Buffalo’s roofing calendar, month by month
Normal temperatures at the Buffalo airport, 1991–2020.[1] The 40°F column flags months whose normal low is above Owens Corning's cold-weather threshold.[2]
| Month | Normal high | Normal low | Low above 40°F? |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32.1°F | 19.0°F | No |
| February | 33.3°F | 19.5°F | No |
| March | 41.8°F | 26.4°F | No |
| April | 54.7°F | 36.5°F | No |
| May | 67.4°F | 48.3°F | Yes |
| June | 75.6°F | 58.1°F | Yes |
| July | 80.2°F | 63.1°F | Yes |
| August | 79.0°F | 61.7°F | Yes |
| September | 72.3°F | 54.5°F | Yes |
| October | 59.6°F | 43.9°F | Yes |
| November | 47.8°F | 34.2°F | No |
| December | 37.2°F | 25.6°F | No |
Why temperature matters for shingles
Asphalt shingles have a factory strip of heat-activated sealant that bonds each course to the one below once the sun warms it. Owens Corning's bulletin says shingles installed when air and surface temperatures are at or below 40°F may not seal until warmer weather and may take longer to lie flat, so it calls for steps such as hand-sealing perimeter shingles with roof cement and leaving small gaps at the joints.[2] Ask any contractor quoting a cold-weather job how they will follow the manufacturer's instructions, because that affects wind resistance and warranty.
Late summer and fall: plan around lake-effect season
The National Weather Service describes September and much of October as usually tame. Cold fronts from Canada become common in late October, which starts the lake-effect season. The first measurable snow usually comes in mid-November, and many of Buffalo's biggest snowstorms have hit in late November and early December.[3] If you want a new roof before winter, get quotes in summer so the work can finish before mid-November.
Spring: workable, but the thaw comes slowly
Spring comes slowly to Buffalo. The ice pack on Lake Erie usually lasts until mid-April. The average last frost is near the end of April in the metro area and mid-May well inland.[3] April's normal low is still 36.5°F.[1] Spring is a good time to get inspections and quotes. Inland towns like East Aurora or Clarence may warm up later than the city.
Can you replace a roof in winter in Western New York?
Yes, with precautions. Manufacturers publish cold-weather procedures for exactly this situation.[2] For an active winter leak, a temporary roof repair or emergency tarp often makes more sense, with the full replacement scheduled for warmer months. When you do reroof, New York's Residential Code calls for ice barrier underlayment at the eaves where the local building department records a history of ice-dam damage.[4]
Plan the job: permits, quotes and contracts
Permits and contractor licensing are set by each city, town or village in Erie County, so confirm with your local building department or see our roofing license guide.[5][6] New York's consumer protection agency recommends getting at least three detailed estimates,[7] and state law requires a written contract for most home improvement jobs over $500.[8] Start with our roof replacement contractors.