Roof Replacement Timeline & Process

From signing a contract to final cleanup, expect 3-6 weeks total. The actual roof installation only takes 1-4 days for most homes, but scheduling, permitting, and material delivery eat up the bulk of the timeline. Don't book your replacement the week before listing your house—give it 6-8 weeks minimum.

Weather, hidden damage, and material availability can extend this by 1-2 weeks. For cost planning during this timeline, see our Cost Guide.

Here's what happens each day of actual roof work. Most single-story asphalt jobs finish in one day; two-story homes or premium materials take 2-4 days.

Day 1: Tear-Off & Deck Inspection

Crew arrives 7-8am with dumpster and equipment. Tear-off starts immediately—old shingles, underlayment, and flashing come off. This is loud—constant hammering, scraping, and materials sliding down into dumpster. Expect vibration throughout the house (pictures fall, ceiling fans shake).

Once deck is exposed, contractor inspects for rot, weak spots, and ventilation issues. If they find damage, they'll photograph it, explain why it needs repair, and get your approval for additional cost. This is why tear-off beats overlay—you discover problems before they cause interior damage.

By end of day: old roof is off, debris is hauled away, tarp covers exposed deck if work stops. Small homes finish tear-off by noon. Large/complex homes might take full day just for tear-off.

Day 2: Deck Repair, Underlayment, Start Install

If deck rot was found, lumber arrives and crew replaces damaged sheets. This adds 2-4 hours. Once deck is solid, underlayment goes down—synthetic felt or ice/water shield in valleys/eaves. This is your last line of defense if shingles fail.

Drip edge, starter strips, and valley flashing get installed next. Then shingle installation starts from bottom up. Nail guns run constantly—100-200 nails per hour. Crew moves methodically, ensuring proper overlap and alignment.

By end of day: underlayment is complete, shingles are 30-70% installed depending on roof size. Crew tarps any unfinished sections overnight.

Day 3: Finish Install & Cleanup

Remaining shingles go up. Ridge cap (top of roof) gets special attention—it's the most visible and leak-prone area. Chimney flashing, pipe boots, and vent covers get sealed with proper flashing and caulk.

Once install is done, cleanup starts. Crew uses magnetic rollers to pick up nails (critical—loose nails puncture tires). Dumpster hauls away all debris. Final walkthrough with homeowner to inspect work and answer questions.

By end of day: roof is complete, property is cleaned, invoice is due. Contractor schedules final inspection with building department (1-3 days out).

Metal & Tile Timelines

Metal roofs: Take 2-4 days even on small homes. Panels require precise measurement and cutting. Standing seam requires special seaming tools. Expect one full day for underlayment/prep, 1-3 days for panel install.

Tile roofs: Take 3-5 days. Tiles are heavy and fragile—crew moves slower to avoid breakage. Battens (wood strips) must be installed for tile attachment. Expect 1 day tear-off, 1 day deck/underlayment, 2-3 days tile install. Learn more about material differences.

Weather is the #1 reason projects stretch beyond estimated completion. Here's what stops work and how to plan around it.

Weather Delays

Rain, high winds (15+ mph), extreme heat (105°F+), extreme cold (below 40°F for asphalt), snow, or ice all stop work immediately. Asphalt shingles won't seal in cold; adhesive doesn't activate. Rain on exposed deck traps moisture under new roof. Contractors won't risk it.

Planning tip: Book 2-4 weeks out and expect 3-7 days of potential weather delays. Summer afternoon storms in Southeast add 2-3 days routinely. Winter scheduling in Northern states is risky—spring/fall are ideal.

Hidden Damage

10-15% of tear-offs reveal deck rot, fascia damage, or inadequate ventilation. Work stops while contractor sources materials (1-3 days for lumber delivery) and gets your approval for additional cost. This isn't a scam—rot is invisible until shingles come off.

Planning tip: Budget 10-15% contingency for hidden issues. If your roof leaked previously, expect rot. Older homes (30+ years) often need fascia replacement.

Material Delays

Standard asphalt shingles ship within days. Specialty colors, metal panels, or tile can take 2-4 weeks. Supply chain disruptions (COVID, storms, manufacturing issues) extend this unpredictably. Contractors order early, but delays happen.

Planning tip: Ask about material lead time when signing contract. Popular colors ship faster than custom orders. If timeline is critical, choose in-stock materials. Check cost differences for rush orders.

Permit Processing

Busy jurisdictions take 2-4 weeks to issue permits. Small towns might approve in 3-5 days. Hurricane-affected areas see 4-6 week backlogs. Contractor handles filing, but they can't control processing time.

Planning tip: Ask contractor's typical permit timeline in your area. Rush permits cost $100-$300 extra but cut wait to 1 week in some jurisdictions.

Your contractor focuses on the roof—you handle the home and yard. Here's what to do before crew arrives.

Outside Prep

• Move vehicles: Park on street or neighbor's driveway. Dumpster and material trucks will likely need driveway access. Additionally, falling debris can dent cars.
• Clear 15-foot perimeter: Move patio furniture, grills, plants, decorations, toys. Debris falls despite tarps.
• Trim tree branches: Any branches within 10 feet of roof should be trimmed back. Prevents scratching new materials.
• Cover pool/hot tub: Nail guns throw metal shards. Cover water features with tarps.
• Protect AC unit: Cover condenser with plywood or tarp to prevent debris entry.
• Secure outdoor items: Wind from material delivery can blow over lightweight items. Move or secure them.

Inside Prep

• Remove wall hangings: Vibration can shake pictures, mirrors, and décor off walls. Take down or secure anything fragile..
• Secure ceiling fans: Vibration can loosen mounting hardware. Tighten screws before work starts.
• Cover attic items: Dust and particles infiltrate attic spaces despite precautions. Cover stored items with tarps.
• Plan for pets: Noise can cause stress in animals. If possible board pets or have them stay elsewhere during install days.
• Notify neighbors: Noise starts at 7-8am and runs until 5pm. Give neighbors a heads-up if possible.

Most homeowners stay home day one to answer questions, then leave for subsequent days. You don't need to be present, but someone should be reachable. For emergency situations, see our Emergency Repair Guide.