Roofing guide
How long does a new roof take to install?
The short answer
Most house roofs are stripped and renewed over several working days to a couple of weeks. The real timescale depends on the size and shape of the roof, the material chosen, scaffolding, the weather and whether the timbers need repair once the old covering is removed. Your quote should give an estimate for your roof specifically.
The stages of a typical re-roof
Work normally follows the same order. Scaffolding goes up first. The old covering, battens and underlay are removed a section at a time so the house is never left fully open. Timbers are inspected and repaired, a new breathable membrane is fitted, new battens are fixed and the tiles or slates are laid. Ridges, hips, valleys, flashings and any leadwork finish the roof before a final check and clear up.
Each stage depends on the one before, which is why a roofer will talk about the job in days of dry working weather rather than calendar dates.
What makes a roof quicker or slower
A simple two sided roof on a modest house is quicker than one with several hips, valleys, dormers and chimneys, because every junction needs careful cutting and weatherproofing. Material matters too. Natural slate is fixed piece by piece and takes longer than larger interlocking concrete tiles. Flat roofs on garages and extensions are usually the quickest of all.
Access also plays a part. Tight side passages, conservatories below the eaves or roofs over busy roads can mean more planning before the first tile comes off.
Weather and keeping the house dry
Roofs are built outdoors, so rain and strong wind can pause work. A careful roofer only opens as much of the roof as can be made watertight the same day and covers exposed areas properly overnight. That protection matters far more than speed.
Autumn and winter jobs are perfectly possible but may run over more days because of shorter light and more frequent showers.
Hidden surprises under the old covering
It is only once tiles and underlay are stripped that the timbers can be seen fully. Rotten battens, damaged rafters or failed wall plates need putting right before the new roof goes on, and this can add time. A good roofer will show you what has been found and explain the fix before carrying on.
Building a little flexibility into your plans for this possibility makes the process much less stressful.
Choosing materials without slowing the job
Deciding on tiles or slates early helps the timetable. Some products and reclaimed materials need ordering in advance, and planning restrictions on certain properties may call for a particular finish. Settling these choices before the start date keeps the roofing days focused on building rather than waiting.
It also helps to agree practical details up front, such as where the skip and materials will sit and how access to your driveway will work during the job.
Planning your new roof with us
Stonecroft Roofers installs pitched, flat, slate and tile roofs for houses, garages and extensions across Surrey and Hampshire. After surveying your property we give a free quotation that sets out the work and an estimated duration for your roof, then keep you updated as the job moves through each stage.
We finish every installation with a final inspection and a tidy site, so the job is not done until the ground is clear too.
Frequently asked questions
Can I stay at home while the roof is replaced?
Usually yes. The roof is opened in sections and made watertight each day, so most households carry on living at home, though it can be noisy.
How long does a garage or extension roof take?
Smaller flat or pitched roofs on garages and extensions are normally much quicker than a full house roof, often a matter of days.
What happens if it rains during the work?
Work pauses when conditions are unsafe or too wet, and any open areas are protected until the roofers can continue.
Does scaffolding add to the time?
Scaffolding is put up before work begins and taken down after, so it adds a little to the overall period but not to roofing days.