Whether you’re looking for an aesthetic enhancement, or your roof is just due for a replacement, a roof replacement is a significant project. As a Waterloo roofing contractor, one of the most common questions we’re asked before a roof replacement is “how long will it take?”. It’s an understandable question, as homeowners need to plan their day around it.
In this article, we answer how long the average roof replacement will take and a few factors that can make it take longer than average.
How Long Will a Roof Replacement Take on Average?
On average, it takes 1 day of work to fully replace a roof in Waterloo. But not every job takes just a day. Roofing jobs vary in complexity, which can lead some jobs to take longer than others.
This is coming from the perspective of a roofing contractor in Waterloo, so other regions may have different circumstances that lead to a lower or higher average. Waterloo can have sporadic weather conditions, like sudden rainfall, that cause us to delay or take longer on a roof replacement job.
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Why a Roof Replacement Might Take Longer
Your Roof’s Square Footage
The primary aspect that will lengthen the time it takes to replace your roof is the size. Larger roofs naturally require more materials and more labor hours.
- If your home is large in width and/or has a more extensive layout, your roof replacement will likely take longer than average.
The Pitch of Your Roof
A steeper roof can complicate the replacement process because it’s more challenging to navigate and ensure proper installation.
- If your roof is steeper than most houses (angled sharply), your roof replacement project will likely take longer than what’s standard.
The Complexity of Your Roof
Roofs with multiple angles, valleys, or different levels add an extra layer of challenge to a roof replacement. We need to be mindful of how we install shingles on unconventional roofing, and that will change how long it takes to finish the job. Additionally, chimneys and skylights also require extra attention.
- If your home has a chimney, skylight, or a complexly shaped roof (multi-pitch, rounded), your roof replacement could take longer.
Weather and Time of Year
The weather and time of year can control the time it takes to replace your roof for a number of reasons. Firstly, roofers can’t always work in rain, snow, or high winds, and will stop/delay roof work for their safety. If the weather doesn’t clear up within the same day, your roof replacement may become a multi-day project.
Certain times of year, like winter, will increase the likelihood of weather interruptions. Additionally, roofers have a busy season through late spring and early summer. This can lengthen the time it takes between when we accept the project and when the project actually starts.
- If your roof replacement will take place during winter, the heavy rain season, or when roofing contractors are at their busiest, expect the project to take longer than usual.
Structural Issues Discovered During Work
During a roof replacement, we peel back the layers of your existing roof and dispose of them before installing new shingles. During this process, we sometimes find deeper issues with your roof, which any reputable contractor should address before continuing with the project. This could delay the project significantly, and also add to the cost.
- If your roof has underlying issues like rotting wood or failing supports, we need to step in (even if that means the project will take longer). While it may be irritating to learn the project will take longer and cost more, it’s only to keep you from having to deal with the issue in the future. Disregarding these issues will lead to your new roof not reaching its full lifespan and/or needing more repairs in the future.