Your roof is the first line of defense against the elements. Unfortunately, even a top-quality roof will need to be replaced at some point. If you hire a reputable contractor, the process should be relatively painless. That said, it will take time to do the job right. Read on to learn how long you can expect roof replacement to take, along with specific factors which can make the process take a little longer.
Weather
If you need your roof replaced during the late fall or winter, additional steps will usually be required. This is especially true if the contractor has to contend with rain, snow or high winds. Cold weather can make it more difficult to get asphalt shingles to properly stick and seal. Workers also tend to have to move slower to avoid injuries due to slippery rooftops. For these reasons, it’s best to schedule work during the spring or summer, although this isn’t always possible.
Materials
Because roofs can be made of different materials, timelines will vary based on the type being used. Every roofing material requires a different method and timeline for installation. While timeframes can vary, there are some general guidelines for each material type:
- Asphalt Shingles: 1 to 3 days
- Wooden Shingles: 6 to 8 days
- Slate Tiles: 6 to 7 days
- Concrete Tiles: 8 to 9 days
The placement of the shingles can also impact timelines. Complex or intricate designs will take longer to install compared to traditional horizontal formations.
The Size of Your Home
The bigger your home, the more time needed to replace its roof. It takes much longer to replace the roof of a huge estate than it does a simple residential property. In the roofing industry, roofers usually estimate completion times and price roofing on a per square foot basis. One hundred square feet is termed a “roofing square.” The more roofing squares required to roof your home, the longer you can expect the project to last.
Roof Pitch
In general, the steeper a roof, the longer it will take to replace. This is simply a matter of gravity and its tendency to complicate the process. If a roof is too steep to walk on or securely hold materials, the contractor will need to install temporary safety structures for the roofing crew.
On the other hand, if a roof has an especially shallow pitch, the roofer may need to install special underlayment to prevent water from pooling up and penetrating the housing envelope. Either of these issues will make the roofing project take longer to complete.
Accessibility Issues
Certain homes have delicate or obstructive landscaping that can make it harder to access the roof. They may also have neighboring homes that are close enough to make it difficult for workers to set up ladders or get equipment in and out of work areas. Homes in remote areas can also take longer to roof, especially if contractors have to haul in a lot of materials from far away. Whatever the case, any accessibility issues are likely to lengthen completion times.
Structural Damage
If you’ve paid very close attention to your roof and scheduled a replacement in advance, a contractor can replace the shingles relatively quickly. If there is any structural damage due to leaks or harsh weather, however, the process will take longer.
If there’s any sort of structural damage to the underlying roof deck, you may need additional repairs that can significantly prolong the duration of the project.
Choosing the Right Roofer
While there are a lot of different factors that can influence the timeline for roof installation, the biggest factor centers on who you choose to do the job. When hiring a contractor, it’s important to make sure they have the expertise and experience to provide exceptional, speedy service. They should also have the ability to provide a full scope of service, from partial and total roof replacement to roof repair, energy-efficient roof upgrades, low-slope and flat roof installations, and commercial roof installation.
For decades, A to Z Roofing has specialized in residential roofing, restoration and repair. A locally owned Colorado business, we’ve operated continuously throughout the Denver metro area and the entire Front Range for nearly a quarter of a century. During this time, we’ve served the needs of homeowners and local businesses, providing expert service using top-quality products. Contact our team of attentive professionals to learn how we can restore, repair or replace your damaged or aging roof.