Roof Replacement Process

See what happens from start to finish during a roof replacement. Clear steps, trained crews, and daily communication throughout your project.

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What Happens During Roof Replacement

A roof replacement follows a clear sequence from inspection to final walkthrough. You'll know what the crew is doing each day, what to expect at your property, and how long each phase takes.

Most residential projects finish within 1-3 days depending on size and material. Our crews handle prep work, daily cleanup, and final inspection.

The roof replacement process includes:

Inspection and planning — We measure your roof, check current conditions, and identify repairs needed before new materials go on

Installation phases — Tear-off exposes your deck; underlayment and flashing protect against water; shingles or metal go on last

Your role — Move vehicles, secure pets, stay available for questions; we handle the rest

Daily cleanup — Magnet sweeps for nails, debris removal, final walkthrough

Timeline factors — Size, material type, weather, and deck repairs affect duration

Warranty handoff — Documentation, care guidelines, and service contact info

How Long Does a Roof Replacement Take?

Most residential roofs take 1-3 days from tear-off to cleanup. A small ranch might finish in one day. A larger two-story with valleys and complex flashing could take three days.

What affects the timeline:

Size matters most. A 1,200 sq ft roof has less material to remove than a 3,000 sq ft roof. Steep pitches slow work. Multiple chimneys, dormers, and skylights add time because each needs custom flashing.

Material type changes pace. Asphalt shingles install faster than metal panels. Metal requires precise alignment. Flat roofing membranes involve different prep that extends timelines.

Weather stops work. Rain, high winds, or extreme cold pause installation. We don't risk safety or compromise performance by working in bad conditions.

Deck repairs add time. Finding soft spots or water damage underneath adds hours to a full day depending on repair scope.

Roof Replacement Steps: What Happens Each Day

Stage 1: Inspection & Assessment

Before tearing anything off, we check your current roof during initial consultation and again before installation.

We look at shingle wear, potential water intrusion, flashing around chimneys and vents, and ventilation. Photos document everything. If there's hidden damage, we show you and explain what needs fixing.

Stage 2: Scope & Material Confirmation

After inspection, we finalize measurements and confirm your material choices—shingles, metal panels, color, accessories.

We coordinate material delivery before the crew arrives and plan logistics: dumpster placement, landscaping protection, driveway access.

Stage 3: Proposal Sign-Off & Schedule

Once approved, we lock in your installation date based on crew availability and weather forecasts.

If permits are required, we handle applications and inspections. You'll meet your project manager and get direct contact information.

Stage 4: Installation Day 1 — Tear-Off

The loudest, messiest day. We remove your old roof down to the wood deck underneath.

The crew works in sections, stripping one area and immediately checking the deck before moving to the next. This prevents leaving your home exposed if weather changes.

Deck condition—soft spots, water stains, sagging

Structural issues—rafter soundness, previous leak signs

Ventilation setup—existing vent placement

With the deck clean and repairs done, we install the layers that keep water out.

Underlayment is a weather-resistive barrier—felt paper or synthetic material that sheds water if it gets under shingles. We overlap seams and secure it properly.

Ice barrier protects edges. This self-sealing membrane prevents water backup from ice dams. We install it along eaves, valleys, and around penetrations.

Flashing seals the gaps where anything penetrates your roof—chimneys, vents, skylights. Flashing directs water away from openings.

Types we install:

Step flashing along chimneys and walls

Pipe boots around plumbing vents

Drip edge along eaves and rakes

Valley flashing where roof planes meet

Flashing failures cause most leaks. We don't rush this part.

Ventilation check: If your attic lacks intake or exhaust vents, your roof won't last as long. We point out problems and recommend fixes.

Stage 6: Shingle/Metal/Flat Roof Installation

Your new roof takes shape. Material goes on per manufacturer specs.

Asphalt shingles start at the eave and work up. Each row overlaps the one below. We follow Atlas specifications for proper alignment, exposure, and fastener placement.

Metal panels require precise alignment. Each panel overlaps the previous one. Fasteners go through raised ribs to avoid leaks.

Flat roofing membranes use different methods depending on material—TPO, EPDM, or modified bitumen. Seams get welded or sealed.

Ridge caps cover the peak where roof planes meet—the last pieces installed.

Stage 7: Final Cleanup & Walkthrough

Before we leave: thorough cleanup, walkthrough with you, and warranty paperwork.

Cleanup includes:

Multiple magnetic roller passes to catch stray nails

Driveway and walkway sweeping

Gutter debris removal (shingle granules, paper scraps)

We've completed over 10,000 projects. One thing customers notice is how clean the site looks when we're done.

The walkthrough lets you see finished work up close. We point out new flashing, vent integration, and answer questions. If something doesn't look right, we fix it before leaving.

Warranty documentation includes manufacturer material warranty and our Lifetime Workmanship Warranty—if something fails because of installation, we fix it at no cost as long as you own the home.

What We Do During Installation: Details

How does roof tear-off work?

Tear-off starts at the ridge and works down. Crews use flat shovels and pry bars to pull up shingles and felt paper in sections. Old nails come out or get pounded flush.

Everything goes into a dumpster positioned near the house. We tarp landscaping if plants are close.

Noise and vibration: Tear-off is loud—scraping, pounding, debris sliding. Plan for disruption if you work from home.

Deck exposure: Once shingles are off, your deck is exposed. If rain is forecasted, we tarp sections overnight.

What deck repairs are common?

Most common: soft decking around chimneys and vent pipes. Water gets past old flashing, soaks into wood, and creates soft spots. That section needs cutting out and replacing.

