Have you noticed the signs of aging on your roof? Curling shingles, dark streaks, and frequent leaks from the ceiling? These are all indicators that it’s time to replace your roof. If you are like most people, you are probably wondering, “How long will a roof replacement take?” Although asphalt roof replacements are among the fastest to install due to the materials, the exact time can depend on many factors.
The short answer to how long a shingle asphalt roof replacement takes is 1 to 3 days. However, when you consider the period from the first consultation to the final walkthrough, most homeowners should expect 2 to 3 weeks. Factors such as the size of the home, the complexity of the roof, the weather, and the contractor’s workload can add time to your project. In this guide, we will walk homeowners through what contributes to the time of a roof replacement, the steps involved in getting a new roof, what happens to the timeline when unexpected damage is found, and how homeowners can keep the project on track. Let’s break down exactly what affects the timeline so you can know what to expect from start to finish.
Things That Impact How Long a Roof Replacement Takes
Although asphalt roofs are relatively quick to install, several significant factors can still influence the total time the job will take. Here’s a closer look at each factor and why it affects the time required for a roof replacement.
- Roof Size: It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the larger the roof is, the longer it will take to replace. A small single-story home may take only one day to replace the roof, while a large, multi-level home can take several days or more.
- Roof Complexity and Pitch: Roofs that are simple in design, such as simple gables or hip roofs, and those with low-sloped roofs are replaced faster than steep and complex ones. More complicated roofs take longer because extra features, such as dormers, chimneys, skylights, and valleys, require careful flashing and sealing.
- Weather Conditions: Although you can find an asphalt roofing company in Traverse City to do a roof replacement in winter, homeowners should be prepared for weather delays, especially during this season. When rain or snow is falling, asphalt shingles cannot be safely installed. Even during the summer, a single afternoon thunderstorm can push a roofing job back by 24 hours. With weather often being a wildcard in Northern Michigan, homeowners shouldn’t be surprised by weather delays. The best seasons for replacement are late spring and early fall.
- Tear-Off or Overlay New Shingles: A reputable asphalt roofing company will almost always recommend tearing off the old roof in its entirety before replacement. In fact, many building codes no longer allow more than two layers of shingles. A complete tear-off takes more time than overlaying or removing only one layer; however, the new roof is far more durable and longer-lasting than the overlaid roof.
- Contractor Experience and Crew Size: Experienced roofing crews can tear off and re-shingle most homes in a couple of days, whereas a smaller, less-experienced crew may take up to a week.
- Scheduling: Peak roofing season in our area is usually late spring through early fall. Proper planning can eliminate scheduling delays by scheduling your roof replacement before peak season hits.
- Supply Chain: Popular shingle brands and colors can occasionally be backordered, which is another reason why pre-planning your roof replacement is highly recommended.
- Permits and Inspections: Many cities and/or counties require permits for construction projects. A quality roofing company will handle the permitting and inspections for you, but permit approval can take up to 10 business days.
- Unexpected Damage: The number one reason roof replacements go longer than planned is the discovery of underlying problems. If roofers find rot, soft spots, or previous water damage, the boards must be replaced. Minor repairs may add additional hours, while complete deck replacement can add another one or two full days.
Homeowners who understand the factors that influence roof replacement and how they work together can help them feel more confident and at peace as their project unfolds. Now, let’s take a quick look at the actual replacement process.
The Steps of Roof Replacement
With a better understanding of the roof replacement process and each required step, homeowners will have a more complete picture of the project timeline and what is being done at each stage. Here’s what you can expect each day (on average) of the project, once it begins:
Day One:
- If a dumpster and materials haven’t already been delivered, they will show up on day one, but they are usually dropped off one to three days before the start of the project.
- The removal of the old roof begins. Crews usually accomplish this step in several hours and can start cleaning up and removing the old materials.
- Once the old roof is removed, the decking can be inspected.
- Once the decking clears inspection and any repairs discovered are made, an underlayment is installed to protect against ice and water.
Day Two and Three (if needed):
- The majority of the project begins when the shingles start going on the roof. Designer shingles will take longer to install than architectural shingles.
- Chimneys, vents, and valleys have flashing installed and sealed to keep water out.
- Ventilation is double-checked to ensure airflow remains efficient.
- Reinstallation of any exterior components, such as satellite dishes, solar panels, or even holiday lights.
- Finally, a clean-up and a final walkthrough will take place to confirm that the roof meets standards.
Most homes can have a new roof installed in a couple of days, with the occasional third day needed. But, as we discussed before, things can change. Let’s take a closer look at what happens if damage is found after the old roof is torn off.
What If Damage Is Found Under the Old Roof?
Given that damage under an old roof is the number one cause of delays during roof installation, we should consider what that can mean for the timeline. When shingles are removed, it is the moment of truth, when hidden damage is uncovered. Common issues that are found include:
- Rotten roof decking.
- Mold and mildew growth.
- Damaged or ineffective flashing.
- Pest infestations.
- Water damage from long-term leaks.
Reputable and trusted roofing contractors will document what they find, explain the repairs needed, and give an updated cost and time estimate. A minor repair may add only an hour or so, while more serious issues, such as structural problems, can extend the project by days.
For homeowners who want to do everything possible to facilitate a timely roof replacement, the next section will cover what they can do to speed up the process.
How Homeowners Can Help Speed Things Up
Although we cannot control every detail of a roof replacement, such as the weather or hidden damage, we can minimize delays by preparing. Homeowners can speed up a roof replacement by doing the following:
- Clear the driveway before the roofing company arrives.
- Make sure the crew has access to the dumpster and also the material that should have been delivered before the start of the project.
- Move any patio furniture, lawn ornaments, grills, toys, or any other items in the yard that could be damaged from falling debris or create a hazard for the roofers.
- Trim any trees that overhang or touch the roof.
- Make sure there is access to outdoor electrical outlets.
- Keep pets indoors during the day while crews are working to keep them safe.
Now that you have a better understanding of the many factors that can affect the timeline of a roof replacement, the steps during the actual project, and the things homeowners can do to help speed up the process, let’s take a moment and review some of the most common delays roofing projects run into.
Common Delays During a Roof Replacement
Even when working with the best asphalt roofing company and doing everything you can to prepare, there are certain obstacles out of everyone’s control. They include:
- Weather delays in Northern Michigan come as no surprise. With rain, wind, and cold temperatures, a roofing project can be delayed for safety purposes.
- If there is more than one layer of shingles to remove before installing the new roof, it can add additional time.
- Damage that was unforeseen until the old roof was removed can add hours to days to a project, depending on its extent and the repairs needed.
- Material shortages are not as common as weather delays, but they happen. This is more likely to be an issue during peak roofing season.
- Failure to plan a roof replacement and schedule early can cause significant delays, especially during peak season.
It’s Never Too Early to Start Planning a Roof Replacement
Replacing an average-sized asphalt shingle roof typically takes anywhere from one to three days in Traverse City, but it’s never too early to start planning. Although a straightforward, single-layer replacement can be completed in 1 to 2 days, certain factors can extend the timeline. Besides the time it takes from signing a contract to obtaining a permit, weather-related delays and the discovery of hidden damage can turn a weekend project into one that lasts several weeks. Homeowners who understand the different variables that can affect the timeline and those who prepare their home (and mind) ahead of time can help facilitate a smoother, more efficient roof replacement. With the right asphalt roofing company and a realistic understanding of the timeline and how it can change, your roof replacement can be as straightforward, fast, and minimally disruptive as possible.