Honestly, it depends — and we’d rather give you an accurate answer than a tidy one.
For asphalt shingle roofs, a typical small to midsize walkable roof (less than a 6/12 pitch) with no redecking needed can usually be completed in a single day. Larger roofs, roofs requiring new decking, multiple layers of tear-off, or cedar shake removal can run two to three days.
Metal roofing takes longer by nature. Depending on the style — nail base, standing seam, mechanical lock — expect anywhere from four days to two weeks. Synthetic shake and slate products take additional time as well since they’re installed one shingle at a time rather than in three-foot runs like standard asphalt.
Timing in our season matters too. Asphalt shingles rely on UV light and heat to activate their sealant, so we install them between April and October. Metal roofing and most specialty products can be installed in cooler temperatures — late fall, early spring, and milder Montana winters. If you’re thinking about a metal roof, that flexibility can actually work in your favor for scheduling.
From signed contract to install date, lead times shift throughout the season. Spring and summer book quickly. Getting on our schedule early is always the right move.