Valley damage is next. Valleys channel lots of water. Poor or missing valley flashing lets water rot the deck below.

Edge rot shows up along eaves where ice dams form repeatedly.

We only replace decking that's structurally compromised—wood that won't hold nails or feels spongy. Slight discoloration doesn't mean replacement.

What is underlayment and ice barrier?

Underlayment is your roof's secondary defense. Shingles shed most water, but wind-driven rain can get underneath. Underlayment stops that water from reaching your deck.

Modern underlayment is synthetic—lighter, stronger, more water-resistant than old felt paper.

Ice barrier is self-adhesive membrane with rubberized backing. When water hits it, the membrane seals around nail holes, making it nearly waterproof.

We install ice barrier along eaves (first 3-6 feet), in valleys, and around chimneys and skylights—spots where ice dams and water pooling cause leaks.

How is flashing installed?

Flashing installation varies by location, but the principle stays the same: keep water moving down and off the roof.

Step flashing goes along chimneys and walls. Each piece overlaps the one below and tucks under shingles above. Water hits flashing, runs onto the shingle below, continues down. We don't rely on caulk—caulk fails. Proper overlap keeps water out.

Pipe boots fit around plumbing vents. Rubber collar seals against the pipe; metal base integrates with shingles.

Drip edge is metal trim along eaves and rakes. It guides water into gutters instead of letting it run back under shingles.

What about ventilation?

Your attic needs airflow. Hot air escapes through ridge vents at the peak. Cool air enters through soffit vents low on the roof. This keeps attic temperature closer to outside temperature.

Why it matters: Without proper ventilation, summer heat cooks your shingles from below, shortening lifespan. In winter, warm air melts snow on the roof and causes ice dams at eaves.

Do you have ridge vents?

Are soffit vents clear or blocked by insulation?

Is intake-to-exhaust ratio balanced?

What Should Homeowners Do to Prepare?

Driveway & Vehicle Access

Park vehicles on the street for project duration.

Debris comes off your roof fast during tear-off. We don't want your car getting hit.

Attic & Interior Items

Remove fragile items from your attic.

If you have finished attic space, expect noise and minor dust. Cover furniture if desired.

Pets & Children

Keep pets indoors or secured away from work area.

Kids should stay inside during work hours. Nails and sharp objects may be present.

Outdoor Items

Move grills, patio furniture, and potted plants away from the house (6–8 feet clearance).

Trim low branches if trees overhang your roof.

Utilities & Access

Ensure exterior outlets are accessible for power tools.

Unlock gates if crew needs backyard access.

Communication

Exchange phone numbers with your project manager before installation.

Expect daily end‑of‑day updates.

How Do You Handle Cleanup?

Daily magnet sweeps happen every afternoon. A large magnetic roller picks up nails from driveway, walkways, and surrounding areas. We make multiple passes.

Debris haul-away typically happens daily or when project completes, depending on dumpster size and timeline.

Gutter cleaning removes shingle granules and debris that fall during tear-off.

Final walkthrough covers:

No visible nails or debris in yard

Gutters clear

Landscaping tarps removed

Clean, professional-looking site

We treat your property the way we'd want ours treated.

What Warranties Come with Roof Replacement?

Every roof replacement includes two warranties: manufacturer material warranty and our workmanship warranty.

Material Warranty (Manufacturer)

Material warranties cover manufacturing problems—premature granule loss, cracking that shouldn't happen yet, or seal failures. If you bought algae-resistant shingles and algae shows up anyway, that's covered. If shingles rated for 110 mph winds blow off in a 90 mph storm, that's covered.

Not covered: improper installation (that's our workmanship warranty), storm damage from falling trees or hail, and normal wear after warranty period.

Warranty lengths range from 25 years to lifetime depending on product. Atlas shingles come with strong manufacturer warranties we'll review during consultation.

Lifetime Workmanship Warranty (Integrity)

Our workmanship warranty covers labour and installation for as long as you own your home. If something fails because of installation—flashing comes loose, shingles lift, fasteners back out—we fix it at no cost.

How to request service: Call or email. We respond within 24-48 hours, assess the problem, and schedule repair. If it's warranty-covered, there's no invoice.

We've served over 10,000 customers and are a Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics winner—recognition for consistent, transparent practices. Our warranty claims process is straightforward.

Gold Standard Protection Plan includes automatically:

Annual inspections

Priority scheduling for emergency repairs

Transferability if you sell

How Much Does Roof Replacement Cost?

Cost depends on home size, material choice, roof complexity, and repairs found during tear-off.

Factors that increase cost:

Steep pitch (requires more safety equipment)

Multiple valleys and dormers (more flashing and custom cuts)

Deck repairs (additional material and labor)

Premium materials (architectural shingles, metal roofing)

Two tools help you plan:

Roofing cost calculator gives rough estimates based on square footage and material type.

Ready to Start Your Roof Replacement?

Understanding the roof replacement process helps you know what to expect before, during, and after installation. You'll see what crews do each day, how we handle cleanup, and what warranties protect your investment.

We've refined this process across thousands of projects. Our crews work efficiently without cutting corners. You'll get daily updates, honest answers about problems we find, and a finished roof installed to manufacturer specs and backed by our Lifetime Workmanship Warranty.

Schedule a free consultation. We'll inspect your current roof, discuss material options, and provide a detailed proposal with timeline and cost breakdown.

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Leading exterior home remodeling experts serving Ohio and Michigan with quality craftsmanship since [Year].Leading exterior home remodeling experts serving Ohio and Michigan with quality craftsmanship since [Year].

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