How Long Does a Roof Replacement Take?

For a typical single-family home, the hands-on work on the roof is often a matter of days. The overall project, from first estimate to final inspection, usually takes longer because of scheduling, permits, material orders, and weather. Tile roofs, steep or complex roofs, and hidden deck damage tend to add time.

Last updated October 22, 2026.

The short answer

There is no single number, because roofs vary so much. A simple, single-story shingle roof with a sound deck is at the fast end. A two-story Spanish-style home with clay tile, several valleys, a chimney, and solar panels is at the slow end. What you can do is understand each phase, so you know what to ask your contractor and where delays usually come from.

Phase 1: Inspection and estimates

Most homeowners start by getting one or more roofers to inspect the roof and attic and provide written estimates. Comparing estimates takes time, but it is worth it. Make sure each one lists the same scope: material and product line, underlayment, flashing, ventilation, tear-off and disposal, decking allowance, permit, and any solar removal and reinstall. A roof inspection page on this site explains what a roofer looks at.

What can slow this down: busy seasons. Roofers tend to be booked heavily before and after the rainy season, and especially after a big Santa Ana windstorm.

Phase 2: Contract and permit

Once you sign, the contractor usually applies for the permit. In Burbank that is the City of Burbank’s Building & Safety Division; in Los Angeles neighborhoods it is LADBS, and in Glendale or Pasadena it is the respective city. Simple re-roof permits are often straightforward, but timing varies with the jurisdiction and workload. Homes in historic districts or with landmark status may need historic preservation approval before changing material or color, which takes longer.

California gives homeowners a right to cancel many home improvement contracts within three business days, and contractors may wait for that window to pass before starting. The down payment on most home improvement contracts can’t exceed 10% of the price or $1,000, whichever is less.

Phase 3: Materials

Common asphalt shingle colors are often available quickly. Specific clay tile profiles, special colors, metal panels, or matching tile for an older home can take longer to arrive. If you are in a fire hazard zone and need a particular Class A assembly, or need a cool-rated product to meet Title 24, product availability may affect your choices.

Phase 4: Tear-off and deck work

The crew removes the old roofing down to the deck. This is noisy and dusty. On many older Burbank homes, the crew finds spaced board sheathing under the old roof, which typically needs new plywood or OSB before shingles can go on. Rotted boards, fascia, and rafter tails are replaced. Because hidden damage can’t always be seen beforehand, ask how it will be priced and how much time it may add.

If the home was built before 1978, lead-safe practices apply when disturbing painted trim. If testing finds asbestos in older roofing materials, removal by qualified abatement workers adds time.

Phase 5: Underlayment, flashing, and new roofing

New underlayment, drip edge, valley and wall flashing, vent boots, and ventilation are installed, then the roofing itself. Shingles go on relatively quickly. Tile is slower because each piece is heavy and has to be set, cut, and fastened carefully, and clay tile that is being reused has to be handled gently. Low-slope sections over garages or porches may be done by the same crew or a separate one.

Phase 6: Inspections and cleanup

The building department may inspect at certain stages, such as after decking or underlayment and at final. Scheduling those inspections can add a day or more. The crew should sweep for nails with magnets and haul away debris.

Weather

Burbank is dry most of the year, which helps. But roofers avoid having a roof open when rain is likely, and they may pause on very windy days because underlayment and shingles are hard to handle safely in high wind. Extreme heat can also affect working hours. Ask your contractor how they protect an open roof if weather changes unexpectedly.

Solar panels

If you have solar, the panels and racking must be removed before the re-roof and reinstalled afterward, and the solar system may need its own inspection before it is switched back on. Coordinating two contractors adds time, so plan it from the start.

Factors that make a re-roof faster or slower

Usually faster	Usually slower
Single story, simple shape	Two or more stories, many valleys and hips
Asphalt shingles	Clay or concrete tile, especially reused clay
Sound deck	Skip sheathing, rot, or structural repairs
No rooftop equipment	Solar, skylights, chimneys, HVAC on the roof
Dry, calm weather	Rain in the forecast, high wind, extreme heat

Questions to ask your contractor

• When do you expect to start, and how many working days on site?
• Who pulls the permit, and when are inspections scheduled?
• How will you protect my home if rain arrives mid-job?
• How are extra repairs, like decking, priced and approved?
• Can I see your license number so I can check it at cslb.ca.gov, and proof of liability insurance and workers’ compensation?

Ready to start? Read about roof replacement in Burbank or request a free estimate.

Frequently asked questions

Can I stay home during a roof replacement?

Most people do. Expect noise, vibration, and debris around the house during work hours. Move cars, take fragile items off walls, and keep pets and children away from the work area.

Why did my contractor stop work for a day?

Common reasons are weather, waiting for a building inspection, material delivery, or extra repairs that need your approval. Ask your contractor to explain any pause.

Does a tile roof take longer than shingles?

Usually, yes. Tile is heavy and installed piece by piece, and reusing old clay tile requires careful removal and resetting.

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