Replacing a roof is a major home improvement project, and homeowners naturally want to know how long it will take. Whether you’re dealing with storm damage or planning a full upgrade, the timeline can impact your schedule, budget, and peace of mind.
At Minnesota Exteriors, we’ve spent decades helping homeowners and multifamily properties throughout the Twin Cities navigate this process with confidence. With our experience in completing re-roofing projects with lasting results, we can help you understand what to expect.
- How Long Does it Take?
- Factors That Impact Re-Roofing
- Roof Replacement Timelines
- Roof Replacement FAQs
Get a personalized, free roofing estimate from MEI so you know exactly what to expect.
How Long Does Roof Replacement Take?
So, how long does it take to replace a roof? Most standard asphalt shingle roof replacements take 1-2 days. For small to medium-sized homes with good access and favorable weather conditions, a full roof tear-off and installation can often be completed in just one day.
However, more complex jobs may take 3 to 5 days to complete. This includes roofing projects with a large roof size, steep pitch, or roofs that are difficult to access, which can all extend the average roof replacement time.
What Affects How Long Roof Installation Takes?
Several factors can influence whether your roofing project moves quickly or requires additional time. Understanding these variables can help you better prepare for the process, plan around your roofing contractor’s schedule, and avoid surprises during installation. Here are the top factors that impact how long it takes to install a new roof:
- Roofing Materials
- Size of Your House
- Accessibility of Your Property
- Weather Conditions and Time of Year
- Steepness and Complexity
- Structural Damage
- Historical Significance
Type of Roofing Material
Your choice of roofing materials plays a significant role in how long your roof replacement will take. Asphalt shingles, the most common material, are relatively quick to install. However, materials like metal, wood shakes, or slate take longer due to more intricate installation methods. Additional components like flashing, drip edges, and underlayment also require extra care and time.
- Asphalt Shingles: 1–2 days (most common and fastest to install)
- Wood Shakes/Shingles: 2–4 days
- Metal Roofing: 2–5 days
- Clay or Concrete Tile: 4–8 days
- Slate Roofing: 6–10+ days (requires skilled labor and careful installation)
Size of Your House
The square footage of your home directly impacts how long it takes to replace the roof. Larger homes require more materials and labor, which naturally extends the timeline. Smaller, single-story homes can often be reroofed in a day, while larger or multi-story homes may take several days to complete.
General time estimates based on home size:
- Small homes (under 2,000 sq. ft.): 1–2 days
- Medium homes (2,000–3,000 sq. ft.): 2–3 days
- Large homes (3,000+ sq. ft.): 3–5 days
Accessibility of Your Property
How easily roofers can access your home significantly affects how long the roof replacement will take. If your home is surrounded by landscaping, fencing, or other structures that limit access to the roof, it may slow down the delivery of materials and debris removal.
Factors that can reduce accessibility and add time:
- Limited driveway or staging area
- Steep or obstructed yard terrain
- Fences, trees, or nearby buildings
- Tight lot lines or busy urban settings
Weather Conditions and Time of Year
Weather also plays a crucial role in how quickly a roof replacement can be completed. Ideal conditions, including clear skies and mild temperatures, help crews work efficiently. Extreme heat, high winds, storms, or freezing weather can delay or halt the project entirely. Spring through early fall is typically peak roofing season in Minnesota, offering the best conditions for fast, reliable work.
Steepness and Complexity of Roof
The pitch and design complexity of your roof play a significant role in how long the replacement process takes. Steeper roofs require more safety measures and slow down crew movement. Complex designs with multiple valleys, dormers, or skylights demand more precision and time.
Elements that increase installation time:
- Steep roof pitch
- Multiple roof sections or angles
- Skylights, chimneys, and other roof penetrations
- Decorative or architectural roofing features
Structural Damage
If your roofing contractor discovers structural damage beneath the old roof, like rotting decking, storm damage, termite damage, or compromised rafters, repairs will need to be made before the new roof can be installed. These unexpected issues can add hours or even days to the project timeline, depending on severity.
