Roof replacement timeline, at a glance
On a typical St. Louis house, our crew tears off the old roof and installs the new one in a single working day. Larger, steeper or more complicated roofs can take two or three days, and weather or an insurance claim can add time before the crew ever arrives. Call (314) 429-6000 with questions about your schedule.
Before install day
Most of the calendar time happens before anyone climbs a ladder.
The first step is a free inspection, which we can usually schedule within a few days of your call. You get photos and a written estimate. If the roof is being replaced because of storm damage, the insurance claim adds its own steps: filing, the adjuster's visit, and the insurer's decision. That can take anywhere from a week to several weeks depending on the company and how busy they are after a storm.
Once you sign, we order materials and apply for the permit. Most municipalities in St. Louis County and the City of St. Louis require a permit for a roof replacement. Some approve quickly, others take longer. We handle the application and schedule your install once the permit and materials are in hand.
What happens on install day
Morning setup
Materials delivered, tarps laid over landscaping, a dumpster or trailer positioned near the house.
Tear-off
Old shingles and underlayment removed down to the deck, one section at a time.
Deck repair and underlayment
Soft or damaged sheathing replaced, then ice and water and synthetic underlayment installed.
Shingles, flashing and ridge
New shingles, flashing, vents and ridge cap go on, followed by cleanup and a magnetic sweep for nails.
What can stretch the schedule
These are the usual reasons a job takes longer than planned.
Weather
We do not tear off a roof with rain in the forecast. Spring storms and summer heat can shift dates.
Rotten decking
Extensive sheathing replacement adds hours or sometimes a second day.
Steep or complex roofs
Steep pitches, many valleys and dormers slow the work for safety and accuracy.
Multiple layers
Houses with two or three old layers take longer to strip.
Insurance claims
Adjuster scheduling and approvals happen before we can order material.
Permit processing
Some municipalities approve the same week, others take longer.
Typical timeline at a glance
| Free inspection | Usually within a few days of your call |
|---|---|
| Written estimate | Same visit or shortly after |
| Insurance claim (if any) | About one to several weeks, depending on the insurer |
| Permit and materials | Varies by municipality and season |
| Install, typical home | One working day |
| Install, large or complex home | Two to three working days |
| Final walk-through | At the end of the install |
Planning around your roof
You do not have to leave the house during the install, but expect noise and some vibration inside. Take pictures off walls on the top floor, move cars out of the driveway, and keep pets inside or away. Your attic will catch some dust, so cover anything stored up there.
John Beal Roofing is a third-generation family company that has been replacing St. Louis roofs since 1947. We are an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor, BBB A+ rated and on Roofing Contractor Magazine's Top 100 list. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day and every roof we install comes with a lifetime workmanship warranty. Learn more about roof replacement cost in St. Louis.
- Move vehicles out of the driveway the night before
- Take fragile items off upstairs walls and shelves
- Cover belongings stored in the attic
- Keep pets indoors or away during tear-off
Roof replacement timeline questions
Can a roof really be replaced in one day?
What if it rains during my roof replacement?
Do I need to be home on install day?
How far out are you scheduling?
Does the permit slow things down?
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