Tag Archive for: roofing

How Long Does It Take To Replace A Roof

Having to replace a roof is never a fun task. Not only can it be costly, but it can be time-consuming and stressful. Do you just replace the shingles or do you go for something more trendy? This is just one of many decisions a homeowner must face when replacing their roof. Curb appeal is important in the neighborhood, in case you look to sell your home one day. How long does it take to replace a roof? Roof replacement depends on the type of roof and the damage to your current roof.

Let’s take a look below at some of the details involved with how long it takes to replace a roof.

How Long Does It Take

The time it takes to replace a roof varies based on the size, shape, damage of the roof, and the roofing crew. In some cases, you might need an entire roof reconstruction and this could take a couple of days. The roofing contractor that you hire will be able to give you the best timeline for the completion of roof replacement. Keep in mind that most licensed roofing contractors have multiple projects going on at the same time.

So, it is highly likely that you will see a team for demolition day, and then they might not return for a day or two. The standard timeframe is a single day to remove the old materials such as shingles and sheathing. Then you might need another day to install the new materials. This timeframe varies based on the damage to the roof and size of the roof.

Pitch of the roof can affect how long it takes to install.

Factors That Affect The Timeframe

The existing roof and the square feet of that roof are huge factors that can affect how long it takes for a roof replacement project.

  • Weather-colder months and the rainy season might delay the roofing replacement
  • Roof Shape and Size-the bigger the roof, the more material needed, the longer it will take.
  • Materials Used-type of roof materials selected, such as synthetic slate, shingle roof, metal roof, etc.
  • Accessibility-how easily the roofing contractor can scaffold and support his/her crew on the roof.
  • Historical Significance of the Roof-historically significant buildings have specific laws and code for reconstruction. Following to a specific detail can take time.
  • Damage to the Current Roof-shingle replacement or replacing the boards underneath can determine the length of the job.
  • Steepness or Pitch of the Roof-steeper the roof the more difficult it is to rip off the old and install the new. Safety first will require the roofing contractor to take their time and ensure that all is safe when working on a steep roof.
Asphalt shingle roof

What Is Different In Each Roof

The actual timeframe of a roof replacement can vary based on complexity, time of year, and size of the roof. Roofs can be categorized as easy to difficult, in terms of replacement and installation. Let’s take a look below at the differences.

  • Asphalt Shingles (easy)-can be completed in 1-2 days.
  • Metal (moderate)-can be completed in 2-5 days.
  • Membrane (moderate/difficult)-can be completed in 2-14 days.
  • Wood Shakes (moderate)-can be completed in 2-5 days.
  • Concrete Tile (difficult)-can be completed in 5-14 days.

So, when wondering how long it might take to replace your roof, consider the type of roof that you currently have and if you are going to use the same materials for your new roof. Do you have a flat roof or pitched roof? You might decide to change the roof look and switch from shingles to a metal or tile roof. Keep in mind that this changes the timeframe of completion by the roofing contractor.

How Much Does It Cost

Unfortunately, replacing a roof can cost a lot of money. The varying pricing across the country is vast. Depending on where you live, a new roof could cost $3.50 to $16 per square foot. So, the size of your homes roof, materials needed, and labor fees are all factors in determining how much you will pay. The national average for a new roof is $8,000 to $12,000. In many cases, roof damage is caused by a naturally occurring environmental factor and can be covered by your homeowners’ insurance. Make sure you do your research prior to replacing the roof.

Other Recommended Maintenance

While you are getting your roof inspected, you will want to consider other roof inspection items. Check out this roof inspection checklist. The checklist will help you look for areas of repair, such as any exposed nails, missing tiles, or flashing to name a few. Lastly, if there are damaged shingles, they should be repaired or replaced. This might save you some time and money, rather than replacing an entire roof.

When checking your roof to see if it needs to be replaced, take a look at the plumbing vents as well. Plumbing vents stick out from the roof and their purpose is to keep methane gas out of the home. It is important to keep it clog-free, as in no bird nests, debris, rodents, or humans blocking it.

Lastly, gutters are great to have on a roof but sometimes homes don’t have them. Does this mean you must get them? Not necessarily. You can have a rain dispersal system, french drains, or a rain barrel collection system.

When Do I Call A Professional

Call a professionally licensed roofing contractor if you are concerned about damage to your roof. A professionally licensed roofing contractor will assess your roof damage and recommend any needed repairs. Also, if you are missing any of the shingles and have substantial damage, a professional can help with a replacement cost estimate.

Also, reach out to your local home inspection team. They can conduct a roof inspection at the same time as your home inspection. The home inspection team can give you a checklist of damaged areas on the roof, that allows you to share with your professionally licensed roofing contractor. Having both a home inspection team and a reputable professionally licensed roofing contractor saves time and money.

