There is no denying that the roof of the home is one of the most critical components of the entire house construction. The roof keeps you and your household safe from inclement weather, manages insulation performance, and is the capstone for the aesthetic value of the home. While rooftops are built primarily for durability, over time, the roof will need repairs due to damage and wear and tear. Unfortunately, fixing these issues is not always an option. If the roof may be getting close to the end of its lifespan or the damage is too severe, a replacement can be necessary.
When repairs just won’t get the job done, it’s time to consider a new roof. Many contractors are available to handle your roof installation, but there are a couple of things to understand before you jump into this new project. For starters, there needs to be a clear understanding of how long the roof installation will take. This is important to know because the longer the roof goes unfinished, the longer you have to wait to go back to life as normal.
The Standard Roof Installation Process
The good news is that on average, roof installation takes just 1-2 days for residential properties. This will depend on the material being used, the experience and professionalism of the roofing company, the weather, and other factors unique to your situation.
Usually, day one is devoted to removing the old roof and prepping for the installation of new materials. The final day is reserved for installing the new roof.
With that being said, there are some things to keep in mind that naturally adjust the standard timeline. For starters, are you doing a tear-off vs. a lay over? A lay over takes less time to complete, but it also adds additional weight to the home’s roofing system. A qualified roofing contractor can help you determine if a lay over is a viable solution.
Another factor that will automatically mean more time spent on your roof installation is underlying damage. In the best-case scenario, existing damage can be fixed as easily as replacing a shingle. However, sometimes the solution is a lot more complex. A good example of this being the case is when most of the roof deck has to be removed due to rotting and extensive water damage.
Keep in mind that the installation process may take anywhere from a couple of days to a week, depending on your situation. In any case, it’s important to have a good idea of what type of roof you want while solidifying your plans during the initial preparation phase. The better you are prepared for the installation, the more likely you are to have a smooth and successful one.
Factors Affecting The Installation Timeline
As we mentioned earlier, there are possible extenuating factors that can further affect your roof installation timeline. Some of the most common factors are:
Type of Roofing Materials: While you will have chosen your material during the preparation phase, the truth is the material itself will affect your final timeline. For something as simple as asphalt shingles, you can expect a timeline closer to the shorter end of that 1-2 days. For metal, wood, and synthetic materials, installation time varies between 2-4 days, on average. For tile or slate shingles, which are heavier and more difficult to install, expect up to a week for installation to finish.
House Size: Bigger projects take longer to complete. Roof installations are no exception. On average, a 1,200 sq. ft., installation usually takes a day, depending on the materials chosen. Substantially larger houses will further increase your timeline.
The Architecture: In addition to size, the shape and dimension of your home will affect the roof installation timeline. A steeper roof or one that has a lot of angles and alternating pitches will result in a couple of days added to the final tally. This is largely due to either an increased danger for the contractors or more time spent cutting exact pieces to fit tricky angles.
Weather: This is one factor outside of everyone’s control. When it rains or snows, the project is delayed. When it’s brutally hot, the roofers need more breaks to stay safe. In other words, it’s important to consider the seasons themselves. Winter in Kansas City is often unpredictable. Make sure to schedule your installation during more favorable seasons for the best timeline.
Material Availability: As a rule, you can get just about any type of roofing material you want regardless of your geographic location. However, that doesn’t mean they’re all equally available. Metal roofing is less common along the coast. Tile roofing is more popular in southern states. When choosing your material, be sure to consider overall availability. Also, the less common the roofing material in your area, the harder it will be to find a contractor experienced and qualified to install your new roof.
What Can Go Wrong During a Roof Installation?
Let’s assume that everything is perfectly set and ready for a quick installation. For example, your house is not too large or oddly shaped. The materials chosen are the right kind for your location and readily available. Even the weather is forecasted to be perfect for an easy installation. Did you know that things might still go wrong? Even more, they’re usually things you can control?
Common roof installation issues that may lead to complications and setbacks with installation include:
Inattention to Detail: Before installation day arrives, it’s critical to go over the inventory. Plus, you’ll need to know the paperwork inside and out. There is nothing worse than installation day arriving only to find out you don’t have enough material to cover the roof. A close second is receiving the wrong material. By paying attention now, you’ll save yourself time later.
No Prep Work is Done: Your contractor will appreciate the work area being cleared and accessible. If you have vegetation or trees too close to the roof, it will take extra time to clear the area. Furthermore, if the walking path between the materials and the roof is blocked, it only adds to the frustration and time spent on mundane tasks.
Improper Storage: When you receive your roofing materials, it’s mandatory to store them according to guidelines. If they can’t be in a humid environment, then make sure the storage area is dry. Many projects have been delayed due to materials being damaged while in storage. Don’t let that be you.
Quality Above Everything Else
More than anything else, you need quality when beginning your roof installation project. This applies to both your chosen contractor and chosen materials. No roofing contractor is the same as the other. As such, you’ll need to carefully evaluate your candidates for the following:
- Reputation
- Licensing
- Warranties
- Insurance Policies
- Better Business Bureau Rating
In addition to those criteria, you will want to find out what brands they work with. Even the best contractor will be found wanting if they’re depending on poor quality materials and shoddy installation methods to complete the installation. All factors are important here, so make sure to do your research accordingly and choose the best company for your needs.
If you’re planning to replace your roof and are wondering how long the project might take, don’t hesitate to contact our team at Smart Exteriors for a consultation. Give our team a call now or fill out our online form to request a free, no-obligation price estimate, and get started with your roof installation project today.
