Roof replacement is no small task. It’s a process that requires plenty of preparation and research. Depending on how complex the roof may be, the necessary pre-work, and how many workers are involved in the job, how long a roof replacement takes can vary significantly from project to project.
This article will give a general overview of how long does it take to replace a roof and what factors influence how long a replacement may take. Whether you’re replacing your roof yourself or enlisting the help of experts, this article will equip you with all the necessary knowledge you need to understand how long it takes to replace a roof.
What determines how long your roof replacement will take?
Replacing a roof can take several days, depending on the size and condition of your house and how you choose to approach your project. If you’re replacing an existing roof, the location of your home and how accessible it is can dictate how long it will take.
For instance, the roofing contractor might need to spend extra time accessing the needed roofing materials if your home is in a very remote location or rugged terrain. Apart from that, how many people the contractor has available to do the job and how experienced they are will also determine how much time it takes.
Finally, how complex or straightforward you want your new roof to be will affect how long it takes. Here’s a breakdown of all these factors and how long you can expect your roof replacement project to take.
Home Size
The size of your home can be a determining factor for how long the roofing process will take. A larger home means the roofing contractors will need more materials to cover the new roof and its surface area, adding additional working hours to the process.
An average home under 3,000 square feet will take about two days to reroof with standard asphalt shingles. Ultimately, you should communicate with your roofing contractor ahead of time so they can take certain variables into account when giving an accurate estimate on the roof replacement process.
Accessibility of Your Home
When it comes to roofing, the accessibility of the home and its location can have a significant effect on how long the process takes. Depending upon the structure and size of the house, accessing the roof and all corresponding parts will require different levels of effort.
Also, properties in rural or remote locations may have more logistical challenges than houses in regular urban environments. If the contractor has to move materials to problematic areas, there can be further delays to the roofing timeline. Your roofing contractor can consider all of these factors to estimate how much time will be needed for job completion.
Material
The roofing material used will affect how long roof replacements take. Different materials require different treatments, and each type of treatment can take vastly different amounts of time.
Slate and shingle roof materials are some of the quickest to install, while metal roofs and concrete tile take substantially longer due to the difficulty in cutting, fastening, and overlapping pieces to ensure no leaks occur. Here’s an overview of how long it might take to replace the roof of an average-sized home (under 3,000 square feet) by material:
- Asphalt Shingles: 1-2 days
- Metal: 2-5 days
- Wood: 2-5 days
- Concrete Tile: 5-14 days
Design
The complexity of the roofing design you select will directly impact how long it takes to get the job done. Choosing a more intricate design with multiple angles, steps, and other features like dormers and skylights means they’ll need more time to create it. As the overall complexity and size of the roof increase, add additional time for completion.
On the flip side, if your roof is more straightforward in design, it can drastically reduce how long it takes to complete. Consulting a professional roofer to ensure you understand all your options when considering roof designs will help give you a look you desire while remaining easy to install or repair in the future if needed.
Additional Factors That Can Affect the Timeline
When reroofing a house, there are several other factors aside from size, accessibility, material, and design.
Weather
Weather can often be a determining factor depending on the climate you live in. Roofers will likely suggest avoiding summer heat and winter cold to ensure they can install the roofing materials according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Unexpected Setbacks
Replacing your roof might also take longer if there is an unexpected delay in the delivery of the material. Depending on the region you live in, local ordinances may require permits or even have limitations on when work can be done and how it must be regulated.
Workforce
Finally, the number of hired crew members or subcontractors for the job can determine how quickly roofers can finish the project. If there is a labor shortage or workers must commute from distant locations, it may force delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you still need to decide whether replacing your roof is the right move, here are some frequently asked questions for more information.
What is the best month to replace a roof?
Generally speaking, the moderate-temperature autumn months provide the ideal combination of weather conditions for successful roof replacement. Doing the job during this season ensures that shingles are at the proper temperature for installation.
Winter months can be too cold or snowy for asphalt shingle installation, as lower temperatures may inhibit the adhesive sealant from forming correctly. In contrast, warmer months might make it hazardous for the crew.
Can you live in a house during roof repair?
Living in a house during roof replacement isn’t out of the question, but it’s probably not the ideal situation. Depending on what kind of work needs to be done and how long it might take, you could experience anything from minimal disruption to significant noise, dust, and mess in or around your home.
Consider your roof replacement today!
The length of time it takes to replace a roof strongly depends on the size and condition of your current roof and the type of material you choose.
Make sure you have researched, know what needs to be done, and choose a reputable roofing company to ensure a successful reroofing project with minimal disruption from start to finish. You can expect a much smoother overall experience on a reasonable timeline. Contact Voyager today to replace your roof today!
