How Long Might It Take For A Roof Replacement?

One of the common questions that homeowners ask when they are getting ready to sign a contract for their roof replacement is how long the work will take.

Roofing work is noisy as well as messy and having roof contractors working on the house for days on end requires some forward planning.

How do roof companies come up with their time estimates?

These points can help homeowners understand why their roof replacement will take as long as it does and the factors that go into coming up with an accurate time estimate.

  • Roof Size - A basic and obvious factor that contributes to the amount of time it takes for roof contractors to install a new roof is the size of the roof. The bigger the roof, the longer it will take to do a new roof replacement. 
  • Roof Architecture - In addition to roof size, the complexity of the roof also contributes to the time an installation will take with roofs that have multiple pitches and slopes, extreme pitches, and areas that must be accessed using scaffolding requiring more work time than those with a more common architecture and average pitches. 
  • Tear-Off Time - Before a new roof can go on, a roof company must tear off the old one. Though tear-offs are much quicker than installation, the time to get all the old materials off will still be directly related to the size and complexity of the roof. 
  • Type of Material Being Installed - Different roofing materials require different installation processes that might take more or less time. Asphalt shingles are the most common roof replacements chosen by homeowners, so most roof contractors are quick with them. Metal panel roofing can also be installed quickly, but more complicated installations like tile, wood shingles, slate, and other materials all involve different processes and can take longer. 
  • Number of Workers - Roof companies that have multiple laborers working together can complete a new roof installation in a fraction of the time that it would take one or two people to do it.

Since every home and roof replacement is different, homeowners should get a time estimate from their roof contractor at the same time that they get their cost estimate.

Based on the points mentioned above, homeowners can therefore expect their new roof installation to take anywhere from a few days to a week or two depending on these variables.

Inquire when scheduling roofing work so that planning ahead is possible!

Tips for Keeping A Roof A Long Time!

A new roof is one of if not the most expensive investment in home improvement that the average homeowner might make to keep their home in great shape.

After spending thousands of dollars on roofing, keeping that roof in great shape so it meets its life expectancy is important.

The best way to do that is by working with an experienced local roof company, not just on the installation itself but on future maintenance as well. 

Don't Skimp on Any Roofing Components

An experienced roofer knows from the start that one of the keys to a long-lasting roof is not skimping on important roofing components that protect the roof.

While some roof companies may reduce the cost of their roofing installation by omitting critical components like drip edges, flashing, and higher-quality materials, professional roofers understand the value of these items and their importance for a durable roof. 

Line Up Yearly Roof Inspections

In addition to making sure every installation is properly done, roof companies highly recommend that homeowners arrange roofing inspections with them every year to two years as a part of critical roofing maintenance.

Through their inspection, roofers can ensure the roof is aging as it should and detect any developing issues before they become real problems that require costly roof company repairs.

Inspections by reliable roofing professionals help homeowners prolong the life of their roofs by adjusting any required roofing maintenance according to its current condition and any weaknesses that might be developing over time.

Evidence of leaks, damaged shingles, and damaged or missing flashing can all be detected during an inspection and repaired before any major damage occurs. 

Don't Forget Seasonal Maintenance

Besides routine inspections to confirm the condition of the roof and look for potential issues, homeowners should also keep up with typical routine seasonal maintenance such as twice-yearly gutter cleaning, keeping trees trimmed back, and washing the roof to rid it of mold and algae if necessary and any other maintenance required by the roofing materials manufacturer. 

Regular Maintenance is Key to Roof Longevity

When correctly installed by a qualified roofer, a new roofing installation should last as long as the materials manufacturer warrants.

That time estimation assumes that a homeowner will allow their roofer to install all required components, and work with them on required maintenance.

Keeping a new roof in a trouble-free condition and getting a full life out of it involves committing to doing simple, but required maintenance.

That maintenance should always include regular roofing inspections, which are the number one protection against developing roof damage and preventing issues that can aid in the premature deterioration of that expensive roof!

Top Questions to Ask A Roofer Before Hiring Them!

When homeowners are in search of roofers, they will find countless options listed online for them to call.

How can it be known which roofing contractor is the best one to call?

It is important to screen roof companies well before choosing one to hire for any kind of roofing work.

A great way to weed through the options and find the most reliable ones is by asking these key questions!

  1. Do You Actively Carry Insurance? - Before asking any other questions, homeowners should confirm that a roof company is insured, and can prove it. For everyone’s protection, it is essential that a roofer carry adequate liability insurance that covers not just the personal property of their customers, but also any injuries that might happen to customers, employees, or anyone else while they are working on a roof.  
  2. Are You Certified To Install Any Roofing Products? - Many roofing materials manufacturers require roofers to be trained and certified to install their products, and will not honor warranties if they are not. Find out which products a roofer is certified to install and choose from those products to gain the best warranty protection from the manufacturer. 
  3. Will You Provide A Written, Itemized Estimate? - Never hire a roof company that refuses to provide a detailed written work estimate of the work they will perform, the materials they will use, and all other details about the job. The estimate should also include warranty information, waste disposal details, and have all costs listed in detail. 
  4. How Will You Protect My Property During Tear-Off and Re-Roofing? - Roofing work can be messy, and may even cause property damage if the worksite is not properly protected while the work is being performed. Ask the roofer to explain their method for protecting property while minimizing the mess, and how they will handle any inadvertent damage that may occur. 
  5. Do You Provide A Workmanship Warranty? - Although roofing manufacturers will warrant their products when properly installed by a certified roofer, that only covers the products, themselves. A respected roofing service that provides high-quality workmanship will normally offer a workmanship warranty in addition to the materials warranty. Since not every contractor provides this warranty, homeowners should specifically ask, and only hire those that do.

Finding the best roof company to hire for any type of roofing work is important to ensure good workmanship and reliable service.

By asking these 5 simple questions, homeowners can find local roofers they can trust, and enjoy peace of mind that their money will be well spent on quality roofing services!