A roof replacement is one of the biggest home improvement projects most homeowners will ever face. It involves heavy equipment, large crews, significant noise, and a transformation that happens right over your head. If you have never been through the process, the experience can feel overwhelming without the right information.
This guide walks you through every step of a roof replacement in Pinellas County, from the days leading up to the project through the final walkthrough. Whether you are replacing aging asphalt shingles, upgrading to a standing seam metal roof, or installing tile, the general process follows a predictable pattern that this guide explains in detail.
Before the Crew Arrives: Preparing Your Home
Preparation is essential for a smooth roof replacement. Your contractor should provide a preparation checklist a few days before the scheduled start date. Here is a comprehensive guide to getting your home and property ready.
Exterior Preparation
Move your vehicles. Your driveway will be occupied by a dump trailer or roll-off dumpster, material staging, and crew vehicles. Park your cars on the street or at a neighbor's home for the duration of the project. This protects your vehicles from falling debris and nails.
Clear the perimeter. Move patio furniture, grills, potted plants, outdoor decorations, and garden tools at least 15 to 20 feet away from the house. Even with protective tarps, debris can fall or bounce beyond the immediate work area. Fragile items like ceramic pots and glass-top tables should be stored inside or in the garage.
Protect landscaping. If you have prized flower beds, shrubs, or delicate plants near the foundation, discuss protection strategies with your contractor. Plywood sheets can be placed over plants to shield them from falling debris. Established trees and large shrubs are generally not at risk, but small annuals and ground cover near the drip line can be damaged.
Trim overhanging branches. Tree branches that extend over your roof should be trimmed back before the crew arrives. Overhanging branches interfere with tear-off and installation, and they can drop debris on the new roof after completion. Your contractor may include this in the scope of work, but it is often more cost-effective to hire an arborist in advance.
Secure loose items. Satellite dishes, antennas, holiday lights, and any items mounted on or near the roof should be discussed with your contractor. Some items need to be temporarily removed and reinstalled after the new roof is complete.
Interior Preparation
Cover attic items. If your attic is used for storage, cover everything with old sheets or plastic tarps. During tear-off, dust, debris, and small particles can fall through gaps in the decking. This is normal and temporary, but uncovered items can get dusty.
Remove wall-mounted items. The vibration from tear-off and nailing can shake walls throughout your home. Remove framed pictures, mirrors, and decorative shelves, especially on upper floors and walls adjacent to the roof line. Anything that could fall and break should be taken down.
Protect ceiling fixtures. Light fixtures and ceiling fans may vibrate during work. While they will not fall, the vibration can loosen connections over a full day of hammering. After the project, check ceiling fixtures for tightness and re-secure any that have loosened.
Plan for noise. Roof replacement is loud. The tear-off phase generates constant banging, scraping, and thumping that resonates through the entire house. If you work from home, plan to work elsewhere on tear-off day. If you have infants or noise-sensitive family members, consider visiting friends or family for the loudest portions of the project.
Pet and Family Considerations
Pets. Dogs and cats are often stressed by the noise and activity of a roof replacement. Consider boarding your pets or arranging for them to stay with friends or family during the most disruptive days. If your pets stay home, keep them indoors in a quiet room away from the work zone. Ensure they cannot escape through doors that will be frequently opened. Check the yard carefully for stray nails before letting dogs outside.
Children. Keep children away from the work area at all times. The yard will contain sharp debris, heavy materials, and active machinery. Designate indoor play areas and explain to older children that the yard is off limits during construction. The crew works early in the morning, so prepare children for noise starting as early as 7:00 AM.
Elderly or health-sensitive residents. If anyone in your household is sensitive to noise, dust, or vibration, make arrangements for them to be elsewhere during tear-off day. The noise level during active tear-off can reach 90 to 100 decibels inside the home, comparable to a lawn mower running directly overhead.
Day of Installation: What Happens Hour by Hour
Understanding the flow of a typical roof replacement day helps you prepare mentally and practically. Here is what happens from the moment the crew arrives until they leave for the day.
Early Morning Setup (6:30 AM to 7:30 AM)
The crew arrives early to take advantage of the cooler morning hours. In Pinellas County's warm climate, starting early is essential for worker safety and productivity. You will hear trucks arriving, equipment being unloaded, and the crew organizing their tools and staging areas.
