How Long Does it Take to Replace a Roof?
There’s no question – a roof replacement is a big job and one that often comes with the question, ‘how long will it take to replace my roof?’ As you can imagine, there are many different types of roofs that involve different materials, installation requirements, and even professional skills. As such, estimating how long it takes to replace a roof can be difficult without knowing specific details about your roof. Typically speaking, a roof replacement can be completed from start to finish within about a week – but each roof is different and contractors will evaluate a variety of factors when determining the timeline for your roof replacement.
So then, what are some of the factors that may influence the timeline for a roof replacement? In all honestly, the vast majority of roof replacements will be completed in a day or two. That estimate would be reasonable for most average-sized homes (between 1,500 and 2,500 square feet). Nevertheless, factors such as weather, roofing structures, and even your location may impact these timelines. For example, if your home is in a more remote region where materials must be transported from a distance, or your roof includes complex features such as multiple pitches or other fixtures, timelines may be extended. Let’s have a closer look.
Weather
First things first, if you are desperate and your require an emergency roof replacement, your roofer will do their best to complete the replacement quickly. But, no matter how much you need the roof replaced, roofers will be at the mercy of the weather. So even if the roof could be replaced in a day or less, inclement weather poses a safety risk for roofers and also potentially exposes your home and belongings to unnecessary risk of damage. Roofers will often estimate labour time for a roof replacement, but they will always need to coordinate the work with favourable weather.
Roofing Structures
Think about a simple flat roof with minimal fixtures and then compare that with a roof with a variety of angles, hips, and valleys. Similarly, a steep-pitched roof versus a low-pitched roof will require different approaches. Sometimes the complexity of roofing structures can mean that a roofing replacement will take longer (and cost more). Not only do complex roofs require more time and energy for roofers to replace, they often require more careful safety planning. The most complicated roof replacements can sometimes require several days to replace, though usually no more than three.
Location
Rubber roofing is popular for homeowners who want the look of natural materials without the hefty price tag. Rubber roofing is manufactured to look like slate, clay, and even wood. Plus, rubber roofing is often manufactured from recycled materials while also improving energy efficiency and insulation. The price comes in at the lower end of the spectrum at approximately $8 per square foot.
As mentioned, if you live a longer distance from your roofer’s main hub, delays related to moving materials (including demolition clean-up and new material delivery) can impact roofing timelines. With that in mind, it is often other factors associated with location that can impact the duration of a roofing replacement. For example, a roof that is easily accessed through a paved surface with few yard features to manage might be more quickly replaced than a roof with no paved access, complex landscaping, and other yard installations. In a nutshell, if it’s difficult for your roofer to access your roof, the replacement timeline may be longer.
So, even though an average roof replacement takes only a day or two, it is important to understand that many factors may ultimately influence the timeline for your project. Once your roofing contractor has assessed your roof, they will be able to give you more specific details about the duration of the project.
