How Long Does It Take to Replace a Roof?

Are you planning to replace your roof?

Your roof is the backbone of the entire home. It has an essential task of keeping the outside elements from intruding the living spaces inside. That’s why you should take great care to make sure that your roof is in the best condition.

Say a recent thunderstorm seriously damaged your roof. Many shingles have gone missing. Some parts of the roof have been torn off that has resulted in “bald spots” here and there. There is no doubt that you’ll need to replace your roof. How long does it take?

McGuire Property Management goes over the main factors that determine how long it could take to replace your roof. Keep in mind that a regular timeframe for an average-sized home ranges between two to seven days. But there are many variables affecting the final schedule.

#1: Size of your home

Did you know that many smaller homes that are less than 1,200 sq. ft. could be finished within a day? The size of your home really affects the timeline. For instance, homes that are more than 4,000 sq. ft. could easily take more than three or four days.

#2: Type of roof decking

This factor isn’t relevant for roof replacement procedures in most homes. But when the roof decking has acquired serious damage, you may need to replace this component of your home as well.

Usually, the roof decking receives significant damage when a water leak hasn’t been caught early enough. The long-term deterioration from the leak requires a fix of the decking. This extra need could add a whole day to the roofing replacement schedule.

#3: Type of roofing materials

Asphalt composite shingles are the most popular roofing material in the States. These are made from fiberglass that has been topped with mineral granules and asphalt. This option is great because the composite shingles respond to the natural movements of your roof.

Still, you can choose from a variety of other types of materials. For instance, you could opt for wood shingles, concrete tile, metal shingles, or rolled roofing material.

The type of roofing material you choose will determine how long the project takes. Keep in mind that even picking asphalt composite shingles may result in delays. That’s because you can choose the particular colors and styles of the shingles. Special orders take more time.

#4: Special requirements

Any special requirements will lead to longer timeframes. For instance, your home may have historical significance. There are going to be inspections and you could require special permits before moving forward with the roof replacement.

In these cases, the delays won’t result only because of the preparation procedures. The construction workers and roofing professionals have to take special care to ensure having the correct details and a spotless finish.

#5: Installation approach

When you have asphalt shingles on your home’s roof, there are two main approaches to replacing these components. The first method is the tear-off installation. This means that all the old shingles will be removed in the process.

The second one is the re-roofing method. This type of installation leads to the placement of a new asphalt shingle layer over the old one. Re-roofing takes less time than tear off installation. Consequently, it tends to be a cheaper option too.

#6: Insurance claims

Do you have insurance coverage for your roof replacement? Insurance claims will add a significant amount of time to your project. However, you will enjoy great savings if you have the right kind of insurance plan.
Here is how the typical procedure looks like:

Contact your insurer. They will inspect the damage.
Ask quotes from contractors. Choose one based on their quote.
File a final insurance claim complete with an estimate and contractor.
Settle the claim with your insurance provider. Proceed with the roof replacement.

#7: Delays due to weather

Roof replacement is normally not carried out during the winter and in heavy rain. This means that the repairs will get delayed for a while if there is severe weather in your area.

Another thing to keep in mind is the sudden demand for roofers after a rainy period. Many homeowners discover that their roofing is leaky or otherwise compromised. The immediate days after long downpours tend to bring about full schedules for roofing professionals.

In a nutshell: How Long Does It Take to Replace a Roof?

Roof replacement is a project that many homeowners need to take on at some point. The time it takes to replace a roof depends on numerous factors. You should account for the following factors when determining the total time:

What type of roofing materials do you want to use?
Are there any delays due to adverse weather?
What is the size of your home?
Do you have adequate insurance coverage?
Do you need to fix roof decking?
What kind of installation are you going for?
Do you have any special requirements?