The crew foreman will likely knock on your door to introduce themselves, confirm the scope of work, ask about any last-minute concerns, and verify access to power outlets and water (crews appreciate access to a hose for drinking water and cleanup).
Protective tarps are laid around the entire perimeter of your home, extending 6 to 10 feet out from the foundation. These catch falling debris during tear-off and make cleanup faster. The dumpster or dump trailer is positioned in the driveway, and ladders are set up at multiple access points.
Tear-Off Phase (7:30 AM to 12:00 PM)
Tear-off is the most dramatic and disruptive part of the process. The crew uses flat-bar pry tools and specialized roofing shovels to strip your old roofing material down to the bare deck. For asphalt shingle roofs, this means removing shingles, underlayment, old flashing, pipe boots, and ridge vents.
What you will hear: Constant scraping, thumping, and banging as shingles are pried loose and slid down the roof. Heavy thuds as bundles of old shingles land in the dumpster. The occasional hammering as stubborn nails are removed from the deck. Crew members communicating across the roof.
What you will see: A steady stream of old roofing material falling into the dumpster. Dust and granules from old shingles creating a cloud around the work area. The crew working systematically across the roof, typically starting at the ridge and working down toward the eaves.
What you will feel: Vibration throughout the house as materials are pried and removed. This is normal and not harmful to your home's structure. Items on shelves may rattle, and ceiling fans may wobble slightly.
The tear-off phase for a standard asphalt shingle roof takes approximately 3 to 5 hours depending on the size of the home, the number of layers being removed (older homes may have two or three layers of shingles), and the crew size.
Deck Inspection and Repair (12:00 PM to 1:30 PM)
With the old roofing material removed, the bare plywood or OSB deck is fully exposed and visible for the first time. The crew inspects every section of decking for rot, water damage, delamination, and structural integrity.
In Pinellas County, it is common to find localized areas of moisture damage, particularly around old plumbing vents, satellite dish mounts, and in roof valleys where water concentrates. Your contractor should have discussed the possibility of deck repairs during the estimate phase and provided a per-sheet price for plywood replacement.
Minor repairs (1 to 3 sheets of plywood) are handled quickly and are included in most contractor estimates. Major deck damage (10 or more sheets) adds time and cost to the project. Your contractor should communicate any unexpected findings to you immediately, provide photos, and get your approval before proceeding with additional work.
If the deck is in good condition with only minor repairs needed, this phase takes about 1 to 2 hours. Extensive repairs can take half a day or more and may extend the project by a full day.
Underlayment and Flashing (1:30 PM to 3:00 PM)
After the deck is repaired and inspected, the crew installs the underlayment system. Florida Building Code requires specific underlayment standards that exceed many other states, reflecting the state's exposure to wind-driven rain and hurricanes.
The typical underlayment system in Pinellas County includes a primary layer of synthetic underlayment (such as GAF FeltBuster or CertainTeed DiamondDeck) and, in many applications, a self-adhering modified bitumen membrane along the eaves, valleys, and around penetrations for enhanced waterproofing.
Drip edge, a metal strip that directs water away from the fascia and into the gutter, is installed along all roof edges. New flashing is installed around every penetration, including plumbing vents, exhaust fans, HVAC lines, and chimney or skylight frames. Flashing is one of the most critical elements of a quality roof installation, as improperly flashed penetrations are the leading cause of roof leaks.
Shingle or Material Installation (3:00 PM to End of Day)
With the waterproof base system in place, the crew begins installing the new roofing material. For asphalt shingles, this starts with starter strips along the eaves and rakes, followed by field shingles installed in staggered courses from bottom to top.
On a two-day project, the crew aims to complete at least half of the shingle installation on Day 1. This ensures the home is substantially protected overnight. Any areas not yet shingled are covered with the underlayment system, which provides temporary waterproofing.
The installation phase is quieter than tear-off but still involves steady nail gun firing. You will hear the rhythmic pop-pop-pop of pneumatic nail guns as each shingle is fastened with 4 to 6 nails depending on the wind zone requirements. The pace is steady and consistent, and the noise level is noticeably lower than the tear-off phase.
Living in Your Home During the Work
Most homeowners stay in their homes during a roof replacement, and this is perfectly fine. The work takes place entirely on the exterior of your home, and your living space remains fully functional throughout the project. However, there are practical adjustments that make the experience more comfortable.
