Roof replacement is ideally done during clear weather because there’s less likelihood of moisture getting trapped under the roofing layers. But what happens if it rains in the middle of roof installation? In today’s post, local roofing company Howard Roofing & Home Improvements shares a look at what roofers do when it rains unexpectedly riding roofing replacement.
Roof installers are trained and equipped to protect the unfinished roof in case of rain. It’s the same process we use for temporarily protecting storm-damaged roofs: we quickly cover the roof using a large piece of tarpaulin. The unfinished roof only needs protection from direct contact with water, since moisture coming from mist or raised outdoor humidity is more or less the same levels that roof will be exposed to once completed, and therefore not a big problem.
Covering the roof is not an easy task, considering the size of an average roof. Slippery surfaces, wet from the rain, is a risk of injury. But not to worry: roofers like ours have the safety training and equipment to minimize risks of injury and damage to the roof, but without slowing them down.
It also helps that the roofing materials themselves have some resistance to moisture damage. We use OSB (oriented strand board) and plywood that’s treated for moisture resistance. This results in less risk of moisture damage to the roof’s wood components. Wood panel edges are typically treated with a sealant to prevent delamination at the edges.
Roof installation will resume shortly when the weather clears. While this will delay the project for a bit, these delays are factored into the installation timeline, which means the roof will still be finished within the estimated time frame. Once installation is ready to resume, every part of the roof undergoes a thorough inspection to make sure that no moisture will be trapped within the finished roof. We also inspect the unused shingles and make sure they’re dry before using them. Wet shingles are not ideal as adhesives may not cure properly if moisture is present.
Howard Roofing & Home Improvements is your leading provider of roofing installation and repair services. Give us a call at (636) 296-1057. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in St. Louis, MO, and surrounding communities.