Replacing your roof can be an exciting endeavor. The boosted curb appeal and improved performance can make a huge difference in how you enjoy and value your home. 

However, the average homeowner will also consider a roof replacement to be a bit of a hassle. Not only is it a large financial investment, but it can also be loud and inconvenient — possibly even causing you to stay out of your home throughout the process. 

So exactly how long should you expect the roof replacement process to take? Read on. 

How Long Does It Take to Replace a Roof?

It can take anywhere from a single day to a few weeks to replace a roof. Yes, we know that’s a pretty broad timeline; but the truth is that every roof is different, which means that every roof replacement is different. So while we can’t tell you exactly how long your roof replacement will take, we can inform you of a few things that will affect the project’s timeline. 

Roof Replacement Timeline vs. New Roof Installation Timeline

We’ve already written an article about how long it takes to install a new roof, so you might be wondering how that’s any different from what we’re talking about here. 

In most cases, it takes longer to replace a roof than it does to install one on a newly constructed home. This is because the replacement process involves one extra step: tearing off the existing roof. 

It’s important to note that, in some circumstances, you can install a new roof on top of an old one without tearing anything off. But this isn’t the most common or even the recommended solution. 

5 Factors That Affect Your Roof Replacement Timeline

Aside from the additional time needed to remove your existing roof, there are a few other factors that can affect how long your roof replacement takes. Let’s take a look at the main five below.  

1. Size

The smaller your roof, the less time it will take to replace — for obvious reasons. In fact, if you live in a small residential home, your roof replacement could be done in just one day. But again, size is just one factor. 

2. Slope

Arguably the most overlooked factor, your roof’s slope can drastically affect how long the roof replacement process takes. While steeply sloped roofs are great for directing snow and rainfall away from your home, they don’t make the replacement process easy. 

Most reputable roofing contractors put the safety of their employees first. This means they’ll be trained to move around steep roofs more slowly and carefully, and they may even need special equipment to maintain their safety. 

3. Age

When your roofer removes the existing roof, they’ll check the sub-roofing underneath it for any damage. If there is underlying damage, they’ll need extra time and materials to fix it before installing the new layer. This is why older roofs generally take more time to replace than newer roofs. 

However, this can be avoided by catching minor roof issues quickly, before they turn into major problems. Especially if you live in an older home, doing a yearly roofing inspection can save you a lot of trouble, time, and money in the long run. 

4. Material

Some roofing materials are quicker to remove and install than others. For example, it often takes less time to install standing seam metal roofing than it does to install asphalt shingles strictly because there are fewer metal panels than shingles to be nailed down. 

5. Weather

If it rains, it rains. If it snows, it snows. If it storms, it storms. The weather doesn’t wait for your roof replacement to be completed, and there’s no predicting when it will hit. 

The roof replacement process is most efficiently done in warm and dry conditions, but that’s not something we are always guaranteed here in the Midwest. While roofing crews can do their job in some weather, they are often required to stop if conditions become too inclement or dangerous. Your project’s timeline will be paused until it’s safe to resume. 

Contact Werner Roofing for Expert Roof Replacement

If it’s time to replace your roof, but you’re worried about how long you’ll have to be out of your home, contact Werner Roofing. Our crews are fast and professional, working hard to replace your roof quickly and properly, so you can get back to life as usual. For more information or to schedule your roof replacement, give us a call at (616) 844-5382 or contact us online.

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OUR FREE ROOF INSPECTION

How do you know when it’s time for a new roof? The only way to be sure of your residential roof’s current condition is to have a licensed professional personally inspect it. Werner Roofing is proud to offer free roof inspections for every client, so you can be sure of your roof’s condition. Every Werner Roofing inspection comes complete with our promise: “We won’t recommend or sell a roof replacement unless it’s necessary.” 

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