Can a Roof be Replaced in the Rain? (Weather Conditions Impact)

Have a roofing project coming up and there is rain in the forecast? It is understandable that this can be a major concern for you as a homeowner. Replacing your roof is a big deal and it likely took you a good deal of planning and preparation to get to the actual replacement part of the process. So, the thought of your project being delayed might be a major inconvenience and stress point for you. This information is provided by our roofers in Pawtucket RI.

With that being said, rain in the forecast does complicate the roof replacement process. The last thing you want is a large hole in your roof during a major downpour. So, the answer to the question, can my roof be replaced in the rain, is not as straightforward as you might think. There are several factors here, including how hard is it raining, is it raining before the project begins, or did the rain come in the middle of the process. Also, how much of your roof is being replaced or if the weather is severe or is it just drizzling a little, are some other factors to consider.

Will Roofing Contractors Begin a Roof Replacement If It Is Already Raining Outside?

Let’s start with the easiest question first. Will your roofer begin the roof replacement process if it is already raining before they start working? The answer is, probably not. If it is already raining, with no signs of it stopping. Your roofing contractor may request postponing the job. As long as your roof is in good enough shape to handle the current rainstorm, there likely is not any reason to risk damaging your home or risking the contractor’s safety by working in the rain.

While it is understandable that the idea of pushing back your roof replacement might be frustrating for you, keep in mind that your roofer is sharing your frustration. Your contractor does not get paid until the work is done. Plus, rescheduling your job also means they have to rework other projects. Meaning they have to risk losing more money and upsetting other customers. Your roofing contractor wants to complete your project as badly as you do. So, you can trust that if your contractor suggests rescheduling your project, they are doing so for your overall benefit and to protect their team.

What to Do If it Rains During Your Roof Replacement?

What happens if it starts to rain while the project has already started? This is a trickier situation and the answer will be it depends on how bad the rain is and how far the roofers are in the process. If the weather is not severe, your roofer may only work on one small section at a time, if they are able to keep the roofing materials dry enough to continue working.

Can Shingles Get Wet?

You may find yourself wondering, can my shingles get a little wet during the installation process? After all, these shingles are designed to be outside and get rained and snowed on. How big of a problem could it be if they got wet while being installed? Can my roofer go ahead and lay shingles down in the rain?

While all of this is technically true about shingles, shingles should not be wet when they are being installed. The reason for this is that shingles likely will not adhere to your roof properly if your roofer tries to install them while they are wet.

What Happens if the Roofing Felt Gets Wet?

If it starts to rain and your contractor has only reached the roofing felt laying process of your roof replacement, you can expect a small delay in your project. While if roofing felt gets wet it will likely be okay, you simply can not lay shingles on top of wet felt. The moisture would be trapped in the felt, which might lead to early deterioration of the roofing felt or mold or mildew growth between the felt and shingles.

The bottom line is, that if the roofing felt gets wet, you can expect a delay. Most roofing contractors will suggest waiting a full 24 hours after the felt gets wet before continuing the project. 24 hours, on average, is how long it typically takes for roofing felt to dry out completely.

Will Roofers Work in the Rain?

The answer to this question is, it depends. Professional roofers are used to dealing with the elements, to an extent anyway, as their job is done almost a hundred percent outdoors. So, getting a little wet might not be the biggest deal for your roofing team. However, the real concern with working in the rain is the added safety issues for the roofers, meaning you might need to be a little understanding if your contractor asks to pause or delay your roof replacement.

This is especially true if there is lightning present. Lightning is deadly and roofers, sitting high on top of your roof, working with nails and metal tools can sometimes find themselves as lightning magnets. Also, if it is raining super hard or there are strong winds in the area, your roofers can not work until things slow down. The risk of falling off of the roof is just too great.

*Note: keep in mind when it comes to your roofing contractors’ safety when it is raining that even a little rain and moisture can put the team at risk. Wet rooftops and metal ladders can be a danger for even the most experienced roofer.

Final Thoughts

If you have a roof replacement project about to start and you see rain on the horizon, try not to despair. Since no one can control the weather, you might have to deal with a small delay in your roofing project. But your roofing contractor has the experience to know when it is safe for your home and their team to work. Light enough rain might allow the project to continue as scheduled, but if your contractor suggests postponement, it is more than likely the best option for everyone involved.