Whether your Pinellas County roof was damaged by a hurricane, has reached the end of its lifespan, or you are proactively upgrading before insurance age limits kick in, a full roof replacement requires careful planning. The good news is that most of the preparation is straightforward. With this checklist, you will know exactly what to expect and what to do at every stage.
This guide covers three phases: preparing before the crew arrives, what to expect while work is underway, and what to handle after the new roof is installed. We have included Florida-specific requirements like permitting, HOA notifications, and code upgrades that apply to homes across Pinellas County.
Before Your Roof Replacement: Preparation Checklist
Proper preparation starts one to two weeks before your scheduled start date. Here is everything you need to handle ahead of time.
1. Move Vehicles and Trailers
Park all cars, trucks, boats, and trailers away from the work area. Ideally, move them to the street or a neighbor's driveway at least 15 to 20 feet from the house. Roofing work generates falling debris, including old shingles, nails, broken tiles, and tools that can dent or scratch vehicles. Even with tarps and ground protection, the safest option is keeping vehicles well clear.
If you have a garage, remember that vibrations from the work overhead can cause items on shelves to shift or fall. Move anything fragile or valuable from garage shelves to a safer location.
2. Clear the Yard and Work Area
Your roofing crew needs clear access around the entire perimeter of your home. In the days before work begins:
- Move patio furniture, grills, potted plants, and decorations away from the house
- Take down hanging plants, wind chimes, and outdoor lights near the roofline
- Relocate children's play equipment, trampolines, and outdoor toys
- Roll up garden hoses and move sprinkler heads that could be damaged
- Trim tree branches that overhang the roof or block access (coordinate with your contractor first)
- Mark or protect any garden beds, landscaping, or irrigation lines close to the house
- Remove satellite dishes or antennas from the roof (or coordinate with your contractor)
Most Pinellas County roofing crews will place a dumpster in your driveway for debris. Confirm the dumpster placement location with your contractor and make sure the area is accessible for delivery.
3. Protect Attic Items and Interior Spaces
Roof replacement generates significant vibration that can affect your home's interior. The attic is especially vulnerable during tearoff. Here is what to do:
- Attic storage: Remove or cover everything stored in the attic. Dust, debris, and small particles will shake loose during tearoff. Use plastic sheeting or old sheets to cover items you cannot move
- Ceiling fixtures: Vibration can loosen light fixtures, ceiling fans, and chandeliers. Tighten any loose fixtures and consider removing delicate hanging decorations from walls and ceilings
- Wall hangings: Remove framed photos, mirrors, and artwork from walls on the top floor. Vibration can knock them loose
- Fragile items: Move breakable items from high shelves to lower, more stable locations
- Cover belongings: Lay drop cloths or plastic over furniture in upstairs rooms to protect from any dust that enters through the ceiling
4. Notify Your Neighbors
A roof replacement creates significant noise, increased traffic, and temporary disruption for your neighbors. Giving them advance notice is both courteous and practical:
- Let immediate neighbors know the start date and expected duration
- Warn them about early morning start times (most crews begin at 7:00 AM in Pinellas County)
- Ask if they have concerns about dumpster placement or crew parking near their property
- If you share a fence or boundary wall, let them know the crew may need access near the property line
- Mention that there may be stray nails despite the crew's cleanup efforts, especially if yards are adjacent
5. Plan for Noise and Disruption
Roof replacement is one of the loudest home improvement projects. During tearoff and installation, noise levels can reach 100 decibels or more, comparable to a chainsaw or rock concert. Plan accordingly:
- If you work from home, consider working from a library, coffee shop, or coworking space during tearoff day
- Schedule meetings and important calls away from home
- Prepare activities for children that take them away from the house during peak noise hours
- Have noise-canceling headphones or earplugs available if you stay home
- Let your employer know if you need schedule flexibility during the project
6. Secure Pets
Pets are especially affected by the noise and activity of a roof replacement. The loud banging, strangers on your property, and open gates can cause stress and create escape risks:
- Dogs: Board them, take them to a friend's house, or keep them in an interior room away from the work. Even calm dogs can become anxious from sustained loud noise
- Cats: Keep them inside in a quiet room with food, water, and litter. Close windows and blinds on the side of the house where work is happening
- Outdoor pets: Relocate any animals that normally stay outside, including chickens, rabbits, or other pets in enclosures near the house
- Fish tanks: Vibration will not typically harm fish, but secure tank lids and move any top-heavy aquariums from high shelves
Talk to your veterinarian about anti-anxiety options if your pet is particularly noise-sensitive. Many Pinellas County pet boarding facilities offer day boarding, which can be perfect for the one to two days of heaviest noise.
