As a homeowner, you don’t expect to replace a roof very often. Most homeowners may need to replace their roofs just once or twice in their lifetime. If it is time to have your roof replaced, we understand how stressful it can be. When you start to notice roof damage, it is important to contact a professional roofing contractor as quickly as possible to determine what is next.
Since this is something homeowners rarely have to deal with, we understand there will be a lot of questions. Our expert guide answers most of the questions, but unfortunately, you can’t know exactly how many hours or days it will take to replace your roof. This is because each roof is different, and the duration depends on many factors that affect the roof replacement process directly and indirectly.
If you want to estimate the time it will take to replace your roof, this article will be a great guide as our experts describe all the factors that impact how long it takes to replace a roof.
Factors Defining How Long It Takes To Replace A Roof
Having your roof replaced can be a time-consuming task. You can’t ask a roofing company to do it within a day or two if the situation doesn’t support this time frame, and several different factors can affect how long it takes to replace a roof. If you choose a professional roofing company, you can have a pretty good understanding of how long it will take to complete your project.
Here are some significant factors that affect a roof replacement project.
The Size Of The Roof
It should be no surprise that the size of your roof has a lot to do with the duration of the roof replacement process. The more square footage, the longer it will take. Larger roofs will also require more materials and more workforce. On a 4,000-square foot home, professionals can typically replace a roof within 3 to 4 days.
The Complexity Of The Roof
When you replace a roof that’s very complex, expect it to finish within a week or two. Complex roofs have steep pitches, multiple valleys, more than two stories, stylish peaks, and other complicated factors.
- A steep roof is challenging to work on and it requires more safety precautions. The professionals will need more time to build the structure, climb up and down, and install all the roofing materials. Any roof with a pitch steeper than 19 degrees can be difficult to work on.
- If you have a home with dormers and stylish peaks like a dutch gable, gambrel, or arched roof, then the professionals will need more precision which will take more time.
The Weather
Sunlight, heat, and moisture can all cause all sorts of issues when you are replacing your roof. Shingles and other roofing materials are more susceptible to wear and tear if you install them on a windy, rainy, or snowy day. Even light showers can hinder the installation process, and it can weaken the roof’s foundation. Whenever our potential customers ask us when to replace a roof, we always suggest having your project completed during the summer.
The best time to replace a roof is usually during summers when the sky is clear and the weather report shows no chances of storms, high winds, or precipitation in the coming days. If your town does not get snow storms or too much snow, for that matter, you can replace your roof during the mild winter season when it’s not snowing.
Roofing Materials
The roofing material you choose can have a direct impact on how long the installation process will take. When you replace a roof using asphalt shingles, the installation process can take less time than other popular roofing materials. Installing asphalt shingles is easier than installing tile, slate, and wood shingles or shakes. Replacing an asphalt shingle roof of 1200 to 1500 square feet will just take a day if the weather is fine, and the roofing company can invest the whole day on your roof. Otherwise, it may take an additional day or two. The same goes for a standing seam or corrugated metal roof with exposed fasteners.
The Intensity Of Roof Damage
The extent of roof damage also determines how long it can take to replace a roof. If your underlayment and roof sheathing is in good shape (which the roofing professionals will determine during inspection), you just have your shingles or metal panels to replace. This should not take more than a day. However, in case of storm damage or very old roofs, you may need to replace the gutters, underlayment, and sheathing. If this describes your situation, you may also need new skylights and vents. A project like this can take more than a few days.
Insurance Claim Process
When you think about it, the replacement process starts when you plan and finance it. Your insurance company and adjustor may take a few days to verify your claim and send their response. Sometimes, they may also send someone to take a look at your roof. It is best to communicate well and keep in touch with your roofing contractor so they can send someone at the same time. The roofing company you choose can speed up the inspection and insurance claim process by explaining the issues to the insurance company. This will also help get your full claim approved quickly. After that, all that’s left is their response, final discussion, and documentation. This entire process can take a week or two in most cases.
The Roofing Company You Choose
It’s always good to know that you have a company that knows exactly what to do and is an expert in the roofing industry. Roof replacements can increase your home’s value significantly, and choosing a reliable roofing company with a lot of experience can make all the difference. You’ll want to ask for references, read a few reviews, and ensure they are licensed to work in your area. The right roofing contractors can give you an accurate estimate of the time and cost of your roof replacement project.
This is the most practical way to figure out how long it will take to replace a roof. A roofing inspector will come to your place, examine your roof, and give you a detailed report explaining the extent of damage and detailing the replacement needs with approximate time and cost.
At Sol Vista Roofing, we are passionate about all types of roofs, and if you live in Denver, CO., we would be glad to answer all your questions.
Want To Speak With The Experts?
If you are planning to replace a roof, choosing a company that has been in the business for a long time and has a good reputation in your town is crucial. Our experts have been serving Colorado property owners for years! We are proud to mention that hundreds of people have trusted our team with their homes.
At Sol Vista Roofing, we offer free consultations and estimates to anyone who seeks our help. If you want to talk to our experts or meet with them in person, you don’t have to worry about paying us upfront for anything. We have experience with the most complex roofs, and our team uses the best roofing materials available!
We hope our article helps you understand how long it takes to replace a roof. To discuss your roof replacement project with us, contact us at (720) 409-1035 for a free consultation and estimate.