How Long Does A Roof Replacement Take?

If you're thinking about replacing your roof, the biggest question you probably have is - how long does a roof install take? In general, the average residential roof can be replaced in a day (roofs 3000 square feet or less). However, there are several factors that can impact how long it takes to replace a roof. Here, we'll take a look at those and talk a little bit about each one.

What Factors Affect Roof Replacement?

• Weather
• Size of your roof
• Material
• Accessibility
• Complexity and slope
• Structural damage
• Time of year

1. Weather

The weather can have a huge impact on how long it takes to replace your roof. Roofing contractors can't work in certain conditions, so if the weather isn't fair and dry you may experience some delays. Colder weather can impact certain materials, especially asphalt shingles, making extra steps necessary to ensure your replacement is done properly. Your roof also can't be replaced while it's raining, so if there's significant rainfall on the day of your replacement it will need to be rescheduled - or if it begins raining while your roof is being replaced it will need to be tarped and the replacement will resume when it's dry enough to work safely.

2. Size Of Your Roof

Of course, another big factor in the time it takes to replace a roof is the size of the roof itself. Naturally, larger roofs take more time to tear off and replace. In roofing, the size of your roof is referred to in "squares". One roofing square is equal to 100 square feet of surface space. 

3. Material

There are several different types of materials that can be used in roof replacement. Each one has unique application and installation methods, which can affect the timeline for roof replacement. The different types and their respective timelines are as follows:

• Asphalt Shingles - 1-2 Days
• Metal - 2-5 Days
• Wood Shakes - 2-5 Days
• Slate - 5-14 Days
• Concrete - 5-14 Days

4. Accessibility

What does roof accessibility mean? This is how easily (or not) your contractor can access your roof, including the ability to scaffold and support their crew while they are up there. The reason accessibility is so important, is because there is a lot of work that goes into replacing a roof, and your contractor will need to tear off the old roof, get the old material into a dumpster, and then be able to get the new material up onto your roof for installation. Things like landscaping that makes access difficult, fences in the way, or not having paved access points are all things that can factor into how accessible your roof is.

5. Complexity And Slope

Another huge factor in the length of time a roof replacement will take is the complexity of your roof. If your roof is broken up into several different facets with different angles and steep pitches, it's going to take much longer to replace than a roof with a relatively low slope. Safety is always going to be the first priority for a good roofing contractor, and a complex and steeply sloped roof requires a lot more safety precautions, meaning that completing the install will take a little bit more time.

6. Structural Damage

If your home's roof has structural damage to the decking or framing, your roof replacement can take longer. Tearing off and replacing the shingles is a relatively quick and simple process, but if your roof requires structural repairs, depending on the scope and complexity, it can add significantly more time.

7. Time Of Year

The time of year in which you replace your roof can definitely have an affect on the length of your replacement. In the extremely hot months, there are a limited amount of hours where working conditions are safe enough for contractors to be up on the roof. In the winter, days are shorter, and when the sun goes down work must wrap up for the day. This is why the spring and fall are ideal times of year for roof replacement, and roofing companies book up quickly during these seasons.

Questions About Roof Replacement?

At Colony Roofers, we specialize in all types of roof replacement, from residential asphalt shingles to commercial TPO roofing. If you're thinking of replacing your roof, give us a call today! We offer free 30 minute inspections - we're always happy to come out to take a look at your roof and provide advice and recommendations on what's best for you and your home.