Have you recently looked at your roof and noticed bubbling shingles, missing cedar shakes, or other damage to the material? Or maybe there’s interior damage caused by a leaky roof and it’s just time to start thinking about a new roof. You might be thinking of doing the work yourself or hiring a quality roofing contractor. But how long does a roof tear-off take?
How long does a roof tear-off take?
It’s an important question, especially with the rainy Fall season fast approaching in the Vancouver, WA, area. You don’t want the existing underlayment or decking to be left out in the elements for too long during the tear-off process. With enough planning, however, you shouldn’t need much more than a day or two to perform a roof tear-off.
But there are some elements you’ll need to consider. The answer to this question really depends on the size and pitch of your roof. A typical tear-off on a standard-sized, one-story home with an asphalt shingle roof can take anywhere from 4-6 hours (including debris removal). But if you have a larger home or a higher-pitched roof, it could take up to 8 hours or more.
You’ll also need to think about the time it takes to replace the roofing material you’re removing. As a homeowner, you may be able to tackle the job of a roof tear-off and replacement on a 900-square-foot bungalow with composite shingles and a standard gable or hip roof. Anything bigger or more complex may need the roofing tear-off services of a professional roofing company.
What to Think About for a Roof Tear-Off
There are also a few other factors that can affect the length of time it takes to complete a roof tear-off and replacement:
- The type of roofing material being removed (shingles, metal, tile, etc.)
- The condition of the existing roof
- Whether there is any structural damage that needs to be repaired
- The number of workers on the job
Roofing Material
Removing a layer of shingles made of asphalt will go much faster than, say, cedar shakes or clay tiles. When taking off a layer of roofing, make sure you research the process for the different roofing materials you’ll be working with. Think about the clean-up aspects, too, and how you’ll remove the debris (clay tiles and slate shingles are pretty heavy).
Roof Condition
If the roof decking is in good condition, and the slope isn’t too steep, it’s a faster job. If the decking is in terrible condition, preparation is much more involved. You’ll need to replace the decking, underlayment, flashing, and so forth.
Structural Damage
If you need to replace any of the roofing structures, that will take even more time when it’s time for the roof replacement. You must make sure the joists, beams, and other aspects will meet code during a roof inspection. Placing high-quality roofing materials on top of a poor structure is a waste of time and money.
Helping Hands
A roof tear-off and replacement is a big job even on the smallest of homes. As a homeowner working alone, timelines can be extended. The more people you have helping, the faster it will go. As always, make sure everyone understands the job and follows safety precautions.
Contact Warner Roofing for Roofing Tear Off Services
If you’re thinking about doing a roof tear-off and roof install yourself, it’s important to think about the time it will take to complete the job. You’ll also need to have the right tools and equipment for the job. And most importantly, you need to be aware of safety hazards associated with working on a roof.
If you don’t feel comfortable taking on such a big project, it’s always best to hire a professional roofing contractor like Warner Roofing and Construction. We have the experience and expertise to get the job done quickly and safely and offer free estimates. We’ll inspect the roof system as a whole, perform needed roof repairs, and protect your home in all seasons.
