Can you install wood roofing in winter?

Can You Install Wood Roofing in Winter? (FAQ for Columbus Homeowners)

If you’re thinking about replacing your roof with wood shakes or shingles, you might be wondering:

“Is it safe to install wood roofing during winter?”

Here’s the truth, straight from the job sites and industry guidelines.

Short Answer: Yes, but only with the right precautions.

At The Roof Champion of Columbus, we can install cedar shake roofing during winter, but we don’t cut corners. Here’s how we handle it:

What You Need to Know:

• Cedar must be dry.
  Wood shakes and shingles should never be installed wet or damp. That traps moisture underneath, leading to rot and early failure.

• We protect the materials.
  We store all wood products in a climate-controlled area or keep them fully tarped and elevated on-site.

• Cold weather makes wood brittle.
  That’s why we handle and fasten each piece with care. No rushing. No damage.

• No shortcuts with ventilation.
  Proper airflow is critical to help your cedar roofing dry and breathe—especially in winter when drying time slows down.

• We inspect daily.
  Every step of the install is checked multiple times to prevent trapped moisture, misalignment, or raised fasteners due to cold temperatures.

Why Timing Still Matters:

Wood roofing is best installed in mild temperatures, like fall or spring. But winter installs can still be successful—if your contractor is patient and experienced.

The real danger?
Hiring someone who rushes the job just to finish before dark or beat the cold.

We’ve seen it happen in Powell, Worthington, and Hilliard—and the homeowners had to replace their roofs again just a few years later.

Our Winter Promise:

• No rushed labor.

• No saturated materials.

• No excuses.

Just top-quality work that lasts, backed by real expertise and a homeowner-first mindset.

FAQ

Q: Will the cold weather affect how long the install takes?
Yes. We slow things down to protect the cedar. If it takes an extra day or two, it’s worth it to avoid future problems.

Q: Do you charge more for winter wood roofing installs?
No, but we’ll be honest about what’s realistic for your home and schedule.

Q: Is winter roofing dangerous for my home?
Not with us. We follow all manufacturer and code requirements and never install over snow-covered decks or wet underlayments.

Q: Can I wait until spring instead?
Yes—and we’ll tell you if that’s the smarter move based on your roof’s current condition.

If you’re thinking about cedar shake or wood roofing and wondering whether winter’s too risky, call us. We'll take the time to inspect, explain your options, and help you decide with zero pressure.

The Roof Champion of Columbus
🏠 177 Chasely Circle, Powell, OH 43065
📞 (614) 639-3422
🌐 www.roofchampcolumbus.com