How long does it actually take to replace a roof?
Day-by-day timeline for a typical Eugene roof replacement, what slows it down (weather, deck damage, scheduling), and what 'they said 3 days, we're on day 6' usually means.
The honest answer: 2 to 5 working days
Most single-family asphalt replacements in Eugene are completed in 2 to 5 working days on a sound deck. Standing seam metal runs 4 to 7 working days because of the more involved panel installation. Cedar shake is the slowest at 5 to 10 days due to the hand-placed individual shake work. Those numbers assume good weather, sound deck conditions, and a crew of 4-6.
Day 1: Tear-off and dry-in
Crew arrives 7-8 AM with dumpster, materials, and tools. Tear-off itself takes 4-8 hours depending on how many layers come off and how accessible the roof is. By end of day 1, the deck should be fully dried in, underlayment across the entire surface, ice-and-water shield at eaves and valleys. If weather doesn't allow finishing dry-in by sundown, the crew tarps the open portion. Day 1 is the loudest day and the day with the most debris activity.
Days 2-3: Field installation
Most of the visible work happens on days 2 and 3 for asphalt. Starter strips, field shingles working up to the ridge, valley flashing, step flashing at walls, pipe boots, counter flashing at chimneys. Steady noise from nail guns and crew movement but less debris than tear-off day. By end of day 3 most asphalt jobs are essentially complete.
Day 4: Detail work, cleanup, magnetic sweep
Day 4 is ridge cap, final flashing details, and cleanup. Magnetic roller sweeps the driveway, lawn, and beds for fallen fasteners. All debris hauled. The crew typically schedules the inspector to visit on day 4 or shortly after.
Day 5+: Inspector visit and walkthrough
Eugene B&PS or Lane County inspectors typically visit within 1-3 days of the contractor calling for inspection. They check underlayment, fastening pattern, flashing, ventilation, and fire-rating documentation. If anything fails, the contractor corrects at no cost. Final payment is due on inspection pass and your walkthrough approval.
What stretches the timeline
Three factors commonly extend Eugene projects past the initial estimate. First, weather: wet-season jobs pause on days with rain forecast above 0.25 inches in 24 hours. A 3-day asphalt job in January might run 6-8 days. Second, surprise deck damage: discovered after tear-off, can add 1-2 days. Third, scheduling: a small two-person crew on a complex roof takes longer than a 4-person crew on a simple roof. If a contractor estimated 3 days and you're on day 6 without weather delays, that's a conversation to have about what changed.
What you do during the work
Nothing structural. The work is entirely external. Plan around 7 AM to 4 PM crew hours, particularly day 1. Don't park in the driveway (the dumpster needs the space and you don't want debris on your car). Keep pets and small children inside during work hours. Otherwise life proceeds normally, the interior of the house is fully accessible throughout.