Good news: a full roof replacement is one of the fastest major home projects you’ll have done.
The Standard Timeline
Simple to moderate roof (1,500-2,500 sqft, standard pitch, few penetrations): One day. Crew arrives around 7am, tear-off done by late morning, new material goes on through the afternoon, complete before end of day.
Complex or large roof (over 3,000 sqft, steep pitch, multiple valleys, dormers): Two days. First day handles tear-off, decking inspection and repair if needed, and partial install. Second day completes install, flashing, and cleanup.
What Affects the Timeline
Weather: Rain stops a job. Atlanta’s unpredictable afternoon storm pattern in spring and summer means occasionally a one-day job becomes two.
Decking surprises: If tear-off reveals significant rotted decking, the job adds time and cost for repairs before the new roof can go on. A quality contractor calls you when this happens.
Crew size: A 4-person crew takes longer than an 8-person crew. Ask your contractor how many people will be on-site.
What to Expect on Installation Day
Before: Move vehicles from driveway for material staging. Secure fragile items in the attic.
During: It’s loud. Plan to be away if you work from home or have young children. Keep pets away from the work area.
After: Your contractor does a final walkthrough. They run a magnetic roller over your lawn and driveway to collect nails. You should see a clean site — significant debris left behind is a flag.
Any questions about what to expect? Talk to our team →