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.

The post How Long Does it Take to Replace a Roof? appeared first on K2 Roofing Blog.

I'm wondering if you have done an analysis for different roofing materials to see which will cost the least in the long term? Considering that metal roofs are warrantied for 30-50 years that might be a good span of time to use!?

KELLY’S ANSWER:
 

Dear NES Design & Construction,

Thank you for your question on the cost analysis and durability of different types of roofing materials.   Depending on the climate condition you happen to be living in some products last longer than others.     We personally are fans of asphalt-based fiberglass laminated shingles, as the look and quality of this type of product has certainly improved over the years.
 

Metal roofs are more durable and will definitely last longer in most cases, however the initial cost is higher.   All roofing products have benefits that carry different levels of investment therefore, choosing a roofing product is often based on the customer’s budget, needs and personal taste.
 

Also, warranties are a consideration as sometimes the wording and coverage can be confusing so it’s important to have a roofing expert help you choose the right product and warranty that suits your unique circumstances.
 

We have created a table of general product cost-analysis below for a typical Vancouver region re-roofing scenario.  Keep in mind, this is a generic model based on our experience and costs will differ depending on the variables.

Click on the table to see larger view

Once your specific conditions have been identified and all measurements have been taken, our roofing specialist can always price out a variety of products that would be right for you.
    

We appreciate all of your questions and look forward to providing our customers and industry with further insights into the profession of roofing.

All the best,
 
Kelly Zewe
General Manager

K2 Roofing Ltd 
(604) 317-004
info@k2roofing.com  

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