Roof Replacement Process: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Understanding the roof replacement process helps you prepare and know what to expect. Here's your detailed walkthrough of every step from initial contact to final cleanup.

Phase 1: Initial Consultation & Inspection

Step 1: Schedule Free Inspection

What Happens:

• Contact Galvan Roofing Solutions
• Schedule convenient appointment
• No obligation to proceed

Timeline: Same day or next day availability

Step 2: Comprehensive Roof Inspection

What We Check:

• Overall roof condition
• Shingle condition and age
• Flashing and sealants
• Ventilation system
• Gutters and drainage
• Interior attic inspection
• Decking condition (if accessible)
• Structural integrity

Documentation:

• Photos of damage
• Detailed condition report
• Problem area identification
• Recommended solutions

Timeline: 30-60 minutes onsite

Step 3: Estimate Preparation

Included in Estimate:

• Detailed scope of work
• Material recommendations
• Color and style options
• Labor costs breakdown
• Permit fees
• Disposal costs
• Total investment
• Payment options
• Warranty coverage
• Project timeline

Timeline: Provided same day or within 24 hours

Phase 2: Planning & Preparation

Step 4: Material Selection

Decisions to Make:

• Roofing material type
• Shingle style and color
• Underlayment type
• Ventilation upgrades
• Additional features

We Provide:

• Material samples
• Color visualizer
• Style recommendations
• Performance comparisons
• Warranty information

Timeline: Can be immediate or take a few days

Step 5: Contract Signing

Contract Includes:

• Complete work scope
• Specific materials (brands/models)
• Total price breakdown
• Payment schedule
• Start and completion dates
• Warranty terms
• Change order process

Before Signing:

• Read thoroughly
• Ask questions
• Verify all details
• Understand warranties
• Keep your copy

Step 6: Permitting

What We Handle:

• Apply for city permits
• Submit building plans
• Schedule inspections
• Pay permit fees
• Ensure code compliance

Timeline: 3-7 business days for permit approval

Step 7: Material Ordering

What's Ordered:

• Shingles (calculated for waste)
• Underlayment
• Starter strips
• Ridge cap shingles
• Flashing materials
• Ventilation components
• Nails and fasteners

Timeline: 3-10 days for delivery

Step 8: Pre-Installation Preparation

Homeowner Tasks:

• Remove vehicles from driveway
• Clear items from garage
• Protect outdoor furniture
• Secure loose yard items
• Inform neighbors
• Arrange pet accommodations

Our Preparation:

• Delivery of dumpster
• Equipment setup
• Safety measures
• Property protection

Timeline: 1 day before installation

Phase 3: Roof Removal

Step 9: Old Roof Tear-Off

Process:

• Remove all old shingles
• Strip off old underlayment
• Remove old flashing
• Expose entire roof deck
• Load debris into dumpster

What to Expect:

• Loud noise (hammering, scraping)
• Vibration throughout house
• Dusty conditions
• Nails on ground (magnetic sweep performed)

Safety Measures:

• Roof edge protection
• Ground level barriers
• Safety harnesses for crew
• Tool security

Timeline: 4-12 hours depending on roof size

Step 10: Debris Cleanup

Our Process:

• Load all debris in dumpster
• Magnetic nail sweep
• Clear gutters
• Tarp coverage (if overnight)
• Inspect for hazards

Phase 4: Roof Deck Inspection & Repair

Step 11: Deck Inspection

What We Examine:

• All plywood/OSB decking
• Rotted or damaged boards
• Structural support integrity
• Spacing and fastening
• Ventilation adequacy

Common Findings:

• Water damage around chimneys
• Deterioration at roof valleys
• Weakened areas from leaks
• Improperly installed previous decking

Step 12: Deck Repairs

Typical Repairs:

• Replace damaged plywood sheets
• Secure loose boards
• Add additional support
• Repair structural framing
• Install proper spacing

Cost Implications: If extensive repairs needed:

• Discussed with homeowner
• Written approval required
• Additional cost explained
• Timeline impact reviewed

Timeline: 2-8 hours for typical repairs

Phase 5: New Roof Installation

Step 13: Drip Edge Installation

Purpose:

• Protects roof edges
• Directs water to gutters
• Prevents wood rot
• Provides clean edge

Material: Metal drip edge along all eaves and rakes

Step 14: Underlayment Application

Standard Process:

• Install synthetic underlayment
• Proper overlap for waterproofing
• Ice and water shield in valleys
• Extra protection around penetrations

Why It Matters:

• Secondary water barrier
• Protects during installation
• Extra leak protection
• Required by code

Step 15: Valley Treatment

Options:

• Closed valley (California style)
• Open valley with metal
• Woven valley

Our Recommendation: Ice and water shield with proper shingle layering for maximum protection

Step 16: Starter Strip Installation

Purpose:

• Provides edge protection
• Ensures proper shingle adhesion
• Prevents wind lift-off
• Creates clean starter course

Application: Along all eaves and rakes

Step 17: Field Shingle Installation

Process:

• Begin at eave, work upward
• Proper nail placement (6 nails per shingle)
• Correct overlap maintained
• Straight coursing
• Quality control checks

Precision Matters:

• Alignment verified
• Pattern maintained
• Exposure consistent
• Nail placement critical

Timeline: 1-2 days for typical roof

Step 18: Ridge Vent Installation

Benefits:

