Replacing a roof is not a complicated process, but it is one that can be taxing on the homeowner. Even though roofers work only during daytime hours, a roof replacement is noisy work, and most homeowners like to be out of the house while it’s going on. This especially goes for families with small kids or pets. When planning a roof replacement project, one of the most important questions you should ask your roofing contractor is – how long will it take? In this post, we’ll talk about the crucial factors that affect how long it will take to replace a roof. We’ll also share some useful tips you should know about the process.
Aspects that factor into roof replacement
How long does it take roofers to replace a roof may sound like a straightforward and simple question. But the answer is anything but. Many things go into consideration when carrying out such a project. Here are some of the most significant factors that’ll have an impact on how long it’ll take to install a new roof on your house.
Type of material
There are many different types of materials you could go for when installing a new roof. From asphalt shingles and tile roofs to metal roofs, the type of roofing material you choose will have an impact on the installation time. There are six types of roofing materials that are the most popular with US homeowners and commercial property owners. Each type of roofing material has its pros and cons and comes with a different price tag and time period for installation.
In line with this, the type of materials you use will also impact the method used to replace your roof. Since asphalt roofing shingles are the most popular choice among residents of this part of the US, we’ll use them as an example.
Asphalt roofing shingles can be replaced by two methods — reroofing or tear off. The reroofing method is the more cost-effective option. It involves installing new asphalt shingles directly over the damaged ones. Opposite to this, the latter method requires the complete removal and replacement of a target area.
Size of your home
Logic dictates, the larger your home is, the longer it’ll take for the contractors to replace your roof. So, replacing the roof of a 1500 square foot home will take longer than it would on a house that’s under 1000 square feet. At the same time, the type of decking can also factor into how much it will take to replace a roof, albeit to a much lesser extent. If the existing roof decking is damaged and needs to be entirely replaced, it’s better to do so. Enduring a couple more days of loud work is a small price to pay for ensuring your home is leak-free.
Other requirements
Besides the two most important factors we’ve mentioned above, there are some other requirements that will determine how long it will take for professional contractors to replace your roof. For instance, if your home has any special requirements or has historical significance, it will generally take longer to complete the project. That’s because the roofing crew will have to put in extra care during the process. In addition, if you have such a home, a roofing job might require additional permits and inspections to ensure everything is done properly.
A basic example of a roof replacement timeframe
To bring you a bit closer to the process, let’s use a real-life example of how long it would take to replace a roof. In this case, we’ll take a roof surface of 100 sq. ft., with asphalt shingles and a roofing crew of five people. In ideal conditions, this process would last up to four or five days. Weather conditions and the availability of materials can impact the timeframe.
Of course, this is just a rough estimate you can keep as a frame of reference. No two roofing projects are identical. The best way to determine the specifics of your roof replacement is to hire a licensed roofing contractor. Experienced roofing contractors can provide you with a quick and accurate estimate of how long the project will take.
How do you know the roof needs replacing?
A properly installed roof can last for decades, even in high-humidity conditions like those common to Florida. It’s recommended that you perform regular roof checks at least once every year. An unchecked roof could cause even more significant damage to your home and potentially put you at risk. When inspecting your roof, some of the warning signs you should look for are:
- Damaged or loose tiles or shingles
- Moss growth
- Visibly damaged roof flashing
- Cracked or crumbling caulking on seams
- Clogged gutters
Wet, rainy summers and hurricane season in Florida lasts for about five months, generally beginning in late May and continuing through mid-October. For this reason, it’s crucial to have a well-maintained roof.
Roofs with existing, unaddressed problems can lead to more severe damage during extreme weather and heavy rain. Since roofs cannot usually be replaced during such conditions, the best time to schedule a project of this nature is in early spring. Also, it’s a good idea to be attentive of the roof replacement process itself. This ensures that you’ll have a warm, safe, and leak-free home when the work is finished. Replacing a roof is a serious project which should be left to licensed professionals. If you’re planning to replace your old roof or are looking for more information on the process, feel free to get in touch with us. Simply fill out our quick form and get a free roof estimate for your property.
