How Long Does It Take To Replace A Michigan Roof

When it comes time to replace your Downriver roof, one of the most common questions people have is how long it will take? Having your roof replaced is a noisy process and Downriver homeowners want to get it done as soon as possible.

For residential Michigan homes, roof replacements might only take two days. The first day is used to remove the existing roof from your home.  The second day is used to install the roof. Depending on the size of your roof, a day or two longer may be necessary.

Your home’s roof is a critical piece of the entire structure. It helps protect your home’s interior, and once it is compromised, it can lead to moisture problems.  Therefore, ensuring your roof is in its best state is extremely important.

If you have an older home, you may notice that:

  • The roof is starting to sag. This could indicate that your home has more serious problems that go beyond the roofing. Typically, you could have some underlying issues with your home’s foundation.
  • Sunlight is coming through the attic. If light can get in, so can rain and snow Moisture problems could lead to more problems, like rot and mold growth.
  • The shingles are covered with moss growth.
  • You find granules in the gutter. Granules help keep the sun off the asphalt and once they start to fall off, your roofing quality begins to deteriorate quickly.
  • The shingles are cracked. You don’t need to panic if only a few shingles have cracked. However, if the problem is becoming more widespread, it may mean you need a new roof.
  • Entire shingles are missing. Replacing a few shingles here and there shouldn’t be a problem. However, you should start worrying when the roof begins to look like a checkerboard.
  • The shingles are curling. There are two ways in which shingles can curl: there is clawing and there is cupping. Clawing is when the edges of the shingles stay flat and the middle starts to come up. Cupping is when the edges turn upward. Both indicate weathering signs and signal that problems – potential leaks – are imminent.

If you notice one or more of these signs, it’s clear that your roof needs replacing. When it comes to this type of project and the disruptions it can cause, you want to know how long does it take to replace a roof?

For residential homes, roof replacements might only take two days. The first day is used to remove the existing roof from your home.  The second day is used to install the roof. Depending on the size of your roof, a day or two longer may be necessary. However, not ever roof replacement is this straightforward, and there are many factors that can impact the time it takes to complete your roofing project.

Type of Material

Roofing materials vary in type and style. Common roofing types include wood shakes, synthetic slate, flat roof, concrete tile, steel sheets, asphalt shingles, and natural slate. Since every installation is going to be different due to other factors like roof style, pitch, size, and weather, it difficult to give a definite time frame for each type of roof. Looking at different roofing materials, here is a ballpark based on average install times it would take during prime conditions with an average roof.

Type of roofing material and Average replacement (days)

  • Wood shakes  – 3 – 4
  • Synthetic Slate – 3 – 5
  • Flat roof -2 – 3
  • Concrete Tile -8 – 9
  • Steel sheets 3 – 4
  • Asphalt shingles -1 – 2
  • Natural Slate -6 – 7

For the estimation above, the crew size is five people and the area considered is 35-40 sq. ft. All other conditions, such as availability of materials, inspection time, weather, and so on have been favorably considered.

Size of Roof

The larger your home, the longer it takes to replace the roof and vice versa. For homes that are less than 1200 sq. ft., installation may only take a day. For bigger homes, expect the installation to take several more days.

Complexity of Roof Architecture

Downriver Roofs come in so many different shapes and sizes, which can increase the complexity to the installation. Shallow pitch roofs (the slope of the roof) make it easier for the crews to get around on, which speeds things up, whereas steep pitch roofs make movement very precarious, slowing things down dramatically. Along with the pitch, there is design. Some roofs are simple, like Open Gable or Hip Roofs, and can make for a quick installation. But then there are those wonderfully complex roofs with valleys and dormers all over, which can increase installation time.

Weather and Seasons

     No matter the roofing company you choose, we ALL serve one master… the weather. Keep in mind your roofer is just as frustrated with poor weather or rain as you are. We all just want to get the job done!

Seasons also play a big role in roofing. Summers can be brutally hot, which requires roofers to take frequent necessary breaks. Whereas the winter months can bring the roofing industry to a screeching halt.

So, how long does it take to replace a roof? Well, it is clear that the answer to this question is – it depends!  Several factors need to be accounted for, such as those mentioned. Once accounted for, you can be sure of a warm, cozy, and moisture-free home. A roof is more than just shingles, it’s an entire system of components working together with proper insulation and ventilation to protect both the interior and exterior of a home. At Allpoint, we are committed to providing you with a beautiful, long-lasting roof that protects your home for many years to come.