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How Long Does a Commercial Roof Project Take? 

If you’re managing a commercial building and facing a roof issue—whether it’s a persistent leak or time for a full reroof—one of the first questions you probably have is: How long is this roof project going to take? You’re not alone.  

At Weather Shield Roofing Systems™, we’ve been helping businesses for over 40 years, and this is one of the most common and valid concerns we hear. 

Whether you’re dealing with an emergency leak repair or planning a full commercial reroofing project, the timeline matters. You’re coordinating tenants, operations, staff—every day counts.  

So let’s break it down simply and honestly. 

How long does a commercial roof replacement take?

The short answer? It depends. But here’s what goes into it: 

• Size and scope of the project: A smaller commercial roof project might take just one day to complete, especially with a focused crew. But larger, more complex projects can stretch anywhere from a few weeks to two or even three months. 

• Crew size and access: More workers doesn’t always mean faster. On larger buildings, we might have 12–20 crew members installing 10,000–15,000 square feet of new roofing. But for smaller sites, we might use a tight 4-person crew to ensure quality without overcrowding. 

• Interior coordination: We always ask, “What do your operations look like?” Can we work on weekends? After hours? Our team takes care to coordinate with your business to minimize disruption to your daily operations. 

• Pre-work prep: Some reroofs require staging, debris removal, or even things like removing rock ballast, which might start a week ahead of the main work. 

Ultimately, we tailor our roof repair schedule to match your building, your needs, and your goals. 

How soon can my roof project start after signing a contract?

This is another big one: “Once I sign, when are you starting?” 

The average lead time at Weather Shield Roofing Systems™ is about four weeks. During busier times—after major storms or as we approach winter—that can extend to a few months. The key here is transparency. We’ll always communicate where your project falls in our schedule and why. 

The good news? If you’re dealing with a leaky roof and sign a reroof contract, you’re not left hanging. 

We offer a Gold Shield Service:

If you’ve signed a reroof contract with us, we’ll send out a service crew—at no cost—to patch critical leaks and buy you time until the reroof begins. We focus on the worst areas to prevent further damage and give you some peace of mind while you wait. 

What if I just found a leak—how quickly can you get here?

If you just noticed water dripping from the ceiling tiles, you’re likely in emergency mode. Here’s how we handle it: 

• Normal response time: 1 to 5 days, depending on weather, workload, and location. 

• High volume times: After big rainstorms or the first major winter thaw, call volume spikes. We’ve had days with 250+ leak calls—that stretches our response times. During those times, getting in the queue early helps. 

• Emergency services: If it’s critical (think: water pouring into a server room or a C-suite office), we offer expedited emergency response for an additional charge. That can move you up the schedule. 

Our service crews are trained to do thorough leak investigations. They’ll check inside the building for water entry points, take photos, and trace the issue to the source. Then they’ll head up to the roof to pinpoint the leak and get it stopped—fast. 

What should I do if I have to wait for service?

Waiting four weeks for a reroof or a few days for a leak repair can be stressful. We get it. Here’s what we recommend in the meantime: 

• Contain the leak: Place buckets, tarps, or plastic under active leaks to protect valuable equipment or furnishings. 

• Document everything: Take photos of water damage, wet ceiling tiles, and leak paths. This helps us when we investigate and also gives you a record for insurance, if needed. 

• Call as soon as you notice something: Don’t wait. The earlier we know, the sooner you’re in the schedule. 

Learn more about our emergency services.

What if the wait is longer than expected?

We’ve had some tough conversations here, and we always try to be upfront. If a customer’s frustrated because it’s taking longer than they expected, we explain the why—whether it’s a spike in calls, weather delays, or material lead times. 

And if it’s urgent, we’ll always explore options: 

• Can we do a temporary patch? 

• Can we shift schedules slightly? 

• Is it worth considering an emergency response upgrade? 

It’s not about excuses—it’s about doing everything we can to make sure your business is protected while maintaining the quality of our work. 

At Weather Shield Roofing Systems™, we’ve been working with commercial property owners for over four decades. We know roofing projects come with a lot of moving parts and even more questions. Our goal is always to provide honest timelines, cost-effective solutions, and clear communication—every step of the way. 

If you’ve got a roof concern, big or small, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help.