Noise Management
The noise level varies throughout the project. Tear-off is the loudest phase, generating 80 to 100 decibels inside the home. For context, this is similar to standing next to a running lawn mower or a loud vacuum cleaner. Shingle installation with nail guns is somewhat quieter, around 70 to 85 decibels.
| Project Phase | Noise Level (Inside Home) | Comparable Sound |
|---|---|---|
| Tear-off | 80 to 100 dB | Lawn mower, vacuum cleaner |
| Deck repair | 70 to 90 dB | Circular saw, power drill |
| Underlayment | 50 to 65 dB | Normal conversation |
| Shingle installation | 70 to 85 dB | Dishwasher, moderate traffic |
| Cleanup | 40 to 55 dB | Quiet office, light rain |
Tips for managing noise: Use earplugs or noise-canceling headphones if staying home during tear-off. Move to the lowest floor of your home, as noise and vibration are most intense on upper floors closest to the roof. Run a white noise machine or fan to help mask the intermittent sounds. If you have a two-story home, spend the workday on the first floor.
Dust and Debris
Some dust will enter your home during the project, particularly during tear-off. Asphalt shingle granules, wood particles from deck repairs, and general construction dust can find their way through attic access points, recessed lights, bathroom exhaust fans, and other ceiling penetrations.
To minimize interior dust, close your attic access hatch tightly before work begins. Cover bathroom exhaust fans and recessed lights near the roof line with plastic wrap. Keep windows and doors closed during the tear-off phase. Plan on dusting and vacuuming the upper floors after the project is complete.
Access to Your Home
During a roof replacement, the area around your home becomes an active work zone. Ladders lean against the walls, debris falls from the roof, and crew members move constantly around the perimeter. While you can enter and exit your home through your front or back door, you should coordinate with the crew foreman about which entries are safest to use.
Avoid going into your yard or walking around the perimeter of your home while work is in progress. Falling debris, nails, and tools create real safety hazards. If you need to leave or return home, let a crew member know so they can ensure a safe path for you.
Utilities and Services
Your water, electricity, and internet will remain functional throughout the project. The only utility consideration is if your contractor needs to temporarily cap or relocate a plumbing vent that penetrates the roof. This is done briefly during the re-flashing process and does not affect your indoor plumbing.
If you have rooftop HVAC equipment, discuss access and protection with your contractor. The crew needs to work around these units and will install new flashing at the curb or platform where the unit sits. Your HVAC system can continue running during the project, though you may notice reduced efficiency on the day the area immediately around the unit is being worked on.
The Installation Process: Material by Material
Asphalt Shingle Installation
Asphalt shingle installation is the most common and fastest roofing process. The crew works from the bottom of the roof upward, overlapping each course of shingles to create a water-shedding surface. Modern architectural shingles (also called dimensional or laminate shingles) are thicker and heavier than the old three-tab style, providing better wind resistance and a more textured appearance.
In Florida's high-wind zones, including all of Pinellas County, shingles must be fastened with 6 nails per shingle instead of the standard 4 nails used in lower- wind areas. This enhanced nailing pattern significantly improves the shingle's resistance to wind uplift during tropical storms and hurricanes.
Metal Roof Installation
Metal roof installation is a more involved process. Each panel is measured and cut to fit precisely, then attached to the deck using concealed clips that allow for thermal expansion and contraction. The standing seam profile creates a raised rib at each panel joint, directing water away and preventing leaks.
Metal roof installation generates different sounds than shingle work. You will hear the whir of metal cutting tools, the snap of panels locking into place, and the drilling of screws into clips. The noise is generally lower in volume but includes sharper, higher-pitched sounds from metal cutting.
Tile Roof Installation
Tile installation is the most labor-intensive process. After underlayment installation, the crew installs horizontal battens (wood strips) across the roof that the tiles hook onto. Each tile is individually placed, aligned, and secured. The process is methodical and time-consuming, but the result is a roof that can last 50 years or more.
Tile installation creates a different rhythm of sounds. You will hear the clacking of tiles being placed on battens, occasional cutting with a wet saw for custom fits around penetrations, and hammering as tiles are secured. The wet saw used for cutting concrete or clay tile produces a loud, high-pitched whine that is among the most noticeable sounds of the project.
