The Roof Replacement Process, Step By Step
Getting a new roof shouldn't feel like a mystery. Here's exactly what happens from the day you sign to the day the last nail goes in, so nothing catches you off guard.
A full roof replacement is a big job, but it's not a complicated one when you know the order things happen in. Most homes get done in a single day. Bigger or steeper roofs might run two or three.
The whole thing comes down to a handful of stages: inspection, quote, scheduling, tear-off, installation, and cleanup. We'll walk through each one so you know what your crew is doing and why.
Most homes get a complete new roof in a single day.
From the first inspection to the final walkthrough.
The inspection and quote cost you nothing.
A magnet sweep of your yard before we leave.
How A Roof Replacement Works, Start To Finish
Six stages from the first phone call to the final walkthrough.
Inspection and assessment
A roofer climbs up, checks the shingles, flashing, decking, and ventilation, and takes photos. This is where you find out whether you actually need a full replacement or just a repair. A good inspection is free and comes with pictures you can keep.
The written quote
You get a line-item estimate — materials, labor, tear-off, disposal, and any decking repairs. Ask what shingle and underlayment are included. The number should be clear enough that you're not guessing what you're paying for.
Scheduling and material delivery
Once you approve the quote, we pull the permit and set a date. Shingles and materials usually get dropped off a day before or the morning of. Plan to move cars out of the driveway and off the street near the house.
Tear-off of the old roof
The crew strips the old shingles and underlayment down to the wood decking. This is the loud, messy part. Any rotted or soft decking gets found here and replaced before anything new goes on — you can't build a good roof on bad wood.
Installing the new roof
Ice-and-water shield goes on first at the eaves and valleys, then underlayment, then the shingles from the bottom up. Flashing around chimneys, pipes, and walls gets sealed. Ridge vents and cap shingles finish the top.
Cleanup and final walkthrough
The crew runs magnets across your yard and driveway to catch stray nails, hauls off the debris, and does a final inspection. A reputable roofer walks the property with you before they leave. Never after they've cashed the check.
What Roof Day Actually Looks Like
The crew shows up early, usually between 6:30 and 7:30 in the morning. There's a dumpster or dump trailer in the driveway, tarps over your landscaping, and plywood shielding your windows and siding.
Then it gets loud. Tear-off sounds worse than it is — a steady rhythm of scraping and thumping overhead. By lunchtime on most homes, the old roof is gone and the new one is already going on.
What To Do Before The Crew Shows Up
A little prep the night before makes the whole day smoother.
- ✓Move vehicles out of the driveway and away from the house
- ✓Take down loose wall decorations and mirrors — hammering vibrations can knock them off
- ✓Cover items in the attic, since dust and debris can fall during tear-off
- ✓Clear patio furniture, grills, and potted plants away from the roof edge
- ✓Let neighbors know it'll be a loud day, and keep pets and kids indoors
One Roof, One Day
The same stages, on real Gorilla Roofing jobs around St. Louis.
You'll Know Us When We Pull Up
Every Gorilla Roofing job starts the same way: a branded truck out front, a crew that introduces itself, and a foreman who gives you his cell number before a single shingle comes off.
If you're still at the beginning of all this — not sure whether you need a replacement at all — start with the free inspection. We'll tell you the truth about your roof either way.
Quick Answers
How long does a roof replacement take?
Most single-family homes are done in one day. Larger homes, steep pitches, or complicated rooflines can take two to three days. Weather delays are the main thing that stretches a job out.
Do I need to be home during the replacement?
No. You don't need to be there while the crew works, though it helps to be reachable in case they find something like rotted decking that needs a decision.
Can I stay in my house while the roof is being replaced?
Yes. It's loud and you'll feel the vibrations, but the work stays outside. Most families just plan to be out for part of the day if the noise is too much.
What happens if they find rotted wood under the shingles?
The crew replaces the bad decking before installing the new roof. This is common and usually priced per sheet of plywood. Ask up front what that rate is so there are no surprises.
How do I know the old nails and debris are cleaned up?
A good crew runs a rolling magnet across the yard, driveway, and flower beds and hauls all debris to a dumpster or trailer. Ask them to do a final magnet sweep with you before they pull out.
Ready For A Roof Done Right?
We'll inspect your roof, give you a straight quote, and walk you through every step before we ever start tearing off shingles.
The Gorilla Guarantee
More than a promise — it's our commitment to unmatched craftsmanship and total transparency. We stand by our work 100%, no exceptions.
- Honest assessments — repair when possible, replace when necessary
- Premium materials and certified installation, every job
- 100% workmanship coverage backed in writing