How Long Does It Take to Reroof a House in the UK?

You’ve seen the cracked tiles, spotted a leak (or two), and now you’re asking the big question: how long will my roof be a building site? The answer could be just a couple of days, or it might stretch into a full week, depending on a few key variables.

From roof size and material choice to the ever-reliable British weather, the timeline isn’t one-size-fits-all. But with the right information, planning your project doesn’t have to feel like guesswork.

So, how long does a new roof take, what might delay it, and will it disrupt your daily routine? Below, we cover everything you need to know to plan confidently and avoid surprises.

Typical Reroofing Timeframes in the UK

Reroofing can take anywhere from 2 to 7 days, depending on your home’s type, roof size, and materials. Below, we break down average durations based on property style, surface area, and roofing choices.

Pro Tip: Always get a written timeline estimate from your roofer before work begins — and ask how they handle delays.

Average Duration for Different House Types

Every house is unique, but some general trends hold:

• Terraced homes often take 2–3 days to reroof. With shared walls and simpler access, roofers can get to work efficiently.

• Semi-detached properties might need 3–5 days, especially if there’s variation in roofing levels or chimneys to work around.

• Detached houses usually require 5–7 working days, mainly due to larger roof surface areas and more edge detailing.

• Bungalows are quicker — generally 2–4 days — thanks to easy access and a single storey.

Got an extension or loft conversion? That might add a day or two, depending on the complexity of your roofline.

Real-world tip: Always account for weather wiggle-room. A wet Wednesday can easily push your Friday finish into Monday territory.

How Roof Size Affects the Timeline

As you’d expect, bigger roofs mean longer jobs. But it’s not just about square footage — complexity plays a big role too.

Here’s how size influences speed:

• Small roofs (under 50m²): Typically done in 1–2 days.

• Medium roofs (50–100m²): Take about 3–5 days.

• Large roofs (over 100m²): Expect 5–7+ days, especially with multiple slopes or dormers.

Features like valleys, skylights, chimneys, and roof vents can all extend the work time. Why? Because they require additional flashing, trimming, or structural detailing, which can’t be rushed.

Time Estimates by Roofing Material

Not all tiles are created equal, and neither are their installation times. The type of roofing material you choose can significantly affect the schedule:

🧱 Pro Insight: Choosing slate or green roofing systems may add time, but they could save you money in long-term maintenance and energy bills.

What Affects the Duration of a Roof Replacement?

Here’s the truth: no two roofing projects are the same. Even if two houses look identical from the outside, the reroofing timeline can differ wildly.

Below are the biggest timeline influencers — from British weather mood swings to whether your home has “listed building” status.

Weather Conditions

Ah, the British weather — forever unpredictable, always influential.

• Rain, high winds, or frost can delay roofing work significantly.

• Most roofers won’t (and shouldn’t) work in unsafe conditions — wet tiles and ladders don’t mix.

• Cold snaps can slow down work involving adhesives or membrane sealing.

Best roofing months?
📆 May to September when daylight is long and rain is (usually) less aggressive.

Tip: If you’re reroofing in winter, build buffer days into your expectations.

Accessibility and Scaffolding Needs

Can roofers get to your roof easily, or is it surrounded by conservatories, sloped gardens, or tight alleyways?

Access affects setup time. So does scaffolding.

• Homes with limited space may need bespoke scaffolding, which takes longer to erect.

• Multi-storey buildings and properties with rear extensions often require more staging.

Structural Repairs or Hidden Damage

This one’s a wild card. You won’t always know until the old roof comes off.

Potential delays:

• Rotten rafters

• Damaged battens

• Wet or mouldy insulation

• Undetected leaks or sagging joists

These hidden surprises mean the project shifts from a simple reroof to a partial structural rebuild, which naturally adds days (and budget).

Good roofers will do a preliminary inspection to estimate these risks — but some things just stay hidden until work begins.

Choice of Materials

As covered earlier, the type of roofing material not only affects appearance and cost, it also changes the time it takes to install.

• Interlocking tiles are faster than traditional slates.

• Specialist membranes or solar roof tiles require expert handling.

• Clay and slate are heavier and are often installed manually one by one.

Want something fast and functional? Concrete tiles or lightweight steel roofing are your go-tos.

Looking for heritage charm? Expect more craftsmanship… and time.

Planning Permission or Listed Status

If your home is in a conservation area or is Grade I or II listed, you may need local authority approvals before work begins.

This can add:

• 2–8 weeks of paperwork before a single tile is lifted.

• Special restrictions on materials and appearance.

• Sometimes, even on-site inspections are conducted during the work.

⚠️ Not sure if your property is listed? You can check on the Historic England Register.

Pro insight: Roofers experienced in heritage work will usually factor these timeframes into their quote.

What Happens During a Reroofing Project?

