Guide · 2026
How long does it take to replace a roof?
How long does a roof replacement take?
1 to 3 days for the average house roof (Roofr), and 1 to 2 days for asphalt shingles. This Old House puts a 2,200 sq ft home at one to five days. Slate takes about 6 to 7 days and concrete tile 8 to 9.
By roofing material
| Material | Typical time on site | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt shingles | 1 to 2 days | Roofr |
| Average North American house roof | 1 to 3 days | Roofr |
| 2,200 sq ft home | 1 to 5 days | This Old House |
| Natural slate | about 6 to 7 days | Roofr |
| Concrete tile | 8 to 9 days | Roofr |
What a typical shingle job looks like
- Setup. Dumpster and materials delivered, landscaping and siding protected.
- Tear-off. Old shingles and underlayment removed down to the deck.
- Deck repair. Rotted sheets replaced; this is where surprises add time (decking cost).
- Dry-in. Drip edge, ice and water barrier where required, and underlayment.
- Roofing. Starter, shingles, flashing, vents and ridge cap.
- Clean-up and final inspection. Magnetic sweep for nails; a permit inspection where your town requires one.
What makes it take longer
- Weather. Roofing stops in rain. In cold weather Owens Corning calls for extra care at or below 40°F, and shingles may not seal until it warms up.
- Size, pitch and shape. A steep or cut-up roof is slower; see the pitch calculator.
- Rotten decking found after tear-off.
- Material. Tile and slate take several times longer than shingles.
- Permits and inspections, which vary by town.
Is there a best time of year?
No manufacturer names a best season. What they do say is that cold slows sealing: Owens Corning's shingles use a sun-activated sealant strip that may not bond until warmer weather, and its bulletin calls for extra care at or below 40°F. In practice that makes mild, dry weeks the easiest time to schedule. Price the job first: new roof cost.
Sources for the figures on this page
Replacement time
- Roofr blog, How long does it take to replace a roof, retrieved 2026-09-28:
The average North American house roof can be replaced in 1 - 3 days.
- Roofr blog, retrieved 2026-09-28:
This is the most common roofing material and only needs 1 to 2 days to be replaced.
- Roofr blog, retrieved 2026-09-28:
Concrete tile: Usually takes 8 to 9 days.
- Roofr blog, retrieved 2026-09-28:
Natural slate: A complete replacement takes about 6 to 7 days.
- This Old House, cost to replace a roof on a 2,200 sq ft house (page dated 2026-09-03), retrieved 2026-09-28:
A roof replacement for a 2,200-square-foot home typically takes one to five days to complete.
- This Old House (page dated 2026-09-03), retrieved 2026-09-28:
a simple asphalt shingle roof may take only one or two days, more complex slate or tile roofs can take up to a week.
Weather and temperature
- Owens Corning Technical Bulletin, Cold Weather Shingle Installation, Pub. No. 10022497-A (page dated 2026-04), retrieved 2026-09-28:
Extra care should be taken when handling and/or installing asphalt shingles when the air and surface temperatures are at or below 40°F (4°C).
- Owens Corning Technical Bulletin 10022497-A (page dated 2026-04), retrieved 2026-09-28:
Owens Corning shingles are manufactured with a factory-applied strip of thermally activated sealant. Direct exposure to the sun’s energy activates the sealant, allowing shingles to bond to the course below.
- Owens Corning Technical Bulletin 10022497-A (page dated 2026-04), retrieved 2026-09-28:
Shingles installed in cold weather may not immediately seal until warmer temperatures are present for the sealant to activate. Additionally, shingles installed in cold weather may take longer to lay flat.
- Roofr blog, retrieved 2026-09-28:
It is not possible to lay a roof in the rain.
Written by the Thomas Town Digital editorial team. We match homeowners with roofers; we do not roof.
Roof replacement time questions
How long does it take to replace a roof?
The average North American house roof can be replaced in 1 to 3 days (Roofr). This Old House puts a 2,200 sq ft home at one to five days.
How long does a shingle roof replacement take?
Asphalt shingles, the most common roofing material, need about 1 to 2 days to replace (Roofr).
How long does a tile or slate roof take?
Longer: Roofr gives about 6 to 7 days for a complete natural slate replacement and 8 to 9 days for concrete tile.
Can a roof be replaced in cold weather?
Yes, with care. Owens Corning says extra care is needed at or below 40°F, and that shingles installed in the cold may not seal until warmer temperatures activate the sealant strip.
Can a roof be replaced in the rain?
No. Roofr: it is not possible to lay a roof in the rain. Crews stop, cover the open deck and resume when it is dry.