Your roof is arguably the most important part of your home. It protects you from harsh weather, extreme temperatures, and keeps your house safe and try. However, it isn’t infallible. Even the best-laid roof will break down eventually and will need to be replaced. When that time comes, you’ll likely be curious about the process and how long it will take. Fortunately, the roofing professionals at Shanco Roofing Company can help! From free estimates to expert advice, learn all about how Shanco Roofing Co. can replace your roof below!

How do I know I need a new roof?

While the average lifespan of an asphalt shingle roof is typically between 20-30 years, there are several indicators that your roof is nearing the end of its life, and needs to be replaced.

Your roof is beginning to sag

Any time you can see visible sagging, it’s critical to contact a roofing specialist right away. Sagging or sunken areas can be indicative of severe structural damage and needs to be fixed before it gets even worse. 

You can see the sun through your roof

Any time you can see through your roof, it’s time to get it repaired. If sunlight can get through, so can moisture, leading to even bigger problems.

There are shingle granules in your gutter

If your shingles are shedding granules, you may have less time with your current roof than you think. Granules primarily help protect your shingles from UV rays that can damage the asphalt. When you start to discover loose granules in your gutters or rain barrel, it’s time to get your roof replaced.

Your shingles are cracked, damaged, or missing

Shingles crack when they’re exposed to the sun after their granules have been stripped away. A few cracked shingles can be replaced, but when a vast majority of your shingles are damaged, it may be time for a new roof. Similarly, a few missing shingles can be replaced, however, if you see that your roof is missing a large number of shingles, it may have been compromised. 

How long does it take to replace a roof?

There are several factors that determine exactly how long a roof will take to replace, but the entire process can range from a single day to several weeks. While the most common roofing material, asphalt shingles, can be completely replaced in 1-2 days, there are a variety of factors that will affect that estimate:

The weather

The weather is going to be one of the biggest factors that will determine how long it takes for your roof to be replaced. From stormy summers to cold winters, extreme weather can hinder even the most dedicated roofing crew. 

Roofing design and materials

Roofs come in a variety of materials and designs, and each will affect the time it takes to replace. Asphalt shingles are by far the most common and can be replaced in a day or two. Uncommon materials such as wood or slate tiles may take up to a week, or more. Additionally, if your home has significant angles, particularly steep areas, or difficult to reach areas, it may take longer. 

The size of your home

Obviously, the size of your home will play a huge role in how long it takes to replace your roof. 

The average estimate of 1-2 days for an asphalt shingle roof replacement factor in a 3,000 square foot home– anything significantly larger or smaller will affect that timeline. 

Additional damage

While a roof replacement can be a fairly straightforward process, it’s made infinitely more complicated when there is additional damage. A compromised roof can allow moisture and mildew underneath the shingles, which can damage the structure of the roof. If there is internal damage, additional repairs can extend the duration of the project. 

Shanco Roofing Repair and Replacement Services

If you’re considering replacing your roof, the first step is scheduling a free roof inspection from the experts at Shanco. We have been providing expert roofing repair and replacement services to Maryland, Washington, DC, & Virginia for over 20 years, and can help you understand what to expect when deciding to replace your roof. We work with you to understand the different factors affecting your roofing project and get it done right. Contact us today to learn more!