Timeframe for Roof Installation Projects in Vancouver

Timeframe for Roof Installation Projects

Ever started a home project thinking, "This will take a few days," only to find yourself still dealing with it weeks later? Yeah, we get it. Roofing isn't something you do every day, and when the time comes, you just want to know how long it's going to take, not in some vague, contractor-speak way—just straight-up, real talk.

So, here's the deal: roofing is not an exact science regarding timelines, but it's also not some never-ending saga. Some jobs are quick. Others? let'sLet’s just say surprises are more common than sunny weeks in November. Whether it's a simple replacement or something more involved, we'll break down what determines how long it'll take.

No corporate talk, no gimmicks—just a straightforward, honest look at what to expect. Let's get into it.

1. Planning & Preparation (1-2 Weeks, Depending on Complexity)

Alright, before we even think about swinging a hammer, there's some legwork. Roofing isn't one of those "grab some materials and get started" jobs. We've got to plan things properly, or we'll run into headaches later—missing materials, unexpected hiccups, or, worst-case scenario, a last-minute realization that something doesn't fit. And trust me, no one likes last-minute surprises when there's a giant hole in their roof. 

Are we swapping out an old asphalt shingle roof for a new one? Easy. That's about a week of planning—ordering materials, double-checking measurements, ensuring the crew schedule lines up, and ensuring we have everything before we start. 

But if you're switching materials, say, moving from shingles to metal or adding features like skylights, that's things take a little longer. Skylights sound simple, but if your roof framing wasn't built for one, we must adjust the structure. Reconfiguring ventilation? That can mean cutting new roof vents or rerouting airflow, which takes extra planning. 

And if you're in Delta,… let's just say every house there seems to have its own unique personality. Some homes have quirky roof designs, others have been "updated" over the years (sometimes in creative ways), and some have older construction methods that don't quite match today's standards. If you're in one of those houses where nothing is square and measurements don't add up, don't worry—we'll take our time to ensure everything lines up properly. 

The main thing? Patience pays off. A well-planned job means fewer delays, no scrambling for missing parts, and a smoother installation. 

2. Material Lead Time (1-6 Weeks, Depending on Material Type)

Alright, so let's talk materials. How long it takes to get them? It totally depends on what you're going for. 

Basic asphalt shingles? Piece of cake. Most suppliers stock them, so we usually get them within a few days. In the worst case, maybe a week if there's a particular specific color or brand you want.

Metal roofing? Now we're talking lead times. Some standard options, like corrugated metal, can be ready in about a week. But if you're going for standing seam metal with a custom color or finish, expect 4 to 6 weeks. And yeah, I know that sounds long, but metal roofing is often made-to-order, which means it has to be a perfect fit. 

Cedar shakes? If you're after that classic West Coast look, expect to wait. Custom-milled cedar shakes take time—usually a month, sometimes more if the mills are backlogged. And if you're one of those folks who want Vancouver roofers who install the premium, old-growth stuff? Be ready to wait because quality cedar isn't something you can just mass-produce. 

Tile or slate?  Fancy. We love it. But if you're going this route, know that patience is key. Since these materials are heavy, they often have to be special-ordered. And unlike shingles, you can't just throw them in the back of a truck and call it a day—transporting and handling them properly takes extra logistics. If you're in Surrey, we've probably got to check that your house can even support that weight first. (Surrey has a mix of everything—some rock-solid dwellings, and others where we might need to double-check the structure before loading up a ton of stone tiles.) 

The takeaway? If you're going for something other than asphalt shingles, give us a heads-up as early as possible so we can get things moving. The sooner we get materials sorted, the sooner we can actually finish your roof.

3. Tear-Off & Preparation (1-3 Days, Weather Dependent)

Alright, this is where things start getting real. The crew shows up, tools in hand, and the old roof starts coming off. How long this takes depends on what's up there. If it's a single layer of asphalt shingles, we can usually clear it in a day. But if someone before you decided to slap on multiple layers instead of doing a proper tear-off, that adds time. And wood shakes? Those things are held down with a lifetime supply of nails, so we're in for some extra work.

Then there's the decking—the plywood underneath your shingles. If it's solid, we move forward. But if we pull back the roof and find rotted sections, we need to replace them first. Most of the time, it's just a few sheets. But occasionally, we uncover a mess—old patches that weren't done right, entire sections of wood that have given up, or in one unforgettable case, a raccoon nest that had been there long enough for its own postal code.

Whatever we find, we'll keep you in the loop and make sure it's appropriately done before moving forward.

4. Installation (2-5 Days for Most Roofs, More for Complex Projects)

This is the part where your new roof actually takes shape. If it's a standard asphalt shingle roof on a typical home (say, 1,500 to 2,000 sq ft), we usually look at two to three days. It'll take a little longer if your house has multiple angles, steep slopes, or intricate details. Different materials add to the timeline too. Metal roofing takes more precision since every panel needs to be measured and secured just right. Cedar shakes? Those have to be hand-nailed and layered correctly. Tile or slate? Not only are they heavy, but they need to be carefully placed so they don't crack. A job like that could take a week or more. If you've got a bigger house, a multi-family building, or a commercial property, we'll map out a plan to minimize disruption. We know folks need to get on with their lives, whether it's a family home in Burnaby or a business in Richmond, so we work efficiently while keeping quality a top priority.

5. Cleanup & Final Inspection (1 Day, But We Take It Seriously)

Once the last shingle is in place, we don't just pack up and leave. We review everything, ensuring your property looks just as good as it did when we arrived—except with a brand-new roof. We use magnetic sweepers to pick up any stray nails—because stepping on a roofing nail in your backyard is an experience nobody wants. We check the flashing, vents, and seals to ensure everything is solid. If we install a metal roof, we inspect for any minor scuffs or dings that might need a touch-up. Then, we walk the whole thing with you. If there's anything you're unsure about, we take care of it right there. Our job isn't done until you're completely satisfied.

6. Weather Delays (Always a Wild Card)

If you've lived in the Lower Mainland for any length of time, you know the forecast is more of a suggestion than a guarantee. Sun? Maybe. Give it an hour. From July to September, we're usually in the clear. But once we hit fall and winter, rain can slow things down. If it starts pouring mid-install, we don't take risks—we secure everything and wait it out. Snow is rare, but it happens, and high winds can make things unsafe, especially in areas like Coquitlam or North Van, where trees are everywhere.

We always build in buffer time because, let's be real—Mother Nature does what she wants. If delays happen, we communicate with you and make sure everything stays protected until we can safely finish the job.

7. Unexpected Surprises (Varies, Because Roofs Hide Secrets)

Some roofs are straightforward. Others? Not so much. We've pulled off shingles and found hidden layers, patch jobs done with duct tape (not kidding), and even wiring that made absolutely no sense. Most of the time, things go according to plan. But if we find something that needs attention, we stop, show you what's going on, and figure out the best way forward together. Whether it's a hidden leak that's been slowly damaging the wood or a past repair that wasn't done right, we don't just cover it up and hope for the best—we fix it properly.

Final Thoughts

So, how long does a roof install take? If everything goes smoothly, a basic job can be wrapped up in about a week. But if we run into unexpected repairs, bad weather, or specialty materials, it might take longer. We're not about cutting corners or rushing through jobs just to get to the next one. We take our time to do it right. If you've got a project coming up and want a realistic timeline, let's talk. We'll take a look, go over everything in plain terms, and set a plan that makes sense for your home.

Stay dry Vancouver,

Harman