If you’ve never had a full roof replacement before, installation day can feel like a lot happening at once. Here’s the general sequence: the crew arrives early, sets up protective tarps around the property (landscaping, windows, and any vehicles left in the driveway), and begins tearing off the old roofing material down to the decking.
Once the old roof is off, the crew inspects the decking itself for any rot or damage that needs to be addressed before new material goes on — this is normal and usually accounted for in the estimate as a possible additional cost, disclosed upfront rather than as a surprise. New underlayment, flashing, and shingles (or metal panels) go on next, followed by ridge caps and any final details like vents.
Expect noise — a lot of it — for most of the day, and expect the crew to do a thorough cleanup afterward, including a magnetic sweep of the yard for stray nails. Most straightforward residential replacements are completed in a single day; larger or more complex roofs may take two. A good contractor will walk you through the finished roof and answer any questions before considering the job done.