7. Prepare Access for the Crew
Make sure your roofing crew can access everything they need:
- Unlock gates and remove any locks that restrict access around the house
- Ensure exterior electrical outlets are accessible (crews may need power for tools)
- Clear the driveway for the dumpster and material delivery truck
- If your home has a security system with motion sensors, consider adjusting settings during the project
- Provide the crew with your phone number so they can reach you with questions
- Identify a bathroom the crew can use, or confirm they will bring a portable unit
8. Handle Florida-Specific Preparations
Pinellas County homeowners have additional preparation steps that are unique to Florida's building regulations and climate:
Permit Verification
Your contractor must pull a building permit from Pinellas County before any work begins. Permit processing in Pinellas County typically takes 3 to 10 business days, though it can be longer during busy periods (especially after hurricane season). Confirm with your contractor that the permit has been approved and is posted at the job site before tearoff begins.
You can verify permits online through the Pinellas County Building Services portal or your specific municipality's website (Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Largo, etc.). Each city within Pinellas County has its own permitting office, so make sure your contractor is pulling the permit from the correct jurisdiction.
HOA Notification and Approval
If your home is in a homeowners association, you almost certainly need to notify your HOA before starting a roof replacement. Most Pinellas County HOAs require:
- Written notification of the planned work with start and end dates
- Architectural review approval for material type and color
- Contractor information including license and insurance certificates
- Compliance with community hours of operation for construction work
Under Florida Statute 720.3085, your HOA cannot prohibit you from installing hurricane-protective materials or features. If your HOA tries to block hurricane clips, impact-rated materials, or other storm protection, they may be in violation of state law. However, they can regulate aesthetic elements like color and material type (within reason).
Start the HOA approval process at least 30 days before your planned start date. Some HOAs only meet monthly, and waiting for board approval can delay your project.
Code Upgrade Planning
When you replace a roof in Florida, the new installation must meet the current Florida Building Code (FBC), even if your original roof was built to older standards. This means your roof replacement costs may include required upgrades such as:
- Sealed roof deck (secondary water barrier): Required in many Pinellas County jurisdictions, this involves applying a peel-and-stick underlayment or a foam adhesive to the roof deck to create a waterproof barrier beneath the shingles or tiles
- Hurricane straps or clips: Metal connectors that tie the roof structure to the walls. If your home does not have them, they must be added during a re-roof
- Proper drip edge and flashing: Must meet current code specifications for wind resistance
- Wind-rated materials: All roofing materials must be rated for the wind zone applicable to your location in Pinellas County
- Upgraded underlayment: Synthetic underlayment or self-adhering modified bitumen as required by current code
These upgrades improve your home's storm resistance and can qualify you for significant insurance discounts through a wind mitigation inspection after the roof is completed. The cost of code upgrades is often offset by long-term insurance savings.
Pre-Replacement Checklist (1 to 2 Weeks Before)
- ☐Confirm permit has been approved and posted
- ☐Notify HOA and obtain architectural approval (if applicable)
- ☐Move all vehicles at least 15 to 20 feet from the house
- ☐Clear patio furniture, grills, plants, and decorations from yard
- ☐Remove or cover all attic contents
- ☐Take down wall hangings and secure fragile items on upper floors
- ☐Notify neighbors about start date and expected timeline
- ☐Arrange pet care or boarding for heavy noise days
- ☐Plan work-from-home alternative or schedule flexibility
- ☐Unlock gates and ensure full access around the house
- ☐Clear driveway for dumpster and material delivery
- ☐Remove satellite dishes or antennas from roof
- ☐Cover pool or spa if within 20 feet of the house
- ☐Trim overhanging tree branches (coordinate with contractor)
- ☐Adjust security system motion sensors
During Your Roof Replacement: What to Expect
Knowing what happens each day helps you plan and reduces anxiety. Here is a typical timeline for a standard residential roof replacement in Pinellas County.
