A standard residential roof replacement in the St. Louis metro takes one to three days from tear-off to final cleanup. The exact timeline depends on roof size, material choice, weather conditions, and whether your project involves structural repairs underneath the decking. Conner Roofing, a family-owned contractor operating from 7950 Watson Road since 1993, has replaced thousands of roofs across St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and the surrounding metro. Here is a realistic breakdown of what that timeline looks like and what can push it longer.
What Determines the Length of a Roof Replacement?
Four factors control how long your crew will be on-site.
Roof size and pitch. A 1,500-square-foot ranch-style home in Crestwood or Sunset Hills with a moderate 4/12 pitch can often be completed in a single day. A 3,000-square-foot colonial in Kirkwood or Webster Groves with steep pitch, multiple dormers, and complex valleys will take two days or more because every cut, flashing piece, and ridge cap takes additional labor.
Material selection. Standard architectural asphalt shingles from Owens Corning or CertainTeed go down quickly. Metal roofing, designer shingles, or specialty products like modified bitumen for flat sections require additional prep work and longer installation windows.
Decking condition. Once the old shingles come off, the plywood underneath tells the real story. Soft spots, water damage, or rotted sections need replacement before new underlayment goes down. Homes near the Meramec River floodplain in Arnold and Fenton, or older brick bungalows along South Grand in the city, often have decking surprises that add a half day or more to the project.
Weather. St. Louis weather is unpredictable. Crews cannot install shingles during active rain or when temperatures drop below manufacturer adhesion requirements. A project scheduled during a dry stretch in October may finish faster than one started during a humid July week with afternoon thunderstorms rolling off the plains.
Day-by-Day Breakdown of a Typical Replacement
Day 1: Tear-off and inspection. The crew arrives early, typically between 7:00 and 7:30 AM. They lay tarps and plywood around your foundation to catch debris, then begin stripping the existing shingles, underlayment, and flashing. Once the deck is exposed, the project manager inspects every sheet of plywood for damage. Approved sections get new synthetic underlayment, ice and water shield in the valleys and along eaves, and drip edge along the perimeter. On a straightforward roof, shingle installation begins the same afternoon.
Day 2: Shingle installation and detail work. The crew finishes field shingles, installs ridge caps, replaces pipe boots and vents, and completes chimney and wall flashing. Homes in neighborhoods like Ballwin and Des Peres with multiple roof penetrations (skylights, bathroom vents, HVAC curbs) add detail work that fills this second day.
Day 3 (if needed): Final details and cleanup. Complex roofs or projects that hit weather delays use this day for finishing touches, gutter reattachment, and a thorough magnetic sweep of the yard for nails. The project manager does a final walkthrough with the homeowner before the crew loads out.
How St. Louis Weather Events Affect Scheduling
The March 2025 hailstorms that hit West County and the May 2025 tornado through parts of St. Louis created a surge of roofing demand that pushed contractor schedules out by weeks. After a major storm event, material availability can tighten as suppliers across the metro fill orders simultaneously. Conner Roofing stocks common shingle types and colors on trucks and maintains supplier relationships with ABC Supply, which helps avoid the multi-week waits that some homeowners experience with smaller contractors.
If your roof sustained storm damage, scheduling a free inspection sooner rather than later locks in your place in the production queue and gives your insurance adjuster time to process the claim before crews arrive.
How to Prepare Your Home Before Crews Arrive
A few steps on your end can keep the project moving:
Move vehicles out of the driveway and away from the house. Tear-off generates debris, and roofing trucks need close access. Take down any wall-mounted items in the attic or upper floor, since the vibration from tear-off can shake things loose. Trim back tree branches within six feet of the roofline so crews have clear access. If you have pets, keep them indoors or at a neighbor’s home for the day. Mark sprinkler heads near the foundation so tarps and ladders avoid them.
What Happens After the Crew Leaves?
Conner Roofing schedules a post-installation inspection where the project manager walks the completed roof, checks flashing seals, verifies ridge vent alignment, and photographs the finished product. As a CertainTeed and Owens Corning certified installer, Conner Roofing registers your manufacturer warranty directly, which covers materials for the warranty period. The workmanship warranty from Conner Roofing covers labor and installation quality beyond what the manufacturer provides.
Homeowners receive a completion packet with before-and-after photos, warranty registration confirmation, and a direct contact number for any post-project questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a roof replacement be done in one day?
Yes, many single-story homes in the St. Louis metro with straightforward roof designs are completed in one day. Ranch-style homes in areas like Affton, Mehlville, and Oakville are common one-day projects for Conner Roofing’s crews. Two-story homes, steep pitches, or roofs with extensive damage underneath typically require two days.
Does Conner Roofing work during winter months?
Shingle manufacturers specify minimum installation temperatures, usually around 40 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Conner Roofing schedules winter projects during stretches that meet those requirements, which St. Louis sees regularly through November and again starting in March. Emergency repairs and tarping happen regardless of temperature.
How far in advance should I schedule a roof replacement?
During calm weather periods, Conner Roofing can typically schedule within two to three weeks. After major storm events like the ones that hit the metro in spring 2025, lead times can extend to four to six weeks depending on demand and material availability. Booking an inspection early secures your spot.
Will I need to leave my house during the replacement?
You do not need to leave. The work happens entirely outside. Expect noise from tear-off and nail guns starting around 7:00 AM and continuing through the afternoon. If you work from home, a room on the opposite side of the house from where crews are working will be quieter.
What if it rains during my roof replacement?
Conner Roofing monitors weather forecasts closely and will not begin a tear-off if rain is expected before the crew can get underlayment down. If an unexpected storm moves in mid-project, crews tarp exposed sections immediately. The project resumes once conditions clear, with no additional charge for weather-related delays.
Get a Free Roof Replacement Estimate
Conner Roofing has served St. Louis homeowners since 1993 with honest pricing, certified installation, and crews that clean up after themselves. Call (314) 942-0169 or contact us online for a free inspection and written estimate.