How long does roof replacement take? In the unfortunate event that your roof needs to be replaced due to a leak or damage, you might wonder how long the process will take. (Find out when a roof replacement is necessary here!) Perhaps you have company coming to visit, and don’t want contractors on the roof during this time? Perhaps there’s more rain in the forecast, and you’re concerned about leaving your roofing exposed for a time. In this article, we’ll cover the question of how long does roof replacement take, as well as provide valuable insight into how to ensure a smooth installation and how to best avoid delays. We’ll also cover some special occasions when unexpected delays can happen, and how you can deal with them.
Tile Roofs: 3-4 Days
As a long lasting roof, tile naturally takes more time to replace than other roofing types.
The first step to replacing a tile roof is inspection. It takes from 2-3 hours for an expert to inspect a tile roof. The amount of time it takes to inspect varies with the size of the roof, and the circumstances of the replacement. Once the roof is inspected, however, we will have a more accurate estimate of the time it will take to complete the process.
Experts will then remove the roof tiles, allowing an inspection of the decking and underlayment. The removal of the tiles should take the remainder of the day to complete. The underlayment beneath will have to be replaced as it wears out faster than the tiles do. The condition of the decking below can have a large impact on the duration of the project. The decking may be in good condition, or it may require extensive repairs, delaying the project. Addressing the underlayment and decking should take a day, but could take longer, depending on the extent of the damages.
Next, tiles need to be reinstalled on top of the new underlayment. New tiles, (or old tiles if they were in good condition) will be carefully installed. Flashings will also be necessary around walls, chimneys and valleys. This is a fairly laborious process, and should take a full day to do. More complex roofs may take more time for flashing, and the tile’s profile can also affect the replacement timeline.
Finally, 1-2 hours are taken to inspect the roof for any faults in order to insure quality.
The whole process should take about 3-4 days in an ideal case.
Flat Foam Roofs: 3 Days
For foam roofing it should be noted that a replacement is distinct from a coating. Coating addresses issues with the surface layer, such as sun damage, by adding more coating. Replacement deals with the underlaying foam as well. Most flat roofs won’t need replacement unless they are neglected. This neglect could be a lack of coating, or other factors, such debris.
The first step to replacing a flat foam roof is inspection, which takes 1-2 hours. Next is the removal, and disposal of the foam, which takes 6-8 hours. The amount of time it takes is dependent on the adhesion, thickness, and other factors.
Next, the decking will need to be addressed. The decking will first be inspected for damages. It’s difficult to predict the time it takes to repair decking, as it is wholly dependent on the extent of damages. It usually ranges from 4-8 hours. Following this, the roof surface is prepared for the new foam application through cleaning and smoothing. The duration of the deck process typically ranges from 6 to 8 hours.
The foam adding process involves spraying or spreading liquid polyurethane foam onto the prepared roof surface. The foam expands and solidifies, creating a seamless, insulating layer. This application typically takes 6-8 hours, with additional time for curing. The specific duration of curing depends on the type of foam, but usually doesn’t take more than a few hours.
Shingle Roofs: 2-3 Days
The replacement process for shingle roofing is very similar to tile roofing, but is less complex. Roof tiles are heaver than shingles and require additional accommodations. Shingle tiles are meant to be more affordable, and are quick to install. A shingle roof is faster to replace than tile due to these factors. You can expect a shingle roof to take 2-3 days.
Additional Concerns for Roof Replacement Timelines:
The following factors may cause a project to go over time. Though we prepare for these factors, they can cause unavoidable delays:
Bad Weather:
Significant delays accompany adverse weather conditions, as roofing tasks necessitate stable and dry environments. Work pauses during rain, strong winds, or extreme temperatures, impacting the overall timeline of the roof replacement project.
Structural Repairs:
The discovery of underlying structural issues during roof removal requires repairs, leading to potentially significant delays in the overall roof replacement timeline.
Local Permitting Process:
The local permitting process, with its varying bureaucratic timelines, can moderately to significantly impact the overall duration of the roof replacement project.
Complex Roof Shape:
Material Availability:
Delays in obtaining roofing materials, especially for specialty items, can vary. Common materials may cause small delays, while specialty items can result in more significant setbacks.
Unforeseen Issues:
Unexpected challenges encountered during the project, such as hidden damage or additional work requirements, can cause moderate to significant delays.
Steepness of the Roof:
The steepness of the roof influences the timeline, requiring additional safety measures and potentially slowing down the work pace. Extremely steep roofs can significantly extend the overall duration of the roof replacement project.
How Long Does Roof Replacement Take?
The timeline of a roof replacement depends on various factors, from the roof’s material to permitting concerns. With Exterior Renovation Services, you can rest assured your project will be on-time, and on-budget, to the best of our abilities, and if there are any delays,, we’ll be sure to keep you informed, and provide security for your roofing at all time.