Replacing your roof is one of the most important investments you can make as a homeowner. While it may seem overwhelming at first, understanding the process can take much of the stress out of the equation. At N.E. Building & Restoration, we believe in clear communication and quality craftsmanship from start to finish. Whether you’re replacing your roof due to age, weather damage, or simply upgrading materials, we’re here to walk you through every step.

In this detailed guide, we’ll break down what you can expect during a professional roof replacement—from the initial inspection to the final cleanup—so you know exactly what’s happening on your property and why it matters.

1. The Initial Inspection & Consultation

Every roof replacement begins with a thorough roof inspection. Our experienced team evaluates the condition of your existing roof, looking for signs of wear and tear, storm damage, water leaks, sagging areas, ventilation issues, and more.

We also inspect:

Flashing around chimneys and vents
Gutter systems and drainage
The underlying decking for signs of rot or damage (if visible)

Based on our findings, we’ll provide a detailed consultation, outlining the scope of the work and discussing your material options—whether you prefer architectural asphalt shingles, metal roofing, synthetic shingles, or another material. We’ll also cover available warranties and help you decide what fits your budget and long-term needs.

2. The Estimate & Proposal

After the inspection, we’ll provide a clear and itemized estimate that includes:

Cost of materials
Labor
Waste disposal
Permit fees (if applicable)
Timeline for project completion

There are no hidden fees or surprises—transparency is key. We’ll explain every line item and answer any questions you have. Once you approve the proposal and sign the contract, we’ll schedule your project and order materials.

3. Preparing for the Roof Replacement

Preparation is essential to ensure a smooth and efficient installation. A few things you can expect during this phase:

For Homeowners:

Move vehicles out of the driveway.
Secure any valuable items or decorations in the attic.
Inform your neighbors that roofing work will be taking place (there will be some noise).
Make arrangements for pets or small children, as they may be sensitive to the noise or activity.

For Us:

We’ll pull the necessary permits if your town or municipality requires them.
Materials will be delivered to your home, often the day before or the morning of the project.
We’ll set up protective tarps and plywood around your landscaping, siding, and windows to prevent damage.

4. Removing the Old Roof

On the first day of work, our team begins by removing the existing roofing materials—shingles, underlayment, nails, flashing, and any other components down to the roof decking.

This phase is noisy and messy, but rest assured: we work quickly and efficiently. We also bring a large dumpster or dump trailer to dispose of the debris responsibly.

During removal, we take great care to avoid damage to your property. Our team ensures that the worksite remains organized and that debris is contained.

5. Inspecting the Roof Decking

With the old roof removed, we perform a detailed inspection of the decking—the wooden surface beneath your shingles.

We check for:

Rotted wood
Mold or water damage
Loose or warped boards
Signs of pests or animal nests

If any issues are found, we replace damaged sections to ensure a solid foundation for your new roof. Skipping this step is never an option at N.E. Building & Restoration. We believe in doing things right, from the base up.

6. Installing the New Roofing System

Once the decking is sound, we begin installing your new roofing system, which includes several layers:

Underlayment

A moisture barrier is installed over the decking to protect your home from water intrusion. Options include synthetic underlayment, ice and water shield, or both depending on your roof’s slope and climate conditions.

Flashing & Ventilation

We install new metal flashing around chimneys, skylights, valleys, and vents. Proper ventilation (such as ridge vents or soffit vents) is also installed or upgraded to extend the life of your roof and improve energy efficiency.

Shingles or Roofing Material

Finally, your selected roofing material is installed using industry-best practices, ensuring both aesthetics and long-term performance. Each shingle is nailed into place following the manufacturer’s specifications and local building codes.

7. Cleanup & Final Walkthrough

After installation, we conduct a thorough clean-up of your property, including:

Removing all debris
Sweeping the area with a magnetic tool to collect nails
Taking away the dumpster or trailer
Inspecting gutters and downspouts for leftover materials

Then, we complete a final walkthrough with you to ensure everything meets your expectations. We’ll answer any questions, review warranty information, and offer tips for maintaining your new roof.

At N.E. Building & Restoration, we never consider the job done until you are 100% satisfied.

8. Common Questions About Roof Replacements

How long does a roof replacement take?
Most standard roof replacements take 1–3 days, depending on the size and complexity of the job and weather conditions.

Will I need to leave my home?
In most cases, you can stay in your home during the project. There will be noise and some disruption, but no need to vacate unless you’re particularly sensitive to the sound or work being done.

What if it rains during the project?
We monitor weather closely. If unexpected rain occurs, we immediately protect the exposed area with tarps and pause work until it’s safe to continue.

Are your roofs covered by a warranty?
Yes. We provide both manufacturer warranties and our own workmanship guarantee. We’ll go over the details with you before the project begins.

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What to Expect During a Roof Replacement