Getting a new roof is a major home improvement, but knowing what to expect during a shingle roof replacement can make the process much easier. A shingle roof replacement involves more than removing old shingles and installing new ones. Permitting, material delivery, property protection, inspections, cleanup, and final documentation are all part of the process.
While every project is different, here’s what homeowners in Jacksonville and the surrounding areas can generally expect when replacing a shingle roof with SEC Roofing & Construction.
Before Your Roof Replacement
Once your contract is signed, SEC begins preparing your project for installation. You’ll finalize selections such as shingle and eave drip colors and complete the required permitting documents.
SEC prepares and files the necessary permit paperwork and coordinates the required inspections. When documents require notarization, we have an in-house notary available, although homeowners are welcome to use their own. A building permit is required for a re-roof, and the required inspections are an important part of making sure the work complies with applicable building codes. If a contractor tells you that your re-roof does not require a permit, consider that a red flag. Learn more about choosing a reputable roofing contractor in our Contractor or “CON”-tractor? blog.
If your home is located within an HOA, obtaining approval remains the homeowner’s responsibility because the HOA agreement is with you as the property owner. However, we’re happy to assist by providing product and material documentation, aerial reports, certificates of insurance, and other supporting information. We can also complete or sign any contractor-specific documents required by your HOA.
Scheduling Your Roof Replacement
In many cases, a shingle roof replacement can be scheduled within two weeks of signing the contract. However, timing depends on the individual roof, permitting, HOA approval when applicable, material availability, weather, and our current schedule. Once your project is ready, we’ll work with you to confirm an installation date that works for you.
What Happens the Day Before Installation?
Typically, two important things arrive at your property the day before your shingle roof replacement:
Before delivery day, homeowners should make sure the driveway is clear and that crews have access to any gates or other areas needed to complete the work. Our team will let you know if they need any special gate access prior to delivery.
What Happens on Roof Replacement Day?
Protecting Your Home and Landscaping
Our crews arrive early in the morning and begin preparing the property before removing the existing roof. Before tear-off begins, SEC protects vulnerable areas around your home.
We use The Catch-All system in strategic areas to help protect landscaping, shrubs, exterior surfaces, windows, and doors from falling roofing debris. Specialized Catch-All protection is also used around air-conditioning equipment. For homes with pool enclosures close to the roofline, light and rigid foam boards may be used to help protect the enclosure. If a pool is not enclosed, it can be covered with a tarp when needed.
The exact protection used depends on the layout of the property. The goal is to protect vulnerable areas while maintaining safe access for the roofing crew.
Tear-Off, Decking Inspection and Re-Nailing
The existing shingles and roofing materials are removed, exposing the roof decking underneath. This allows us to identify conditions that couldn’t be fully evaluated before tear-off.
Damaged or deteriorated decking is replaced as necessary. SEC photographs the project throughout the process, including any decking or lumber that requires replacement.
The existing roof deck nailing is also evaluated. If the existing fasteners or fastening pattern do not meet current Florida Building Code requirements, additional fasteners are installed as required to bring the roof deck attachment into compliance.
As the old roofing materials are removed, the crew often works in stages. While some crew members continue the tear-off, others begin covering the prepared roof deck with the appropriate dry-in materials. This allows the roof to be progressively dried in rather than waiting until the entire roof has been removed, helping limit how much of the roof is exposed at one time and providing added protection if Florida weather changes unexpectedly.
Dry-In and Mid-Project Inspection
Once the decking is ready, the roof is dried in. The dry-in creates a protective layer between the roof deck and the finished shingles. GAF FeltBuster® synthetic roof deck protection is installed across the roof deck, while GAF WeatherWatch® leak barrier is used in vulnerable areas of the roofing system. These are products commonly used in our standard roofing systems, with upgraded options, such as GAF StormGuard®, also available.
The type and number of mid-project inspections, often referred to as dry-in or in-progress inspections, vary by jurisdiction. During a shingle roof replacement, these inspections verify items such as roof deck nailing, dry-in materials, and other code-required roofing components before the project proceeds to the next stage. Most inspections are completed in person by a building inspector at the property, while some jurisdictions allow certain inspections to be completed virtually by submitting photographs and required affidavits to the building department for approval.
SEC handles the scheduling and coordination of all required inspections. You do not need to be home.
Installing Your New Shingle Roof
Once the roof has been properly prepared and the required mid-project inspections are approved, installation of the finished roofing system continues. This is the stage of a shingle roof replacement where you’ll see the biggest visual transformation.
Starter shingles are installed along the appropriate roof edges, followed by the field shingles that cover the main roof areas. The shingles are carefully positioned and fastened according to the roofing system’s installation requirements.
As installation progresses required components such as flashing, plumbing vent boots, roof ventilation, and other roof penetrations are properly integrated into the new roof. Any skylights or sun tunnels included with the project are also properly incorporated into the roofing system.
Finally, hip and ridge cap shingles and the remaining finishing components complete the roof. Together, these materials create the finished exterior roofing system and the final weather barrier protecting your home from Florida’s sun, rain, and storms.
Cleanup
Cleanup is an important part of every roof replacement and takes place throughout the project, not just at the end. Roofing debris is collected and removed as work progresses, and gutters are cleared of roofing debris where applicable.
Once installation is complete, the jobsite receives a thorough final cleanup. Remaining materials and debris are removed, followed by a final magnetic sweep around the property and driveway to help collect fallen nails.
The goal is to leave you with a new roof—not a construction mess.
What Happens After Installation?
Once installation is complete, SEC schedules the required final inspection. This typically occurs the following day, depending on the building department’s schedule. The building inspector does not need access to the interior of your home for the roof inspection, so you do not need to be home. SEC handles the scheduling and coordinates directly with the applicable building department.
Once the roof passes its final inspection, the Certificate of Completion (COC) is provided to you and SEC sends the final invoice. We do not request final payment before your roof has passed its final inspection.
After final payment is received, SEC registers and pays for the applicable GAF Silver Pledge™ Warranty when included with your roofing system. We then provide your warranty documentation, paid-in-full receipt, and other final project documents.
A shingle roof replacement has a lot of moving parts, but homeowners shouldn’t have to manage them themselves. From permitting and material delivery to property protection, installation, inspections, cleanup, and final documentation, SEC Roofing & Construction coordinates the process from beginning to end. Ready to start your next roofing project? Contact SEC Roofing & Construction today to schedule your free estimate.
What to Expect During a Roof Replacement FAQs
Still have questions about what to expect during a roof replacement? These FAQs cover some of the most common questions we hear from homeowners about the installation process, timing, weather, noise, and preparing for your roofing project.
