Many homeowners are put off from pursuing an essential roof replacement because they fear their home will remain under construction for an extended period – an unreasonable amount of time. Often, these homeowner concerns are more than justified.
Given the poor work habits of certain roofing companies, the industry has an unfortunate reputation for delays. However, established, trusted roofing companies understand the importance of working efficiently and meeting deadlines.
How Long Does A Roof Replacement Take?
The actual process of tearing off an existing roof and replacing it with a new one takes an average of 1 to 3 days. Many factors can impact this timeframe. However, most homes with traditional asphalt shingling can expect completion within this efficient timeframe (as long as the homeowner retains a trustworthy roofing company dedicated to meeting timelines)
7 Factors Impacting The Length Of A Roof Replacement
- Design And Layout Of Roof: A roof with many architectural angles or unusually steep slopes requires much more time to replace than a roof with a straightforward, shallow-slope A-frame. In fact, many crews can tear off and install a basic roof design in a day. Roofs with a Victorian, Tudor, Queen Anne, or other multiangled layout generally involve multiple days to remove and replace.
- Expertise Of Installers: Don’t involve a novice or cut-rate contractor if you want the job done right. As the adage goes, “You get what you pay for.” Often, the number one cause for delays is because the installer performing the work lacks the understanding to work efficiently or effectively. Consequently, the resulting roof has shoddiness (in addition to taking longer than expected).
- Inclement Weather: If poor weather conditions (i.e., rain, snow, hail, etc.) enter the picture during your roof replacement, it likely will delay your project’s timeline. Exceptionally hot or cold weather temperatures might also slow the work. However, a reputable roofing contractor tries to account for these considerations when laying out a timetable to set expectations.
- Square Footage Of Roof: Most homeowners understand that a roof with a larger square footage requires more time to replace than a smaller one. Generally, replacing a 1,000-square-foot asphalt shingle roof takes approximately one day to perform. On the other hand, a comparable 3,000-square-foot asphalt shingle roof will involve 2 or 3 (and in some instances 4) days to replace.
- Time Of Year: Naturally, roofing crews have access to additional daylight hours during longer late spring and summer months. Conversely, they have much less sunlight available in the shorter late fall and winter months. This difference in sunlight equates to as much as six hours when comparing the longest summer day (June 21) to the shortest winter day (December 21).
- Type Of Roofing Material: The new roofing material being installed matters significantly. While an asphalt shingle roof typically takes 1 to 3 days to construct, most other roofing types require additional time due to their relative complexity. Cedar wood shakes might need 5 to 7 days to change out completely. Replacing metal, slate, or concrete tiles could take one to two weeks.
- Unexpected Damage: Surprises. Sometimes they are good. Sometimes they are bad, real bad. Regardless, surprises are unexpected (and unwelcome if replacing a roof). When removing the existing roof, hidden issues can reveal themselves. Frequently, these problems demand addressing before installing the new roof. In many cases, these challenges take multiple days to resolve.
Setting Homeowner Expectations For A Roof Replacement
For the homeowner that has retained a qualified roofing contractor to perform an upcoming roof replacement, they need to consider controllable factors that could cause delays. Specifically, a homeowner can assist the installation crew by preparing their property. Here are a few helpful tips:
- Clear the garden and landscaping of items (i.e., solar lights, potted plants, bird feeders) you do not want at risk of becoming damaged
- Mark sprinkler heads and turn off your sprinkler system on the days that roof replacement work is scheduled to occur
- Mow your lawn and trim landscaping a day or two before the roof replacement project begins (to minimize leftover debris becoming lost)
- Place vehicles away from your driveway; avoid storing them in your garage if you intend to use them during the roof replacement process
- Protect non-movable or fragile plants, shrubs, trees, and other vegetation by clearly marking them and indicating as such to the roofing company
- Remove patio furniture and landscaping ornaments (i.e., statues, birdbaths); store these items securely inside or away from the home
Retaining A Roofing Contractor To Replace Your Roof Efficiently
For all your residential roofing needs in Greater Denver and surrounding areas, including Fort Collins, CO, Red Diamond Roofing has you covered. Our expertise in working with homes of all types ensures that your roof replacement project will be performed efficiently and affordably. We don’t cut corners to meet deadlines. We thoroughly plan in advance to minimize or eliminate reasons for delay. To learn more about our roofing services menu, contact us today to schedule an appointment.
