The steps
- Measure and quote. The contractor looks at the roof, counts layers and checks the deck where it can be seen.
- Contract. Read the cancellation notice: Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Connecticut give you three business days to cancel a home improvement contract (the estimate and the contract).
- Permit. Where one is needed, the contractor or owner applies. Providence says a reroof permit "can often be applied for and issued within 5 business days." Philadelphia's EZ permits need no plans. A detached one- or two-family house in New Jersey needs none for a new covering.
- Materials are ordered and delivered, with a dumpster.
- Tear-off down to the deck where required or chosen.
- Deck work: damaged sheets replaced; in Florida, re-nailing on older houses.
- Underlayment, ice barrier and flashing.
- The covering.
- Cleanup and inspection, where the town inspects.
What adds days
- Two or more layers to remove.
- Deck damage found once the roof is open.
- A steep or high roof, many valleys and dormers.
- Slate or tile, which go on piece by piece.
- Weather. Ask how much of the roof will be open at a time, and how it is covered overnight.
- Historic-district review before the permit.
- Florida: product approvals, and in Broward the owner's notification you initial before work starts.
Ask the contractor for a start date and a working-day estimate in writing; the contract should carry both.
Winter
Roofs are replaced year-round in the Northeast. Shingle and membrane manufacturers put application temperatures in their installation instructions, and the code requires roof coverings to follow those instructions. Ask the contractor what the instructions for your product say about cold weather, and how they will be met.
In Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island the ice barrier is required whatever the season; a winter job is no reason to leave it out.
Planning around the season
In Google search interest, roof replacement in Pennsylvania bottoms out in November and December and peaks in April. Getting quotes before the spring peak gives more time to compare them.
Questions
How long does it take to replace a roof?
The job runs through measuring and quoting, the contract, the permit, materials delivery, tear-off, deck work, underlayment and flashing, the new covering, then cleanup and inspection. Ask the contractor for a start date and a working-day estimate in writing, and make sure the contract carries both.
What can delay a roof replacement?
Two or more layers to remove, deck damage found once the roof is open, a steep or high roof with many valleys and dormers, slate or tile laid piece by piece, weather, and historic-district review before the permit. In Florida, product approvals and, in Broward, the owner’s notification also come before work starts.
Can a roof be replaced in winter?
Yes, roofs are replaced year-round in the Northeast. Manufacturers put application temperatures in their installation instructions and the code requires coverings to follow them, so ask how your product’s cold-weather instructions will be met. In Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island the ice barrier is required in every season.
When is the slow season for roof replacement?
In Google search interest, roof replacement in Pennsylvania bottoms out in November and December and peaks in April. Getting quotes before the spring peak leaves more time to compare them.