How Long Does a Metal Roof Installation Take?

5 minutes Read

Level Edge Construction

Modern metal roofs are quickly gaining popularity thanks to their many benefits, including:

• Durability (lasting 40-70 years)
• Fire resistance
• Low-maintenance nature
• Sleek aesthetics

That’s right; not only are metal roofs incredibly long-lasting, but they look beautiful, too! All these factors help increase your home value and curb appeal. So, you might be ready to make the switch to a metal roof, but you’re probably wondering, “how long does it take to install a metal roof?” The answer might surprise you!

How Long Does It Take To Install A Metal Roof

For an average size house, around 2,000 square feet, a metal roof installation typically only takes 1-3 days! Keep in mind that this is when a professional roofing company handles your installation. If you hire the neighborhood handyman to take on your metal roof installation, then you’re probably going to be looking at a much, much longer process.

Since metal roofing is becoming more and more popular, more roofing crews are familiar with the required installation techniques. However, it’s still important to find a roofing company that regularly offers metal roofing so that you can feel confident in the installation. It’s much more of a risk to take a chance on a company that doesn’t frequently install metal roofs.

5 Factors That Can Impact Installation Time

Even though 1-3 days is the average installation timeline for metal roofs, there are many factors that could increase (or decrease!) that time. Some of the main considerations are:

1) Size of Roof

According to Rocketmortgage.com the average home size in the United States is roughly 2,300 sq. ft., so that’s what average roof installation times are based on. However, if you’re interested in getting your 19,000 sq. ft. commercial building outfitted with a metal roof, you can anticipate that job to take a week or two.

On the contrary, if you want a metal roof for your garage or for your 900 sq. ft. home, the installation will almost certainly get completed in one day. (Unless, of course, you run into bad luck with some of the factors outlined below.)

2) Roof Complexity

The more simple and flat your roof is, the quicker installation will be. However, if your roof pitch is on the steeper end or if it has many intricate valleys, you can expect installation to take a bit longer.

This is because it takes more precision and technique to ensure the metal is cut to the correct size for the valleys in your roof. Plus, a steep roof requires more safety protocols to ensure the roofing crew remains safe. It’s much better to have a metal roof installed slowly and safely than fast and dangerous.

3) Metal Shingles vs. Standing Seam

The aesthetic options are endless when you opt for a metal roof. Standing seam metal panels offer a quintessential “metal look” with smooth, sleek panels. These panels offer a more unique style compared to traditional asphalt shingles.

However, if traditional shingles are more your style but you still want the benefits of a metal roof, you can get metal shingles that resemble the look of other roofing materials, such as:

• Cedar shakes
• Asphalt shingles
• Clay tiles
• Natural slate

You’ll likely end up paying a little bit more for metal shingles than you would standing seam panels. Although the installation time doesn’t vary tremendously, metal shingles may take a few extra hours to install compared to standing seam panels.

4) The Weather

Even though it can be fun to dance in the rain, it’s not fun to install roofs in the rain. And, it’s simply not safe.

If any inclement or extreme weather occurs during your roof installation, your roofing crew will need to stop and resume work at a later date. Unsafe weather for roofers can include:

• Rain 🌧️
• High winds 🌬️
• Extreme heat or cold ❄️
• Hail 🌨️
• Lightning ⚡

If it begins to rain, your professional roofing contractor will place a secure tarp over your unfinished roof so that water doesn’t seep into your home or damage your underlayment. Depending on how long rain remains in the forecast, your metal roof installation could be delayed a few hours or even a few days. Although it’s frustrating, it’s ultimately for the safety of the crew and the integrity of your roofing materials.

5) Issues With Your Roofing System

There are many working components that make up a complete roofing system. One of the most important parts of your roofing system is the base layer— called the roof deck or sheathing.

If the roofing crew begins tearing off your existing roof and finds underlying issues, such as a rotten or damaged roof deck, then they’ll need to spend more time completely replacing the entire system.

While it would be ideal for your contracting team to be able to just install the new metal layer, it’s more important at the end of the day to have a sound roofing system that keeps your home free from leaks, mold, and energy spikes. Ultimately, it’s worth the extra day of work for the peace of mind and longevity you get in return.

The Crew You Need for a Successful Metal Roof Installation

Almost every roofer can install asphalt shingles, but not every contractor is equipped to install high-performing metal roofs. Here at Level Edge, we’ve been providing durable and eye-catching metal roofs for home and business owners across the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin.

Our fully in-house contracting team works fast yet thoroughly to ensure you get a long-lasting roof without too much interruption to your day-to-day life. Contact us today for a free estimate!

FAQ

Is installing a metal roof difficult?

Installing a metal roof can be challenging, best left to professionals.

How long does it take to install a standing seam metal roof?

The time to install a standing seam metal roof varies, typically 2-7 days.

What not to do when installing a metal roof?

Avoid improper fastening, poor insulation, and ignoring manufacturer guidelines.

Written by
Level Edge Construction