What to Expect During a Roof Replacement

Replacing a roof goes far beyond removing old shingles. It requires planning, permits, inspections, and selecting materials that match the needs of your home. From our initial visit to the final walkthrough, understanding each phase in advance makes the process smoother and gives you greater confidence throughout.

Key Takeaways

We begin with a comprehensive inspection and a clear proposal. We assess your home’s condition, review local building codes, and check whether your insurance might help with the costs.
Before installation starts, we secure permits, schedule the job, deliver materials, and place temporary covers if leaks need urgent attention.
During installation, we remove the old roof, repair the decking if necessary, install an underlayment, and then apply the complete roofing system with full safety protocols.
Your project will go through several inspections—our crew verifies details throughout the job, and city or county officials confirm work meets all standards.
After installation, we carry out a precise cleanup. Every bit of debris is removed, the entire roof is assessed again, and we walk you through your warranty coverage for complete reassurance.

Initial Consultation and Roof Inspection

The first step in any roof replacement is a thorough inspection. We start by walking your roof, checking for damage, aging, and potential structural concerns. You’ll get honest feedback—no upselling, just facts about what your roof needs.

We also listen. Your concerns about leaks, insulation, or even energy bills matter. We factor that into our evaluation.

After the inspection, we’ll give you a clear proposal that outlines:

The condition of your current roof
Recommended materials based on your home and budget
Estimated timeline and costs
Any structural repairs or code upgrades needed

If your roof has storm damage, we’ll look into whether your insurance might cover some of the replacement. Our team knows the local codes inside and out, and we help make sure the paperwork is done right from day one. In fact, we cover all this in-depth in our guide on roof replacement permits in Florida.

Pre-Installation Planning

Once you’re ready to move forward, we schedule materials and get your project on the calendar. Timing depends on weather, crew availability, and how long materials take to arrive. On average, the process takes about one to two weeks from planning to tear-off. For a breakdown of how long the entire job takes, check out our roof replacement timeline guide.

We’ll go over all the specifics with you, including:

Dumpster placement and lawn protection
Permits and inspection schedules
Delivery of shingles, underlayment, and flashing

If needed, we’ll recommend a temporary solution for serious leaks while you wait for install day.

For homeowners comparing roofing options, we offer multiple systems—like shingle roofing that balances affordability and insulation, or metal roofs for a longer life span and better storm resistance. We’ll break it all down for you.

We also help clients weigh the pros and cons of DIY vs. professional roofing for those considering tackling it themselves. Spoiler: roof replacements are no place to cut corners.

Expect transparency from start to finish. We don’t leave you guessing. You’ll have a written contract, a schedule, and a name to call anytime.

To get started with a licensed and insured crew committed to doing the job right, learn more about our roof replacement services.

What Happens During a Roof Replacement: Step-by-Step

Initial Steps and Prep Work

Before any shingles come off, we walk through the project with you, clarify timelines, and handle permits. Florida requires proper paperwork for roof replacements, and we take care of that to make sure it’s all done right—read more about the details in our guide on roof replacement permits in Florida.

Here’s what we take care of at the beginning:

Inspection and estimate – We inspect your roof to assess damage, take measurements, and provide a clear, itemized quote.
Permit filing – We handle local code requirements so everything’s compliant and documented.
Material selection – Whether you’re going with shingles, metal, or tile, we go over your options and help you decide what works best for your home.
Scheduling – Once materials are ordered and delivered, we lock in your install date and review the timeline. (Check out our breakdown of the full roof replacement timeline here.)

Demolition, Installation, and Cleanup

Demo happens fast. We protect your landscaping, set up safety barriers, and remove the old roofing. Once the surface is clear, we get to work installing your new system. It’s more than just shingles—this includes flashing, underlayment, vents, and proper sealing around penetrations.

During installation, here’s what you can expect:

Tear-off – We remove all layers of old roofing down to the deck. If we find water damage or rot, we replace those sections.
Deck inspection – A solid deck is key to a lasting roof. If anything’s warped or soft, we repair it before moving on.
Underlayment & waterproofing – We install a water-resistant barrier over the deck to protect from leaks and Florida’s frequent rain.
Shingle or material install – Then comes the roofing product itself. For asphalt roofs, that includes starter strips, shingles, and ridge caps. For metal or tile roofs, we follow a different install pattern, anchoring each piece properly for wind resistance and long-term durability.
Flashing and ventilation – These finishing details make a big difference in how your roof performs over time.

