So, you decided to invest in a new roof for your Austin home. You’ve chosen the perfect shingles to complement your home’s unique style. You have searched for and found a reputable roofing company with a team of skilled and experienced professionals.

But with the installation just a few days away, the forecast takes an unexpected turn—rain is predicted, and not just a sprinkle but a potential downpour! What happens now? Should you be worried that this sudden change in weather will ruin your brand-new roof before it’s even finished?

It’s a common concern for homeowners in Austin, where weather can be unpredictable. The good news is that a bit of rain usually will stay on your roofing project. Reputable roofing contractors have strategies to deal with rain and will prioritize protecting your home and their work.

Do Roofers Work in the Rain?

No. It’s not safe or practical for roofers to work in the rain. The slick surfaces caused by rain can significantly increase the chance of a fall or other injury. Safety should be a primary focus for any roofing company, and working on a wet, slippery roof in a downpour is dangerous. It can also increase the risk of electrical shock, mainly when working with power tools.

Installing a roof in the rain can also significantly damage the roofing materials. The roof deck material is typically OSB (oriented strand board) or plywood, both of which are highly susceptible to water damage. Warping, buckling, and delamination can significantly weaken the structural integrity. If it gets wet during installation, it often leads to unevenness in the roof’s surface and could cause premature failure of the entire roof system.

Rain can also damage the underlayment. If it gets wet before the shingles are installed, it is nearly impossible to get the shingles to seal correctly. Moisture may also be trapped underneath, leading to mold, mildew, and rot. This compromises its ability to protect the roof deck and can even void the materials’ warranty.

Heavy rain can make it difficult to properly install a roof. The high moisture levels in the wood make it challenging to drive in nails or fasteners and can cause flashing issues around vulnerable roof areas like chimneys or valleys.

Experienced roofers come prepared for weather conditions like this. They may use tarps to cover exposed sections of the roof decking and roofing materials to prevent water damage. Your roofing contractor will likely pause work until the rains pass. Remember, they’re only trying to protect the safety of their crew and avoid any potential damage to your home. 

Protecting Your Home During a Rainy Roof Installation

Even if the rain is light, a wet roof presents some challenges during a roof installation. Here’s how a professional roofing company in Austin will handle things:

• Covering Up – Expect to see tarps used strategically to protect exposed areas of your roof. This includes sections of the roof decking, any installed roofing materials, and the interior of your home if they’ve already removed parts of the roof.
• Timing is Key – Roofers will try to time their work to minimize exposure to rain. They might focus on completing tasks under cover, like preparing materials or working on already protected sections.
• Keeping Things Dry – If your roofing project involves replacing sections of decking, the crew will be extra careful to keep the area dry. Wet decking can warp or become damaged, affecting the long-run integrity of your roof.

What to Expect if it Starts Raining

Open communication is essential during any roof replacement or roof repair project. You should always speak with your roofing contractor to understand their procedures for handling rainy conditions.

A reliable contractor will proactively monitor the weather forecasts leading up to and during the project. If they expect rain, they should discuss potential delays with you in advance. Should the forecast call for heavy rains, the contractor may suggest postponing the installation to avoid potential delays and ensure the quality of the work.

If it suddenly starts raining, they will most likely halt work, cover the exposed areas, and wait for the rain to pass. Once it has cleared, they can check the roof decking to ensure no water damage has occurred.

Once the rain has passed, they should complete a thorough post-rain inspection, checking all the roof decking and other materials to ensure no water damage has occurred. If there has been any water damage, the roofing contractor may need to allow the materials to dry completely before resuming work.

Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor in Austin 

Homeowners in Austin have much to consider when finding an experienced local roofing contractor they can trust. To help make that search a little easier, here are some good indicators that you’ve chosen the right roofing contractor in Austin, Texas:

• Locally Minded: The best Austin-based roofing contractors will understand the local climate and building codes.
• Insurance and Licensing: Verify that contractors have the proper licenses and insurance, which protect you in case of accidents or damage.
• Clear Communication: A good contractor will keep you informed throughout the process, especially if unexpected issues like rain arise.
• Positive Customer Testimonials: You want a roofing contractor who does quality work, so check online reviews to see what other homeowners in Austin have to say about their experiences with a particular contractor. Make sure you’re reading recent reviews, too. If the feedback is consistently positive, it’s a good indicator of their workmanship and reliability.

Whether you need a roof replacement or repair in Austin, make sure to choose a company you can trust to handle any unexpected weather events. 

Don’t Let a Little Rain Dampen Your Roofing Plans

Ready to get started on your roof replacement your roof? Contact RoofsOnly.com in Austin, TX, for a free estimate. You can also check out our Gallery to view examples of some of their recent roofing projects. Don’t wait – contact us today and let the experts handle your roofing needs.