Planning Your Roof Replacement in San Antonio: Timelines, Permits, & Weather
Replacing a roof in San Antonio? Most installations take 1–3 days, but city permits and Bexar County weather play a huge role. Get the local timeline from Bison Roofing.
If you’ve recently survived a South Texas hailstorm or noticed missing shingles after a windy day in the Alamo City, your first thought is likely: “How long am I going to have a construction crew at my house?” At Bison Roofing, we understand that a roof replacement is a major event for any San Antonio homeowner. While national blogs give generic answers, the reality in Bexar County depends on specific city permits, our unique humidity, and the architectural styles found in neighborhoods from Stone Oak to Southtown.
The Quick Answer: On-Site Installation Time
For most residential homes in San Antonio, the physical installation of an asphalt shingle roof takes 1 to 3 days. * Small Homes (e.g., Cottages in Alamo Heights): Often completed in 1 day.
- Standard Suburban Homes (2,000–4,000 sq. ft.): Typically 2 days.
- Large Estates (e.g., The Dominion or Helotes): Can take 3 to 5 days.
3 San Antonio Factors That Impact Your Timeline
1. City of San Antonio Permitting & Inspections
Unlike rural areas, roofing in the City of San Antonio requires specific permits to ensure your home meets the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC).
- The Wait: Securing a permit from the San Antonio Development Services Department usually takes 2–5 business days.
- The Inspection: Once the job is done, a city inspector must verify the work. At Bison Roofing, we handle all the paperwork so you don’t have to.
2. The “Alamo City” Climate
San Antonio weather is notoriously unpredictable. Our project managers monitor the radar daily for two specific factors:
- The Heat Index: In July and August, temperatures on a roof can exceed 150°F. To ensure a high-quality install and crew safety, we may start at 6:00 AM and finish by mid-afternoon.
- Rain and Humidity: We never “tear off” a roof if there is a 30% or higher chance of rain in the San Antonio forecast. We wait for a clear window to keep your attic and belongings bone-dry.
3. Bexar County HOA Approvals
Many San Antonio neighborhoods—like Great Northwest, Rogers Ranch, and Cibolo Canyons—have strict HOA guidelines regarding shingle color and material.
- Pro-Tip: Some HOAs meet only once a month. We recommend submitting your color choice to your board the moment you receive your estimate from us to avoid a 30-day delay.
The Bison Roofing 5-Step San Antonio Timeline
- Local Inspection & Quote (1–2 Days): We provide a detailed digital report of your roof’s health.
- Permits & Material Delivery (Week 1–2): We pull City of San Antonio permits and have materials delivered to your driveway.
- The Tear-Off (Day 1): We remove old shingles and check the decking for “deck rot” caused by our high Texas humidity.
- The Install (Day 1–3): We lay down weather-locking underlayment and high-wind-rated shingles.
- The “Scrub” & Walkthrough (Post-Install): We use magnetic rollers to ensure your yard is clear of nails—vital for San Antonio families with pets and kids.
Why Choose a Local San Antonio Specialist?
“Storm chasers” often flood the San Antonio market after a big storm, but they don’t know our local building codes. Bison Roofing is a permanent fixture in the community. We know how to build roofs that stand up to San Antonio sun and Hill Country winds.
Need a roof that lasts? Contact Bison Roofing today for your free San Antonio roof inspection!
Frequently Questions Asked
Q: Do I need to stay home during my San Antonio roof replacement? A: No. Most homeowners go about their day. We just ask that you move your vehicles out of the driveway and keep pets inside for their safety.
Q: Does Bison Roofing handle San Antonio city permits? A: Yes. As a licensed San Antonio roofing contractor, we handle the entire permitting and inspection process from start to finish.
