Typical time on the roof
| Roof type | Typical home |
|---|---|
| Shingle tear-off and replace | about 1–3 days |
| Flat roof recoat | about 1–2 days, plus cure time |
| New foam or TPO flat roof | about 2–5 days |
| Standing-seam metal | about 3–7 days |
| Tile lift and relay | about 4–8 days |
Bigger, steeper or more complicated roofs take longer. So do extra layers and rotten decking found during tear-off.
Before work starts
From signed estimate to start date is often one to a few weeks, depending on season, materials and permits. Metal panels and some tile can take longer to order.
What a shingle replacement looks like
- Prep. Tarps over plants and the yard, a dumpster in the driveway.
- Tear-off. Old shingles and underlayment come off down to the deck.
- Deck check. Soft or rotten boards are replaced.
- Dry-in. Ice and water barrier, synthetic underlayment, drip edge.
- Shingles and flashing. New shingles, vents, pipe boots and ridge cap.
- Cleanup. Magnetic sweep for nails and a final walk-around.
Weather
Crews avoid opening a roof when storms are likely. During monsoon season, afternoon storms can shorten work days, and flat roof coatings need dry weather to cure.
Getting ready
- Move cars out of the garage and driveway.
- Take pictures off walls that share the roof framing — hammering vibrates them.
- Cover items in the attic or garage from dust.
- Keep kids and pets away from the work area.
- You can stay home; it's noisy, but most people do.
Call (505) 448-8495 for a free estimate and a realistic start date.
Roofing questions
Do I need to be home during the roof replacement?
No, but be reachable in case the crew finds something like rotten decking that needs your OK.
What if it rains in the middle of the job?
Crews only open what they can dry-in the same day, and tarp anything left open.
How long before I can tell if the new roof is good?
Check the attic and ceilings after the first good storm, and call if you see anything.