Most homeowners replace a roof once or twice in their life. That means almost nobody knows what the process actually involves — which makes it easy to feel out of control while it's happening.

Here's the whole thing, start to finish.

Stage 1: Inspection and estimate (day 1)

We come out, walk the roof, and photograph everything — slopes, valleys, flashing, penetrations, and the attic if it's accessible. This takes about 45 minutes to an hour on a typical home.

You get a written estimate with the scope spelled out: tear-off, decking repair allowance, underlayment, shingle type and color, flashing, ventilation, and cleanup. If we think a repair makes more sense than a replacement, we'll say so.

Stage 2: Decision and scheduling (1–2 weeks)

Once you approve, we order materials and schedule. Lead time depends on the season — spring and fall are busier, and the weeks following a significant hail event get very busy across the whole region.

If it's an insurance job, this stage runs longer because it includes the adjuster meeting and claim approval. We cover that process in the hail claim guide.

Stage 3: Material delivery (1–2 days before)

Shingles get delivered and, on most jobs, loaded directly onto the roof. If your driveway is the only staging area, we'll let you know in advance so you can move vehicles.

Stage 4: Tear-off (morning of day 1)

Crews arrive early — usually between 7 and 8 a.m. First step is protection: tarps over landscaping, plywood against the house where debris falls, and a dump trailer positioned close to the roof line.

Then the old roof comes off. On an average home this takes two to four hours. It's loud. This is the noisiest part of the whole project, and there's no way around that.

Stage 5: Deck inspection and repair (day 1, midday)

With the old roofing gone, we can finally see the decking. This is where surprises happen — soft spots, rot around penetrations, or damage that was hidden under the old roof.

Good contractors give you a per-sheet price for decking replacement in the original estimate so there's no negotiating while the roof is open. Ask about this before you sign with anyone.

Stage 6: Dry-in (day 1, afternoon)

Underlayment goes down, along with ice-and-water shield in valleys and around penetrations. Once the roof is dried in, your home is weather-protected even if the shingles aren't on yet.

This matters: a reputable crew will not leave a roof open overnight. If weather moves in, the dry-in is what keeps your ceilings safe.

Stage 7: Shingles, flashing, and ventilation (day 1–2)

Starter course, field shingles, valleys, new flashing at every penetration, ridge vent, and ridge cap. On a straightforward single-story home this is often finished the same day. Complex roofs — steep pitch, multiple valleys, lots of penetrations — run into a second or third day.

Stage 8: Cleanup and final walkthrough (final day)

Debris removal, magnet sweep of the yard and driveway for nails (done multiple times on a good job), gutter clearing, and a final walk with you.

The magnet sweep matters more than people realize. Ask specifically how many passes they do — this is the difference between finding zero nails and pulling one out of a tire in October.

How long does the whole thing take?

What you need to do

Not much, honestly. Move vehicles out of the driveway. Take fragile items off walls if you're sensitive to vibration — tear-off shakes the house. Secure pets somewhere quiet. Plan to be away during the day if noise is a problem for you or anyone working from home.

You don't need to be present, though we'll always walk the finished job with you.

Questions about your specific roof? Request a free inspection or call (210) 245-4125.