Replacing a roof is a significant home improvement project that you may encounter at some point as a homeowner. When your roof reaches the end of its lifespan, is severely damaged, or is wrecked by a storm, it’s time for a new one.
But this process can be quite overwhelming, for mainly two reasons. First, the cost of a roof replacement can be quite high. Second, a roof replacement takes time and can disrupt your daily routine.
We have effectively covered the cost aspect in our article, How Much Does a Roof Replacement Really Cost In 2024, so in this article, we will talk about the second crucial question homeowners have at this time, which is how long will the replacement take?
Factors Affecting The Duration Of A Roof Replacement
Below are some factors that directly impact how long a roof replacement will take:
- Roof Size and Complexity: Larger roofs or those with complex designs, multiple angles, and intricate features will take longer to replace than smaller, simpler roofs.
- Type of Roofing Material: Different roofing materials have varying installation processes and times.
- Weather Conditions: Adverse weather can delay the project, as most roofing work requires dry conditions.
- Accessibility: If your roof is difficult to access, it can slow down the replacement process.
- Contractor Experience: More experienced roofing contractors can often complete the job more quickly and efficiently.
Now, we’ll take a closer look at each of these factors.
Type Of Roofing Material And Its Installation Time
One of the biggest factors that can influence how long your roof replacement project takes is the type of roofing material you install. Let’s explore some common materials for both pitched and flat roofs. Keep in mind that these installation times are just rough estimates based on the size of a single-family home, and only account for the amount of time it takes to simply install the material.
How Long Does It Take To Replace Pitched Roofing Systems?
The majority of residential roofing systems have a slope, which is why they are often called pitched roofing systems. When it comes to choosing the right roofing material, there are several choices.
Asphalt Shingle Roofs
Asphalt shingles are very popular throughout North America. These are typically a homeowner’s first choice thanks to the material’s affordability and variety of color options. Another advantage is that they can be installed much faster than other materials. Asphalt shingles generally take two to three days to install, depending on the size of your roof.
Installation Time: 1-3 days
Advantages: Affordable, easy to install, available in various colors and styles
Disadvantages: Less durable than other materials, and has a shorter lifespan
Also Read: Different Types of Asphalt Shingles for Your Roof (Ranked)
Metal Roofs
Metal roofs are gaining popularity due to their durability and energy efficiency. While they may have a higher upfront cost, their longevity, and low maintenance requirements make them an attractive option for many homeowners.
Installation Time: 2-7 days
Advantages: Long-lasting, durable, energy-efficient, low maintenance
Disadvantages: Higher upfront cost, can be noisy during rain or hail
Also Read: Your Guide to Metal Roof Types and Styles in 2024 (Latest)
Tile Roofs
Tile roofing systems, while not very popular in Wisconsin, are a great option for roof replacements. Tile roofs have a European appeal and look great while also being very durable. However, they do take longer to install. This is because both concrete and clay tiles are heavy and require more precision, as each roof tile needs to be placed carefully.
Installation Time: 8-9 days
Advantages: Long-lasting, durable, energy-efficient, low maintenance
Disadvantages: Higher upfront cost, can be noisy during rain or hail
How Long Does It Take To Replace Flat Roofs?
Flat roofs are common on commercial buildings but over the years, flat roofs have gained attention in residential spaces too. So how long does it take to replace a flat roof? Let’s find out below:
EPDM Roofs
Let’s start with one of the most common roofing materials when it comes to flat roofs, which is EPDM. EPDM is a durable synthetic rubber roofing membrane that can be installed quickly. This is because it’s a single-ply membrane roofing system that comes in easy-to-install rolls.
Installation Time: A few days to a week
Advantages: Long-lasting, resistant to UV radiation and weathering
Disadvantages: Can be prone to punctures and requires professional installation
TPO Roofs
Like EPDM, TPO is a single-ply roofing membrane that can be installed quickly. It is highly reflective and very versatile, so a TPO roof replacement can be done using different installation methods.
Installation Time: 1-2 weeks
Advantages: Reflects heat, is energy-efficient, resistant to mold growth, and has superior puncture-resistance
Disadvantages: Cost is a bit higher compared to other materials
Check Out: What Is TPO Roofing (& Pros and Cons With Cost)
PVC Roofs
PVC is a type of single-ply roofing membrane commonly used on flat or low-slope roofs. It’s made from polyvinyl chloride, a synthetic plastic polymer. Known for its durability and energy efficiency, PVC is popular for use on commercial buildings but is also used for some residential applications.
Installation Time: A few days to a week
Advantages: Highly durable, energy-efficient, and superb resistance to chemicals, making it suitable for flat roofs
Disadvantages: More expensive than other flat roofing materials
Also Read: TPO vs PVC Roofing: Which is Best For You?
Modified Bitumen
While the other flat roofing materials we talked about above were all single-ply membranes, modified bitumen comes in the form of two or more layers. It’s composed of asphalt that has been modified with either plastic or rubber polymers and reinforced with fiberglass or polyester.
Installation Time: A few days to a week
Advantages: Durable, resistant to extreme weather conditions
Disadvantages: It can be more expensive and requires regular maintenance
Other Factors Affecting How Long It Takes For A Roof Replacement
While the choice of material is crucial, it is not the only factor that can affect how many days your roof replacement project will take. Here are some other factors.
Roof Size and Complexity
The size and complexity of your roof are major determinants of the replacement timeline. A small, simple roof can often be replaced in a day or two, while a larger or more complex roof may take several days to a week or more. The larger size also requires more labor and therefore, costs more money.
Weather Conditions
Weather plays a crucial role in how long it will take to replace a roof. Ideally, roofing work is performed in dry, mild weather conditions. Rain, snow, or high winds can delay the project, as safety and the quality of the installation are compromised in adverse weather. Most roofing contractors will monitor the weather forecast and schedule work accordingly to avoid interruptions.
Accessibility
The accessibility of your roof can also impact the replacement time. Roofs that are difficult to access, either due to their height, steepness, or surrounding obstacles, will take longer to replace. Contractors may need special equipment or additional safety measures, which can extend the timeline.
Contractor Experience
The experience and efficiency of your roofing contractor are significant factors in how quickly your roof can be replaced. Experienced contractors with a well-coordinated team are often able to complete a job more quickly and with fewer delays than less experienced crews. It’s important to choose a reputable contractor with good reviews and a proven track record.
Replace Your Roof With Wisconsin’s Roofing Experts
If you are looking for reputable contractors that offer roof replacements, look no further than the team at Prestige Roofing. We are a premier roofing contractor in Wisconsin with years of experience installing and replacing different types of roofing systems. Contact us today at (920) 791-0414 to learn more about what we can do for you.