After install wraps up, we do a full cleanup—nails, debris, dumpster removal, all of it. Your property should look better than it did when we arrived.

We’ll go over warranty info, final inspections, and leave you with care tips to make your roof last. Whether you’re investing in a full roof replacement or starting from scratch with a new roof installation, you’ll know exactly what’s happening and why.

To see how the timing lines up based on material and weather, take a look at our guide on the best season for roof replacement. Planning ahead can save you time, stress, and even money.

Project Timeline & Process

How Long the Process Typically Takes

Most roof replacements take one to three days from start to finish. Still, the exact timeline depends on your roof’s size, material, and weather conditions. If we run into issues like wood rot, it can stretch the job to five days or more. Larger homes or specialty roofing like tile and metal may add time too.

We always give you a clear schedule before we start. For a deeper breakdown of each step, see our full roof replacement timeline guide.

Weather plays a big role. In Florida, rain delays are common—especially in the summer. We monitor the forecast daily and build in some buffer time to keep your home protected. You’ll know upfront if we adjust the schedule.

Step-by-Step Process

Here’s what you can expect once work kicks off:

Delivery of materials: We arrange delivery the day before or early morning on day one.
Tear-off: Crews remove old shingles or tiles down to the plywood. We tarp your home and landscaping to prevent damage.
Deck inspection: We check for rotted or damaged wood. Any problems get fixed before laying new materials.
Underlayment install: This water barrier protects your home against leaks and mold.
Installation of new roofing system: We lay shingles, tiles, or metal panels with proper ventilation and flashing.
Clean-up and final inspection: Debris is removed, nails are magnet-swept, and we walk you through the finished roof.

Each phase has built-in safety checks and supervisor reviews. We treat your property with the same care we’d expect at our own homes. If you’re weighing your material options, our shingle roofing and metal roofing services are a smart place to start.

Whether it’s a planned job or an urgent need after a storm, our roof replacement service focuses on long-term strength, not shortcuts. You’ll always know what’s happening and when.

Before we swing a hammer, we’ll also cover all the permits required. Local requirements can vary, and that’s why we handle everything. You can read more in our post about roof replacement permits in Florida.

Roof work shouldn’t feel chaotic. With our process, you get transparency, steady communication, and no surprises.

Permits and Inspections

Before any shingles come off or decking gets replaced, we start with the paperwork. A roof replacement needs the right permits, and in Florida, skipping this step can lead to fines or forced removal of your new roof. Local building codes are strict, and they vary from one city to the next. That’s why we handle the permitting process for every job—so you don’t have to worry about whether it’s done right.

We submit detailed project plans and coordinate directly with your local municipality. This isn’t just about compliance. Permits confirm that your roof meets wind, fire, and structural standards, especially in high-risk hurricane zones. It’s one part protection, one part peace of mind.

We also make sure your project passes all required inspections. Most cities in Florida will expect inspections at multiple stages—after the tear-off, during the underlayment installation, and again at final completion. Our team stays on-site to walk the inspector through the work, answer questions, and make sure nothing slips past unnoticed.

What You Can Expect

Here’s what the permit and inspection stage usually looks like:

Permit Application: We collect the necessary documents, including property details, plans, and sometimes photos. This typically takes one to five business days, depending on the city.
Approval Period: Some permits are approved within 48 hours; others take a week or more. We’ll give you a timeline upfront based on your local office.
Scheduled Inspections: Every city has its own checkpoints. We schedule each inspection and coordinate timings with the roofing phases.
Pass or Revise: Most jobs pass the first time because we follow code to the letter. If something does need updating, we fix it fast—often the same day.

For a deeper breakdown, take a look at our guide on roof replacement permits in Florida. It covers county-specific requirements and timelines so you can spot delays before they happen.

This step protects your investment. Without permits, you risk problems when refinancing or selling the house later. Even worse, insurance may deny a future claim if the roof wasn’t inspected by code. We build everything above board from the start.

Whether you’re upgrading to metal roofing or just replacing worn shingles, permits and inspections are part of the process—and we never skip them. Our goal is a flawless finish that holds up to Florida’s storms and regulations. No shortcuts. No red tape left behind.

