How Long Does It Take To Replace a Roof?
A roof replacement can take anywhere from 3 days to a few weeks – and the timeline will mostly depend on factors like the materials you’re working with, the complexity of the job itself and of course, the weather. The first part of the process is an evaluation by a professional, who will assess the state of your current roof, pinpoint any concerns and identify how long it will take to remove your old roof and begin installing the new one.
Average estimates for replacing a roof
When replacing a roof, you typically have to factor in removing the old roof. Depending on certain factors, this typically takes between 1 and 3 days. You can expect 1-3 days to install the new roof.
More complex roof systems that feature steep slopes might take a bit longer. However, the average duration is 2 days when replacing a flat roof.
Here’s a breakdown:
Roof Size/Type | Average Duration |
Flat roof (main property) | 2-3 days |
Extension roof | 2-3 days |
Porch | 1-2 days |
Double Garage | 2-3 days |
According to this roofer, the average time for removing and replacing a single garage roof is approximately.
What will impact the duration of your roof replacement:
- The weather plays a big role—your project can continue immediately when it’s good. However, rain, snow, or even extreme heat can cause delays. Contractors usually work best in dry and mild weather.
- The bigger the roof, the bigger and the longer the replacement will take. You’ll also have to consider the design of the roof, as a simple flat roof is the quickest to replace, and roofs featuring steep slopes and angles will take longer. Types of roofs.
- Having the material ahead of time means you can reduce the time it takes to replace the roof. If you opt for traditional materials like shingles or tiles, there can sometimes be a delay or a wait, as opposed to materials like single-ply EPDM. Remember, custom orders have longer lead times.
Take note that permits might also cause a delay
When replacing a roof, a permit is often necessary to ensure the project meets local building codes—the contractor usually handles this side.
However, understanding the requirements can help you better understand the timescale.
Permit Type | Typical Duration | Action |
Building Permit | 1-4 weeks | Application submission |
Zoning Permit | Varies | Local regulation check |
HOA Approval | Varies | Neighbourhood compliance |