Is it time to replace your roof on a Nashville home? Are you wondering how long it’ll actually take to complete a roof replacement in our area?
A roof replacement is a big home improvement project. Not only that but there will be strangers on your property and vehicles in your driveway.
That’s why one of the first questions homeowners ask once they sign a contract is, “How long will it take to replace my roof?” While there is an easy answer, the real answer is a bit more complicated.
At Bill Ragan Roofing, we’ve replaced thousands of roofs in Nashville over our 35-plus years working in the local roofing industry. So, now I want to use all this experience to break down how long it takes to replace a roof.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- How long does it take to replace your roof in Nashville, TN?
- 7 factors that determine how long it’ll take to replace your roof in Nashville, TN
How long does it take to replace a roof in Nashville, TN?
Most Nashville roofs can be replaced in a day on the average home if the weather in our areas cooperates and there’s not much complexity. If you have a larger home, a roof replacement could take two to three days.
On roofs with a lot of complexity and with a premium material, replacing a roof could even take five days to a few weeks. Every roof is different, which is why the timeline varies so much.
However, a roof on the average Nashville residence using architectural asphalt shingles can typically be replaced in a day.
7 factors that determine how long it’ll take to replace your roof in Nashville, TN
Every roof is different because Nashville homes come in all shapes and sizes. These differences (no matter how big or small) determine how long it’ll take to replace your roof in Nashville, TN.
Let’s look at how size, complexity, Nashville’s weather, and more ultimately determine how long your roof replacement will take.
1. The roof’s square footage
The most obvious thing that determines how long it’ll take to replace your roof is the square footage. The more square footage of roofing area (usually measured in squares), the longer it takes to replace.
However, your roof’s square footage isn’t the same as your home’s square footage because of the pitch (steepness) and complexity. The steeper and more complex a roof is, the more total roof area there usually is (more on this next).
2. How steep the roof pitch is
Pitch is the steepness (angle) of a roof, which can go from flat to almost completely vertical. As you just learned, it affects a roof’s square footage.
However, a roof with a steeper pitch takes longer to replace because installers must take safety precautions (harnesses and tying off). This slows down production because they can’t move around or access the materials easily.
So, the steeper the pitch, the more it affects how long your roof replacement will take.
3. Roof complexity
A roof’s complexity is how it’s cut up with the number of facets, penetrations, angles, hips, valleys, its pitch (steepness), and how high off the ground it is. On top of increasing square footage, complex roofs take longer to replace because they require more attention to detail and there’s more to work around.
(Very complex multi-day roof replacement in Brentwood, TN)
Simply put, it takes more time to do things correctly on a complex roof. And if your Nashville home has multiple stories combined with a steep pitch(es) also means moving slower and more carefully.
4.The accessibility of the roof
Accessibility is the ability to access your roof at a specific point. This access point is crucial for tearing off your old roof, throwing the torn-off materials into a dump truck or tarp, and getting the new materials on your roof for installation.
If your roof doesn’t have easy access, it will add to the time it takes to complete the replacement. Anything around the roof affects accessibility, but the main things are landscaping below the roof line, fencing around the property, no paved surface near the access point, and neighboring houses are too close.
5. The roofing material being installed
The roofing material being installed has a huge impact on how long it takes to replace your roof in Nashville, TN. Asphalt shingles have the easiest installation, mainly because they usually come on 3 foot mats.
However, premium roofing materials like metal, cedar shakes, and synthetic shingles require more specialized installation. Materials like synthetic shingles and cedar shakes are even installed one at a time, which really adds to the time it takes to complete the job.
6. Nashville’s weather on the day(s) of the roof replacement
The weather we experience in Nashville always affects roofing work, especially how long it’ll take to replace your roof. If it rains on the scheduled day of your roof replacement, it’ll be pushed back until it’s dry enough to work on.
If there's a pop up shower on the radar or it actually rains during the job, they’ll tarp your roof to protect your home and pick up where they left off when it’s dry enough to safely work. High temperatures and humidity also usually mean a crew moves slower as the day goes on and more water breaks.
7. Time of year getting the roof replaced in Nashville, TN
Just like the seasons bring changes to Nashville’s weather and temperatures, the time of year has a big impact on how long it takes to replace your roof. Roofers can work longer and get more done as the days grow longer once we spring forward after winter.
That's why March really starts ramping the year up for us and other Nashville roofing companies. However, the opposite happens during the winter months when the sun sets sooner and production has to stop much earlier.
What else do you need to know about replacing your roof in Nashville, TN?
- Want to ensure you hire a reputable Nashville roofing company? Check out 8 Signs of a Trustworthy Roofing Company in Nashville, TN.
- Never been through a roof replacement? Check out 7 Things to Know Before Replacing Your Roof in Nashville, TN to learn what to expect and prepare for.
- Is pricing your biggest concern? Check out How Much Does a New Roof Cost in Nashville, Tennessee, in 2025.
Ready to hire a Nashville roofing company you can trust?
After reading this article, you know how long it takes to replace a roof in Nashville, TN. Most roofs in Nashville can be replaced in a day, but it’s not uncommon for it to take two to three days on larger homes.
And if your roof is large with a lot of complexity and you’re getting a premium material, it could take a week or more. Just remember that the weather in the Nashville area is unpredictable, so it always factors in.
Now, it’s time to get a roof replacement estimate. If you want one from the best roofer in Nashville, don’t hesitate to reach out!
For over 35 years, Bill Ragan Roofing has provided top-quality residential roofing services to homeowners in Nashville, TN. We offer roof replacements, skylight replacements, roof repairs (repairs on hold for new customers due to labor shortage), and insurance claim guidance for roof storm damage.
I take extreme pride in what we do, and back up our workmanship with a lifetime craftsmanship guarantee. That’s why I say, “When you work with us, you’ll never have to worry about your roof again.”
Get a Free Quote here or call our office at (615) 242-0333 today to schedule your free roof replacement inspection and get the peace of mind you deserve.
