If you have never had a roof replaced, the first morning can feel like a lot. A crew arrives early, ladders go up, and before long the old roof starts coming off. Knowing what is happening, and why, makes the whole process a lot less stressful.
This photo was taken during a tear off in Nassau County. You can see the crew working across the roof, and the sheets of plywood standing against the house to protect the pool enclosure and windows below.
Step One: Protecting Your Home
Before any shingles come off, we set up protection around the house. That can include plywood over windows and screened enclosures, tarps over landscaping, and clear paths for moving material. Old shingles and nails fall during a tear off, and this setup keeps them away from the things you care about.
Step Two: Tearing Off the Old Roof
The crew removes the old shingles, underlayment, and flashing down to the roof deck. This is the loudest part of the day. If you work from home or have pets that are sensitive to noise, plan to spend the morning somewhere a little quieter.
Step Three: Checking the Roof Deck
Once the deck is exposed, we inspect the plywood or boards for soft spots, rot, or water damage. This is something nobody can see from the ground before the job starts. If any decking needs to be replaced, we will show you and explain it before moving forward.
Step Four: Underlayment, Flashing, and New Shingles
With a solid deck in place, the new roof goes on in layers: underlayment, drip edge, flashing around chimneys and walls, ventilation components, and finally the shingles. Each layer has a job, and installing them correctly is what makes the roof perform well in Florida weather.
- Underlayment adds a water resistant barrier under the shingles
- Flashing seals the joints where water is most likely to get in
- Proper ventilation helps control attic heat and moisture
- Shingles are installed to the manufacturer requirements for warranty coverage
Step Five: Cleanup and Final Walk Through
When the roof is complete, we clean the property and run a magnet across the yard and driveway to collect nails. Then we walk the job with you so you can see the finished roof and ask any questions.
How Long Does It Take?
Many homes are finished in a day or two, but the size of the roof, the number of layers being removed, decking repairs, and weather can all change that. We will give you a realistic timeline for your home when we put together your roof replacement plan.
How to Get Ready the Night Before
- Move vehicles out of the driveway and garage
- Clear patio furniture and outdoor items away from the walls of the house
- Take down pictures and fragile decor on upper floors, since vibration can travel through the framing
- Make sure the crew has access to an outdoor power outlet
- Plan for pets, especially dogs that may be nervous with the noise
Will You Need to Leave the House?
Most homeowners stay home during a roof replacement. The house stays covered and dry, and the crew works entirely on the outside. That said, the noise during tear off is loud, so if you have young children napping or a big call scheduled, it may be easier to step out for a few hours.
What About Rain?
Florida weather can change quickly, especially in the afternoon. We watch the forecast closely and only remove as much of the old roof as can be dried in the same day. If a storm moves in, the crew secures the open areas before it arrives so water stays out of your home.
Communication During the Job
You should never have to wonder what is happening on your roof. If we find damaged decking, rotted fascia, or anything else unexpected, we will stop and talk with you before doing additional work. You will know what we found, why it matters, and what it costs before anything changes.
After the Job Is Done
Once the roof is finished and the property is clean, we go over the completed work with you and answer any questions. You will also receive the information you need for your manufacturer warranty. As a GAF Master Elite and Atlas certified contractor, we install to the standards required for enhanced manufacturer warranties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stay home while the roof is replaced?
Yes. Most homeowners do. Just expect noise during tear off and keep the work areas around the house clear.
What happens if you find rotted wood?
We will show you the damaged decking, explain what needs to be replaced, and confirm with you before moving forward.
Do I need to be home at the end?
It helps if you can do a final walk through with us, but it is not required. We can also send photos of the completed roof.
Have questions about your roof? Call LePierre Roofing at (904) 277-3000 or request a free estimate and we will be glad to take a look.
