Your roof is one of the most important features of your home’s exterior. It protects you, your family, and your belongings from the elements while also contributing to the energy efficiency of your home. When it comes time to replace your roof, you may question “how long does it take to tear off and replace a roof?” You may be surprised to learn that it usually does not take long at all.
Roof Replacement Process
RGB Construction explains that the length of time it takes to replace your roof will depend on many variables, including the materials you use and the experience of your contractor. In most cases, a roof replacement should take just a day or two. The process is similar for most homes, however. The process will begin with the contractor removing the old roofing materials. They will inspect the underlayment and, if any repairs or necessary, complete those before adding the new roofing materials. The tear-off process will likely take the bigger part of a day and may take more than one if you have a large roof. Adding the new material may not take as long unless you are changing the roofing material, such as going from asphalt shingles to metal.
Accessibility of Your Roof
One factor that could impact how long it takes to replace your roof is how accessible it is. If you have a lot of landscaping around your home or a high fence that abuts your house, it could limit access to your roof. If you live on a street where houses are close together, that could also reduce the accessibility of your roof. A roof with a steep pitch may also cause the roofing project to take longer. According to RGB Construction, technicians must use special safety equipment on steeply pitched roofs which may cause them to move more slowly. If the underlayment needs repairs or there is rotted fascia, that could delay the completion as well.
Materials Used in Roofing
When asking the question “how long does it take to tear off and replace a roof,” it is also important to understand that some roofing materials take longer than others to tear off and install. Asphalt shingles should take between one and three days while wood shakes may take between two to eight days. Slate averages around six to seven days, concrete six to nine, and metal as much as 14 days. Tile can take up to 12 days for tear-off and installation. Keep in mind that if you are going from one roofing material to another, such as tile to metal, that can extend how long the replacement will take.
Size of Your Home
The square footage of your home will also have an impact on how long the replacement will take. If you have a very large home, naturally the project will take longer. However, keep in mind that the square footage of your home may not be a true reflection of how large your roof is. A hip roof or one with multiple gables may not be a large home, but the roof has multiple surfaces that may take longer to manage.
Tear Off or Overlay
It is possible your roof replacement may not require the contractor to tear off the old materials. Instead of the tear-off method which has the contractor completely removing all the roofing materials, they may be able to use the overlay method. This allows them to place the new shingles directly over the old shingles. Although this will complete the job more quickly and may be less expensive, it can also simply cover problems in your roof rather than repair them. For some manufacturers, this could also void the warranty on the materials.
Weather Factors
Like any construction project, the weather can also determine how long your roof replacement will take. Contractors usually do not do a roof replacement if rain or snow is predicted as they do not want the underlayment exposed to the elements if possible. They also may not want to do the job if the weather is going to be extremely hot or cold. If extreme weather is predicted, the contractor may only work in the morning during high heat or the middle of the day during extreme cold to protect the technicians.
Should You Replace Your Roof Yourself?
Unless you have experience replacing a roof, it is not recommended that you treat the replacement as a do-it-yourself project. Working on a roof poses significant safety risks. You could fall from the roof or a ladder leading to injury. If your roof is close to power lines, there is the risk of electrocution. A roof replacement also requires you to use heavy equipment that can be dangerous. If you don’t have experience with replacing a roof, you could make mistakes that might void the warranty on your materials, and it may cost you more later should problems develop.
If it is time for a roof replacement on your home, contact RGB Construction to arrange for a no-obligation consultation. We are GAF Master Elite Certified, something only 30 percent of all contractors can claim. This means they only use the highest quality materials and their technicians have undergone extensive training. Schedule your appointment today by calling 856-264-9093 or filling out the easy online form to see how our amazing team can help.
