Home improvement projects have soared over the last year or so, and they show no signs of slowing. Roof replacement and repair projects are among the most popular choices for homeowners.
It’s also one of the best financial home upgrades you can do. According to real estate experts, replacing your roof immediately guarantees a return, besides making it more marketable. In other words, if you replace your roof today and sell your house tomorrow, you’re almost certain to make money off of the renovation.
Roof installation is a major project and can be disruptive to your life, especially if members of your family are still working from home. If you are considering such a renovation, you may be wondering how long it will take to complete.
The short answer is that it depends on many different factors. Each roof is unique and can present specific challenges. Replacement could be completed in as little as one day but could also take more than a week.
The good news is that there are only a few major factors that impact any prospective timeline. The information below lays out what those are. It will give you an idea of how to estimate the timeframe of your roof replacement project so that you can plan accordingly.
Permitting
Your roof is the most important external component of your home. In most locations, any structural changes to a building need a permit. Replacing a few shingles does not qualify, but putting on a whole new roof does.
Contractors can request permits for a roofing project, so it’s not something you will likely have to do. In most scenarios, the process is pretty straightforward.
It is good for you to be aware that this is part of the planning process and that some permits can take longer than others. If you live in a historical home, for instance, you may need special permitting, which can take longer. This is related both to aesthetics and the structural integrity of your home.
Roof Size and Complexity
The sheer size of your roof will have some impact on how fast a crew can replace it. A good rule of thumb is that a work crew can tear off and replace between 3,000 and 5,000 square feet of shingles in a single day. But this is in optimal conditions and without any unforeseen complications.
The steepness and complexity of your roof will have an impact on how fast a roofing crew can work as well. Shallow pitch roofs are easier to move around on, which can speed things up; the opposite is true for steeper roofs. If the roof is too steep to walk across, workers will need special safety equipment, which slows down the installation process.
Open gable (a single ridge and two sloping sides) and hip roofs (all slopes merge at a single point) are the most straightforward. More intricate roofs–those with lots of valleys, gables, and dormer windows–will require more time.
Factors that impact access to your roof could impact project completion times as well. For example, if you live in an urban area where your home is close to your neighbors, accessing certain areas of the roof may be more difficult.
If your house lacks a driveway or has other parking limitations, this can increase the amount of time it takes to transport roofing materials. Likewise, bushes or fences that restrict access to the roof could lengthen completion time.
Weather
Where you live can have an impact on how quickly a crew can complete a roof installation. Rain and other forms of precipitation can not only limit your contractor’s ability to work on your home but can contribute to scheduling backups. Also, in warmer climates, hot summer days will warrant more frequent water breaks for roof installers.
Weather does not only impact a crew’s ability to work but materials used on the roof. This includes humidity and extreme temperatures. Low temps, for example, can impact how well asphalt shingles stick and seal.
Material and Structural Issues
The roofing material you select will impact the installation timeline. Asphalt shingles are the easiest–and fastest–to install. Metal or wood shingles or shakes are a little more complex and will take longer to put on. How long will depend on other factors, but you can bank on at least several days.
Concrete or clay tiles are the most complex roofing product in terms of installation. Depending on the size and complexity of the roof, they could take a week or longer to put on.
Also, if a crew finds unexpected issues underneath the outer layer of roofing, they will need to address this before proceeding. These include things like structural damage and mold.
Most roofing crews can repair roofs. And, if your current roof is in decent condition, structural damage is unlikely. For mold remediation, you would need to schedule a separate service, which could delay things further.
Favor Quality Over Time
Everyone wants disruptions related to home renovations kept to a minimum. But it is important to remember that you should not sacrifice quality for the sake of time. Many companies promise single-day installation without understanding all the factors that could make that an impossibility.
The truth is the most reputable companies will complete the project as quickly as possible without cutting any corners. While no one can control the weather, find a contractor that will take into account the factors listed above and give you a realistic timeline for completion.
Find Roof Installation Near You
Now that you have an idea of the factors that can impact the speed of roof installation, you can better plan for your home project. If you have time constraints that could impact scheduling and work completion, be sure to discuss those with a prospective installer.
At Freeman Exteriors, we provide superior roofing services and use only the highest quality products. Our asphalt roofs come with a 50-year warranty. Reach out to us today for a free quote or to schedule roof restoration or replacement service.
