In This Article
Primary Item (H2)If you’re facing a roof replacement and you’ve never had a roof replaced before, then you probably have some questions like: “How complicated is that going to be?” “Will I need to vacate my home?” “How long will it take?”
In this article, we’ll answer these questions for you! We’ll talk about how long it will take to replace your roof and the corresponding factors that affect the replacement process. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect!
Before we dive into all the details, here’s the quick scoop:
On average, shingle roof replacements can be performed in one day while tile roof replacements can take up to a week, depending on the experience and expertise of the roofing company you’re working with.
Let’s look at some other details and factors that can influence replacement time.
Factors that Determine Replacement Time
Not all roofs are made out of the same material. This also means that not all roofs are assembled the same way. And, of course, not all houses are the same size. Ultimately, this simply means one thing! Roof replacement time isn’t going to be the same for everyone.
1. Weather
When the weather isn’t cooperating, roof replacement time takes longer than normal. In some cases, workers can’t work on your roof at all and the project can get postponed until conditions are acceptable again.
Keep in mind that it’s not just rain and storms that cause delays. High and low temperatures can also affect timelines for various reasons.
As a homeowner, you should understand the delays are possible and often beyond the control of the roofing company. A one-day roofing job can turn into two or three or maybe a week if you’re unlucky enough to be met with harsh weather conditions.
2. Roofing Materials and Design
There are different materials that are used for roofing, and the installation process for each of these varies. Some take longer to install because there are added safety precautions to be observed. In some cases, additional structural support is required for the extra weight of the roofing materials.
Below is a table showing how much time it takes for certain roofing types to be installed:
| Roofing Material | Average Installation Time (Based on Average Roof Size & Average Crew Size) |
| Asphalt Shingles | 1 to 2 days |
| Wood Shakes | 3 to 4 days |
| Flat roof | 2 to 3 days |
| Concrete Tile | 8 to 9 days |
| Steel sheets | 3 to 4 days |
Also see: Shingle Roofing Guide & Tile Roofing Guide
3. Total House Size
The smaller your house is, the quicker the job will take. Homes under 1200 square meters can take as little as one day in perfect outdoor conditions.
It’s also worth noting that our job doesn’t end after installation. Wel have to remove equipment, scaffoldings, and protective covers and then clean up all the mess so your property is equal-to or better than we found it. Larger houses make each step of the process take longer.
4. The Steepness of the Roof
Steeper roofs require a different kind of approach when being replaced. Some roofs are as steep as 45 degrees or have a rise to run ratio of 12:12. Unlike common roof pitches of 4:12 or 6:12, these steeper roofs require more safety precautions and a slower work pace.
If you have a house with a steep roof, you should expect your roofing contractors to take additional time.
5. Accessibility of your Roof
There are different methods that roofing professionals use to access homeowners’ roofs, such as scaffoldings, ropes, harnesses, ladders, and lifts. Some of these methods may require some time to set up. For example, scaffolding can take as much as a whole day to erect, depending on the complexity of the project and the house itself.
Accessibility does not only concern manpower but also the handling of debris, waste, and materials. After your roofing professionals find a way to access your roof, they will need to transport debris and waste from the original roofing down to a designated area. After that, they’ll have to move the new materials onto the roof or on a heightened platform that will allow workers easy access.
While these extra steps are not common for most residential homes, they will affect the project timeline if accessibility happens to be an issue.
6. Structural Damage
A good number of roof replacement projects involve structural damage due to old–age of the house, natural disasters, water intrusion, and other similar issues.
Replacing core structural elements (see: parts of a roof explained), like rafters for example, takes more time.
In these cases, the roofing company should set expectations and let you know a rough timeline given this increase in workload.
Also, you should be aware that your roofing company may not do this work themselves - it may require a separate contractor. Check with your roofing company for details on your specific situation.
Can Homeowners Be Home During a Roof Replacement?
In most circumstances, roof replacements don’t take very long and homeowners can choose to stay home without any issues other than noise.
At RoofClaim, we take great care to make sure you’re inconvenienced as little as possible.
With that said, if you work from home and feel that the noise from our work will impact calls, meetings, or your ability to focus, then it’s a good idea to plan to leave for the day and work from somewhere else.
Ready for a Roof Replacement?
If you’re still unsure how to go about a roof problem, it may be best to schedule a free inspection. A free inspection is always the first step in the roof replacement process, but getting an inspection does not obligate you to have any work done. We can simply explore your options and tell you whether or not your insurance is likely to cover your replacement. Contact us today!