Introduction
Your roof is arguably the most important part of your home’s structure, sheltering you and your loved ones from the effects of the weather and the passage of time. Which begs the question of how long it actually takes to set it up. Depending on things like the roofing material, the size of the crew, and the complexity of the project, roof installation can last from a handful of days to a few weeks. The blog below gives you an estimated timeline of your roof installation and all the factors that play a part in setting it.
Roof Installation Timeline: From Planning To Inspection
A roof installation is a complicated process, with lots of machinery and plenty of technicians taking up semi-permanent residence on your property. But, how long is that anyway? If you’re looking for answers on how long you’d have to wait for the new roof to be set up, we’ve got you covered.
Here is an estimated timeline of the whole project.
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Assessments & Estimates: 3 days to 2 weeks
The first thing you’d have to do is to look for a good roofing contractor to take on your project. Depending on how quickly you find them, this step can take anywhere from a handful of days to a few weeks. Next, the roofers will assess your property and conduct consultations to get a clear idea of your requirements. In a few days, they’ll give you an estimated timeframe for your project, and work will be ready to begin.
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Preparation Phase: 1-2 Days
Once the construction date is finalized, your roofers will arrive on your property beforehand to set up their equipment. This includes extendible ladders, safety harnesses, raw material, and even scaffolding. The entire prep work phase usually takes about a day or two.
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Removing The Old Roof: Half A Day To Two
Next, the roofers will strip off the old, damaged roof. Depending on the material, the roof’s size, and the complexity of its design, this process can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days. The roofing contractors will dump all the debris into a dumpster, only leaving behind the decking.
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Repair Work: 4 Hours To 2 Days
Now this part depends on the state of your decking. If the roof decking shows signs of warping, water damage, or breakage, your roofers will go ahead and repair it. In case the damage is extreme, they may even take a few days to replace the entire thing. This gives your new roof a dry and sturdy frame to settle over.
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Roof Installation: 2 To 5 Days
Finally, your roofers will get to work laying down your roof. Depending on the materials, the size of the crew, and their skill level, this process can take a few days to a few weeks. The roof’s complexity also plays a part in setting the timeline for the installation process.
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Touch-Ups & Inspections: A Few Hours
Once done, the roofers will spend the last day inspecting their work. They’ll ensure each shingle is laid down snugly, each nail is hammered in, and each piece of flashing is secure. They’ll make any alterations if needed to ensure the roof meets building codes and then give you the green signal.
Factors Influencing Roofing Timeframes: From Weather To Material
So, that’s the basic timeline of any standard roof installation, but that’s not all. There are several factors that can either extend or shorten the lead time of your new roof. Here are a few things that impact the timeframe of your roof installation:
- Shape & Size: Smaller roofs with simpler builds take about 3 days to complete. But large roofs with multiple dormers, steep pitches, and skylights take a few weeks.
- Current Weather: Extreme heat, torrential rain, and high winds can postpone or extend the timeline of your project from a few days to weeks.
- Roofing Material: Materials like asphalt are the fastest to set up, while tiles take much longer to lay down.
- Repair Work Needed: If the frame and decking are in good condition, it won’t take as long. But if the roofers find extreme damage, the repairs can take up to a few weeks.
- Accessibility: The height of your roof and your home’s location play a part as well. If the roof isn’t easily accessible, maneuvering the equipment and material will slow down the process.
Conclusion
To conclude, roof installation can take a few days for shorter and simpler projects to several weeks for larger, more complex work. The prep work takes 1 or 2 days, the removal of the old roof takes a few more, and installation and repairs can take up to a few weeks. We hope this blog gives you a better idea of the timeline. For more questions, feel free to drop us a line.
FAQs
What is the most cost-effective roofing material?
Asphalt shingle is the most cost-effective roofing material.
What is the best material against wind damage?
Metal roofs are the ideal material to resist wind damage.
What can I do to shorten the timeline of my roof installation?
Plan for good weather, avoid other home improvement projects at the same time, and clear a path for your roofers beforehand to save time.
