Roofs wear down over time due to aging and exposure to harsh weather conditions like hail, wind, heavy rain, and sunlight.
This is when we come in. As roofers with years of experience, one of the most frequently asked questions we get to hear is, “How long does it take for roofers to replace a roof?”
3 days maximum. It only takes up to a day for small houses, but this time-range factor depends on certain things that I will discuss soon. It is good to replace your roof on time before the damage deepens. I hope you understand what I mean.
Let’s discuss how to know when your roof needs replacement!
There are multiple things like does your roof leak? Or, how old is your roof? For asphalt shingles, up to 25 years is okay, while metal roofs can age up to 50 years. So, if you think your roof has crossed the age limit, it’s “REPLACEMENT TIME”.
This might surprise some, but your high energy bills may signify poor roof insulation.
Other things like obvious cracks or wear and tear in your roof mean it needs replacement.
Want more details? Keep reading.
How Long Does It Take To Reroof A Roof?
The exact time taken to replace a roof can only be told by knowing what your house looks like. But based on our experience working with different houses, the average time is 1-3 days.
Multiple factors such as roof size, material, damage extent, and potential decking replacement contribute to the time needed for roof replacement.
Here is a small chart showing the time taken for the reroofing of different materials:
| Types of Roof Materials | Time Taken for Replacement |
|---|---|
| Asphalt shingles | 3-5 days |
| Metal roof | 1-3 days |
| Clay or Concrete | 8-9 days |
| Slate roof | 6-7 days |
| Wood plates | 3-4 days |
Factors Affecting The Roof Replacement Time
1. Size of the Roof
This is very easy to understand. The larger your roof is, the more time it takes to be reroofed compared to smaller houses.
2. Any Complications
Complexities and complications on your roof may also lengthen the time taken to replace your roof.
Architectural factors like dormers, skylights, penetrations, chimneys, vents, and the measure of how steep your roof is can affect the time taken.
A more complex roof requires additional time for professionals to accurately calculate angles for the replacement process compared to simpler roofs.
3. Materials Used for Making the Roof
Another factor that greatly affects your time frame for reroofing is the kind of stuff used to make the roof.
Is it a metal roof? It will typically take 1 to 3 days, depending on the size.
For asphalt shingles roof replacement, it’s the same as a metal roof. In contrast, other materials like wood or tiles can take 6 to 7 / 8 days.
4. What is the Weather Like?
Weather conditions are extremely important to keep in mind, too. During winter, your reroofing can take longer than in summer.
Why is that, you ask? The sun.
There is a lack of availability of sunlight during the winter or in cold weather. You know just how important the sunlight is for the sticking and adhering of literally anything.
For instance, asphalt shingles require a suitable temperature of about 40 degrees to stick to the roof properly. Can you do that in winter? No.
Reroofing during the rain or snow is a stupid idea. You can do it, but snow and rain during roof replacement can cost you some extra hours.
5. Availability of Materials and Labour
The unavailability of materials required for the process and the contractors to carry out the process can also affect the required time.
6. Damaged Roof Deck
During the roof replacement, the professionals usually check for any damage to the underlying decking. If the roof decking needs replacement, too, it will add to the total timeline of the project.
Roof Replacement Process
Some typical steps required for all types of houses are:
Brief and proper initial assessment: This step allows the professionals assigned to your roof replacement project to inspect your house. They determine what type of roof should be installed, what materials should be used, and whether the decking is safe.
And what lengths of the plates are appropriate.
Tear off: Next, remove any damaged shingles or metal plates. If the decking is damaged, the crew will remove that too.
Installment: New decking and roof will be installed in the third step.
A professional roofer will ensure that components like the gutter, gutter aprons, or drip edges are replaced if needed. By the way, has the thought of gutter replacement cost ever crossed your mind? Check out the average cost of the gutter replacement process.
Cost To Replace A Roof
The short answer is from $6700 to $80,000. Curious about the wide range? Stick around for the brief answer now.
Well, full roof replacement will cost you more. Are you living in a medium-sized house (with a standard roof of 1000-3000 square feet) and want asphalt shingles as a replacement? The whole process will cost you around $11,500.
Similarly, copper roof replacement costs you from $42,000 – $80,000.
In addition, labor will also cost you up to 60%. If you want to finish the work early, you will need more workers, which can sway the total cost.
The average cost per square foot ranges from $4 to $40 or $7.
What is the most expensive roofing material? It’s slate. Many common homeowners cannot afford a slate roof for their houses. A slate roofing process will cost you from $19,000 – $52,000.
Tips For A Smooth Roof Replacement
1. Get Multiple Quotes
Getting quotes from people who have already done their roof replacements can help you with budget planning and quality selection.
For instance, having a handful of quotes from different people will allow you to compare the quality of work different contractors offer and their prices. This way, you can choose what’s best for you within your range.
2. Be Ready for Some Changes
For your re-roofing process, you must be prepared for certain changes, like a noisy environment. Additionally, be aware of some underlying issues that might require more time to prepare for
Talk to your neighbors beforehand so they don’t complain about the noise from the tearing off and installment process.
3. Be Patient
Patience is the key. Your process may get delayed due to sudden weather changes, rescheduling of the contractors, or, you may discover new issues. Despite these challenges, you should not give up and stay patient
Roof Replacement Time FAQs
With how much damage does a roof need to be replaced?
If the damage spreads to more than 30 percent of the roof, you need an instant replacement for your roof.
What time of the year is best for roof replacement?
Autumn, when it’s a moderate temperature, not that cold, not that hot.
What is the loudest part of the roof replacement?
The loudest part of the roof replacement process is when the nailing starts. Other parts are still audible inside the house, but they are bearable, at least.
Conclusion!
Reroofing of your roof will take anywhere from 1 to 3 or more depending on factors like weather conditions or time of the year, the size of your roof, and the complications present.
Certain materials could be costly, the most expensive being slate roofs. Following the above-mentioned steps, you can ensure a smooth roof replacement process.