• Proper attic ventilation
• Reduces energy costs
• Extends shingle life
• Prevents moisture buildup

Installation:

• Cut ridge opening
• Install vent strips
• Cover with ridge cap

Step 19: Ridge Cap Installation

Purpose:

• Seals roof peak
• Protects ridge vent
• Provides finished appearance
• Prevents water infiltration

Method:

• Special ridge cap shingles
• Proper overlap
• Secure fastening

Step 20: Flashing Installation

Critical Areas:

• Chimneys: Step and counter flashing
• Skylights: Proper waterproof integration
• Walls: Step flashing where roof meets walls
• Plumbing vents: Boot replacement
• Roof valleys: Metal or woven

Quality Focus: Most leaks occur at flashing - we take extra care here

Step 21: Final Inspection

Our Quality Check:

• All shingles properly sealed
• Correct nail placement
• Flashing secure and sealed
• Ridge cap alignment
• No exposed nails
• Proper ventilation
• Clean job site

Phase 6: Cleanup & Final Steps

Step 22: Thorough Cleanup

Our Process:

• Remove all debris
• Magnetic nail sweep (multiple passes)
• Check gutters
• Inspect yard and driveway
• Haul away dumpster
• Final site inspection

We Find:

• Average 5-10 lbs of nails per job
• Multiple passes ensure safety

Step 23: City Inspection

What Happens:

• City inspector reviews work
• Checks code compliance
• Verifies proper installation
• Issues completion certificate

Timeline: Scheduled within 1-3 days of completion

Step 24: Final Walkthrough

With Homeowner:

• Inspect entire roof
• Review warranty information
• Explain maintenance tips
• Answer questions
• Verify satisfaction
• Provide documentation

Step 25: Documentation Provided

You Receive:

• Final invoice
• Warranty certificates
• Material documentation
• Inspection certificate
• Care and maintenance guide
• Future service contact info

Step 26: Final Payment

Payment Due:

• After completion verified
• Inspection passed
• Cleanup finished
• Your satisfaction confirmed

What to Expect Each Day

Day 1: Tear-Off

Morning:

• Crew arrives 7-8 AM
• Setup and safety measures
• Begin tear-off

Afternoon:

• Complete tear-off
• Deck inspection
• Identify needed repairs
• Tarp if necessary

End of Day:

• Debris contained
• Site secured
• Update on progress

Day 2: Repairs & Start Installation

Morning:

• Complete deck repairs
• Begin underlayment
• Install drip edge

Afternoon:

• Continue installation
• Valley treatment
• Begin shingle application

End of Day:

• Significant progress visible
• Site cleanup
• Overnight protection if needed

Day 3: Complete Installation

Morning:

• Continue shingle installation
• Work toward ridge

Afternoon:

• Ridge vent and cap
• Final shingles
• Flashing completion

End of Day:

• Installation complete
• Initial cleanup
• Quality inspection

Day 4: Cleanup & Inspection

Morning:

• Thorough cleanup
• Magnetic sweep
• Final quality check

Afternoon:

• Homeowner walkthrough
• Schedule city inspection
• Final documentation

Living in Your Home During Installation

Noise Levels

Expect:

• Loud hammering and impacts
• Equipment noise
• Worker communication
• Material movement

Quietest Times:

• Lunch break (usually noon-1 PM)
• Before 8 AM
• After 5 PM

Home Access

During Work:

• Okay to be home
• Stay indoors when possible
• Vibration throughout house
• Some dust may occur

Daily Routine

Minimal Disruption:

• Can use bathroom normally
• Kitchen accessible
• Work from home possible (but noisy)
• Internet/utilities unaffected

Pets and Children

Recommendations:

• Keep pets indoors
• Supervise children closely
• Avoid work area
• Nail hazard awareness

After Your Roof Is Complete

First Rain

What to Check:

• No visible leaks
• Water shedding properly
• Gutters flowing
• No interior signs of moisture

If Issues Found:

• Contact us immediately
• We respond quickly to concerns
• Warranty covers workmanship issues

Maintenance Tips

Annual Checks:

• Inspect for damaged shingles
• Clear debris from roof
• Clean gutters regularly
• Check flashing seals
• Look for granule loss

Professional Inspections:

• After severe storms
• Every 3-5 years
• Before selling home

Warranty Coverage

Our Workmanship Warranty:

• Covers installation defects
• Leak protection
• Specified period
• Transferable to new owner

Manufacturer Warranty:

• Material defects
• 25-50 years (material dependent)
• Registration may extend coverage

Questions During Process

Who Can I Contact?

Project Manager:

• Daily progress updates
• Address concerns
• Answer questions
• Coordinate schedule changes

Emergency Contact:

• For urgent issues
• After-hours emergencies
• Weather concerns

What If Weather Delays?

Our Policy:

• Safety first, always
• Will not work in unsafe conditions
• Keep you informed
• Reschedule promptly
• Protect your home

Unexpected Issues?

How We Handle:

• Inform you immediately
• Explain problem clearly
• Provide solution options
• Get your approval
• Document changes

Ready to Start Your Roof Replacement?

Galvan Roofing Solutions guides you through every step with:

• Clear communication
• Professional installation
• Quality materials
• Attention to detail
• Complete satisfaction

Contact us today to schedule your free inspection and begin the process.