If you are looking to have a new roof installed, one of the questions you may have is how long a roof replacement takes. Unfortunately, there is no set answer. The amount of time it can take to replace one roof can differ vastly from the amount of time it may take to replace a different roof. This is because there are many factors that come into play. Here are a few of the factors that play a role in how long roof replacement takes. 

The Size and Shape of Your Roof

One of the factors that plays a direct role in how long a roof replacement will take is the size and shape of your roof. Flat roofs and gable roofs tend to be the fastest types of roofs to install. Roofs with more detail, such as a gambrel roof or dormer roof, tend to take longer. Additionally, the square footage of the roof matters. The more space a roofer has to cover, the longer it will likely take them. 

If Your Internal Roofing Layers Are Damaged

Another factor that affects roof replacement time is whether the internal roofing layers are damaged. Typically, the exterior roofing layer is removed or covered when replacing a roof. However, if your internal layers are damaged, a roofer may have to strip the roof down to the trusses. New decking or sheathing may need to be installed, which can take a lot of time and increase the price of the project. 

Tear-Off Versus Overlay

When you are having roof replacement done, the existing roofing materials either need to be torn off or a new layer of roofing can be installed over the existing layer, also known as an overlay. Overlay projects are faster, as you are not removing the existing layer. Tear-off projects tend to take longer than overlay projects. 

The Roofing Materials Being Installed

Finally, the roofing material you select for a roof replacement affects how long it takes to install a new roof. Membranes or large metal panels take less time to install compared to shingles or shakes. Every shingle or shake is placed by hand, which takes a lot more time than it takes to roll out a membrane sheet or lay a large panel, which causes the roof replacement to take more time. 

Some roof replacements can be completed in as little as a day, while others may take several days to complete. The size and shape of your roof, how damaged your roof is, if your roof is a tear-off or overlay job, and the type of roofing materials that are being installed all play a role in how long it will take to replace your roof. Reach out to a roofing company to learn more about roof replacements.