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Roof Replacement: Behind The Scenes Of Timeline & Cost

Roof Replacement: Behind The Scenes of Timeline & Cost

Having a solid, reliable roof over your head is always a top priority for any homeowner. The roof plays an important role in keeping the structural integrity of your property. But when issues such as leaks begin to show up, it is vital to seek the help of a professional roofing contractor in your locality. Depending on the age of your roof and the magnitude of damage, your roofer may recommend total roof replacement. Several circumstances could impact the average timeline of your roof replacement project as well as the cost.

How Often Roofs Need to Be Replaced

Many homeowners don’t often pay attention to their roof until it begins to leak. At this point, the water damage may have caused extensive water damage to your roof’s underlayment and the decking underneath. A bi-annual inspection can help catch small problems before leaks occur or a larger section of your roof fails. 

Your roof will need a full replacement at some point. In general, the recommended replacement schedule for roofs based on the material used include:

  • Composition Shingles – 12-20 years
  • Asphalt Shingles – 15-30 years
  • Wood Shakes or Shingles – 20-25 years
  • Rubber Roofs – 30-50 years
  • Metal Roofs – 50-75 years

However, these suggested time frames will significantly vary depending on the climatic conditions your roof is exposed to, the quality of the roofing material, as well as the care you give your roof. Severe storms can wear the materials more quickly. Poor maintenance can also affect how often you’ll have to replace your roof.

If you just replaced your current roof, you won’t need to replace it anytime soon. But if you aren’t the one who had the roof replaced, it may be hard to know the age of your roof. Talking with your roofer will help you discover if a replacement is necessary.

How the Cost of a Roof Replacement is Determined

The cost of roof replacement is dependent on the house, such as:

  • The square footage of your roof is very different from that of your home. A ranch-style house will have more roof square footage of roof than a two-story house.
  • How many stories you have will require greater safety measures, which take longer to put into action and slow down the installation slightly.
  • The pitch also affects the safety of the crew performing your roof replacement.
  • The complexity of the roof design, such as valleys or dormers, may call for extra materials. Additionally, if your home has skylights or chimneys, your roofer must work around them when installing the required flashing.
  • The number of layers needing to be removed factors into how much the job will cost.
  • The cost per square foot is dependant on the material chosen. For example, shingles have a relatively lower cost than tile or metal.
  • Removing and replacing some old decking is usually included in the cost of replacing roofs, but if all of your decking has deteriorated and needs replacement, you’ll pay more.

A reputable local roofer will be happy to answer any questions you have about your estimate and will not try to hide information from you.

How Long a Roof Replacement Takes

While most roofs are fully replaced within one working day, several factors could make your roof replacement go longer. They include:

  • The Scope of Work – The level of work required to fully replace a roof can affect how long the project lasts. Tearing a large roof will take longer than a small one, as will tearing off more than one layer of shingles. The need to replace damaged or rotten decking or insulation can add to the length of time. Sometimes, your roofer can discover hidden damages after the project is underway, which can delay the project further.
  • Project Details – More complex architectural designs will consume additional materials and labor. Each chimney, valley, skylight, or other penetration adds to the length it takes to replace your roof. 
  • Roofing Materials – Common roofing materials include asphalt shingles, tile, slate, metal, composite shingles, and wood shakes. Typically, replacing asphalt shingles is much quicker and easier other roofing material types. Some roofing materials may even need to be preordered from the manufacturer, which further increases the timeline.
  • Weather – Adverse weather conditions such as snow or sudden rainstorms can delay the whole process. If a storm hits while your roof is being replaced, your roofer will do everything they can to protect your home.

At O’LYN Roofing, we work with Massachusetts homeowners to strategically schedule roof replacement projects and minimize timelines and costs. Our roofing experts are always transparent about the pricing and timing and will let you know whenever unforeseen circumstances are likely to affect the price or timelines. Contact us today for a free estimate for your next roof replacement project.