Of all the major home improvement projects homeowners face, the need for a new roof is one of the most daunting. When your roof is damaged or at the end of its life, it’s important to know what to expect. How long does it take to replace a roof? There are several considerations.
What Goes Into a Complete Roof Replacement
A complete roof replacement involves tearing off the old roofing materials, disposing of them, and replacing them with new ones. This is different from re-roofing, which entails laying new shingles on top of the old ones.
Components of the roof which potentially will be replaced:
- Roof Deck—Roof decking is a layer of boards or Oriented Strand Board (OSB) that makes up the foundation of your roof. Firmly attached to the joists and trusses, the roof deck offers a surface to which the other roofing materials attach. The condition of the decking can dictate how long it will take to complete your roof replacement.
- Underlayment—Underlayment is a water-resistant or waterproof material used over your decking. Because water can sometimes get underneath shingles, the underlayment sheds it so the decking and framing below aren’t damaged. It also protects the shingles from any resin released by the decking. New underlayment must be included in your roof replacement.
- Roof Vents—Roof ventilation is a system of intake and exhaust vents that lets your attic breathe and protects your roofing system from damage. Ventilation circulates air through the attic, preventing heated air and moisture accumulation. If your attic is not well-ventilated or your vents are damaged, your roofer may change or replace ventilation components.
- Flashing—Flashing is a thin sheet, usually made of aluminum or galvanized steel, that a roofing contractor installs in vulnerable areas of the roof. It is typically installed in valleys and at the bases of roof vents, chimneys, plumbing vents, and walls. It keeps water from getting into these vulnerable spots. If your flashing is damaged or rusted, it must be replaced.
- Drip Edge—This is a thin metal strip installed around the roof’s edge. It helps direct runoff water into the gutters and protects the exposed edge of the wooden decking.
- Soffit and Fascia—These two architectural elements are critical for preventing roof damage due to winter weather. The soffit covers the underside of the eaves where your roof meets your siding. Fascia is the long, straight board along the side of the overhang and the roof edge.
- Shingles— Shingles are the most recognized of roof components. They act like a suit of armor, protecting your home and all the underlying layers of your roof from the elements.
How long it takes to replace a roof depends largely on how many of these components are being replaced.
How Long Does It Take To Replace A Roof? Factors To Consider:
On average, a roof can be completely replaced within one working day, depending on the size of the home, the components being replaced, and the number of roofing professionals doing the work.
Extent of Work
The larger your home is, the longer the job will take. Roofing contractors measure the size of the roof in square footage.
It can be difficult for your roofing contractor to determine the condition of the roofing components, including decking, until after the old materials have been torn off. If they find that your decking or the underlying support structures are damaged, they’ll have to replace them in sections or in entirety. This will take more time.
Complexity of Your Roof
The complexity of your roof depends on its pitch or steepness and the number of valleys, hips, and gables it has. It will be a longer process to perform a replacement on a roof that’s steep or has an intricate design with many dormers and valleys. Roofs with complex designs require expertise and additional safety measures, which may slow down the roofing crew.
Roofing Material
Some roofing materials are harder to install than others. Asphalt shingles are easy to install and take 1-2 days with prime conditions and an average roof. Materials such as tile, metal, and wood shakes can be challenging to install and may take longer.
Weather
How long it takes to replace a roof also depends on the weather. An experienced roofing contractor will monitor the weather and schedule your roof replacement when the conditions are ideal for the project. But the weather is often unpredictable. Rain can stop an installation in its tracks, prolonging a job. Summers can get extremely hot, forcing the workers to take frequent breaks and extending the roof replacement project.
Work with a Reputable Roofer
Hiring the right roofing contractor is one of the most important decisions when considering a complete roof replacement. You want to work with local professionals who have years of experience and will be upfront about what goes into replacing your roof.
Quantum Roofing’s highly skilled technicians estimate the time it will take to replace a client’s roof and provide flawless installation every time. We use top-rated materials and are confident in our workmanship.