How Long Will My Roofing Project Take to Complete?

At Holladay Grace, one of the more common questions that we get from customers is, “How long will my roofing project take to complete?” While a definite answer that covers all projects cannot be given for certain, typical homes take between one and two days. While this is normally the case, there are various factors that can change the overall timeline of your roofing project. In this article, we’ll be diving into some of the factors that can change the timeline of your roof project.

Factors That Affect the Timeline of Your Roofing Project

Roof Size and Complexity

The largest factor that affects the timeline of your roofing project is the size and complexity of your roof. Smaller and less complex roofs typically take less time to complete. For example, a single story home with a simple roof that has only two shallow slopes may take an experienced crew less than a day to fully tear off your old roof and install your new one. Conversely, a larger home with a more complex and cut up roof is going to take longer to complete, regardless of how experienced the assigned crew is.

High, steep, cut up roof with poor access

Homes with a more cut up and complex style roof are going to take longer because of the nonuniform nature of each slope. With more complex roofs, each step of the roofing process takes longer and ultimately requires more material.

Small, simple roof with good access

Weather

Weather, especially in Colorado, is a large factor that determines how long your roofing project is going to take. To properly install most roofing materials, temperatures and moisture levels need to be just right. For asphalt shingles, most manufacturers recommend that the temperature be at minimum 40 degrees and rising.

Rainy or windy conditions can slow down the work or even halt it altogether. Roof work should not be attempted during heavy rain or high winds for safety reasons. Additionally, roofing systems should not be installed during or just after rain because there is a chance that water can get trapped in the roof decking or even the attic of your home and cause damage later down the line.

Materials

The type of material you choose will play a part in impacting the timeline of your roofing project. Certain materials, such as metal or tile, may take longer to install than traditional asphalt shingles. Additionally, if you choose a material that is not readily available, it will take longer to complete the project. Most roofs in the Colorado Springs and Front Range areas are standard dimensional asphalt shingles. Barring any unforeseen complications with the roof or components on the roof, asphalt shingles are one of the most simple systems to install and can typically be fully installed in one day.

Underlayment and Leak Barrier Materials

New shingles roof loaded ready to be installed

Other systems are not as simple and quick to install. For example, tile and stone-coated steel roofing systems require a more in-depth installation process. Batten system stone-coated steel and tile roofs require a mid-roof inspection in addition to the final inspection.

Roof ready for mid-roof inspection

Contractor Availability

The availability of the roofing contractor can also play a role in how long the project takes. Some contractors may have a backlog of projects, which can delay the start of your roofing project. Most roofing projects tend to be completed between mid to late spring and early fall, depending on the weather in your area. Knowing this, it is important to schedule your roofing project in advance with your chosen contractor. It's also important to choose a reputable roofing contractor who can provide an accurate timeline and communicate with you throughout the project.

Crew Size

Crew size is a factor that impacts the time it takes to complete your roofing project. Larger crews can complete the work on your project faster than a smaller crew can. Larger crews typically bring more tools and equipment with them, so they are usually better equipped to complete larger and more complex projects in a more timely manner.

Tear off crew of five        

Permitting

If permits are required for your roofing project, the time it takes to obtain them can impact the overall timeline. Permitting requirements vary by location, so it's important to check with your local building department to determine what permits are required for your project. As part of the permitting process, your roof may require a mid-roof inspection depending on the roofing material that you have chosen. This will add time to the overall project.

What Next?

Armed with the knowledge of factors that can affect the time it takes for your roofing project to be completed, you’ll have a better idea of what goes into your contractor’s time estimate for completion of your project.

Since 1979, Holladay Grace has handled every project as if it were our own home. If you’re local to the Colorado Springs community, we would be pleased to help you with all of your roofing needs.