Roof replacement is an inevitable expense for most homeowners. With the average lifespan of a roof at roughly 15 to 30 years, it is likely that you will need to replace your roof at some point. When that time comes, you may have concerns about how long the process will take and how construction will affect your day-to-day life. It is important to realize that there are many variables involved in the process that can alter the length and complexity of the project.
Average Timeframe to Replace a Roof
It is a common question often asked by homeowners: “how long does it take to replace a roof?” While there is no exact answer, you can narrow down the timeframe based on a number of factors. For smaller residential homes, a complete roof replacement can often be completed in just a few days. For larger properties, a roof replacement can take upwards of two weeks or more. A complete roof replacement typically consists of removing the old roof, preparing the subsurface, and laying a new roof. Finishing details like gutters and trim must also be accounted for.
Factors That Affect Roof Replacement
Roof replacement is a complex process that can take varying amounts of time to complete, here are some of the most common factors that affect the roof replacement timeline.
Type of Roof Replacement Materials Used
When developing a timeframe estimate, a roofing contractor will take many factors into consideration, such as the type of roofing materials used. The average replacement time for asphalt shingles is just one to two days, while concrete tile can take upwards of eight to nine days to replace. Flat roofs, wood shakes, synthetic slate, and steel sheets take between three and five days on average, while natural slate can take up to six or seven days to install.
Amount of Roof Replacement Contractors
These estimates are based on an average crew size of about five people. If the contractor that you choose has a smaller crew, it could take more time to complete. If the crew is more substantial, the timeframe may be shortened. The size of your home is also a major factor. The larger the home, the more time it will take to complete the roof replacement. Residential homes with less than 1200 square feet can typically be completed in as little as one day. If you have a larger home, you can expect the process to take several days to several weeks.
Type of Roof Replacement
If you are replacing asphalt shingles on your home, you may have to make a decision about what type of roof replacement you want to undergo. Your choice will make a big impact on the timeframe of the project. The first method is known as re-roofing. This is accomplished by placing a new layer of asphalt shingles directly over the existing layer. As the old layer of shingles does not have to be removed, you can save significant time and money. Tear off installation occurs when you choose to remove the old shingles before installing new. While more time-consuming and costly, tear off installation allows you to start fresh with an entirely new roof.
Health of Decking
The contractor will also take the type of decking into consideration when estimating the time it will take to complete your roof. The decking may or may not need to be replaced based on its condition. If your roof suffered from leaks, wood rot, mold growth, or similar issues, the decking may be damaged beyond repair. If this is the case with your roof, the damaged decking will need to be fully removed and replaced with new decking.
Age of Home
If your roof replacement requires custom materials or your home has historical significance that must be maintained, you can expect the process to take longer. There may be possible delays when ordering materials and extra care must be taken when the home has historic value. You must also take into account other aspects of the roof replacement process that can affect the timeframe, such as how much damage your roof has suffered, how long it takes for materials to arrive, and how long it takes your contractor to line-item a formal proposal of service that details the estimated cost of materials and labor.
How a Roof Replacement Affects Your Life
“How long does it take to replace a roof?” is not the only question that homeowners have during the roof replacement process. Many people also want to know how construction will affect their day-to-day lives. One of the first things that your contractor will do is inspect the site. Any reputable contractor will want to ensure that the job can be done in a safe environment that does not endanger your home or family. Permits must then be obtained and materials must be ordered before the job can even begin.
During the construction process, you may need to move certain belongings in your yard, garage, or attic. If you have a pool or hot tub, they may need to be covered to prevent debris from falling in. While you can certainly continue living in your home during the construction process, you may not want to. Roof replacement often comes with excessive noise and mess. It can be beneficial to find another place to stay during the heaviest construction days. If you have pets in your home, you may want to board them for the duration of the roofing project to prevent anxiety in the animal.
Learn More About the Roof Replacement Process
While the average roof replacement takes just a couple of days, this timeframe can vary depending on a number of factors. Roof repair is quicker than a roof replacement, but not all roofs can get by with just repairs alone. If your roof has reached or surpassed its lifespan or has suffered extensive damage, a roof replacement may be necessary. While the roof replacement process may not be a pleasant one to live through, the final results are worth the time and investment. To learn more about the roof replacement process and how long it generally takes, or to schedule a free roof replacement consultation, contact the roofing professionals at Beyond Exteriors.