Weather:
Weather is the most common factor that causes delays in installing a new roof. It is especially true when the rain interrupts a roofing job already underway. If the roof is not covered up immediately, the decking may get wet, which will need to be dried before the shingles could be put on the roof. Other inclement weather elements such as high winds or snow make it dangerous for the crew to work on the roof making it difficult for the crew to complete a project. Your roofing contractor is always cognizant of these factors and will always advise you on when and how to install the roof and will schedule the project accordingly.
Weather can also play havoc on roofing tools. Colder temperatures especially if you are having your roof replaced in the winter can have a negative effect on tools that can delay your roofing project timeline.
Weather can also have an effect on shingle roofing. Shingle roofing, being made using tar can lose its flexibility when the temperatures get very cold.
Type and Size of Your Home’s Roof:
There are many variables with the type of your house that can lengthen the roofing job. However, the sheer square footage of the roof itself decides the replacement timeline. Along with the size of the roof, another factor is the pitch of the roof. The steeper the roof, the riskier it is to work on it and more precautionary measures and specialized labor and equipment are needed. If the pitch of the roof is steep the workers need to have a temporary railing, harnesses, and cleats to install the roofing, and installing these and taking them off add to the time it takes to roof.
Another element of the house that may cause a delay in the installation is where the house is located or if it has some issues with delivering the supplies and shingles. But, this might not be something of a surprise since a professional roofing contractor would foresee and plan for any issues arriving due to this issue.
Material Availability and Delivery:
This is a subject that we seldom think about. Of course, this may not be a problem when you are located close to a metro area like we are in Cherry Hill, NJ. But, if you are located in a remote area or if you have selected a color or item that is unique arranging the delivery of needed roofing material might take some time. Also, if your home is difficult to get to, like at the end of a 100 feet long unpaved driveway might make it challenging for a loaded truck to deliver a bulk of shingles to your doorstep, which may prove costly and time-consuming. Aside from such unique challenges material delivery or availability may not pose a major issue.
Complications in Repair and Rehab Once the Shingles Are Removed:
The true condition of your roof and what needs to be done to restore it back to health cannot be determined until the old roof is taken off.
This is particularly true of roofs that have a layover on top of the first layer. When the crew takes off the existing layers of the roof they cannot be sure as to what previous problems were covered over by doing a layover with a second layer of shingles and they have to remedy the problems found before installing the new roof.
Sometimes, for example, there are hidden structural issues like rotting decking or even rotting rafters that need to be addressed before putting on the new roofing. This causes substantial delays in completing a roofing project.
Changing the Type of Roofing:
It is not normally common, but when a client decides to move from one type of roofing, say asphalt shingles to another type of roofing, say tiles, the needs for support of the roof are totally different because tile roofs are normally much heavier than asphalt shingles. If your house was originally built to hold the weight of an asphalt roof, additional structures may need to be erected or devised to allow the roof to be able to hold the added weight. This may cause substantial delays in installing the new roof.
Installing Deck Protection and Barriers:
If you have older home chances are that after several decades deck protection, barriers, and other preventative measures and weather-related fittings are worn out or entirely missing. Having to take off the bits and pieces of the old material and installing modern fittings can take some time and delay the roof installation.
In conclusion, there are many factors that can change the timeline of your roof installation, however, a professional and ethical contractor who has your best interest at heart will plan for any and all eventualities and deal with the problems accordingly.
