As a homeowner, you’ve probably seen your fair share of roof repairs and fixes over the years. Sometimes the best, if not the only, course of action is to completely replace your roof. And one of the most common questions homeowners ask when planning for a roof replacement is – how long does it take to replace a roof? This is understandable, as a reroofing project is often noisy and messy.
Whether you’re looking for precise information on how to replace a flat roof or a pitched one, this page will help you calculate the approximate timeframe for your next roofing project.
Important Factors to Consider When Replacing Your Roof
Most experienced roofing contractors can replace your roof in just a few days, depending on the roofing material. But, to ensure everything goes as efficiently as possible, you should consider all of the factors that could have an impact on your project. To help you calculate how long it will take you to replace your roof, let’s look at the most notable considerations next.
The Type of Material Used
There are many different types of roofing materials you can choose from. Your choice will have a significant impact on the length of the roof replacement project. To give you a more precise estimate of how long it takes to repair a roof or replace it, we’ve drafted a simple table below.
Keep in mind that the estimated numbers are based on a five person crew working on a roof between 70 and 80 square feet, with favorable conditions across the board.
| Type of Roofing Material Used | Expected Replacement Timeframe |
| Asphalt Shingles | 2 to 4 Days |
| Flat Roof | 4 to 6 Days |
| Steel Sheets | 6 to 8 Days |
| Wood Shakes | 6 to 8 Days |
| Synthetic Slate | 7 to 10 Days |
| Natural Slate | 10 to 14 Days |
| Concrete Tile | 15 to 20 Days |
Even the type of roof sheathing and decking can impact how long the roof replacement project will last. However, it only plays a small role in determining how much time it will take to replace the roof. Of course, that is if the decking is not damaged and hasn’t previously suffered any leaks.
The Contractor’s Installation Method
Aside from the type of roofing material used, the contractor’s installation method can also impact the replacement timeframe. For instance, asphalt shingles can be replaced through two different approaches:
- Complete Tear-off — Includes complete removal and replacement of damaged shingles. More time-consuming and expensive.
- Re-roofing — involves installing new shingles directly over the olds and damaged ones. This is a more effective solution and is more cost-efficient, but can only be done once before a complete tear-off is required.
Similar to this, other factors that play into the equation are the contractor’s skills and experience. If you’re looking for a roofing professional and don’t know where to start, our tips for choosing a roofing contractor can help you pick the right person for the job.
The Size of Your Home
If you’re looking for an answer on how long it takes to replace a shingle roof, it will also depend on the size of your home. The larger your home is, the more materials and labor it will take to re-roof it. In this regard, the period required to replace your roof will also be longer.
For smaller homes, the installation can take only a day or two. For bigger houses, it can last up to a week or more.
Weather Conditions
The time of year and the season should play a vital role in your roof replacement planning. Weather conditions have a direct impact on whether or not contractors can go up on your roof. It’s a good idea to carefully pick the time of year for the job to ensure it’s completed efficiently.
For example, if you live in Florida, finding a reliable roofing contractor that’s free during hurricane season can be a difficult challenge.
The Historical Significance of Your Home
Most likely, this is something you won’t have to worry about when planning a roof replacement. Still, it’s worth keeping in mind in case your house has any historical significance. This is because a roof replacement project on such buildings should be done with great care and preparation. A historical roof replacement will last much longer compared to a roof replacement of an ordinary house.
How to Tell If You Need a Roof Replacement or Repair
Proper maintenance practices can help extend the expected lifespan of your roof. However, every roof has its expiration date — no matter how well you maintain it. Discovering the early signs of roof deterioration will allow you to save on fixing or replacement costs. Some of the telltale signs that you need a roof replacement are:
- Excessive algae or moss growth
- Cracked or missing shingles
- Clawing or cupping shingles
- Your gutters are cluttered with granules
- Visibly damaged roof flashing
Contact Us Today for a Free Roof Estimate
We hope this page has helped you calculate how long it would take to complete your roof replacement job. Ultimately, many factors can dictate how much time it takes to replace a roof. Knowing the approximate prices will make it easier for you to plan and pay for a new roof.
As the premier local roofing company in Florida and the Tampa Bay Area, we offer all of our new customers a free roof estimate. Whether you need your roof fixed or replaced entirely, contact us today. Call 813-373-9088. Or fill out our free roof estimate form, and we’ll get back to you asap.
