How Long Does a Roof Replacement Take in Seattle?

Understanding your complete project timeline from first call to finished roof: Day 1: Free inspection and estimate We inspect your roof, check the attic for ventilation and deck condition, and give you a written estimate within 3 business days. Week 1: Contract and permit We apply for the permit immediately after signing. Most Seattle-area roofing permits process in 1–3 weeks. Permits are required for roof replacement in Seattle and most King County cities. Week 1–4: Scheduling and material delivery We schedule your job and order materials. Asphalt shingles are typically available in 1–2 weeks. Some specialty materials may take longer. Construction day 1: Tearoff Our crew tears off existing roofing, inspects the deck boards, replaces any rotted or damaged sheathing, and installs new underlayment. Construction day 1–3: New roofing installation Shingles or metal panels go on. Flashings at all valleys, pipes, and HVAC penetrations are installed. Ridgecap is installed last. Final: Cleanup and inspection We do a complete cleanup including a magnet sweep for nails. We schedule and pass the city inspection (where required).

Seattle's weather is the main variable that makes roofing timelines less predictable than other trades. What we work in: • Overcast skies — no problem, most Seattle days • Light drizzle — we monitor; light mist is acceptable for underlayment work • Dry days after rain — perfectly fine for full installation What we don't work in: • Active rain — we don't install roofing during rain; the materials won't seal correctly • Wind over 25 mph — safety and quality concern for shingle installation • Below-freezing temperatures — self-adhering underlayment requires temperature minimums Our project managers track weather 7 days out and schedule accordingly. When weather delays occur, we contact you immediately and reschedule for the next available dry window. Most Seattle roofing projects complete within 3–5 construction days even accounting for weather.

Roof replacement in Seattle and most King County cities requires a permit. This surprises some homeowners who assume "it's just shingles." Why permits are required: • Roofing affects the building envelope and structural loading • Inspectors verify underlayment, flashings, and ventilation meet code • An unpermitted roof replacement creates issues at resale Our process: • We apply for permits on every project — it's included in our price • Seattle roofing permits typically process in 1–3 weeks • Some cities (Bellevue, Redmond) process faster — often 5–10 business days • We track permit status and notify you when construction can begin Never hire a contractor who skips permits on roof replacement. An unpermitted roof is an uninsured roof.