One of the most common questions we get as roofers is, “How long does it take to replace a roof?” The only honest answer to this question is, “It depends.” Anyone who gives you an estimated timeframe, at least before they consider all the factors mentioned below, is either telling you what you want to hear or inexperienced in the field. Either way, that’s not the professional you want to handle a roof replacement project.
No one can accurately estimate how long the roof replacement process will take. But at Four Peaks Roofing, we do promise you our very best effort. This commitment means a thorough, professional job that’s done in a cost-efficient and time-sensitive manner. We know you want to get back to your life and enjoy your new roof as quickly as possible. We make that happen.
Square Footage
An efficient crew can probably put a new roof on a tiny home before lunch. Putting a new roof on Wayne Manor takes longer.
Some contractors only take huge Wayne Manor jobs because, quite frankly, they’re more profitable. But to us, no job is too big, and no job is too small.
Incidentally, regardless of your home’s size, a professional should inspect your roof annually. A professional should also inspect your roof after a storm, even a relatively mild one. Wind speeds of over 45mph damage roofs.[1]
Roof Design and Materials
Shingles come in different materials. Each material requires a different method and time frame for installation. For a 2,000-square-foot home, or thereabouts, the most common shingle types and their average replacement times are:
- Four to seven days for concrete tiles,
- Four to seven days for slate tiles,
- Six to eight days for wooden shingles, and
- One to three days for asphalt shingles.
Alert readers probably noticed a pattern. Heavy shingles last longer and reflect or absorb more sunlight. Heavy shingles are also difficult to haul and work with.
Additionally, the desired design affects how long it takes to replace your roof. Complex or intricate designs require longer installation periods than traditional horizontal formations.
Roof Steepness
Steep roofs are eye-catching and maximize space. They also lengthen the roof replacement process. The crew must install safety rails, harnesses, and other protective equipment before they start the replacement itself.
The opposite is also true. A roof that’s too shallow enough to slow water runoff requires special underlayment so water backups can’t penetrate the housing envelope. Unless we take such precautions, the roof is essentially damaged before the first rainstorm hits.
Location
Some communities in Maricopa County have very strict roofing and zoning laws. Unincorporated Maricopa County has its own set of rules. Complying with these laws could slow the process.
Roof accessibility is a related issue. Some homes have lots of landscaping and rows of bushes that block or limit roof access. Dense urban areas, with other houses very close to your home, often make getting equipment in and out of the area difficult. Country estates present their own problems, especially if they lack paved driveways and close parking.
Subsurface Structural Damage
Unfortunately, we probably won’t know about such problems until we start. The aforementioned professional inspections spot loose shingles and other surface issues. But there might be structural damage, which could be unrelated to the weather. If only the shingles need to be replaced, a roof replacement can be reasonably quick, usually on the low end of the above chart.
Additional repairs can significantly prolong the total project duration if there’s structural damage to the roof deck or other elements of the home beneath the shingles.
Weather
Cold and/or rainy weather could basically derail a roof replacement project. Fortunately, we don’t have much rainy and/or cold weather in the Valley of the Sun.
Obviously, don’t schedule a roof replacement during the rainy season. If necessary, we can probably patch a damaged roof and buy you an extra few months. Furthermore, unpredictable pop-up showers often move through the area. So, the weather forecast bears watching, especially if we’re installing concrete shingles or the job is otherwise time-consuming.
Time to Replace Your Roof?
Reach out to us now to start the roof replacement process. Four Peaks Roofing has you covered – Literally!
Source:
[1] https://www.nachi.org/wind-damage-part3-42.htm
