How long it takes to replace a roof

How long to replace a roof: one to three days for most houses. IKO says tear-off can be done in a single day and the new roof installed in one or two more.

Ray's 2,000 sq ft asphalt reroof is booked for a Monday. He wants to know when to move the car and when the noise stops.

One to three days

A crew of four to six can strip and reroof a plain gable house in a day or two. Bigger, steeper or cut-up roofs take longer. Tile and slate take far longer than shingles.

Timing is from the IKO homeowner guide.

What makes it longer

• Rain or snow. IKO says crews stay off a wet roof, so bad weather pushes the job back.
• Rotten decking found at tear-off, which adds sheets and hours.
• Steep slopes, where OSHA fall protection is required above six feet.
• Skylights, chimneys and dormers that need new flashing.

Fall protection rules are on OSHA's site. Decking prices are on Angi's decking guide.

How long to replace a roof, day by day

1. Morning of day one: the crew lays tarps, sets a dumpster and starts tear-off.
2. Same day: they inspect the decking and replace bad sheets.
3. Underlayment, drip edge and flashing go down before night.
4. Day two: shingles go on, then ridge caps and vents.
5. Final day: magnetic sweep for nails, cleanup and a walk-through.

Living through it

Move cars out of the driveway the night before. Take pictures off walls on the top floor, since hammering shakes them. Cover things in the attic with old sheets.

IKO suggests keeping children and pets in a safe room inside, or away for the day. Walk the yard after the crew leaves; nails hide in grass.

Not booked yet? Price the job on the roofing calculator or check how long a roof lasts.