Day 1: Tearoff and Deck Inspection
The first day is the loudest and most disruptive. Here is what typically happens:
- Early morning (7:00 AM): Crew arrives, sets up safety equipment, stages materials, and places tarps and ground protection around the perimeter
- Tearoff begins: The old roofing material is removed down to the decking. This is the noisiest phase, with prying, hammering, and material sliding into the dumpster. Expect sustained noise levels of 90 to 100+ decibels
- Deck inspection: Once the old roof is removed, the crew inspects the plywood or OSB decking for rot, water damage, and structural issues. Any damaged sections are replaced. This is when supplemental insurance claims are often triggered if hidden damage is found
- Underlayment installation: Weather-resistant underlayment is installed over the clean decking. In Pinellas County, this includes meeting the sealed-deck requirements of the Florida Building Code
- End of day: The crew ensures the roof is waterproofed with underlayment before leaving, even if shingles or tiles have not been installed yet. Florida's afternoon thunderstorms make same-day waterproofing essential
Day 2: Installation
The second day focuses on installing the new roofing material:
- Drip edge and flashing: Metal flashing is installed along edges, valleys, around vents, pipes, and any roof penetrations
- Material installation: Shingles, tiles, or metal panels are installed following manufacturer specifications and code requirements. The crew works systematically from the bottom of the roof up
- Ridge installation: Ridge cap shingles or ridge vent systems are installed at the peak of the roof
- Ventilation: Roof vents, ridge vents, and soffit vents are installed or replaced to ensure proper attic ventilation, which is critical in Florida's heat
- Noise levels: Day 2 is typically somewhat quieter than tearoff, but still involves sustained hammering and compressor noise from nail guns
Day 3 (If Needed): Completion and Cleanup
Larger homes, complex roof designs, or tile installations may require a third day:
- Final installation of remaining materials and trim pieces
- Sealant application around all penetrations and flashings
- Thorough cleanup of the yard, driveway, and surrounding area
- Magnetic sweep for stray nails in the yard, driveway, and street
- Dumpster pickup and removal of staging materials
Building Inspections During the Project
Pinellas County building inspectors will visit the job site at specified stages to verify code compliance. Common inspection points include:
- Dry-in inspection: Verifies the underlayment and waterproofing layer meets code before the final roofing material is installed
- Final inspection: Verifies the completed roof meets all Florida Building Code requirements, including material ratings, fastener patterns, flashing, and ventilation
Your contractor coordinates the inspection schedule. If an inspection does not pass, the contractor must correct any deficiencies and schedule a re-inspection. Do not make your final payment until all inspections have passed.
Weather Delays
In Pinellas County, afternoon thunderstorms are common from June through September. Your contractor should monitor weather forecasts and plan work accordingly. If significant rain is expected, the crew may delay tearoff to avoid exposing the decking to water. Rain delays are normal and should be factored into your timeline expectations.
A reputable contractor will not tear off more roof area than they can waterproof before the day's end. If weather unexpectedly moves in, the crew should immediately cover any exposed areas with tarps or emergency underlayment.
| Phase | Typical Timeline | Noise Level | Your Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tearoff | Day 1 (4 to 8 hours) | Very High (100+ dB) | Be away or use hearing protection |
| Deck Repair | Day 1 (1 to 3 hours) | Moderate to High | Document for supplemental claim if needed |
| Underlayment | Day 1 (2 to 4 hours) | Moderate | Verify sealed deck meets code |
| Installation | Day 2 (6 to 10 hours) | High (nail guns, hammering) | Stay accessible for questions |
| Cleanup | Day 2 or 3 (2 to 4 hours) | Low to Moderate | Walk property before crew leaves |
After Your Roof Replacement: Final Steps
Once the last shingle is in place, your work is not quite done. These final steps protect your investment and close out the project properly.
1. Final Walk-Through Inspection
Schedule a walk-through with your contractor to inspect the completed work. Check for:
- Straight, uniform shingle lines and proper alignment
- Secure flashing around all penetrations (vents, pipes, chimneys, skylights)
- Proper ridge cap installation
- Clean gutters and downspouts (no roofing debris blocking drainage)
- All vent covers and caps properly installed
- No visible gaps, lifted edges, or exposed fasteners
- Drip edge properly installed along all roof edges
Walk the interior of your home as well. Check ceilings on the top floor for any new water stains or cracks. Inspect the attic for visible daylight (which would indicate gaps in the installation) and verify that insulation was not displaced or damaged during the project.
2. Cleanup Verification
Thorough cleanup is part of any professional roofing job. Before the crew leaves, verify:
- All old roofing material has been removed from the property
- The dumpster has been picked up or is scheduled for removal
- A magnetic roller has been run across the yard, driveway, sidewalks, and street to collect stray nails
- Gutters have been cleared of debris
- Landscaping has been restored to its previous condition (or damage has been noted)
- No tools or equipment have been left behind
- Pool screens, fences, or other structures have not been damaged
Note any damage to landscaping, pool cages, fences, or other property. Reputable contractors will repair any damage their crew caused during the project. Document everything with photos.
3. Warranty Documentation
Collect and organize all warranty documents. You should receive two types of warranties:
- Manufacturer warranty: Covers defects in the roofing materials. Typical coverage ranges from 25 years for basic shingles to lifetime for premium products. Your contractor should register the warranty with the manufacturer on your behalf
- Workmanship warranty: Covers the contractor's installation work. This is separate from the manufacturer warranty and typically ranges from 2 to 10 years. Get this in writing with clear terms about what is covered
Store warranty documents in a safe place alongside your roof file, which should also include the permit, inspection reports, contractor contract, and payment receipts.
