The time has finally come, and you are ready for a new roof. One of the most common questions homeowners have about a roof replacement is: How long does it take to replace a roof?
While the question may seem simple, remember that every roof is different. This means that the timeline for roof replacement varies from one house to another, but most roof replacement contractors will get a typical project done within two to eight days.
The Process Behind Roof Replacement
Tearing off your roof and replacing it with a new one may sound daunting, but professionals do it every day. Understanding the process behind it may help put you at ease. Below is what you can expect and what affects how long roof replacement takes:
- Preparation of the roof surface
- Tearing off and/or recovering materials
- Ensure proper flashing
- Installation of underlayment
- Installation of roofing materials
- Cleanup
- Inspection
What Determines How Long it Takes to Replace a Roof?
A variety of factors can impact how long a roof replacement takes — especially the roof’s size and pitch. The primary variables that your contractor will look at when considering the replacement timeline include:
The Complexity of Your Roof
In addition to its pitch, the complexity of your roof includes how many angles, hips, facets, and valleys it has. These factors will not only affect your replacement time but also the cost of the roof replacement. The more complex the roof, the longer your contractor needs to complete the job. A simple roof may take as little as one day to replace; however, a more complicated roof could take three days or longer.
Total Size of Your House
The larger your house, the larger your roof, which means it will take longer to replace. A small one-bedroom cabin will be faster to replace than a large five-bedroom estate.
Accessibility of Your Roof
When replacing a roof, the old roof needs to be torn down, all the old materials need to be loaded into a truck, and all the new materials need to get back up to the roof for installation. If your contractor cannot easily access your roof, then the process may be delayed.
The Weather
Your contractor cannot control the weather, and bad weather, such as snow and rain, can prolong the time roof replacement takes. If a roof is being replaced during cold weather, additional steps need to be taken, which will also add some time to the process.
Roofing Materials and Design
The materials your contractor uses can also impact the time it takes to replace a roof. Shingles come in different materials, and each material has its own installation method and replacement time.
Below are the different types of roofing materials and the average time it takes to replace them:
- Concrete tiles: eight to nine days
- Wooden shingles: three to four days
- Asphalt shingles: one to two days
- Slate tiles: six to seven days
How Much Replacement is Necessary?
If you only need to replace the shingles on your roof, then your roof replacement will be considerably faster. But if there’s structural damage beneath the shingles, then you can expect the roof replacement to take much longer.
Choosing the Right Contractor
Using a trusted contractor will ensure a high-quality roof replacement within a reasonable amount of time. Make sure you investigate your contractor thoroughly and ask all the right questions before they get started on your roof replacement.
Contact Thompson Creek Window Company for a professional roof replacement team that understands how long it takes to replace a roof successfully and timeously.