What to Expect During a Roof Replacement

Most of the work happens in a short window, but the steps before and after matter as much as install day.

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Updated November 14, 2026 · AdEx – Home Solutions, Dallas–Fort Worth

Short answer

A typical replacement goes: permit and material delivery, then tear-off down to the deck, decking repairs, drip edge, underlayment and flashing, new shingles, vents and ridge caps, then cleanup and the city’s final inspection. You usually don’t need to be home, but clear the driveway, protect things in the attic, and keep pets and kids inside while the crew works.

Before install day

  • Choose the shingle line and color, and confirm it in writing.
  • The contractor pulls the permit where the city requires one.
  • Move cars out of the driveway and garage for delivery and the dumpster.
  • Cover or move stored items in the attic; tear-off shakes loose dust.
  • Take down wall hangings on shared walls; hammering travels.

Install day, step by step

  1. Tear-off down to the deck, with the yard and landscaping protected
  2. Decking inspected; damaged sheets replaced
  3. Drip edge, underlayment and leak barrier in valleys and around penetrations
  4. New flashing at walls, chimneys and vents
  5. Shingles installed from the eaves up
  6. Vents, pipe boots and ridge caps
  7. Cleanup, including a magnetic sweep for nails

After: inspections and paperwork

Many cities do a final inspection, and some check more than shingles. Allen requires an affidavit, signed before the final, confirming every appliance vent in the attic was checked; Southlake’s final looks at outside vents and attic vent clearances, in person or from photos. Keep your invoice, warranty registration and, for impact-resistant shingles, the product label and TDI Form PC068.

Common questions

Do I need to be home during the roof replacement?

Usually not. Someone may need access to the attic or garage, for example in cities like Allen that check attic appliance vents before the final inspection.

What if the crew finds bad decking?

Damaged decking is replaced before the new roof goes on. A good estimate states the price per sheet in advance.

Will there be nails in my yard?

A careful crew protects the yard and runs a magnetic sweep at cleanup.

This guide is general information for Texas homeowners, not legal or insurance advice. Your policy, your city and your house decide the details.