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Homeowner Tips7 min readJanuary 25, 2026

What to Expect During Your Roof Replacement: A Step-by-Step Guide

Your Roof Replacement: No Surprises, Start to Finish

A roof replacement is one of the biggest home improvement projects you'll undertake. It's also one of the most important. But for most homeowners, the process is unfamiliar — and that uncertainty can be stressful.

At RoofOps, communication is one of our five pillars. We believe you should know exactly what's happening at every stage. Here's a complete walkthrough of what to expect.

Stage 1: Free Inspection & Estimate (Day 1)

Everything starts with a thorough inspection of your current roof. Our inspector will:

  • Examine your roof from the ground and up close
  • Check for damage, wear, and structural issues
  • Photograph everything and document findings
  • Measure your roof using satellite technology for accuracy
  • Discuss your options and answer all your questions

After the inspection, you'll receive a detailed written estimate with:

  • Itemized costs for materials and labor
  • Material options with pros and cons
  • Timeline for completion
  • Warranty information
  • Financing options if needed

No pressure. We give you the information and let you decide on your timeline.

Stage 2: Pre-Installation Preparation

Once you've decided to move forward, we handle the logistics:

  • Material ordering — Premium materials delivered to your home 1-2 days before installation
  • Permit coordination — We handle all necessary permits with your municipality
  • Neighbor notification — We'll let your immediate neighbors know about the project
  • Protection setup — We cover landscaping, outdoor furniture, and vehicles near the work area

You'll receive a confirmed start date and your project leader's direct contact information.

Stage 3: Installation Day(s)

This is where the real work happens. Here's a typical day:

Morning (7:00 AM - Start)

  • Crew arrives and sets up safety equipment
  • Tarps and protection placed around your home's perimeter
  • Dumpster positioned for debris
  • Old shingles and underlayment removed (tear-off)

Midday

  • Roof deck inspected for damage — any rotted decking is replaced
  • New ice and water shield installed along eaves and valleys
  • Synthetic underlayment rolled out across the entire roof
  • Drip edge and flashing installed

Afternoon

  • New shingles installed starting from the bottom up
  • Ridge vent and ridge cap installed
  • All penetrations (vents, pipes, chimney) properly sealed
  • Final quality inspection by your project leader

End of Day

  • Magnetic sweep of your yard to collect any stray nails
  • Debris cleanup and removal
  • Daily progress photos sent to you

Most standard roof replacements are completed in 1-3 days, depending on size and complexity.

Stage 4: Final Walkthrough & Cleanup

After installation is complete:

  • Your project leader conducts a thorough final inspection
  • You're invited to walk through the completed work
  • We address any questions or concerns on the spot
  • A final magnetic sweep ensures no nails are left behind
  • All debris is removed — your property should look better than when we arrived

Stage 5: After the Project

Our relationship doesn't end when the last shingle is installed:

  • Warranty documentation mailed within 2 weeks
  • Manufacturer warranty registration completed on your behalf
  • Follow-up call at 30 days to check on everything
  • Annual maintenance available to extend your roof's life
  • Priority service for any future needs

Communication Throughout

Here's what you can expect from us at every stage:

  • Response time: Within 2 hours during business hours
  • Daily updates: Photos and progress reports during installation
  • Direct access: Your project leader's cell phone number
  • No surprises: Any changes to scope or cost are discussed before proceeding

Ready to Get Started?

The first step is easy — get your free estimate online in 30 seconds, or schedule a free inspection. We'll walk you through everything and answer all your questions. No pressure, no obligation.

Need Help with Your Roof?

RoofOps provides free roof inspections and instant estimates for homeowners throughout the Lehigh Valley. Veteran-owned, honest, and professional.