how long does it take to install a new roof

If your roof requires replacement, you may wonder how long the process will take. No one likes to live in a construction zone, so understandably, you would like to have a rough estimate. However, there is no way of telling the exact time a roof replacement will take, as it depends on several factors. 

If you need to get your roof repaired or replaced, hiring a team of experienced professionals is essential because they will know how to provide you with the best possible service and guarantee that the job is done right.

To help you better understand the possible timeline for a roofing replacement, you need a clear picture of the factors that impact the work being done. In this article, we will break down these factors, giving you a better idea of what to expect when replacing your roof.

How Long Does It Take To Install a New Roof? 

It’s impossible to get a one-size-fits-all answer regarding how long it would take for skilled professionals to replace your roof. It’s estimated that a new roof will take 1-4 days on an average-sized house. If you experience extreme weather or your house is difficult to access, it could extend the timeline to weeks. 

Factors That Determine How Long Your Roof Replacement Will Take

Replacing residential roofing is never easy, so you cannot expect it to be done in a matter of a few hours. But if you hire a professional, experienced roofing company to handle your roof replacement, you can trust that it will be done properly and as timely as possible. 

The following are some things that will determine how long a roof replacement will take:

Design & Complexity of the Roof

Roofing elements like the angle, facets, hips, valleys, and pitch all play a role in the length of time required for a replacement. 

A complicated roofing system, such as a steep roof, means more work or increased difficulty for the roofing contractor, which will naturally take more time and may also impact the roof replacement cost.

steep roof

Roofing Material

Factors such as the materials used, or how readily available they are, can impact the time needed for roof replacement. For example, some materials may take months to be delivered, whereas other types may only take a few days. 

Replacing a standard-sized asphalt shingle roof can be done relatively quickly. On the other hand, a tile roof or using architectural shingles can be harder to source and cause your roofing project to take longer.

Replacement of wooden shingles takes between 6-8 days for a complete job. Many people choose wooden roofing for aesthetic reasons, but it tends to be riskier than asphalt and requires more work for installation. Wood can catch fire, so proper installation requires a dependable fireproof underlayment to reduce the risk.

Installing a metal roof can take anywhere from a few days to more than a week. Depending on the weather and the roof size, an average home or commercial building installation could be between seven and ten days. Weather can sometimes delay steel installation jobs.

Weather & Time of Year

The ideal time to replace your roof is when the weather is clear and less likely to interfere with the process, typically during the summer months. However, roof problems don’t always wait for a mild, clear day. The weather forecast and the season can significantly impact how long your roofing project will take. 

For example, if you work on your project in the spring or fall, there might be times when it takes a few extra days because of bad weather conditions. That’s why it’s essential to plan and have contingencies in place. 

It might not be safe for a roofing crew to work on a roof when temperatures drop below freezing in the winter, as South Eastern Ontario often sees freezing rain or snow. When this is the case, some of the tasks may take longer than average to complete because the materials could take longer to dry out or cure, and the roofers may have to slow down and take extra care to avoid a slip or fall.

snowy roof

Structure Size

The size of a roof is proportionate to the size of the home. With that in mind, replacing a roof on an average two-story home will take less time than on a five-bedroom house.

Damage to the Current Roof

It is crucial to stay on top of roof maintenance to extend the life of your roof and avoid extensive damage. Sometimes only the shingles on a roof need replacing, so you could reasonably expect a roof replacement to take only a short time. Although, if there’s structural damage to the roof deck or other components of the home below the shingles, this will extend your project.

Accessibility

Some roofs are more accessible than others. For example, if your home is in a dense urban environment, with other buildings very close to it, there may be obstacles around the property that make it difficult to get equipment in and out of the site. Houses at the foot of hillsides may also have access problems or those with elaborate landscaping features. In these instances, the roofing installation may take more time.

Historic or Vintage Significance 

The Kingston area has a lot of old and beautiful homes. Some homes are also considered historical landmarks and must be looked after appropriately. Historical homes might also require special permits for any construction or roofing changes.

Key Takeaway

A roof replacement project timeline can range from a single day to weeks for completion, depending on the roof’s condition and the extent and type of damage. Hiring a professional roof contractor to replace your roof is vital to ensuring that it is installed correctly. At Energy Kingston Exteriors, we prioritize getting accurate project time estimates for all projects. This can help you better understand how much time you’ll need for your roofing project.

With over 40 years of experience, we can get the job done right. Browse our Kingston roofing services for more information about our roofing repair and replacement options. 

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us, or you can get started with a quote.