The Roof Replacement Process: What to Expect, Day by Day
If you have never been through the roof replacement process, it is normal to have questions. How long will it take? Do I need to be home? What happens if they find rotten wood? Homeowners in Holly Springs, Woodstock, Canton and Marietta ask us the same things every week.
Here is how a typical roof replacement goes, what you can do to get ready, and what to check before the crew packs up.
Before the Work Starts
The inspection and estimate
Every replacement should start with a real inspection. A roofer should walk each slope, check the attic, and photograph what they find. The estimate should spell out the shingle line, the underlayment, the flashing work, the ventilation plan and how damaged decking will be handled.
If you are still deciding on materials, our post Choosing Shingles: Why the Whole Roof System Matters walks through what to compare.
Permits and scheduling
Many cities and counties in Georgia require a permit for a reroof. Ask your roofer who pulls it and what your jurisdiction requires. Once materials are ordered, you will get an install date. Weather can move it, so expect a call if rain is in the forecast.
If insurance is paying for it
When the new roof is part of a storm claim, the scope usually follows what the adjuster approved. If the crew finds something the adjuster could not see, like damaged decking, your roofer may document it with photos and send it to the carrier for review.
This is general guidance, not legal or coverage advice. Your policy decides what is covered, so confirm the details with your adjuster or carrier. Our post How a Roof Insurance Claim Works, Step by Step covers the full claim process.
How to Get Your Home Ready
- Clear the driveway. The material delivery and the dumpster or trailer need room. Park on the street the night before.
- Move things away from the house. Patio furniture, grills, potted plants and kids' toys should be moved well clear of the walls.
- Take down wall hangings. Hammering on the roof sends vibration through the framing. Pictures and mirrors on upper floors can shift or fall.
- Cover things in the attic. A little dust and old granules will come through the decking. A drop cloth over stored items helps.
- Plan for pets and kids. It is loud, and nails and debris can land in the yard. Keep pets inside or away for the day.
- Tell your neighbors. A quick heads-up about the noise and the trucks goes a long way.
Replacement Day, Step by Step
1. Protecting the property
The crew sets up tarps over landscaping, AC units and the ground around the house to catch debris. Ladders go up and roof jacks or safety lines go in.
2. Tear-off
The old shingles, underlayment and worn flashing are stripped down to the wood decking. This is the loudest part of the day. A good crew tears off only as much as it can dry in the same day.
3. Decking inspection and repair
With the roof open, the crew can see the decking for the first time. Soft, rotted or delaminated boards get replaced. This is common around valleys, chimneys and roof edges where water has sat for years. Your roofer should show you photos and explain any added cost before moving on.
4. Drip edge, underlayment and ice and water protection
Metal drip edge goes along the edges so water drops into the gutter instead of rotting the fascia. We explain why it matters in our drip edge post. Underlayment covers the deck, and self-sealing ice and water membrane typically goes in the valleys and around penetrations, where leaks usually start.
5. Flashing and pipe boots
Chimneys, walls, skylights and vent pipes all get new flashing or boots. Reusing old, tired flashing is one of the shortcuts that leads to leaks later.
6. Shingles and ridge vent
Starter strips go down first, then the shingles, nailed in the pattern the manufacturer specifies. Shingle makers like GAF and Owens Corning publish detailed installation instructions, and following them matters for both performance and warranty coverage. Ridge cap shingles and ventilation finish off the peak. If your attic runs hot, see Attic Ventilation in the South.
7. Cleanup
Debris goes in the dumpster, tarps come up, gutters are cleared, and the crew runs magnetic sweepers across the driveway, lawn and beds to pick up loose nails.
How Long Does a Roof Replacement Take?
Many single-family homes in north metro Atlanta are finished in one to two days. A large or steep roof, a lot of decking repair, or rain can stretch that out. You do not need to stay home the whole time, but someone should be reachable in case the crew finds something that needs a decision.
The Final Walkthrough
Before the job is closed out, walk the property with your roofer. Look for:
- Clean gutters and downspouts
- No nails or shingle scraps in the yard, driveway or beds
- Neat flashing at chimneys and walls
- Photos of the decking, underlayment and finished roof for your records
- Your warranty paperwork in writing
A new roof from Tatum's Roofing comes with our 5-year workmanship warranty along with the manufacturer's limited lifetime warranty. Extended coverage is available through GAF System Plus and Owens Corning Preferred Protection. If you are planning ahead, roof financing can help with timing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be home during the roof replacement?
No, but stay reachable by phone. If the crew finds damaged decking or another surprise, they may need your OK before they keep going.
What happens if it rains during the job?
A good crew watches the forecast and only opens what it can cover the same day. If a storm pops up, exposed areas get tarped or dried in with underlayment until work can resume.
Can you put new shingles over my old roof?
Some codes allow a second layer in certain cases, but a full tear-off lets the roofer inspect and repair the decking and install new flashing and underlayment. It is also what most manufacturers expect for their best warranty coverage. Ask your roofer what applies to your home.
Will the noise bother my neighbors?
It will be loud during tear-off and nailing. Most of the noise happens during normal working hours, and a heads-up to your neighbors helps.
Get a Free Roof Inspection
Tatum's Roofing is based at 2210 Holly Springs Pkwy #26 in Holly Springs and serves homeowners across Cherokee and Cobb counties and the rest of north metro Atlanta. If your roof is getting older or a storm has you wondering, we will inspect it for free, show you the photos, and walk you through the options. Learn more about our roof replacement and storm and hail damage repair services, or call 470-298-2288 to book your free inspection.