How Long Does It Take to Replace a Roof?

How long does a roof replacement take?

Most of the asphalt shingle roofs we replace are finished in one day. The wait before that day is longer: a job typically starts about two weeks after you sign.

On Runnymeade Way in Xenia, in May 2026, we replaced a wind-damaged roof in one day after the insurance company covered the claim.

What happens during a roof tear off and replacement?

Here's what gets done between the first old shingle coming off and the last new one going on.

1. 1

   Tear-off.

   Every replacement is a full tear-off, down to the deck.

2. 2

   Deck check.

   We walk the bare deck and photograph it. Soft or delaminated decking is replaced with 7/16 inch OSB.

3. 3

   Gutter apron.

   Edge metal along the eaves, where the gutters hang, goes on first.

4. 4

   Ice and water shield.

   Two rows at the eaves, one row in every valley, along every roof-to-wall transition and around everything that comes through the roof.

5. 5

   Underlayment.

   Two layers of synthetic underlayment, overlapped 24 inches.

6. 6

   Drip edge.

   Edge metal along the rakes, the sloped edges at the gable ends, goes on over the underlayment.

7. 7

   Shingles.

   Owens Corning starter strip, Duration shingles, then hip and ridge caps.

The layers of a roof explains what each of those is there to do.

Can I stay home while the roof is replaced?

Yes, and the crew never needs to come inside. Here is the day hour by hour and how to get your house ready: what to expect on roof replacement day.

What can add time?

The same things that change the price change the clock: pitch, the number of old layers to tear off, decking repairs and access.

Rain moves the date. We roof in winter only when it can't wait. A detached garage can usually be roofed on the same visit.

How long does it take when insurance is paying?

The roof takes the same day. The claim ahead of it is the long part. A claim can take anywhere from two weeks to six months, depending on the insurance company. Once the claim is approved and funded, the project goes on our schedule and usually starts a week or two after that. How we help with a roof insurance claim lays out each step.

For a price range on your own roof, enter your address on our roof replacement page. For an exact price, book a free roof inspection.

Jobs behind this article

Next step: what to expect on roof replacement day, and whether to stay home.