How Long Does It Take to Replace a Roof?

Replacing your roof is an intensive home-improvement project that needs to be done right. As you prepare to sign the contract for the work to be done, you’re likely to wonder how long the job will take. The answer depends on several factors, which we’ll cover below.

Factors That Affect How Quickly an Average Roof Can Be Replaced

People who replace their roofs usually want to minimize the noise, mess, and disruption that these projects can cause. They would like the job to be done as efficiently as possible and achieve a high-quality result.

Timelines may vary depending on the project; an asphalt shingle roof on an average-sized home can usually be replaced in one day, while a roofer who works on a larger home may need two or three days to complete the job. 

If the roof has a complex layout or your contractor is using premium material, the project could take several days or more to finish.

Any of the considerations listed below may affect the length of time it will take to complete your roof replacement project.

Size

The size of your roof is usually the determining factor in establishing your replacement timeline. As the square footage of the area that needs work increases, so does the time and labor needed to complete the job. If workers cut corners and rush during the replacement process, they are more likely to make errors that could cause future problems.

Complexity

When your contractor plans to replace your roof, they will assess its complexity by accounting for its height, its pitch, and the number of penetrations, hips, and valleys they will need to deal with. A roof with a low slope and few vents will take less time to replace than a roof that has several gables, a variety of pitches, a skylight, and a few chimneys. 

Areas with intersecting surfaces may require special attention and supplementary materials, like flashing. Multi-story homes and roofs with steeper pitches may also require your contractor to take additional safety precautions, which can add time and cost to your project.

Accessibility

A roof needs to be accessible enough that workers can remove and dispose of your old roofing and install the new replacement materials. The greater the accessibility, the easier and less time-consuming to complete the project. Features of your property that can make a roof difficult to access include:

• Shrubs, plants, or greenery that are adjacent to the house
• Lack of paving near the home
  
• Fences
  
• Close proximity to neighboring houses
  
• Vehicles or other obstacles in the driveway

Contractors  will be looking for a place to keep the materials and install the dumpster as they do the work, and they will want to prevent causing any damage when the old materials are dropped.

Materials

The material of your new roof will affect the amount of time it takes to complete the replacement. Architectural asphalt shingles are the most commonly used roofing material in the United States. They are manufactured as easy-to-install strips that can be put down quickly. 

Materials like steel, aluminum, and zinc; synthetic shingles; cedar shakes; and tile may require your roofers to use specialized installation techniques. This can add to the time it takes to finish the job.

Weather Conditions

The weather conditions on the day of your project will affect how long your roof replacement will take. Rain is likely to delay your project because work cannot be done safely while water is coming down and the area is wet. 

On hot days, workers may move more slowly and need more breaks during the day. The temperature of asphalt roofs can rise 20 degrees under direct sunlight. 

Temperature can sometimes affect how well new roofing materials settle in, so they should always be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.  If the temperature is too cold, the shingles may not properly adhere to the roof or become brittle enough to crack when they are nailed down.

Time of Year

Temperatures, daylight hours, and humidity can change with the seasons and impact the time it takes to replace your roof. When more work can be done during a long summer day, it can shorten the total period of time it takes to complete the project.

In winter, when the sun sets early, there is less time to work during the day. Having fewer daylight hours means that roofers will start working later in the day and stop around sunset. Consequently, it could take two days to complete a project that would take one day to finish in the summertime.

The Steps Involved in Replacing Your Roof

For most houses, roof replacement projects follow the same basic set of steps summarized below, with some variation in the details.

1. Preparing the Job Site

When a roofing crew comes to your house, they will place tarps over areas like porches and landscaping that could be damaged by falling debris. A good crew will take all necessary measures to ensure that your home stays intact.

2. Clearing the Driveway and Setting Up the Materials

When the new roofing materials and dumpster arrive, they will typically be placed in your driveway for easy access. It’s wise to clear out the area the night before the job and ensure that your vehicles are moved to a safe location.

3. Removing the Old Roof

Once the roofers have prepared the job site, they will start removing your old roof. The workers will pull or scrape off the old roofing materials until they expose the decking. If the decking is damaged, they will repair or replace it to prepare it for the new roofing.

4. Installing the New Roof

A quality roof replacement job should include the installation of a complete roofing system in the following sequence:

1. Drip edge
   
2. Ice and water shield
   
3. Flashing
   
4. Underlayment
   
5. Starter shingles
   
6. Main shingles
   
7. Ridge cap

5. Clean-up and Inspection

After your new roof has been installed, blow any remaining debris off your roof and out of your gutters and downspouts. They’ll clean up everything on the ground, then get back up on the roof to inspect their workmanship and ensure that the job is complete and up to code.

Proper Planning Will Ensure Your Roof Replacement Project Gets Done Fast

With proper planning, good communication, and favorable weather conditions, most roof replacements will progress quickly and efficiently. Be sure to speak to your contractor if you want a more detailed account of the process.