Conclusion

When working on a roofing project it is always best to contact your local home inspection team. They can recommend a reputable professionally licensed roofing contractor. In addition, the home inspection team can look at other damage to the roof, so that you can begin to get an idea of the magnitude of repairs that are needed. Getting the home inspection can save you money on your roofing project and ensure that you hire the best roofing company in town. Give Home Inspection Geeks a call. Home Inspection Geeks can take a look at your roofing needs when we come out for a home inspection in Cook, Lake, and DuPage Counties, IL.

What is a Roof Scupper

Imagine walking around in a city with huge buildings that have flat roofs. You will see these decorative downspouts or even side spouts on the buildings. They can be very decorative and fit the style of the architecture of the building. Let’s assume that you never asked yourself, what is that thing connected to the gutter system?

We can also assume that no one ever told you, that it was a roof scupper, which made you question, what is a roof scupper? A roof scupper is a drainage system for flat roofs that allows water to move through a gutter system. It is best to consult a licensed roofing professional when conducting roofing work. If you take a look at the image below you will see one of many examples of a roof scupper.

Let’s learn more about what a roof scupper is and its purpose.

How Effective Is a Roof Scupper

A roof scupper is very valuable to a flat roof drainage system and works in conjunction with your downspouts. Also, a roof scupper gives you a chance to have proper drainage on your flat roof. As long as the scupper is clear of debris, the water will drain nicely. Roof scuppers are vital pieces of a flat roof drainage system. It is important to check them for proper drainage regularly. If you live up north, you will want to make sure you get the snow off the roof and the roof scuppers are kept clear of ice. If not, the water will back up onto the roof and into the home.

Various Types Of Roof Scuppers

There are a few types of roof scuppers and they come in different shapes. The most standard roof scupper is a rectangular-shaped box. Here is a list of ones we found on Amazon (Note: We have not tested these products).

  • Open Scupper–three sided scupper with an opening at the top
  • Through Wall Scupper-usually a rectangular hole in the wall, connecting to a downspout
  • Round Scupper or Decorative-found in the sidewall of a building, allowing water to run off through a piping system

The Difference Between A Roof Scupper and A Drain

You will be surprised at the difference between a roof scupper and a roof drain. One would assume that they are very similar items in your roof drainage system.

A roof scupper is a part of your roof drainage system that allows water to run off the roof through a metal edge, parapet wall, or through the flat roof into the downspout. This will prevent the water from running into the interior of the building as it puddles up on the roof.

Roof drains are assemblies where water runoff transfers through the roof drain and into piping that runs out to the exterior of the building. Roof drains can be installed in the middle of the roof and connected to piping that will run through the attic and out to the sidewall of the building exterior.

Cost Of a Roof Scupper

A basic roof scupper can run you around $100-$150. However, there are additional materials you need to make the installation successful: Caulk to seal the joints and the potential for welding of the scupper to the downspouts of your gutter system.

Since there are so many moving parts to installing a roof scupper, it is best to consult a licensed roofing specialist. There are local roofing codes for each state and you will want to make sure you follow those roofing codes. These are the codes for Chicago and these are for DuPage County.

Installation of a roofing scupper will likely run you between $400-$800, depending on the time and materials needed for the job.

Let’s take a look at how to install a flat roof scupper drain.

Other Recommended Maintenance

Flat roofs can puddle after heavy rain. It is important to have the proper drainage system so that this doesn’t occur. Installing a roof scupper will allow for proper drainage off of your flat roof. However, if the drainage system backs up, you could end up with roof damage. Check the roof for clogged drainage and puddles.

Check the pipes on the roof and make sure the vent is clog-free, along with no birds or rodents making nests. Additionally, check to make sure are no humans blocking the vent or corrosion of the pipe.

When Do I Call A Professional

When it comes to roofing, you will want to consult a licensed roofing contractor. Getting up on a flat roof to install a roof scupper could prove to be more challenging than you think. In addition, there are various building and roofing codes for your state and you will want to ensure that those codes are followed. So, for the safety of you and the home, you will want to consult a licensed roofing contractor.

Conclusion

In many cases, it is easy to identify the need to repair a leaking flat roof. In this case, the installation of a roof scupper would be ideal. Additionally, making sure that the drainage system connects properly will ensure that no leaks will occur on your flat roof.

It is also highly recommended that you consult a licensed roofing contractor to conduct any repairs or new installations needed on your flat roof drainage system. This will save you time and money, as you might not know the state roofing code and more damage could be done.

Lastly, they will be able to assess all of the potential damages and provide a great estimate as to the cost of repairs. Home Inspection Geeks can take a look at your roofing needs when we come out for a home inspection in the Cook, Lake, and DuPage Counties, IL.