How Long Does a Roof Replacement Take in Utah? Timeline Guide

For a standard residential roof replacement in Utah, here's what you're typically looking at:

Average 2,000-2,500 sq ft roof (most common): 1-2 days

That's from the moment we start tearing off old shingles until we're cleaning up and driving away. Most homes fall into this category.

Here's how it usually breaks down:

Day 1: We arrive early (usually 7-8 AM), set up safety equipment and material staging, and start the tear-off. By midday, the old roof is usually off. Afternoon is spent repairing any damaged decking, installing underlayment, and often getting a good portion of new shingles installed.

Day 2: Finish shingle installation, install ridge vents, flashing, and trim work. Final inspection and cleanup. By afternoon, you've got a new roof.

Larger homes (3,000+ sq ft): 2-3 days. More surface area means more time for tear-off and installation.

Complex roofs (multiple levels, dormers, valleys): 2-4 days. The complexity adds time for detailed work around tricky areas.

Metal roofing: 3-5 days typically. Metal installation requires more precision and takes longer than asphalt shingles.

These timelines assume good weather and a competent crew. If we hit unexpected issues—like extensive decking damage—that can add time. More on that below.

Every roof is different, and several factors can speed up or slow down your project:

Roof Size and Pitch: Obviously, a bigger roof takes longer. But pitch matters too. A steep 12/12 pitch roof is slower to work on than a low-slope 4/12 roof. Safety requirements on steep roofs slow things down, and material handling is more difficult.

Roof Complexity: Simple hip or gable roofs are straightforward. Multiple dormers, skylights, chimneys, and complex valley systems add time. Each of these features requires careful flashing and detail work.

Deck Condition: This is the big unknown until we tear off the old roof. If the plywood decking underneath is solid, we move quickly. If we find rot, water damage, or soft spots, we have to repair or replace decking before installing new roofing. I've seen jobs where we replaced half the deck—that adds a full day.

Number of Layers: Utah building code allows up to two layers of asphalt shingles. If you've got two layers that both need to come off, tear-off takes longer than a single layer. (Heads up: we always recommend full tear-off, even if you only have one layer. The new roof performs better starting fresh.)

Weather: Utah weather is unpredictable. If rain moves in, we have to stop and secure the roof with tarps. We won't install shingles in the rain—they need dry conditions to seal properly. Summer storms can add delays, though usually just a few hours.

Material Availability: Most common shingle colors are in stock locally. But specialty colors or materials sometimes require ordering, which can delay the start date (though not the actual installation time).

This is the part that makes homeowners nervous—and rightfully so. You can't see what's under your shingles until we tear them off. Sometimes it's fine. Sometimes it's not.

Here's what we commonly find and how it affects the timeline:

Minor Decking Damage (1-2 sheets): Adds maybe an hour. We always carry replacement OSB/plywood on the truck. Small repairs are no big deal.

Moderate Decking Damage (10-20% of deck): Adds half a day. This level of damage usually happens around old leaks, valleys, or chimneys where water got in over time. We'll repair it all before installing new roofing.

Extensive Decking Damage (30%+ of deck): Can add a full day or more. At this point, we're basically rebuilding a significant portion of the roof structure. It's rare, but it happens—especially on older homes that have had chronic leak issues.

Structural Issues (rafters, trusses): This is rare but serious. If we find rotted rafters or compromised trusses, we stop and bring in additional help. These repairs need to happen before roofing can continue. This can add days and significant cost.

Here's what I always tell homeowners: the vast majority of roofs have minimal issues underneath. Maybe 80% of the roofs I replace need little to no deck repair. But you should mentally prepare for the possibility and have some contingency in your budget just in case.

The good news is we'll find problems on day one. You won't be surprised mid-project. As soon as we tear off and see the deck, we know what we're dealing with and can give you an updated timeline and cost.

Want your roof replacement to go as quickly and smoothly as possible? Here's how to help:

Clear driveway access: We need to park trailers and trucks close to your house. Clear space for at least two large vehicles. Move anything you don't want covered in dust or debris.

Move vehicles: Falling debris, nails (despite our magnetic sweeps), and dust can damage cars. Park on the street or at a neighbor's for the duration.

Clear the deck/patio: We're dumping old shingles and debris from above. Move grills, furniture, potted plants—anything you care about.

Protect landscaping: We'll put down tarps, but delicate plants right against the house can get damaged. Consider covering or temporarily relocating sensitive landscaping.

Plan for noise: Roof tear-off is loud. If you work from home, plan to be elsewhere that morning. Dogs get anxious—maybe arrange for a friend to watch them or keep them in an interior room.

Confirm attic access: We sometimes need to check attic ventilation during the job. Make sure we can access your attic if needed.

Be reachable: Questions come up during every job. Make sure we can reach you by phone if we need a quick decision about something.

Good preparation on your end helps us work faster and protects your property. We'll provide a detailed prep checklist before your installation date.