheathing or wood is wet during the time of installation, it can trap moisture inside of your roof, leading to mold, rot, or other severe problems.

Many of the inner components of your roof—such as barriers, OSB boards, and felt— are also sensitive to water damage and should not be exposed to moisture. In high humidity, materials may bulge or wrinkle, causing ripples and bumps on the exterior surface of your roof.

In addition to being unappealing, wrinkling can also signal problems down the line. Roofing professionals agree that a rippling roof is a sign that a home needs to be reroofed as soon as possible.

Installing a Roof in the Rain May Void Your Warranty

Roofing manufacturers guarantee their products, but not the installation. Specific guidelines are set for how shingles and materials should be installed, so the manufacturer is not liable for damage that results from faulty workmanship.

If a roofing installer decides to work under less-than-ideal weather conditions, it could lead to your manufacturer voiding their warranty, resulting in costly repairs down the line.

If Undergoing Emergency Repairs, Be Cautious When Hiring a Roofing Contractor

There are instances where a temporary fix or repair on a rainy day is unavoidable. An emergency repair, such as a leak and roof water damage, may need to be addressed or completed as soon as possible.

If your home suffers catastrophic damage, like an impact or collapse, an emergency roofer may need to make temporary fixes to protect your home from further damage.

During this stressful time, it is paramount to research the installer assisting you with this emergency. To find the most reliable contractor for your roofing project, Modernize now offers homeowners a free digital Contractor Checklist as a simple step-by-step guide to assist vetting professionals.

Wait Until the Weather is Clear

When installed properly, your new roof will last you ten years or more. It is best to avoid rainy day installations. Delaying a repair a few days for foul weather to pass is well worth the wait.

If your roofing contractor suspects a storm is approaching, expect a call postponing the project until the weather has passed.