Can a New Roof be Put on in Winter?

Updated 11/18/2025

You’re planning out your big budget projects for the year, when you realize that postponing your roof to winter could save you some money. In fact, it could discount your total cost by 10-20%, according to NewEnglandMetalRoof.com. That’s up to $2,400 off a $12,000 roof, and that definitely sounds appealing. 

But then you think—wait, roofs shouldn’t be replaced during the winter, right? Isn’t that just a scam by roofing companies to get more business during their slow months, knowing that the roof won’t last as long? At least, that's what you read on Reddit. 

Here’s the truth: your roof can be replaced during winter without any damage to its performance. Like any other situation, though, there are pros and cons to a winter roof installation that you should be aware of. This article covers the difference between winter and summer roof replacements. We'll break down the pros and cons by material, timeline, and what's best for your home. 

As a Platinum Preferred Contractor with Owens Corning, we have experience serving thousands of homeowners in Central Pennsylvania and Northern Indiana. We value the quality of our service above all else, and know how to make a winter installation safe and effective for your home.

You’ll learn: 

• Can You Replace a Roof in the Winter?
• Winter vs. Summer Roof Installation: What to Expect
• Seasonal Material Performance for Asphalt Shingles vs. Metal vs. Flat Membranes
• Debunked Myths for Winter Roofs
• What to Do for Emergency Roof Replacements in Winter
• How to Choose the Right Season for Your Roof Project

Can You Replace a Roof in the Winter?

Contrary to what Reddit might suggest, your home can get a new roof in any season. A metal roof can be installed year-round, and even shingle roofs can be installed during winter with the correct materials and steps. Homeowners shouldn't just go with the cheapest roofer, though. Contractors should understand their manufacturer's guidelines and make adjustments for weather conditions. 

Most people assume that roofing shingles installed at temperatures below 40 degrees won't perform well, but that's not entirely true. Many manufacturers, like Owens Corning, note in their technical bulletins that you can install shingles in lower temperatures if additional requirements are met (such as proper nail placement, additional steps, and direct sunlight).

Owens Corning Duration shingles, for example, can be installed below 40 degrees while staying effective. A good contractor will be trained on how to properly install your shingles in both cold and hot temperatures, referencing their manufacturer's guidelines. 

With proper planning and techniques, winter roof installations can still be safe and successful.

Winter vs. Summer Roof Installation: What to Expect

The peak season for roof replacement in Northern states is generally late spring through late fall. Roofing projects are ideal during this period of predictable, mild weather. However, winter also has its benefits for roof installations. 

Pros of Winter Roof Replacement

• Better Pricing: The lower demand for roofing in winter can result in discounts that aren't available during peak season.
• Shorter Wait Times: Typically, there is a shorter backlog during winter months, so homeowners don't have to wait as long to get their roof replaced.
• Flexible Scheduling: Some customers buy roofs in January but schedule their installation for March. This advanced planning can secure winter pricing for a spring replacement.

Winter Roof Considerations

• Shingle Sealing: Shingles need direct sunlight to seal appropriately. If they aren't installed per the manufacturer's specifications, they are more likely to blow off in heavy windstorms.
• Flexibility Required: Homeowners should expect more flexibility as crews work around weather conditions for safety.
• Shorter Working Days: Winter's shorter daylight hours mean less work can be completed each day, potentially adding time to your project.
• Potential Delays: Frost and snow may cause work delays due to safety concerns. 
• Shingles Cracks: Cold shingles crack easily, and nails can tear through them during installation. Some shingles, like those with Owens Corning's SureNail® Technology, are designed to prevent this problem.
• Adhesive Challenges: For flat roofing materials (EPDM, TPO), glues can become unusable if they freeze. Experienced roofers have tools to keep adhesives at the correct temperature for application.
• Clean-up and debris: Roofing debris from removal can become buried in snow, making complete cleanup impossible until the spring thaw. Crews may need to return later to finish the cleanup.

Summer falls into the ideal season for a roof replacement, so naturally, there are advantages to scheduling during this time. But homeowners should also be aware of the potential drawbacks. 

Pros of Summer Roof Replacement

• Faster progress: More daylight means crews can complete more work each day, potentially finishing projects more quickly.
• Faster sealing: Heat helps shingles achieve their proper sealed state more quickly.
• More predictable scheduling: Without delays from snow, frost, or freezing temperatures, scheduling is more reliable and flexible.
• Complete debris cleanup is possible: Unlike winter installations, summer allows for a thorough cleanup to be completed immediately after the job.

Summer Roof Considerations

• Higher prices: Pricing can increase during the summer due to high demand.
• Longer wait times: Summer tends to have longer backlogs and wait times, as a large number of homeowners schedule their roofs for replacement or repair. 
• Shingle vulnerability to damage: In extreme heat, shingles can become vulnerable to smearing, causing granule loss. 
• Extreme attic heat: Without proper ventilation, attics can become an oven, reaching temperatures of up to 160 degrees in the summer. This could make any attic work more challenging for roofers.
• Landscaping coordination: Homeowners should plan to do their landscaping work after a roof is installed to ensure the project doesn’t cause any potential damage. 

Seasonal Material Performance for Asphalt Shingles vs. Metal vs. Flat Membranes

The material of your roof plays a role in determining if a winter or summer roof replacement is best for you. Review your material below for any key seasonal disadvantages. 

Seasonal Comparison Chart for Shingles vs Metal vs Flat Roofs

In comparison to other materials, metal roofs are best for installation during the winter. Temperatures do not impact metal roofing performance in the same way as it does for shingles or flat roofing. Metal roofs can also be installed over shingle roofs, reducing concerns about debris. 

There is a significant safety concern associated with installing metal roofs, however. Frost is a greater concern for metal roofs compared to shingles, as it increases the risk of slipping hazards. Contractors should always come prepared with the correct equipment, such as roofing harnesses, to remain safe during installation.