How Long Does It Take to Replace a Roof?

In general, replacing the roof of an average residence (3,000 square feet or less) can be done in one day. In extreme cases, it may take up to three to five days. Depending on the climate, complexity, and accessibility of your home, it could take up to three weeks. Many different considerations will influence the total time of the project.

Professional roofers in optimal condition can replace a roof in 1 to 3 days. From hiring a contractor to the final inspection of your new roof, the entire process can take 2 to 3 weeks. The size, complexity, preparation, inspections and climate can all affect the time it takes to complete the project. Knowing when a roof was installed (and what it's made of) provides an idea of the lifespan it has left.

For example, a typical asphalt shingle roof lasts 20 to 25 years, while a roof installed over an existing layer of shingles must be replaced after 20 years. For residential homes in Michigan, roof replacements may only take two days. The first day is used to remove the existing roof of your house. The second day is used to install the new roof.

Depending on the size of your roof, an additional day or two may be needed. If you have a shingle roof, inspecting the condition of your shingles is a great way to assess if your roof needs to be replaced or not. Not only do slate roofs look elegant, but they can last a significant amount of time; in some environments, slate shingles can last more than a century. Once the contractor prepares the job site to replace your roof, they will begin removing the old roof. Let's take a closer look at the different phases of the roof replacement process and approximately how long each stage will take to complete. Depending on the size of your home and how big the replacement roof should be, this process shouldn't take more than 1 to 2 days to complete.

Factors such as snow and rain can seriously delay the process of replacing a roof and can even put your home at risk of further damage. There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to determining how long it will take professionals to replace the roof. With this information, along with how old your roof is, you can assess when the roof is likely to need to be replaced. When you start to see shingles or cedar shingles crack or peel, then you'll know it's time to consider repairing or replacing your roof. A more thorough inspection by a professional roofer will help you decide if a gasket repair or a complete roof replacement is necessary.