A full roof replacement removes the old roof covering down to the deck, checks the deck, and installs a new set of layers on top: underlayment, metal edge and flashing details, shingles, ridge cap, and ventilation, followed by cleanup. The exact list changes from house to house, so the only reliable answer for your roof is the written scope in your estimate or contract.
What happens, in order?
- Tear-off. The old shingles and, in most cases, the old underlayment are removed down to the deck.
- Decking inspection. With the roof bare, the crew looks over every board or sheet for rot, damage and gaps. Repairs or an overlay happen now. See what is a redeck.
- Drip edge. Metal edging is set along the eaves and rakes so water leaves the roof edge properly. More in what is drip edge.
- Underlayment. A water-resistant layer goes over the deck. Read what is underlayment.
- Flashing. Metal or other material is installed around chimneys, walls, valleys, skylights and pipes. See what is flashing.
- Shingles. Installed row by row in the manufacturer's pattern, fastened as the instructions call for.
- Ridge cap and ventilation. Special pieces cover the ridge and hips, and vents are installed or reused as the plan states.
- Cleanup and magnet sweep. Debris is hauled off, and a magnetic sweep is run over the yard and drive to pick up stray nails.
- Final walk and photos. The crew checks the work, and the homeowner gets a summary of what was done.
What does each part do?
| Component | Job it does | What to confirm in writing |
|---|---|---|
| Tear-off | Exposes the deck | Single layer or more, and disposal |
| Decking inspection | Finds weak spots | How repairs are priced |
| Drip edge | Directs water off the edge | Whether it is new on all edges |
| Underlayment | Backup water barrier | Type and where it goes |
| Flashing | Seals joints and penetrations | New or reused, and at which locations |
| Shingles | Main weather surface | Brand, line and color |
| Ridge cap | Covers peaks and hips | Matching product |
| Ventilation | Lets the attic breathe | Which vents, how many, and why |
| Cleanup | Leaves property in order | Magnet sweep, debris removal |
Are permits part of it?
Often, but requirements vary by city and county. Ask your building department or your roofer whether a permit is needed where you live, and who pulls it. The written scope should say.
What is sometimes left out?
Not every estimate lists the same things. Items worth looking for by name: decking repair, new flashing at walls and chimneys, new drip edge, ventilation changes, pipe boot replacement, gutters, and haul-off. If something is missing, ask whether it is excluded or simply not written down. Our guide on how to read a roofing estimate shows how line items usually appear.
Questions to ask before you sign
- What is the removal plan, and how is the old underlayment handled?
- How is decking handled if it is found in poor shape?
- What is used at the edges, valleys and walls?
- Which ventilation parts are included?
- Who handles permits where required?
- How is the yard cleaned and checked for nails?
- What happens if rain interrupts the job?
Our crews take a clear view that old felt should come off during tear-off, and that is the way we plan our jobs. That is our crews' view and practice, and other roofers may do it differently, so ask how yours handles it.
Frequently asked questions
Does a roof replacement include new decking? Not always. Decking is judged at tear-off. Repair or replacement is a scope item, and the estimate should say how it is handled.
Is a roof replacement the same as a roof overlay? No. A replacement removes the old covering. An overlay puts new shingles over the old ones. See can you put new shingles over old.
Are gutters included? Usually not unless they are written in. Ask. See do I need new gutters with a new roof.
Is cleanup included? It should be, and the scope should mention it. A magnet sweep is a good sign of a careful crew.
Does the old roof have to come off completely? On a replacement, the covering is removed to the deck. The details of what is removed are in the written scope.
How long does it take? It depends on size, weather and complexity. See how long a roof replacement takes.
Talk to us about your roof
Total Roof Protection OKC can inspect your roof and put the plan for your house in writing. Call 405-415-5841 to schedule an inspection. An inspection describes the roof and the work we would propose; it makes no promise about any insurer's decision.