After the Roof Replacement: Clean-Up and Final Inspection

Job Site Clean-Up

Once the last shingle is in place, we don’t just pack up and leave. A thorough clean-up is part of every project. We sweep the area for leftover nails, scraps, and other materials—especially around driveways, flowerbeds, and yards. Our crew uses magnetic tools to make sure we don’t miss anything. We also clear away tarps, ladders, and equipment so your property looks just like it did before—only better.

Here’s what we include in our clean-up process:

Rolling magnetic sweepers across lawns, driveways, and sidewalks
Removing debris from gutters and downspouts
Checking patios, porches, and landscaping for stray materials
Disposing of dumpsters or debris bins off-site
Final walkthrough to double-check for missed items

We clean up like it’s our own yard because we know you shouldn’t have to deal with leftovers. Reliable site cleanup is part of what separates professional work from a rushed job. If you’re weighing the difference between hiring a contractor or doing it yourself, our article on DIY vs professional roofing takes a deeper look.

Final Inspection and Walkthrough

A strong finish means more than just good looks. Before we call the job complete, one of our project supervisors will conduct a final inspection to make sure everything’s done right—no shortcuts, no loose ends. That includes checking the flashing, ridge caps, ventilation, and seals. We also confirm that the materials match specs and the workmanship meets state code.

During the walkthrough:

We explain what work was completed
Show you photos of key stages (if you weren’t home during install)
Answer questions about warranties, roof care, and lifespan
Provide documentation you might need for your records or insurance

If permits were pulled, we also make sure the city or municipality signs off on everything. Florida has specific roofing rules, and we don’t take them lightly. You can learn more about that process in our article about roof replacement permits in Florida.

Once we’re through with inspection and you’re satisfied, we consider the job done. If you’re planning the next step or comparing services, explore how our roof replacement services deliver long-term protection and peace of mind.

Preparing for Cleanup and Final Inspection

Cleanup and final inspection aren’t just last steps—we treat them like part of the job’s foundation. A clean, finished site and a thoroughly inspected roof mean peace of mind for you and lasting performance from us.

Site Cleanup Process

After installation, we don’t pack up right away. First, we handle the full site cleanup. That means every nail, shingle scrap, and stray piece of underlayment is picked up, bagged, and hauled off. We run magnetic rollers across your lawn, driveways, and walkways, searching for any loose metal. We sweep, blow off walkable areas, and double-check gutters and downspouts for leftover debris.

Expect us to clean:

Your driveway and sidewalks
The yard perimeter around where supplies were staged
Gutters and lower roof sections if debris collected
All exterior siding and windows if dust or granules accumulated

We usually complete this wrap-up on the same day the main roof work ends. In cases where we finish late, we come back the next morning to clean thoroughly. This is important, especially for families with pets or kids who might be outside right after we leave.

Final Roof and Property Inspection

Our crew lead or project manager performs a full walkaround and roof inspection before calling the job done. We check the final product against our install checklist, verify all flashing details, ridge caps, and vents, and make sure sealants are applied properly.

We also assess your yard and landscaping. If anything got trampled or scuffed during the job, we fix it or let you know what’s being addressed. It’s not just about visuals—it’s about trust.

Here’s what our final inspection covers:

Shingles or tiles are aligned and sealed
Roof penetrations (vents, chimneys, pipes) are flashed correctly
Valleys and drip edges are secure and water-tight
Debris has been removed and hauled away
Your property is returned to its original—or better—condition

If your project involved manufacturer or workmanship warranties, we’ll explain the coverage and provide any paperwork. We also walk you through maintenance tips and signs to look out for in the future.

Planning ahead for your own part in the cleanup can also help. If you moved furniture or parked away from your driveway, now’s the time to return things to normal. Should you have questions or see anything that looks off, that’s when we handle it—not days later.

You can also check out this guide on the roof replacement timeline so you’re on the same page from start to finish.

If your project is part of a full exterior overhaul or had extra complications like storm damage, we’ll coordinate our timeline with your other contractors to avoid delays. For high-wind zones, we also make sure everything meets the Florida Building Code before finalizing, especially if permits were required. For details on that process, see our article on roof replacement permits.

We know roof work can feel disruptive, so we keep you in the loop and leave the site better than we found it. Preparing for cleanup and final inspection means walking the talk—we don’t just install roofs, we stand behind every one.

If you’re looking ahead at the full process, our roof replacement service page covers everything from planning to completion.