Historical Significance
Homes with historical designation or unique architectural details often require more time for roof replacement. Crews must follow preservation guidelines, use specialized materials, or replicate original designs, all of which extend the roofing timeline. Additional permits or inspections may also be needed.
Learn more about MEI’s roof installation process and what makes us different.
Average Roof Replacement Timeline
Replacing a roof is a multi-step process that begins well before installation day. Below is a high-level overview of what to expect during the roof replacement process, along with the typical duration of each phase.
- Getting an Estimate: Typically, it takes contractors like MEI 1-3 days after receiving your request to inspect your roof and provide a detailed, personalized quote.
- Scheduling a Roof Replacement: Appointments are usually scheduled several weeks in advance, especially during peak roofing season.
- Permitting (if needed): Permits can take anywhere from a few days up to two weeks to secure, which is common in Minnesota.
- Installation Day: Tearing off the old roof and installing the new one generally takes 1 to 2 days for most residential roofs. Find more details on the day-of installation timeline below.
1. Delivering Materials and Setting Up (A few hours)
Before installation begins, roofing companies deliver all necessary materials, including shingles, underlayment, and flashing, along with tools, dumpsters, and protective barriers. This step may be quicker on accessible properties, but can take longer if space is limited or delivery requires extra coordination.
2. Preparing and Protecting Your Property (1-2 hours)
Roofing crews cover landscaping, driveways, patios, and windows using tarps and plywood to protect against debris and damage to your property. Larger yards, tight spaces, or delicate landscaping can increase setup time, while smaller, open areas allow for quicker preparation.
3. Tearing Off Your Old Shingles (4-6 hours)
Once everything is set up, crews will remove all existing shingles, underlayment, and flashing down to the decking. The time required may increase for roofs with multiple layers, steep pitches, or hard-to-reach areas. Simple, single-layer roofs with good access are typically faster to tear off.
4. Inspecting and Replacing Your Roof Decking (1 hour to several hours)
After the tear-off, the crew inspects the roof decking for signs of rot, mold, or structural damage. Minor roof repairs might take an hour, while significant issues can add several hours or even a day to the project timeline. For lasting results, it’s essential for roofing professionals to dedicate time to quality work in this step.
5. Installing Shingles and Other Roofing Materials (1-2 days)
Installation includes placing the underlayment, drip edge, ice/water shield, flashing, shingles, roof vents, and ridge caps. How long it takes to install a new roof depends on various factors, but most are completed in a day. Large homes, steep slopes, or poor weather can extend the timeline to two days or more.
6. Cleanup, Final Inspection, and Walkthrough (1-2 hours)
After installation, the crew thoroughly cleans the job site, removing debris, sweeping for nails, and ensuring your property looks as good as before. Once everything is done, contractors will complete a final inspection and walkthrough with the homeowner to ensure satisfaction. This step typically takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on roof size and cleanup complexity.
How Soon Can MEI Get Started on Your Roof?
Minnesota Exteriors is ready to help you take the next step toward a new roof quickly and professionally. While timelines can vary, our team works efficiently to provide estimates, schedule work, and complete installations with minimal disruption. Ready to get started? Request your free roof estimate today or learn more about our roofing services in the Twin Cities area. Whether you need a complete replacement or expert advice, MEI is here to guide you every step of the way.
FAQs About How Long It Takes to Roof a House
Can a Roof Be Replaced In One Day?
Yes, a roof can be replaced in one day for most single-family homes with asphalt shingles, especially if weather and accessibility are ideal. Although an inspection will need to be done ahead of time.
How Long Does It Take To Shingle A Roof?
Shingling a roof typically takes 4-8 hours, depending on the roof’s size, pitch, and complexity. The process is often completed the same day as the tear-off.
When Does a Roof Need To Be Replaced?
It’s crucial to know how long before a roof needs to be replaced. In general, roofs over 20 years old, those with visible leaks, or curling shingles may signal it’s time for a replacement. Learn the signs you need a new roof to know when it’s time.