How Long Does it Take to Replace a Roof?

October 16th, 2014

residential_roofing

The winter season is nearly upon us and you are starting to think about what you need to do to get your house winter ready when you realize your roof is getting on in years.  Perhaps you have noticed that your roof is leaking or you can see visible damage to your roof structure.  As this tends to be one of the busier seasons for roofing contractors, you might be asking whether you have the time or funds to get your roof replaced.  As such, you are likely asking yourself “how long does it take to replace a roof on a house?”

Not to say this isn’t a great question, in fact it is one of the most common questions roofing contractors hear from potential clients.  Unfortunately, the question does not have a universal answer, and there are many factors to consider.  The skill and qualifications of your roofer, the type of roof, materials, the size of your home, and even the climate where you live can all impact how long it takes to replace a roof on a house.  Indeed, the only person who will be able to give you a good idea of how you’re your roof replacement will require is your roofing contractor.  In fact, you should even expect him or her to determine timelines when they give you an estimate on the job.

So why can’t we determine how long it takes to replace a roof?

  1. Many roofs can be completed within two or three weeks, but this depends on the materials used in the job.  In fact, some roofs must only be replaced under entirely dry conditions, and if you get unexpected rain, this will almost always delay completion.
  2. Every roof is different, and more complicated roofs tend to take longer to replace.  If you have skylights or multiple other roofing structures to work around, this will extend timeframes for replacement.
  3. During replacement, your roofer may discover damage is more extensive than originally thought.  If underlying structures are damaged and also require repair or replacement, it will take longer to install your roof.
  4. The size of your roofing crew will also impact how long it takes to replace a roof on a house. 
  5. Whether you require complete tear-off or you’re installing a roof over an existing roof affects the time required.  Tear-off is always recommended, and sometimes required, but will also likely take longer.
  6. Finally, material availability can also delay roof replacement completion.

This is just a short list of the factors that can determine how long it will take to replace your roof.  Ultimately, there are a wide range of variables that your roofer will consider when providing you an estimate of both the timeframe and cost of roof installation.