Roofing jobs, whether they’re full replacements or just quick repairs, come with several different factors that can change how long they’ll take. Homeowners often wonder, “How long is this gonna take?” and the answer depends on several things. Knowing these aspects can help you set realistic expectations and ensure a hassle-free experience from start to finish. Let’s check out the key elements that decide how long your roofing project will take.
Size of the Roof
One major factor affecting the duration of a roofing project is simply the size of the roof. Bigger roofs mean more time. A small, straightforward roof on a single-story house might be done in just a couple of days, while a large multi-story house with a complex roof could take a week or more. For instance, in New Jersey, many of the homes are Colonials with large roofs. Obviously this will factor into the length of time a new roof takes to be installed.
Many factors go into roof completion times
Roofers talk about roof size in terms of “squares,” with one square equaling 100 square feet of roofing area. The more squares, the more time it’ll take to install. More surface area not only means more materials but also extra time for prep and cleanup.
Type of Roofing Material
The type of material you pick is a big player in the project timeline. Different types have unique installation processes and requirements:
- Asphalt Shingles: These are the most common in the U.S. because they’re lightweight and pretty easy to install, often taking 1-3 days for an average-sized roof.
- Metal Roofing: Durable and long-lasting, but needs more precision. This type can take several days longer than asphalt shingles to install.
- Tile or Slate Roofing: Super durable but also heavy and time-consuming to install. Expect 7-10 days or more due to their weight and the need for specialized skills.
- Wood Shakes: Takes more time than asphalt shingles since each piece needs to be placed individually, adding a few days to your timeline.
Also, some materials might have longer delivery times, which can push the whole project back.
Roof Design Complexity
If your roof has a lot of features like valleys, dormers, or skylights, it’s gonna take longer. These complex designs require more time and precision. Roofs with steep slopes also slow things down because workers need extra safety measures.
Weather Conditions
Weather is a huge factor in how long your roofing job will take. Bad weather, like rain, snow, or high winds, can delay things since it’s dangerous and can make materials slippery. Roofers typically track the weather closely and will stop work if it gets too risky.
Roof Accessibility
How easily the roof can be accessed matters too. Homes with easy access points, like wide driveways or flat yards, allow roofers to set up quickly. But if there are trees, fences, or uneven ground, it might take longer. Hard-to-access roofs might need special equipment, like cranes, which adds time.
Removal of Old Roofing Material
Usually, the old roof needs to come off before the new one goes on. The removal time depends on the existing material and the roof’s condition. Asphalt shingles are easy to remove, but materials like slate or tile are trickier and take more time.
Permitting and Inspections
Sometimes you’ll need permits for your roofing job. How long it takes to get these permits varies by location. Inspections might be needed too, which can add time if you have to wait for an inspector to give the green light.
Crew Size and Contractor Efficiency
The size and skill of the crew can directly impact how long everything takes. At FB Roofing & Siding, our crew is continually training & always has an owner onsite. A big and experienced team can finish faster. It’s a good idea to ask potential contractors about their crew size and how they plan to handle your project.
Getting Started!
Before kicking off a roofing project, remember there are many factors that can influence how long it’ll take. Talk these over with your roofing contractor to set realistic expectations and ensure a smooth process, all without compromising quality.
