The dreaded thumping sounds of water tapping in the attic signal that your roof is in trouble. If your roof is relatively new, you may have nothing to worry about other than a simple patch job.
If your roof is older, it could be time to replace it. We’re here to answer your questions about how long does it take to replace a roof. But, first, let’s discuss the basics of roof replacement.
Hire A Contractor
You should hire a roofing contractor to inspect your roof, so you know what to do next. A roof replacement can take several hours or several days. However, this time can be reduced by half if you have experience doing roofing work.
What are the Different Types of Roofs?
Understanding what kind of roof you have will help when you want to get your roof replaced. Most homes have a typical flat roof, but with modern design elements, roofing styles vary. There are many different roof architecture styles, including:
Flat Roof
A flat roof is a roof that is not domed or shaped like a bowl. Flat roofs are usually made of roof materials such as asphalt, slate, and clay and feature flat boards that meet to form pitches and angles such as the gable or dormer style.
Mansard Roof
A mansard roof is shaped like a mansard house. It has two straight sides and one curved side, often seen on second-story buildings.
Conventional Roof
A conventional roof is a type of roof that is usually found on commercial and industrial buildings. It has two flat surfaces that run parallel to the ground.
Signs that You May Need to Replace Your Roof
If you notice any of the following signs, it may mean that your roof needs to be replaced:
- Water Damage
- Rusted and Rotting Shingles
- Sagging
You’re Experiencing a Lot of Water Damage
One way to inspect your roof for water damage is to look for leaks. If you see any leaks in your home, the roof likely has water damage. You can also check for water damage by looking at the ceilings and walls inside your home. If they’re wet or stained, the roof likely has water damage.
Your Roof Is Getting Rusty
If you’re noticing rust spots on your roof, it could signify that it’s time for a replacement. Rust is often an indication of age, and an old roof may not be able to withstand extreme weather conditions. Therefore, it’s essential to have your roof inspected regularly.
Your Roof Is Beginning To Sag
A sagging roof may indicate structural damage underneath your roofing. This damage can be caused by water or other things like fallen trees, debris, or animals.
How Often Should You Replace Your Roof?
The answer to this question depends on a few factors, such as the type of roofing material you have and the climate where you live. Generally speaking, most roof replacements occur every 20-25 years. However, if you live in a harsh climate or your roof is made from a less durable material, you may need to replace it more often.
Other things increase the risk of damage to your roof that can cause you to replace it prematurely, like many trees near the home. For example, trees can fall and damage your roof’s structure, and they can also cause leaves and debris to pile up on your roof, which can cause the shingles to wear faster than usual.
Regularly inspecting your roof is an excellent way to catch any potential problems before they become too serious.
What Affects How Long a Roof Replacement Takes?
For the question “how long does it take to replace a roof,” many factors can affect the timeline. The most obvious factor is the size of the roof.
A smaller roof will take less time to replace than a larger roof. The roofing materials used also affects how long the job will take. Some roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles, are easier to install and will take less time than materials like slate tiles.
Another critical factor is the weather. If it is raining or snowing, the job will take longer since the workers will have to stop working every time it rains or snows. Therefore, reviewing the weather forecast is essential before scheduling a roof replacement.
The condition of the roof deck can also affect how long the job takes. If the deck is in bad condition, it may need to be replaced before you can install the new roof. Therefore, these factors must be considered when estimating how long a roof replacement will take.
The Roof Replacement Process: Step-By-Step
Replacing a roof is a significant investment. It’s important to know what to expect during the process, so there are no surprises.
- The first step is to inspect the existing roof. Have roofing contractors look for damage, leaks, and any other issues that you must address before the new roof is installed.
- Once the roof inspection is complete, the roofing contractors will give you an estimate for the replacement project. The estimate will review the repair’s basics and the design and material quotes for the replacement, which is an excellent opportunity to ask for recommendations on the best materials to use to ensure your replacement lasts.
- After the roof inspection and estimate are completed and you’ve set a date to begin the installation, the roofing team will come out and remove your old roof. Doing this can take a day or a few days, depending on the size of your existing roof and if there are any delays.
- The new roof will then be installed, which can be done in a day with a robust team, or it could take multiple days, according to the estimate. After installing the roof, cleanup will begin, and they will haul all debris away from the old roof and the new roof.
Get a Roofing Contractor for Your Roof Replacement Project?
It typically takes around two days to replace a roof. However, this may vary depending on the size and complexity of the roof. A roofing contractor will help you navigate your options and plan your installation. Find one in your area to get started.