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Friday 29 March 2024
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The Real Deal About Roofs: How Long Does It Take for a Roof to Be Replaced?

Want to get your house ready for winter ahead of time? One of the best things you can do to boost your home’s insulation and protect it from the effects of rain and snow is to replace a roof.

You most likely have an asphalt shingle roof, since that’s what’s most common across the US. And Asphalt shingle roofs aren’t made to last forever. You’re lucky if you can squeeze 25 years out of one, though depending on your climate, it might not even be that long.

Considering roof replacement? Most homeowners wonder how long the process takes. It depends on quite a few factors, however. Keep reading to learn how long roof replacement normally takes, so you can plan your next big upgrade.

Factors that Contribute to Roof Installation Times

There are tons of factors that contribute to the length of time that a roofing job will be completed. Here’s what to keep in mind.

Scheduling

If you plan on replacing your roof during the busy season, it will be a while before you can even get on the installer’s schedule. While they can normally send someone to provide a quote right away, it usually takes weeks, if not a few months, to get onto the installation schedule.

That’s because, in most areas, there’s an ideal weather window for roof replacement, and most homeowners in the area will hire installers at the same time.

If you can plan your roof job during the shoulder seasons, when the weather isn’t perfect but is still workable, then you can likely enjoy a much shorter waiting period.

Weather

Since roofing is an outdoor job, that involves standing up on top of large structures, the weather is a key consideration. On nice, warm, dry days, the installation job can go much quicker.

But if the weather is all over the place, with rain, high winds, or some snow, the job may get put on hold and will be spaced out over a few extra days.

Size of the Company

One of the biggest factors for determining the length of time it will take for a roof replacement is the size of the roofing company. Or rather, how many people they send to your home for the job.

If the company is small, and they can only send one or two people to complete the job, it could take a whole week. But many companies like to finish jobs much faster and will send a team of around eight people instead.

If timing is important to you, ask your installer when you get a quote how many people they normally send out to each job.

Tearing Off the Old Roof

Sometimes, new roofing shingles can be installed directly over top of the existing ones. This is true if there’s only one layer on your roof at the moment.

Doing so saves time and money since no one has to tear off the old roof, no one has to pile it into a dumpster, and no one has to dispose of the waste.

But, more often than not, the original roofing will need to be torn off. This adds time. But it creates a better-finished product, as the installers can run fresh underlayment on the roof, before adding shingles, to ensure moisture protection for your home.

Size of the Roof

And of course, the size of your home, and the design of your roof play a big role in the time it will take. A 1,000 square foot home is going to have a different timeline than a 4,000 square foot home.

And if your roof has an intricate design, with many different sections at different angles, you can expect a much longer job.

Type of Roof Being Installed

The type of roof you want to install is another huge consideration. Asphalt shingles are the fastest to install since they are the most common roofing material in the country.

But if you are looking to upgrade to higher quality material, such as tile, ceramic, or even metal roofing, then the job could take much longer.

These other materials are heavier and will take more effort to move and install. Plus, the roof may need to be physically reinforced, since some of these materials can add considerable weight to the top of your home.

If timing is important to you, and you are considering alternative roofing materials, be sure to ask for a timeframe on each consideration.

Average Length of Time for Roof Replacement

With all of that being said, what can you expect as an average roof replacement time?

Smaller homes, with simple roof designs, can often have a roof replacement completed in one day, possibly even half a day. Average-sized homes may take two or three days.

And larger homes could take around a week. When receiving quotes, your roofing contractor should be able to give you an accurate timeline for your job. But obviously, any of the variables listed above can extend that timeline.

Roofing Companies Near Me

Looking to start getting quotes, so that you can get the job completed before the weather window closes in your area? Then you’ll need to start looking for contractors.

Start by asking others in your neighborhood. Look around at the fresher-looking roofs and ask them who installed them. Then, ask if they enjoyed the experience with that company.

It helps to hire companies who have done similar homes in your area. Some contractors focus more on high-end homes and prefer not to do smaller or average-sized homes. So it helps to hire a contractor who has already done work in your area.

And make sure they offer free quotes. Point Roofing, in Boise for example, offers free inspections and quotes. Plus, they offer other helpful services that you probably should get done at the same time, such as upgrading your gutters or fixing attic insulation and ventilation.

Protecting Your Home

The roof is one of the most important features of your home. It’s your first line of defense against the elements, and without it, your home wouldn’t last very long.

To protect your home, don’t live with an old, outdated roof. Take the necessary steps to put a fresh layer of protection over your heads. You’ll be glad you did.

Looking for more tips? Head over to our blog today to keep reading.