How long does a new roof take?

Every roof is a different size and shape, so there is no single answer. A simple two-slope roof with no chimney goes faster than a roof with hips, valleys, dormers and stacks, because every junction needs cutting and weathering by hand. Natural slate is fixed one piece at a time and generally takes longer than large interlocking tiles. A small flat roof over a garage or extension is often one of the quickest jobs we do.

Scaffolding goes up first, usually before the roofing team arrives. Then the old covering, battens and felt are stripped, normally one section at a time so the house is never left wide open. Any damaged timber or boarding is repaired, a new membrane and battens go on, and the new slates or tiles are laid from the eaves up to the ridge.

Ridges, hips, valleys and lead work around chimneys and walls come next. These details take real care and are not something to rush. Finally gutters are checked or renewed, debris is cleared, the site is tidied and the scaffold comes down once you are happy with the finished roof.

Rain and strong wind are the most common cause of delays. Stripping an area of roof is only done when there is a reasonable window to get it watertight again the same day, and we would rather lose a day than put your home at risk. Winter daylight is shorter too, so the same job can take a little longer between November and February than in summer.

Rotten sarking or rafters discovered once the covering is off, a chimney stack that needs rebuilding or repointing, extra lead work, adding insulation or roof windows, and limited access for materials can all add time. We point out likely issues at the survey so they are not a surprise, and we tell you straight away if something unexpected turns up.

Most people stay in their homes throughout. There will be noise during working hours, and it is sensible to move cars off the drive and keep children and pets away from the scaffold. Lofts can collect dust while the roof is stripped, so covering stored items is worthwhile. The roof is made weathertight at the end of each day.

Small repairs such as refixing slipped slates or replacing a few broken tiles can often be completed in a single visit when access is simple. Leak investigations, chimney flashing and valley repairs vary with what is found. Our roof repairs page explains how we approach them.

If you are still deciding whether replacement is due at all, our guide to how long a roof lasts explains the signs that a roof is nearing the end.

Will my home be open to the weather overnight? No. Work is planned so each stripped area is covered and weathertight before we leave.

Can I choose when the work starts? Yes, within our schedule. We agree a start date with you when you accept the quote.

Does a flat roof take less time? Usually, because the area is smaller and there are fewer details, but the condition of the deck underneath still matters. See our flat roofing page.

Rowan Roofing is family-run, based in Cardenden, Fife, with 16 years trading under our own name and over 50 years of roofing experience in the family. We cover Edinburgh, Perth and Dundee and will travel up to 50 miles for the right job. If the timing of a new roof is on your mind, we are happy to look at the roof and put our advice in a written quote.

Call 07508 571291 on weekdays from 7:30am to 6:00pm or Saturday mornings from 8:00am to 12:00pm, or send the details through our contact page.