One of the most common questions before a roof replacement in Inverness is how long the project will take and what to expect on each day. This guide provides a realistic timeline for a standard Highland property re-roof, covering what happens on each day, what can cause delays, and how to plan for the disruption.
| Day | Activity | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Day -1 | Scaffold erection | Half day |
| Day 1 | Strip existing tiles/slates, inspect deck and structure | Full day |
| Day 1–2 | Replace any compromised battens, install new sarking membrane | 1–2 days |
| Day 2–3 | Install new battens, begin tiling/slating from eaves | 1–2 days |
| Day 3–4 | Complete tiling, install ridge and hip tiles | 1–2 days |
| Day 4–5 | Lead valleys, flashings, chimney work, guttering | 1–2 days |
| Day 5 | Final inspection, clean up, scaffold prep for dismantling | Half day |
| Day 6 | Scaffold dismantled | Half day |
Total on-site time: typically 5–7 working days for a standard 3-bed semi in Inverness. A 4-bed detached with more complex geometry: 7–10 days. Extended projects may involve lead work, chimney rebuilding or specialist conservation area requirements - these add time and are discussed at quote stage.
Highland weather is the primary variable. A re-roof cannot proceed safely or correctly in high winds (above approximately 20mph sustained), heavy rain, or icy conditions. In October to March, Highland weather can cause 1–3 days of delay on a typical project. We discuss weather contingency at the start of every job and agree a communication approach so you always know the schedule.
Once tiles are stripped, the deck condition becomes visible. Rotten sarking boards, damaged or undersized rafters, or rot in the wall plate are discoveries that add time and cost to a project. We inspect the deck carefully at the strip stage and call you immediately if anything is found that affects the scope of work or the timeline. This is the most common source of project extension on older Highland properties.
Chimney repairs discovered during a re-roof - failed flashing, damaged pointing, loose pots - are typically added to the scope at the inspection stage. A straightforward lead flashing replacement adds half a day. Full chimney stack repointing or rebuilding adds 1–2 days. If you know your chimney has existing problems, mention this at survey stage so it can be planned into the timeline.
During a re-roof: noise, from the first day of strip-out through to completion, is significant. Vibration through the structure is normal and harmless. Dust inside the loft is common - we recommend clearing the loft before work begins. Access to the garden or side passage will be restricted by the scaffold. Street parking outside the property will be used for the scaffold lorry and materials delivery. Windows directly below the working area should remain closed during the strip.
When the roof is complete and scaffold removed, walk around the property at ground level and confirm: no tiles are visibly displaced, the ridge and hips are clean and uniform, gutters are correctly reattached, and the garden or driveway is clean. We carry out a final inspection before leaving site but your ground-level check is a useful final confirmation. Any issue should be reported within 7 days so it can be addressed without any dispute about cause.
We provide a clear timeline and written programme for every re-roofing project in Inverness. Call 01463 262835 for a free survey and written quote with a realistic schedule.
📞 Call: 01463 262835In Inverness's denser residential areas — Crown, Dalneigh, Merkinch, the Victorian terraces — re-roofing involves scaffold that occupies the pavement and possibly restricts access to neighbouring properties. Good neighbour management makes a significant difference to how the project is received. We notify adjacent neighbours before scaffold erection, confirm the anticipated programme, and provide a contact number for any concerns. Scaffold lighting is installed where required for overnight safety. Any damage to adjacent boundaries or planting caused by scaffold erection is remedied at our cost. This is standard practice on every project, not an optional add-on.
A professional re-roofing project leaves the property in better condition than it found it. After scaffold removal, we carry out a final site clearance — all tile waste, packaging and ancillary materials removed, garden and driveway cleared, gutters checked for any debris from the roofing work. The property should look visually cleaner after the project than before it started. We stay on site until this is complete. If you identify any issue after we have left, call 01463 262835 within 14 days and we will return to address it. This is covered by our standard workmanship guarantee.
Whatever the roofing question, the right starting point is a professional survey carried out by a roofer who knows Highland conditions and the local housing stock. A survey costs nothing when combined with any roofing project, and £95–£150 as a standalone assessment. The written condition report that follows gives you a clear picture of the current state of your roof, what needs to happen and in what sequence, and what the costs will be.
We have been carrying out roof surveys, repairs and replacements across Inverness and Highland since 2003. NFRC registered. £5m public liability insurance. 10-year workmanship guarantee on all work. Free, no-obligation surveys across the full Highland area. Call 01463 262835 to arrange a visit, or use the contact form on our homepage. We aim to confirm survey appointments within one working day.
For a free survey across Inverness and all of Highland, call 01463 262835. We attend survey appointments within 3–5 working days for non-emergency work. Written quotes are provided within 24 hours of the survey visit. We carry NFRC registration, £5m public liability insurance, and offer a 10-year workmanship guarantee on all roofing work. No call-out fees, no obligation to proceed. If you have read this guide and have a specific question about your property, call us directly — we are happy to advise before you commit to any work.
Related reading: How much does a new roof cost in Inverness? — our full cost guide covering all roof types, materials and common price drivers for Highland properties. Also useful: Nail sickness in Inverness — the complete guide, and How to choose a roofer in Inverness for homeowners navigating contractor selection for the first time. Call 01463 262835 for a free survey and direct advice on your property.
A standard 3-bed semi in Inverness takes 5–7 working days including scaffold erection and dismantling. A 4-bed detached: 7–10 days. These timelines assume good weather - Highland weather delays of 1–3 days are common on autumn and winter projects.
Yes - a re-roof does not require you to leave the property. You should expect noise during working hours, dust in the loft space, and restricted garden or driveway access while scaffold is up. There is no structural exposure of the interior during a normal re-roof.
We discuss weather contingency at the start of every project and agree a communication approach. If weather causes a delay, we contact you that morning to advise the revised schedule. Days lost to weather are made up as the schedule allows. In winter, we plan projects with built-in contingency days.
In order of frequency: rotten sarking board sections (usually at eaves and valleys); nail-sick tiles found to be more advanced than visible from ground level; lead valleys cracked or failed below the tile course; and rafter damage at the wall plate end from blocked gutter overflow. All are identified and costed at strip stage.
April to September offers the most reliable weather windows. May, June and early September are particularly good - long days, lower wind speeds, lower rainfall probability. October onwards is manageable with contingency built in. We carry out re-roofing year-round but schedule weather-sensitive work in the better months where possible.
Expert roofing advice from local Highland specialists. Call to arrange a free survey across Inverness and Highland.
01463 262835