If you’re picturing chaos and noise from dawn till dusk, don’t worry. While reroofing is a serious job, it’s also a well-oiled process (especially in the hands of experienced UK roofing contractors).

Here’s how it typically unfolds, step by step:

Initial Inspection and Quote

Everything starts with a site survey.

• A roofing specialist visits your property to inspect the existing structure.

• They’ll assess tile condition, roof pitch, underlying layers, and spot any early warning signs (like sagging or water damage).

• You’ll receive a written quotation, often broken down into materials, labour, scaffolding, and timelines.

Tip: A good roofer won’t give a quote based on photos alone. On-site inspections are key to an accurate estimate.

Removal of the Old Roof

Once scaffolding is up, the old covering comes off.

• Tiles or slates are removed carefully (especially if you plan to reuse any).

• Old underlay, battens, and flashing are stripped away.

• Skip hire is usually included, and waste disposal is handled by the roofing crew.

⚠️ This stage can get noisy — think of it like open-heart surgery for your house.

Repairing or Replacing Structural Layers

This is where surprises sometimes show up.

• Damaged rafters or rotten joists? They’ll be reinforced or replaced.

• A breathable membrane is installed, allowing moisture to escape while keeping rain out.

• New battens are laid to support the incoming tiles or slates.

🧠 Want long-term peace of mind? Make sure your roofer uses BS5534-compliant materials for wind and weather resistance.

Installing New Underlay and Tiles

Now the roof begins to take shape again.

• Underlay is secured first — this is your home’s waterproof base layer.

• Then, tiles, slates, or panels are carefully positioned and fixed.

• Any roof windows, vents, or leadwork are also added here.

🧱 If you’re going for solar PV tiles or green roofing, this phase will include additional integration steps.

Clean-Up and Final Checks

No roofer should leave without a tidy site and thorough inspection.

• Rubbish is cleared, gutters are unblocked, and scaffolding is dismantled.

• The contractor will double-check fittings, flashings, and sealants.

• You should be given a completion certificate and details of any workmanship guarantee (usually 10–15 years for reputable UK firms).

🧾 Bonus tip: Ask for “before and after” photos — handy for insurance or resale purposes.

Preparing Your Home for Reroofing

A smooth reroofing job starts with good preparation. A few simple steps before work begins can help avoid delays, protect your belongings, and make life easier for everyone involved.

Can You Stay in the House During the Work?

Yes, in most cases, you can remain at home. Roofers usually don’t need interior access unless there’s underlying damage. That said, expect early starts and overhead noise. If you work from home or have small children, consider arranging quiet time elsewhere.
Note: If internal ceilings need checking, you may need to clear or temporarily vacate certain rooms.

How to Get Your Property Ready

Help your roofer work efficiently by preparing your space:

• Clear the driveway for skips and deliveries

• Move garden furniture or potted plants away from the walls

• Cover items stored in the loft with dust sheets

• Keep pets indoors to reduce stress

Extra tip: Ensure there’s outdoor power access — and yes, the odd cup of tea is always welcome.

Communicating With Your Roofer

Clear communication keeps things on track:

• Set daily check-ins for progress updates

• Confirm working hours in advance

• Get contact details for the site supervisor

• Discuss what happens in case of bad weather or delays

Also, clarify warranties, materials, and payment terms before the job starts to avoid misunderstandings later.

When Should You Replace Your Roof?

So, how do you know it’s time to swap out the whole roof rather than just patch things up?

Here are the main signs it’s reroofing time in the UK:

1. Age
If your roof is 20–25 years old (tile) or over 50 years (slate), it’s nearing the end of its life.

2. Persistent Leaks
One leak is fixable, but recurring leaks, especially after repairs, often point to widespread underlay failure.

3. Cracked, Slipped, or Missing Tiles
You may not notice a missing tile or two, but your roof certainly does. Widespread tile damage is a big red flag.

4. Sagging or Uneven Roofline
A visible dip often indicates structural timber damage, a serious issue that may require more than a patch-up.

5. Moss and Moisture
Heavy moss or algae growth can trap moisture and cause deterioration beneath the tiles.

6. Rising Energy Bills
A poorly insulated or damaged roof can cause heat loss, leading to higher heating costs.

💡 If you’re unsure, book a roof survey. Ex10 provides no-obligation surveys with honest, expert guidance to help you decide.

Final Thoughts on Reroofing Timelines in the UK

Reroofing a house in the UK typically takes anywhere from 2 to 7 days. Still, the actual timeline depends on factors like your roof’s size, materials, weather conditions, and any underlying structural issues. Whether dealing with persistent leaks, ageing tiles, or just planning, knowing what to expect helps you make confident, cost-effective decisions.

At Ex10 Roofing, we make reroofing straightforward with expert advice, clear timelines, and guaranteed workmanship. For a free inspection or fast quote, call us on 01202 618240. We’re here to help.