One of the biggest questions every roofing customer asks is “how long does it take to replace a roof?” While it would be nice if there was one definite time frame for every roof replacement process, this is simply not the case. That’s because there are several factors that determine average install times, such as:
- The weather
- Property size
- Accessibility
- Number of contractors
- Materials
Average-size asphalt shingle roofs completed in good weather usually only take one day to replace. Since this isn’t the case for every roof replacement, read on to learn how different factors can extend the length of a roof replacement.
Factors That Determine How Long It Takes to Replace a Roof
While replacing only a few shingles can be a one-day job under the right conditions, a total roof replacement can take between one day to three weeks. This is because there are many factors that influence how long it takes to replace your roof.
Knowing that every roof is different, it’s important to know that every replacement will also be different. An average roof of 3,000 square foot residence can usually be replaced in a day. But consider that the following points may extend the length of your roof replacement:
The Weather and Climate
If you live in San Diego, California, most days of the year are ideal roofing weather. However, homeowners everywhere else in the country need to be mindful of inclement weather that occurs in different seasons.
Most roofing teams do the bulk of their work in the spring and summer months when the weather is pleasant and the daylight lasts longer. Roofing work needs to get paused in instances of:
- Rain
- Snow
- Extreme temperatures
If you schedule roofing service on a day where rain is in the forecast, you’ll likely have to push it back. Similarly, if it starts raining during your roof replacement, your contractors will tarp your roof and continue work when the weather is dry again.
Size of Property
Small houses, garages, and sheds can experience speedy roof replacements with a skilled team. However, if your home or business is much larger than the average size home, it will take an extra day or two to complete your roof replacement.
Keep in mind that the square footage of your roof also affects the overall price of your roof replacement. Slight differences in square footage don’t make much of a difference in installation time or price, but an 8,000 sq. ft. roof will definitely take longer to replace than a 1,500 sq. ft. roof.
How Easy It Is to Access
Roofing contractors don’t just stay on your roof the entire time during a replacement. They need to strip the old materials from your roof, dispose of the old materials, gather the new materials, and head back up for installation. The more difficult it is for the contracting team to maneuver around your property, the longer your replacement will take.
Certain characteristics of a property can make a roof difficult to access, such as:
- Fences
- Landscaping/rows of bushes
- No paved surface nearby
- Many steep roof slopes
Usually, these factors may push back the installation by a few hours or even an entire day.
The Size of the Contracting Team
An average-sized roof replacement project is typically completed by a team of 5 to 6 contractors. Depending on who you hire, there may be a smaller or larger team that shows up for your roof replacement.
The age-old adage says, “Many hands make light work.” This is especially true for intense manual labor like roofing! Depending on the size of your contracting team, the replacement may be finished a couple of hours ahead of schedule, or it may take an extra day or two.
Materials
Now, the time it takes to replace a roof mostly depends on which type of roofing materials you choose. Some materials can get laid and secured in large sections, while others require more precise work in small sections and specialized knowledge. The most common types of roofing materials are:
- Asphalt shingles
- Wood shingles (Cedar shakes)
- Metal roofing
- Concrete or clay tiles
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material across the entire country. Homeowners appreciate how affordable this material is for how long it lasts (15-25 years). Asphalt shingles are widely available, and every roofing contractor is trained to install them, so installations are usually completed in one day.
Wooden Shingles
Wood shingles, or cedar shakes, are a more specialized roofing material that requires a lot of hands-on maintenance. The aesthetics are beautiful, and this material typically takes two to five days to install.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is growing in popularity because manufacturers are able to make metal roofs resemble other beautiful roofing materials. Homeowners love that metal roofs last up to 70 years! Typically, metal roofs take two to five days to install. Metal shingles usually take a little longer than metal panels.
Concrete or Clay Tile
Concrete and clay tiles are extremely durable (50 to 100 years!), with a price tag to match. Clay tile roofs are especially popular out West, but they’re possible anywhere. You can anticipate a concrete or clay tile roof replacement to take one to two weeks simply due to the sheer weight of the materials.
Quality Work Is Better Than Fast Installation Time
Now that you have a better idea of how much time it takes for a roof replacement process, you can better prepare for your upcoming roof replacement project. This will ensure you have a stress-free experience during the big day. Just remember that a quick installation isn’t the most important feature. It’s best to leave this significant investment in the hands of a reliable and highly-skilled roofing company.
At Best Exteriors, our team of professional roofing contractors are here to help you every step of the way. Our team will thoroughly inspect your existing roof structure, discuss the best options to repair or replace your roof, and offer a clear time frame for how long it would take to finish the job.
We understand how important it is to replace your roof in a timely manner without sacrificing workmanship. If you’re located near Columbus, Ohio and want to work with a trusted, local team of professional for your next project, contact our team today!
