A full roof replacement takes 1–3 days for most homes. Here's exactly what happens each day, what questions to ask your contractor, and how to prepare.
A week or two before your replacement date, your contractor should pull the necessary permits (required in most jurisdictions). You'll need to clear the driveway for the dumpster and material delivery. Move vehicles out of the garage if possible — vibration from tear-off can shake things loose. Cover anything in the attic you don't want dusty.
Materials are typically delivered 1–2 days before work starts. You'll see a large stack of shingle bundles and underlayment rolls appear in your driveway or yard. This is normal.
The crew arrives early — often 7am. They'll set up a dumpster, lay tarps around the perimeter to catch debris, and begin tearing off the old roofing. For a 2,000 sq ft roof, tear-off typically takes 2–4 hours with a crew of 4–6.
Once shingles are off, your contractor inspects the decking (plywood or OSB beneath). This is when surprises happen — rotted sections need replacement before new roofing goes down. A good contractor calls you before doing any additional work and explains the extra cost. Expect $1.50–$3.00/sq ft for decking replacement.
After decking is repaired, underlayment (synthetic felt or ice-and-water shield in vulnerable areas) goes down. By end of day 1, your home should be watertight even if shingles aren't fully installed.
Most residential roofs are fully shingled on day 2. The crew works from the bottom edge up, staggering joints between rows. Ridge caps go on last, sealing the peak. Flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights is installed as they work.
A good crew will run a magnetic roller around the perimeter at the end of each day to collect fallen nails. Ask about this specifically — it protects your family, pets, and vehicle tires.
Your contractor should do a final walkthrough with you when complete. Check that all penetrations are properly flashed, ridge caps are secure, gutters are clear of debris, and the magnetic sweep has been completed. Ask for your warranty documentation — manufacturer warranty on materials and contractor warranty on labor (typically 1–10 years depending on the company).
The dumpster is typically picked up within a few days of completion. Your permit should be closed out by your municipality — ask your contractor to confirm this.