How Long Does It Take To Replace A Shingle Roof? (Timeline)

Replacing an entire shingle roof is a moderate job that will take some time. However, the completion time will differ depending on several external factors. 

The average roof replacement time should take between two or three days for a shingle roof on your home between 1,500 and 2,500 square feet. 

Factors That Can Extend or Reduce the Average Roof Replacement Time

Knowing how long it will take to finish a shingle roof will help you plan for this event. Even though two or three days may not seem like a lot of time, it can be highly disruptive to some families with young children and pets. 

Occasionally, homeowners will prefer to leave the house during this construction, while others will remain in the structure during the work. Therefore, knowing how to reduce the duration of this job can make it easier to work around if you have to remain at home. 

Some factors that will contribute to the total timeline for a roof replacement include: 

• Who is completing the work
• Roof accessibility 
• Any potential repairs 
• The replacement process 
• The season and weather conditions 
• How large and complex the roofing system is 
• Your location 

Who Is Completing the Work

Because a roof replacement can be costly, some homeowners may opt to tackle this task themselves. However, only a few individuals have the knowledge or equipment to complete a shingle roof replacement. 

Even so, if you are attempting this job as a weekend project, DIYers may need an extra day or so to complete the job. 

A professional roofing contractor has the most up-to-date tools and methods for this task. In addition, they will often bring two or three workers with them to help speed up the process. Although you will pay more to have an expert do the job, it will be faster than doing it yourself. 

Consequently, the more people working on your roof, the quicker it will be, but it will cost more labor fees. 

Roof Accessibility 

Having proper access to the roof can affect how easily you or a contractor can get up and down to replace shingles. If there isn’t ample space for this task, it will take more time for workers to reach the roof to remove materials and bring new shingles up for installation. 

In addition, if your yard does not accommodate a large waste bin for old materials, a roofing contractor may need to use a smaller one to fit in your space. Depending on your roof’s size, these smaller models could require multiple disposals, adding more time to this job.

Any Potential Repairs 

There can be situations when you start a shingle replacement and unknown problems arise. Once old shingles come off, surprise repairs may be necessary. Some subtle signs of underlying issues include: 

• Stains on the roof, indicating a water leak
• Mold or mildew growth, pointing to excess moisture and improper ventilation
• Cracked or broken flashing, drip edges, or vents that require replacements 

Anytime the roofing system needs additional repairs, it will add more time to the project’s estimated completion. Unfortunately, some of these issues may not be visible or known until you remove the shingles for replacement. 

The Replacement Process

Although a typical shingle roof replacement requires contractors to remove the old materials and install new shingles, some situations can use a more straightforward installation process. 

If the roof has no underlying issues, adding a second layer of shingles to an existing roofing system can make this job much quicker. However, skipping removing old materials is not the standard method and is only suitable in particular circumstances. 

If you have questions about the potential for reroofing without stripping your current roof materials, it’s best to consult a professional contractor for advice.   

The Season and Weather Conditions

The time of year you replace your shingle roof can alter how long this project takes to finish. The fall season is the ideal time to install a new roofing system, but even so, there can be days of rain or high winds, deferring the task a day or two more. 

Homeowners who replace a shingle roof in the winter or spring months may face interruptions from snow, rain, hail, or cold temperatures. Alternatively, extremely hot days in the summer can also interfere with completing a roofing job because of the extreme working conditions. 

How Large and Complex the Roofing System Is

The average roof replacement for a standard dwelling is between 1,500 and 2,500 square feet. However, the timeline will be longer if you have an extremely large home or the roofing structure includes a steep pitch and complex elements with various valleys, dips, and angles. 

These intricate elements require a roofing contractor to take more time to remove old shingles and install new ones. In addition, roof systems with steep pitches or complex areas need additional safety measures to keep contractors safe while completing the job, which extends the average timeline. 

Your Location 

Where your home is can impact how quickly your shingle roof replacement will be. 

For example, homeowners in major centers will have ample access to several professional contractors and manufacturers for associated supplies. In contrast, a home in a small community or a hard-to-reach region could take longer to replace shingles.  

There may be delays in obtaining the correct supplies or excessive travel time for roofing contractors to reach the house, extending the completion timeline. 

Wrapping Up 

A standard shingle roof between 1,500 and 2,500 square feet that doesn’t include many complex features should have an average roof replacement time of two or three days to complete. 

However, if you want to do the job yourself, your home is larger, more involved, hard to access, or needs repairs before adding new shingles, you could be looking at a longer roofing job. It’s important not to rush a roof replacement, though. Careful examination after removing old material can ensure there are no other problems with your roofing system.