How Long Does a Roof Replacement Take?

Roof Replacement Timeline: How Long Each Step Really Takes?

Replacing your roof is a significant project, and one of the most common questions homeowners ask is, “How long will this take?” Whether you’re upgrading an aging roof, dealing with storm damage, or filing an insurance claim, knowing the expected timeline can help you plan ahead. At Gorilla Exterior Co., we’ve worked with countless homeowners to replace their roofs, both under normal circumstances and after storm damage, guiding them through the entire process.

In this blog, we’ll cover the general timeline of a roof replacement and provide a detailed section for homeowners replacing their roof after storm damage, including the insurance claim process. Let’s break it down.

1. Initial Consultation and Inspection (1–3 Days)

The first step in any roof replacement project is scheduling a consultation and inspection. A roofing professional will come to your home to assess the condition of your roof, identify any damage, and discuss your material and style options. If you’re replacing your roof due to storm damage, this step will also include documenting the damage for insurance purposes.

For storm damage cases, your contractor will conduct a detailed storm damage assessment, checking for issues such as missing shingles, leaks, hail damage, and any other structural concerns. This documentation will be crucial when submitting an insurance claim.

Timeline: Typically, 1–3 days depending on contractor availability and the extent of the damage inspection.

2. Choosing Materials and Scheduling (1–7 Days)

After the inspection, it’s time to choose the roofing materials. Whether you prefer asphalt shingles, metal roofing, or another material, this step is about balancing cost, durability, and aesthetics. If your roof replacement is covered by insurance, your contractor can help you choose materials that align with your claim and your home’s needs.

If your roof replacement is storm-related, you will also submit your damage report to your insurance company for review during this time.

Timeline: 1–7 days to select materials and get on the contractor’s schedule. For storm damage cases, the insurance company review can add up to 2 weeks to this step, depending on the complexity of the claim.

3. Permits and Approvals (1–5 Days)

Before work begins, permits may be required based on local regulations. Your contractor will typically handle the process of obtaining the necessary permits to ensure the roof replacement complies with building codes.

For storm damage cases, you will likely need approval from your insurance company before work can begin. After the initial damage inspection and submission of the claim, the insurance company will send an adjuster to your home to evaluate the damage and determine the coverage amount. This process can take 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the insurance provider’s schedule and responsiveness.

Timeline: Standard roof replacements may require 1–5 days to obtain permits. For storm damage and insurance cases, allow an additional 1–2 weeks for the insurance adjuster to approve the claim.

4. Roof Removal (1–2 Days)

Once the permits and insurance approvals are in place, the roof replacement process can officially begin. The first step is removing the old roof, which involves stripping away shingles or other materials and inspecting the roof deck underneath. This step is the same for both regular and storm-damage roof replacements.

If any structural issues are found during the tear-off, they will need to be addressed before moving forward.

Timeline: Typically, roof removal takes 1–2 days depending on the size and complexity of the roof.

5. Roof Deck Repair and Preparation (1 Day)

Once the old roofing material is removed, the crew will inspect the roof deck for signs of rot, water damage, or other structural issues. Any necessary repairs will be made to ensure the new roof has a solid foundation.

For storm-damage cases, roof deck damage is common, especially if water has leaked into the home. Addressing these issues is critical for both the longevity of the new roof and for insurance coverage compliance.

Timeline: This step is typically completed in 1 day unless significant repairs are needed, which could extend the timeline.

6. Installing the New Roof (1–3 Days)

With the roof deck prepared, the installation of the new roofing materials begins. Whether you’re installing asphalt shingles, metal roofing, or another material, this phase generally takes 1 to 3 days depending on the size of your roof and the materials selected.

For storm damage cases, the materials will be installed according to the terms of your insurance claim, ensuring that everything is in compliance with your policy.

Timeline: 1–3 days depending on the complexity of the roof and the material chosen.

7. Final Inspection and Clean-Up (1 Day)

Once the new roof is in place, the roofing crew will perform a final inspection to ensure the work is done correctly and all materials are installed properly. They’ll also clean up your property, removing old materials, nails, and debris.

For insurance claims related to storm damage, your contractor will document the completed work and submit it to your insurance provider to ensure everything aligns with the claim. This may include sending photos, invoices, and any additional paperwork to finalize the claim.

Timeline: 1 day for inspection and clean-up. For storm-damage replacements, the insurance finalization process can take an additional 1–2 weeks for claim processing and payment.

8. Final Walkthrough and Warranty Discussion (1 Day)

The final step is the walkthrough with your contractor. This is your opportunity to review the work, ask any remaining questions, and discuss warranties. Most roofing companies, including Gorilla Exterior Co., offer both material warranties and workmanship warranties to give you peace of mind.

For storm-damage replacements, your contractor will also review your insurance paperwork with you to ensure that all the documentation has been submitted and processed correctly.

Timeline: The walkthrough typically takes 1 day and is the final step before your roof replacement project is complete.

Storm Damage and Insurance Claim Timeline Overview

If you’re replacing your roof due to storm damage, the process generally takes longer due to the involvement of insurance claims and approvals. Here’s an overview of the added steps and timeframes:

Initial Damage Assessment & Inspection: 1–3 days (with a roofing contractor).
Insurance Claim Submission: 1–7 days (after the inspection).
Adjuster Visit & Insurance Approval: 1–2 weeks.
Roof Replacement Work: Typically the same time as non-claim projects—roughly 1–2 weeks depending on size and complexity.
Final Documentation & Claim Processing: 1–2 weeks after the work is completed for insurance payment.

Expect 1 to 2 Weeks for Standard Replacements, Longer for Storm Damage Claims

On average, a roof replacement project will take about 1 to 2 weeks from start to finish for standard cases. This timeline includes everything from the initial consultation to the final walkthrough. However, if you’re dealing with storm damage and filing an insurance claim, you should expect the process to take a bit longer, usually extending the total timeline by an additional 2 to 4 weeks due to the insurance approval and payment process.

At Gorilla Exterior Co., we aim to make the roof replacement process as smooth as possible, regardless of whether it’s a routine replacement or storm related. If you’re dealing with storm damage or have questions about insurance claims, we’re here to help guide you through every step of the process.