A roof replacement involves far more than removing old materials and installing new ones. The process includes inspection, estimation, contracts, permits, material procurement, installation, inspection, and warranty registration. Understanding each step helps you know what to expect, ask the right questions, and hold your contractor accountable. Here is the complete process.
Step 1: Initial Inspection and Assessment
Every roof replacement begins with a professional inspection. A licensed roofing contractor examines the existing roof from the ground, from a ladder, and from on the roof itself. They measure the roof area, assess the existing material condition, check the decking for soft spots, evaluate ventilation, inspect flashing and penetrations, and note any structural concerns.
This inspection forms the basis for an accurate estimate. Contractors who provide estimates without inspecting the roof are guessing — and their estimates will be wrong.
Step 2: Detailed Estimate and Material Selection
After the inspection, the contractor prepares a detailed estimate that includes tear-off and disposal of the existing roof, new underlayment, drip edge, flashing, roofing material, ventilation, pipe boots, and all labor. The estimate should specify the exact products by manufacturer and model, not vague descriptions.
During this phase, you select your roofing material — shingles, tile, metal, or flat membrane — and choose colors. Your contractor should advise on the best material for your home's structure, your budget, your wind zone, and your HOA requirements.
Step 3: Contract Signing
The contract should clearly state the total price, payment schedule, materials to be used, start date, estimated completion date, warranty terms, and what happens if unexpected conditions are discovered during tear-off. Never sign a contract that requires full payment upfront — a standard payment schedule is one-third at contract signing, one-third at material delivery, and one-third at completion.
Step 4: Permitting
Your contractor pulls the building permit from your local building department. This process requires submitting the scope of work, material specifications, and contractor license information. Permit approval takes 3 to 10 business days in most South Florida counties. A Notice of Commencement is filed with the county, which protects you from material supplier liens.
Step 5: Material Delivery and Staging
Roofing materials are delivered to your property 1 to 2 days before installation begins. The crew stages materials on the roof or in the driveway, positions a dumpster for debris, and sets up safety equipment. Your contractor should communicate the delivery date and ask you to move vehicles from the driveway.
Step 6: Tear-Off and Inspection of Decking
On installation day, the crew removes the existing roofing material down to the bare decking. This is the noisiest phase. Once the deck is exposed, the crew and foreman inspect every sheet of plywood or OSB for rot, soft spots, and damage. Rotted decking is replaced with new material before proceeding.
Step 7: Installation
New underlayment is installed first, creating a waterproof barrier over the decking. Then drip edge is installed along all edges. Flashing is installed at all penetrations, walls, and transitions. Finally, the roofing material — shingles, tiles, or metal panels — is installed according to manufacturer specifications and Florida Building Code requirements.
Step 8: Cleanup and Final Walkthrough
The crew removes all debris, runs a magnetic nail sweep across the yard and driveway, and performs a final quality check. The foreman walks the completed roof and then walks the property with you to review the work and address any questions.
Step 9: Building Department Inspection
Your contractor schedules the final inspection with the county building department. The inspector verifies that the installation meets all code requirements. Once the inspection passes, the permit is officially closed.
Step 10: Warranty Registration
Finally, your contractor registers the manufacturer warranty and provides you with all documentation — the passed inspection, warranty certificates, material specifications, and before-and-after photographs.
The Bottom Line
A professional roof replacement follows a disciplined process from inspection through warranty registration. Each step matters, and skipping any step creates risk. At Goliath Roofing, we follow this process on every project and keep you informed at each milestone through our automated project management system.