How Long Does It Take to Tear Off and Reshingle a Roof?
If you're planning a roof replacement, you're probably wondering: how long does it take to tear off and reshingle a roof? For most homes, the process takes 1 to 3 days, depending on several key factors—like roof size, pitch, number of stories, existing layers of shingles, and the experience of the roofing crew.
Let’s walk through what affects the timeline and what you can expect when replacing your roof.
Roof Size & How It’s Measured
Roofers don’t measure a roof based on the square footage of your home’s foundation—instead, they use roofing squares. One square equals 100 square feet of roof surface (10 ft x 10 ft). Because of pitch (slope), hips, and valleys, your roof is often much larger than the square footage of your slab.
In addition to surface area, your estimate will also account for “waste” material, which includes extra shingles used for starter strips, ridges, and valleys.
Roof Layers: What’s Underneath?
When replacing a roof, roofers remove and inspect the layers beneath your shingles, which include:
Felt (underlayment): Installed over the decking to create a watertight seal before shingles are applied.
Decking (sheathing): The wooden boards that form the structural surface of the roof. If any sections are rotted or soft, they will be replaced before the new roof is installed.
Drip edge: A metal flashing installed along the edges of the roof to prevent water from seeping behind the fascia. This is now part of the standard roofing code in Louisiana.
What If the Roof Has Multiple Layers?
Some older homes have multiple layers of shingles, meaning previous roofers installed new shingles over existing ones. This requires a double or triple tear-off, which adds time and labor to the project. These extra layers can also hide damage and make leaks more difficult to trace.
At Priority Roofing, we strongly discourage re-roofing over old shingles. Tearing everything off gives your home a fresh start and ensures better long-term performance.
Roof Height & Accessibility
The number of stories your home has can also affect how long the job takes. Two-story homes typically require more safety precautions, additional equipment, and longer labor hours.
Shingle Type and Installation Method
There are two common types of asphalt shingles used in residential roofing:
3-Tab Shingles: A budget-friendly option that offers up to 25 years of protection under normal conditions.
Architectural Shingles: A thicker, more durable shingle with a dimensional look, typically lasting up to 30 years and offering better resistance to wind and weather.
Your choice of shingles and installation method may influence labor time, especially with more complex roof patterns or custom upgrades.
Valley Installation Methods
At Priority Roofing, we prefer to “lace” valleys rather than use metal valley flashing. Why? Because we frequently see leaks occur in metal valleys due to rust and erosion. Lacing shingles in valleys (interweaving them) creates a more watertight and durable finish. We also install ice and water barrier beneath all valleys to add another layer of protection.
Your Local Roofing Experts in Shreveport & Bossier
At Priority Roofing LLC, we combine experience with efficiency to get the job done right and quickly. Whether your roof has one layer or three, our crews are trained to handle tear-offs and installations with precision and care.
We offer:
Free roof inspections and estimates
Expert advice on shingle options and roofing materials
Transparent timelines and professional installation
A 1-year labor warranty on all full replacements
📞 Call us today at 318-202-2123 or book your free inspection online.