If you are thinking about replacing the roof on your home, then it is important to know the specifics on how long it will take to replace your roof and how long you will be upset from your daily schedule.
You can still live in your home while your roof is being replaced. Roofing contractors will typically do most of the replacement during the day while you are at work, but if you work from home or will be at your home most of the day, then you will still be alright. Roofing is dangerous, messy work, so you shouldn’t let your kids play outside while the contractors are working, and the noise may drive you a little crazy. Other than that, though, having your roof replaced shouldn’t upset your life very much.
Putting a time frame on a residential roof replacement is difficult. It can take as little as one day to replace a roof or as long as a week. Typically, it shouldn’t take more than a few days to replace a residential roof. There are many factors that contribute to the amount of time it takes. Some of these factors include:
- Weather
- The specific contractor
- Type of roof
- Amount of damage being repaired
Weather
The weather has a big impact on how long it will take to finish your roof. Rain, snow, lightning, and even wind are all adverse weather conditions that will slow the process down. Contractors cannot work in extreme weather conditions because of safety reasons, so when the weather picks up, the work will slow down. When planning to re-roof your home, take the weather forecast into account and don’t plan on hiring a contractor right before a storm is supposed to hit. You will not always be able to predict the weather, as it is constantly changing and surprising us, but you can avoid forewarned situations. If bad weather does halt the progress of your roof, then you’ll just have to be patient and wait for the sun to shine again.
Specific Contractor
Every roofing company is different and employs a different team, so naturally, the speed at which they work will be different as well. If your contractor’s team is working hard, as they should be, then the different times shouldn’t be too significant. It also depends on how many people the roofing company employs and how many are working on your roof. Obviously, the more people working on your roof the faster it will be rebuilt, but if you have too many people working at once then they will get in each others’ way and things can get tricky. This could actually slow the process down. Your contractor will know how the employees work and will be able to figure out how many people are needed to get the job done, so don’t stress over this point.
Type of roof
The type of roof being replaced is another important factor. Some roof types are easier and quicker to install than others. For example, a flat roof or a metal roof is easier to replace than a regular shingled roof, but a regular shingled roof is easier to replace than some other types. Before hiring a contractor, make sure that they have experience in installing the style and type of roof that you want.
Amount of damage being repaired
If you are replacing your roof then chances are that there is a specific reason. Even though roofs should be inspected annually and most should be rebuilt every 20-30 years, most people don’t pay their roof any attention unless they notice a problem. If your roof is leaking or has been damaged by wind or other extreme weather, then you will need to replace or repair it. The amount of damage done affects how long it will take to repair or replace your roof. If there is mainly surface damage that will be removed by getting rid of the old roof and putting on a new one, then not much extra time will be added to the project. However, if there has been a problem for a while and it hasn’t been noticed or has been ignored, then there will likely be some underlying structural damage that will need some extra attention. The extent of the damage determines how much extra time will be needed to replace your roof. If you have noticed a small amount of damage on your roof, then you should definitely get it looked at and possibly replaced before that small amount spreads and you are left with a dangerous structure.
There are other factors that affect how long it will take to replace your roof, but these are the most common ones. As you plan the replacement of your roof, take these factors into consideration and plan extra time for the project just in case. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
Once you have replaced your roof then you can rest easy knowing that your home and family will be protected for years to come. The type of materials used on your roof affects how long it should last and when you will next need to do some work. A typical asphalt shingle roof should last up to 30 years, while a clay or slate tile roof can last for over one hundred years. Of course, any roof that sustains damage may need to be replaced before then. The area you live in also affects how long your roof may last. If you live in an area where there are lots of storms and potentially even hurricanes or tornadoes, then you may need to replace your roof much sooner than if you live in a more mild climate.
If you notice any damage or leaking on your roof, don’t wait to get it inspected and possibly replaced. Even a slightly damaged roof can lead to serious issues and affect the safety of your home. Once you have fixed any damage or entirely replaced your roof, you will know that your roof should still be good for years to come.
