When it comes time to get a new roof over your head, the first thing you’ll likely ask your contractor is how long does it take to replace a roof?
In turn, your contractor will explain that roof replacements can take as little as one day or as much as several weeks. The truth is that it depends on a variety of factors, some of which are beyond your or your contractor’s control.
In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the time it takes to replace a roof and which factors affect the timeline. Keep reading to learn more.
How Long Does the Roof Replacement Process Take?
The first thing you need to know about roof replacement timelines is that every roof is different. Therefore, how long your roof replacement will take will depend on the type of roof you have and other things, such as:
- Its accessibility
- Materials required
- Overall layout
The general rule of thumb is that the average residence of 3,000 square feet or less will require at least one day to complete a new roofing system. Of course, this means that larger residences combined with certain factors will take longer — usually anywhere between three and five days to finish. There are also more extreme circumstances that will require more time, ranging from one to two weeks.
If you’re a homeowner with an average-sized home, you can expect your new roof to take between one and three days to complete.
How Roof Replacement Timelines Are Determined
While your home may fall within the 3,000-square-foot range, there are still several factors that can extend the average roof replacement timeline. As your local roofing contractor will explain to you, these factors include:
- Materials
- Job complexity
- Weather conditions
- The season
- Accessibility
Here’s a closer look at how these factors will contribute to the length of your roof replacement timeline:
The Chosen Materials
Homeowners today have a lot of different options when it comes to roofing materials. The most common options include:
- Asphalt shingles
- Composite shingles
- Cedar shakes
- Slate tiles
- Clay tiles
- Metal
Asphalt and composite shingles are arguably the most popular roofing material options due to their wide range of availability and the fact that they’re the most affordable. Asphalt shingles typically take a day or two to replace, while the more involved options, such as metal roofing, can take up to five days or more.
Both slate and clay will take up to ten days to install, and cedar shakes take up to four days. Essentially, when a material is heavier and more complex, it requires more specialized knowledge and training to install — which is why materials like slate, clay, and metal require more time.
Job Complexity
Whether or not a roof replacement job is difficult depends entirely on your existing roof’s layout. Every roof can be broken down by its number of facets, valleys, angles, hips, and pitch. These are the very things that will not only affect how long it takes to complete the new roofing system but how much it’ll cost.
For example, if your existing roof has an intricate design with multiple facets and a high pitch, it’ll be more difficult for a roofer to work with compared to one that only has two or three facets and a lower pitch.
When it comes to the complexity of your roof, the contractor will have to map out certain safety precautions. This often starts with the height of your roof from the ground and to its highest pitch. The more facets and valleys it has, the more careful your roofer will have to be as he and his crew move around to mitigate the potential for accidents.
Ultimately, a basic roof will only take a day to replace, while a more intricately designed roof will take three or more days to complete.
Weather Conditions
While it’s impossible to control the weather, conditions have to be near perfect for roof replacements to take place. Snow, rain (even drizzle), and extreme temperatures can interfere with roofing projects as they make it more dangerous for contractors to work.
If the forecast on the day of your scheduled roof replacement calls for any inclement weather, your contractor will likely reschedule.
The Season
Depending on where you live, there may be certain “off-seasons” where roofing contractors physically cannot complete new roofing systems.
For example, the middle of winter can serve up incredibly harsh conditions, including freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall. Conversely, summer can bring severe thunderstorms, hailstorms, and heat waves.
Typically, the best time of year for a roof replacement is during the months with warmer weather and more daylight.
Accessibility
Accessibility refers to how easy or difficult it is for a contractor to reach your entire roof. Access is critical for roof replacements and roof repairs because each job involves removing old materials, disposing of them, and getting the new materials to the top for installation.
Things like trees, bushes, and other types of landscapes around your home can hinder your roof’s accessibility. So can fencing and unpaved surfaces that lead up to your roof’s access points.
The good news is that things like trees and landscaping are normal, which means your local roofer likely already knows how to work around them. However, large, overhanging trees may make the entire process more difficult simply because they’re in the way.
Everyone’s Roofing Timeline Will Be Different
Always keep in mind that when it comes to replacing your roof, your timeline will differ from that of your neighbor’s — and that’s okay. The most important thing is that you get a strong roof over your head for years to come, which can only come from choosing the right roofer for the job.
If you’re looking for reliable roofing contractors in Columbus that can provide you with an accurate timeline and a job well done, look no further than Best Exteriors. Give us a call today to learn more about our roofing services, financing options, and more!
