If you need a new roof, you might be wondering exactly how long it takes to have a new roof installed. After all, you need to know if you need to take time off work and how it might affect your evenings.
Roof replacements depend on a few things, and there are a few steps involved. Factors like your roof’s size, complexity, and weather conditions play a role, but most residential roof replacements are completed within 2-3 days—and some can even be finished in just one day.
How Long Does it Take to Replace a Roof?
Before installation day, you’ll usually have a roof inspection. These are conducted by one of our project managers and are to make sure that everything is okay to go forward and that nothing has been missed.
There are multiple parts of a roof installation, including a site inspection, taking down your old roof, and installing your new roof. The installation can take 2-3 days, with the potential to be slightly shorter or longer depending on several factors. One of the main factors that determine how long it will take to replace your roof is its size. Larger roofs will take more time to replace than smaller ones. It may also take longer if there are hard-to-reach places or multiple stories in the house.
Factors related to the roofers replacing your roof can also impact how long it takes. For instance, if there are more workers replacing your roof, it will generally take less time to replace it. Similarly, if there is bad weather during construction, it may take longer for workers to replace your roof due to less-than-optimal working conditions.
The good news is that most residential locations can have a new roof on your home in just one day.
How Long Should a Roof Last?
Generally, a roof lasts for 10-25 years. Once a roof is 25 years old, you should consider replacing it. Roofs can last different lengths of time, depending on different factors. Your roof’s material is one factor that will impact how long it will last. Another factor is how much exposure your roof has to things that could cause it to wear, like severe weather.
It’s important to know when to replace a roof. As soon as you are noticing significant wear to your roof, like water or shingle damage, it’s time to invest in a new roof.
Factors That Influence Roof Replacement Time
- Roof Size: The impact of square footage on project duration.
- Roof Complexity: Architectural details, steep slopes, multiple layers, chimneys, etc.
- Material Type: Asphalt shingles vs. metal, tile, or slate—some materials take longer to install.
- Weather Conditions: How rain, snow, or high winds can delay work.
- Crew Size and Experience: The role of workforce efficiency in project speed.
The Roof Replacement Process
- Initial Visit with a Project Consult – This is where we assess the roof and provide you with a quote. At this time, we’ll take some basic measurements and look both on your roof and in your attic to ensure a thorough evaluation.
- Scheduling the Project – After you’ve paid your deposit, our schedulers will contact you to schedule a walk-through with the project manager. He’ll take more thorough measurements and make sure everything is prepped and ready to go. He’ll also be able to advise you on how long the project should take.
- Installation Day – Your crew will arrive bright and early to begin removing your old roof. They’ll then begin installing the new one. For many residential jobs, the installation will be finished by sundown.
- Clean-Up and Final Inspection – Before we leave, we’ll ensure that your property is spotless and that our work meets your standards.
How You Can Help Speed Up A Roof Replacement
Preparing your home and yard for your roofing crew can help the job go as quickly and smoothly as possible. Freshly mowed grass, for example, makes it easier to clean up nails and debris. By moving any outdoor furniture away from the home, you can assist in creating easy access to the roof on all sides.
Check with your project manager beforehand to coordinate any material drop-offs. You can also verify where to park (or not to park) your car during installation day. On the day of installation, there will be several trucks and either a dumpster or a dump truck. You also may get a separate material delivery. Keeping your driveway and the front of your house clear of cars assists the crew with removing your old debris and bringing new materials for your new roof.
Common Challenges That Can Delay Your Roof Replacement
- Hidden structural issues discovered during the project – Sometimes, even with a thorough attic and roof evaluation, water damage or rot is discovered. Any structural damage will need to be repaired before the new roofing system can be installed. This could also delay your project.
- Supply chain or material availability issues- We will advise you in advance if there’s an availability problem with the shingles that you picked out. Normally, these delays don’t affect the time it takes to replace your roof, but it will affect the schedule date for your roof replacement.
- Unexpected weather changes or safety concerns- Rain, snow and too-low temperatures can all affect the time it takes to install a roof. You may have to reschedule or postpone your job around the weather forecast. If a crew has to stop working due to changes in the weather, they’ll secure the job site to ensure that nothing gets damaged.
- Permitting or HOA approval delays – These should be all ironed out by the time your crew arrives to put on the roof, but they may delay your installation date until the permits are obtained.
Having Your Roof Replaced In One Day
With a little luck from the weather and a little assistance from the homeowner, the time it takes to install a roof is just one day. It’s a fairly easy process for the homeowner, who doesn’t even need to be home during roof replacement.
Should you stay home during your roof replacement? Read more about what to expect on the day of your roof removal and installation.
Contact Volpe Enterprises for a high-quality roof that’s installed right the first time.
