How Long It Takes To Replace a Roof
There are a lot of things someone needs to think about when looking into replacing an entire roof. The amount of time the roof has been on your house, what type of roof it is, and what season of the year you are currently in all have an impact on this process and how long it takes.
If your roof has been damaged and you are dealing with the repercussions of leaks or water damage, odds are you want to get it repaired as quickly as possible. That’s why we wanted to write this article that unpacks how long does it take to replace a roof?
As a general rule, the amount of time it takes to replace a typical roof or reroof your house using traditional asphalt shingles is one to two days. This can take longer if weather conditions are not favorable or a different type of roofing material needs to be replaced. While asphalt shingles can be changed relatively quickly, a concrete tile roofing can take eight to nine days to replace.
You also want to take into consideration how bad any deterioration from old age is, as well as inspect for signs that it is time for a roof replacement before pulling the trigger on any repairs. If you aren’t sure what to look for when inspecting your roof, take a moment to read through some of the signs that your roof is overdue for a replacement.
How long does it take to Replace a Metal Roof?
Moving away from asphalt shingles, you may find a metal option to be more appealing. Metal roofs are durable and can last a long time. As a general rule, the amount of time it takes to replace a typical metal roof is one to three days. This can also be dependent on the weather conditions and the condition of the roof decking.
If you live in an area where there is a lot of snow, or there are dangers of being caught in a forest fire, this is most certainly the safest and most secure option. These types of roofs are extremely long-lasting and can be recycled when the time comes for a replacement.
One of the downfalls of this option is that it requires a special type of installation that not all roofing companies offer. Be sure to research more into who has this type of roofing option available before making up your mind.
How long does it take to Replace a Clay Tile Roof?
If you are looking for curb appeal over practicality, clay tiles could be the perfect choice for you. Clay tiles are made from clay earth being formed into shapes that can interlock and then fired so they can hold their shape. Replacing a clay tile roof can take from is three to five days.
These tiles aren’t usually glazed so that they can keep their orange-reddish shade, but can also be fired and glazed to create ceramic roofing tiles.
Roof Replacement Timeline
Asphalt Shingle – One to Two Days
Metal Roof – One to Three Days
Concrete Tile Roof – Eight to Nine Days
Clay Tile Roof – Three to Five Days
Do you need to replace gutters when replacing your roof?
No, you don’t have to replace your gutters when reproofing your house. If you do need new gutters it’s important to wait until your roof has been replace before you remove and replace your gutters. You can also keep you current gutters. Most local roofing contractors will take proper precautions to cover your gutters while working on your roof.
How Long Does it Take to Tear Off an Old Roof?
It can take as little as one day to tear off your current roof. A large roof can take up to two days for tear off. A crew of four to five roofers should be able to tear off the old roof and then clean up the debris on the same day.
Should I stay home during roof replacement?
Yes, you can stay home during a roof replacement. I have personally been at home for two roof replacements and take it from me, it was a very loud experience. If you need peace and quiet you may want to vacate the premises while the work is going on. You also want to avoid standing under the soffits or gutter line while the roofers are working.
What if it rains while roofing?
Roofing in the rain is an unsafe practice. Roofers should postpone work until the roof is dry enough to work on without slipping or sliding off of the roof. It’s critical to watch the forecast. Laying tarp on bare roof decking is a common when the roofers have time to prepare. If your bare decking does get wet it may be best to allow it to dry before completing the job.
Why You Should Replace Your Roof?
From a distance, you might not be able to see anything noticeable with your roof worth taking note of. This is why you want to get up close and personal to do a thorough inspection to help you get an understanding of what is happening with your roof.
With a detailed inspection, you will be able to notice some of the following signs that you need a roof replacement.
1. Your Roof Is Sagging
If you are seeing signs that your roof is sagging in some areas, this is not a good thing. When a roof is sagging, it means that there are almost certainly areas that have been exposed to long-term water damages. Alternatively, if you live in a colder climate, constant exposure to snow and ice could most certainly cause your roof to begin sagging.
To spot signs of sagging on your roof, get a good look at the line of the roof. This line should be straight without any curves, sags, or dips. If you do find any of these, you will want to reach out to your local roofing company immediately to schedule an appointment.
2. Your Roof Is Missing or Damaged Shingles
Another clear sign that you might need a roof replacement is if the shingles that you currently have installed are either missing or broken somehow.
If this is the case for you, your home has probably been exposed to heavy winds, snow, or rain. These kinds of elements leave your roof with leaks and unwanted damages that will need to be addressed promptly.
Take a good look at your roof to see if this is happening for you, and take the proper steps towards ensuring a replacement or repair.
3. Your Roof Has Buckling or Curling Shingles
When you have a roof that has buckling or curling shingles, it typically means that it is time for a new roof. The reason for this is because intense heat, moisture, and aging have taken its toll on the shingles, which causes them to warp or become unstable.
Another reason your shingles could be curled or buckling is because they were previously installed incorrectly. If this happens, it leaves them even more exposed to ice damage and wind, causing them to break off or crack.
You most certainly want to look into either a replacement or repairs if you notice any of this happening to your roof.
4. Your Roof Has Shingle Granules
Shingle granules are the tiny specs of rock and crushed up minerals that are embedded in the surface of a single shingle. As time goes on and roofs get older and older, a roof can start to get bare spots that cause these granules to become loosened and run into your gutters.
When looking for these granules, remember that they look like sand crystals and are darker because of the shade of the shingle. When these granules are lost, shingle decay and aging can speed up rapidly.
If this is allowed to happen, moisture will be able to seep into your home causing even further damages.
5. If There Is Damaged Flashing
Roof flashing is a thin piece galvanized steel that is used by roofers to keep water away from important parts of the roof. If your roof has been inspected and your flashing has separation, lifting, or dried up caulking, it can mean a bad situation for your roof.
Through the seasons, hot and cold temperature fluctuations cause the roof of your home to expand and contract which causes the fasteners that were used to hold the flashing in place to come loose. When this happens, moisture can get past them and into your home.
Be sure to contact a roofing company right away if you notice damage in these areas.
Roof Replacement Timeline for Alternative Materials
If you have inspected your roof and are ready to start moving forward with a replacement, it’s a good idea to look through a couple of roofing material options in case there might be one better suited for your needs.
While asphalt shingles most certainly get the job done, there are other materials on the market that you want to consider. A couple of the most popular are:
Conclusion
We understand that sometimes you need to make quick decisions so that your home can be protected, so hopefully, you found this information helpful as you look into your options for replacing your roof and determining how long the roof replacement process will take.
While it may be faster to climb up on your roof yourself, it isn’t necessarily the best solution for the long-term. Instead, if you want to sign up for an inspection or to simply ask more questions about the roof replacement process, contact your local roofing company for an expert opinion.