4. Permit Close-Out
The building permit process is not complete until the final inspection passes and the permit is officially closed out. Verify with your contractor that:
- The final building inspection has been scheduled and passed
- The permit status shows "closed" or "finaled" in the Pinellas County system
- You have a copy of the passing inspection report
- Any conditions or corrections have been addressed
An open permit can cause problems when you sell your home, refinance, or file future insurance claims. Verify the permit is closed within 30 days of project completion. You can check permit status online through your local Pinellas County municipality's building department website.
5. Insurance Follow-Up
If your roof replacement was covered by insurance, complete these final steps:
- Submit proof of completed repairs to your insurer to collect any recoverable depreciation (RCV holdback payment)
- Notify your insurer of the new roof installation date and material type for updated policy records
- Schedule a wind mitigation inspection to potentially reduce your insurance premiums
- Request updated insurance quotes reflecting your new roof for potential premium savings
A new roof combined with a wind mitigation inspection can save Pinellas County homeowners 10% to 45% on their windstorm insurance premiums. This is one of the most significant financial benefits of a roof replacement beyond the obvious protection it provides.
6. Ongoing Maintenance Schedule
Protect your new roof investment with a regular maintenance schedule:
- Twice annually: Visual inspection from ground level (spring and fall)
- After every major storm: Check for visible damage, missing shingles, or debris
- Quarterly: Clean gutters and downspouts to prevent water backup
- Annually: Professional roof inspection by a licensed contractor
- As needed: Trim tree branches that grow within 6 feet of the roof
- As needed: Address any minor repairs (loose flashing, cracked sealant) promptly before they become major issues
Post-Replacement Checklist
- ☐Complete walk-through inspection with contractor
- ☐Verify thorough cleanup (magnetic sweep, gutters, landscaping)
- ☐Collect manufacturer warranty documentation
- ☐Collect workmanship warranty in writing
- ☐Confirm final building inspection passed
- ☐Verify permit is closed/finaled in county system
- ☐Submit completion documents to insurer for RCV holdback (if applicable)
- ☐Notify insurer of new roof for updated records
- ☐Schedule wind mitigation inspection for insurance discounts
- ☐Take photos of completed roof from all angles for your records
- ☐Organize all documents in your roof file
- ☐Set up ongoing maintenance schedule (calendar reminders)
Frequently Asked Questions About Roof Replacement Preparation
How much does a roof replacement cost in Pinellas County?
The cost varies widely based on roof size, material type, and required code upgrades. For a detailed breakdown, see our comprehensive guide on roof replacement costs in Florida. As a general reference, asphalt shingle roofs in Pinellas County typically range from $8,000 to $20,000, while tile roofs range from $15,000 to $35,000 or more depending on size and complexity.
Can I stay in my home during a roof replacement?
Yes, most homeowners stay in their homes during a roof replacement. However, be prepared for significant noise during work hours (typically 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM), dust and vibration affecting upper floors, limited access around the exterior of your home, and possible temporary disruption to satellite TV or internet if equipment is on the roof. If you have infants, elderly family members, or anyone with noise sensitivity, consider arranging alternative accommodations for the first day of tearoff.
What happens if it rains during my roof replacement?
Professional Pinellas County roofers plan for Florida's weather patterns. Your contractor should monitor forecasts and time tearoff to avoid rain exposure. If unexpected rain occurs, the crew will tarp exposed areas immediately. Once underlayment is installed (typically by the end of Day 1), your home is waterproofed even without the final roofing material. Minor rain after underlayment is not a concern.
How do I choose the right roofing contractor?
Choosing the right contractor is one of the most important decisions you will make. Look for a Florida-licensed contractor (CCC or CRC number), verify insurance, check local references, and get multiple written estimates. Avoid common roofing scams by never paying large upfront deposits and always verifying licenses through the Florida DBPR website. Read our full guide on how to find a roofer in Florida for a complete selection process.
Your Pinellas County Roof Replacement: Ready to Go
A roof replacement does not have to be stressful. With proper preparation, clear communication with your contractor, and an understanding of the process, you can navigate the project confidently from start to finish. Use the checklists in this guide to stay organized and make sure nothing falls through the cracks.
The most important preparation step is choosing the right contractor. A licensed, experienced Pinellas County roofing professional will guide you through the permit process, handle code upgrades, coordinate inspections, and deliver a roof that protects your home for decades to come. Start your search with a free inspection and estimate from a local roofing professional.