A professional roof replacement is a labor-intensive project that typically lasts between one and five days. The length of the job depends on factors such as the roof type, the complexity of the roofing system, other structural considerations, and the weather. Any or all of these factors can affect a roof replacement job regardless of how simple or complex the job may seem.
To alleviate any poor expectations or frustration that you may have, it is best to discuss the project timeline with your roofing company in advance, so you know what to expect. In addition, you need to understand all the factors that can affect the replacement. Below, we look at the main factors involved in roof replacement in Florida and what you can expect with your upcoming roof project.
Size and Layout of Your Roof
Today’s homes have larger, more complex roofing systems. As a result, a roof installation can take longer to complete if you have a roof with an extended layout. For instance, a gable roof on a “box” home can be replaced within a day. However, a home that contains a cross-hipped or cross-gabled roof with valleys and dormers may take two or three days due to the complexity of the roof layout.
Some homes have multi-level roofs, while others have roofs that contain multiple components. If you add chimneys or skylights, it can also prolong the job. The more elements or aesthetic changes you add to the roof design, the longer it takes to complete the work according to the job specifications.
Florida Weather Conditions
The good news is that Florida has fairly mild winters. The average temperature from December through February is between 40 and 60 degrees. This means that a contractor can replace your roof during the winter. However, the temperature can still be a factor on days that stay below 40 degrees. Roofing work is not possible when it is this cold.
When hiring a roofing contractor in Florida in colder weather, you run the risk of materials becoming brittle and breaking, which may mean that your newly installed roof may not stand up to standard. Shingles can crack in extremely cold weather, leading to water damage. When contractors are working below 70 degrees, the adhesive may not reach the ideal elasticity and will not create a perfect seal. Temperatures warmer than 80 degrees can cause asphalt shingles to become pliable and vulnerable to damage during installation.
Springtime presents one major challenge. Rainfall is at its highest in the springtime, causing delays for roofing companies. When setting a deadline, you should always account for rainy days. Depending upon the circumstances and conditions, many contractors will not put their crew on a wet roof or risk the removal of a roof when there is a high chance of rain.
Roofing Material
The type of roofing material can determine how many days it takes to complete a roof replacement. On average, here is what you can expect:
Type of Roofing Materials Average Job Length in Days
Shingle Roof 1 to 3
Sheet Metal 3 to 5
Wood Shakes 5 to 10
Natural Slate 10 to 15
Tile Roof 10 to 15
Keep in mind that these are estimates. In addition to the time required based on the roofing material, there are other factors you need to consider when estimating the job timeline. For instance, the shingle design you want may affect how long it takes to replace your roof. Designs that are complex or intricate will require more time to install than a traditional horizontal formation.
There is something else to think about: roof contractors must factor in material availability. They may need to order materials or supplies if they are not available locally. This can delay your roof installation by a few days, depending on the availability of the supplies, their location, and how long it takes to ship them.
Structural Repairs
Replacing your roof may be as simple as pulling off the old shingles, installing underlayment, and putting down new shingles. However, not all roofing jobs are that simple. If you are replacing the roof on an older home, you may encounter some structural issues that you need to address before adding the new roof. Common structural repairs or related jobs include:
- Removing the old roofing material
- Replacing the supporting framework
- Replacing the decking
- Improving the roof ventilation
- Sealing openings to eliminate leaks
- Storm damage
- Replacing ridges and flashing
Problems can range from repairing minor wood rot to completely replacing the decking or making necessary repairs to the supporting framework. Structural repairs can delay a job by several hours or days, depending upon the extent of the damage.
Your Insurance Company
Few things can delay a roof replacement like an insurance company. If you file a claim after a hurricane or severe storm, the claims process can take several weeks before the contractor can come to your home to replace the roof. The process usually involves contacting the insurance company, filing the claim, scheduling a roof inspection, choosing a roofing contractor, waiting for approval from the insurance company, and, finally, starting the roof replacement.
If you want to expedite the process, hire a local roofing contractor in Florida that has experience replacing roofs damaged by severe weather. In most cases, a qualified contractor has experience dealing with insurance companies. They can help you through each step of the process.
Roof Replacement Contractor in Florida
Quality Roofing Solutions offers comprehensive roofing replacement for homeowners in Florida. To find out more about our roofing replacement solutions, call (850) 753-0041 or fill out the quick form on our contact page.
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