Cleanup: What a Professional Job Looks Like
The quality of cleanup after a roof replacement says a lot about the contractor's professionalism. A thorough cleanup should leave your property in better condition than when the crew arrived, with the obvious exception of a brand new roof overhead.
What Professional Cleanup Includes
Nail sweeping. The crew runs powerful magnetic nail sweepers across your entire yard, driveway, sidewalks, and the street in front of your home. This is done at least twice, often three times, to collect every stray roofing nail. Stray nails are the most common post-project complaint, and thorough magnetic sweeping is essential to prevent flat tires and foot injuries.
Debris removal. All roofing debris, including old shingles, torn underlayment, scrap metal, packaging, and cut material, is collected and loaded into the dumpster. The tarps laid around the perimeter before tear-off are gathered with their collected debris and emptied.
Gutter cleaning. Your gutters will collect granules, nails, and small debris during the project. A thorough cleanup includes flushing gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage.
Landscape restoration. Any plants or landscaping that were displaced or protected during the project are returned to their original positions. The crew checks for any damage to plants, fencing, or outdoor structures and reports it to the foreman.
Dumpster removal. The dumpster or dump trailer is removed from your driveway, usually the same day or the following morning. Your driveway should be swept clean of any debris that accumulated around the dumpster.
The Final Walkthrough
A professional roofing contractor conducts a final walkthrough with you after the installation and cleanup are complete. This is your opportunity to inspect the finished product, ask questions, and address any concerns before the project is considered complete.
What to Look for During the Walkthrough
Overall appearance. Walk around the perimeter of your home and view the roof from all angles. The shingle lines should be straight and uniform. The color should be consistent across the entire roof. Ridge caps should be neatly installed with uniform exposure.
Flashing details. Check that all flashing around penetrations (plumbing vents, exhaust fans, HVAC curbs) is properly installed and sealed. New pipe boots should be visible at each plumbing penetration. Drip edge should be visible along all roof edges.
Ventilation. Verify that all ventilation components are properly installed. Ridge vents should run the full length of the ridge. Soffit vents should be unobstructed. Any power ventilators or turbine vents should be operational.
Cleanup quality. Walk your yard, driveway, and surrounding areas looking for stray debris or nails. Check your gutters for accumulated granules. Inspect landscaping for any damage. Look for any dings or scratches on your siding, windows, or outdoor fixtures.
Documentation. Your contractor should provide warranty registration information, before-and-after photos, a copy of the building permit, and instructions for scheduling the final county inspection. Keep all documents together in a safe place for future reference.
After the Project: What Comes Next
County Inspection
Your contractor schedules the final building inspection with the Pinellas County building department (or your local municipality). The inspector visits your property to verify that the installation meets Florida Building Code requirements. You typically do not need to be home for the inspection. Learn more about the permit and inspection process in Florida.
Warranty Registration
Most roofing material manufacturers require registration to activate the full warranty on your new roof. Your contractor may handle this for you, or you may need to register online using the product information and installation date. GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed all offer online warranty registration portals.
Keep a record of your contractor's information, the products installed, and your warranty terms. A typical asphalt shingle roof carries a 25 to 50-year material warranty and a separate workmanship warranty from your contractor, usually 5 to 15 years.
Insurance Notification
Contact your homeowners insurance company to notify them of the completed roof replacement. A new roof often qualifies you for a reduction in your insurance premium, particularly in Florida where roof condition is a significant factor in wind damage risk assessment. Some homeowners see premium reductions of 10% to 30% with a new roof that meets current building codes.
Post-Installation Monitoring
After your new roof is installed, pay attention to a few things during the first few rainstorms. Check your attic for any signs of moisture or leaks. Look at your ceilings for water stains. Verify that gutters are draining properly.
It is normal for new asphalt shingles to shed excess granules during the first few weeks. You may notice granules accumulating in your gutters or at the base of downspouts. This is a manufacturing characteristic and not a defect. The granule shedding will taper off after a few rain events.
New shingles may also appear slightly different in color compared to the samples you selected. Roofing shingles darken slightly after a few weeks of sun exposure as the asphalt surface warms and the granules settle. The color you see after one month of weathering is the true installed color.
Common Concerns and How to Handle Them
What If I Find Nails After the Crew Leaves?
Despite multiple passes with magnetic sweepers, stray nails occasionally turn up in the weeks after a roof replacement. This is not unusual, especially after rain washes away soil that was covering nails. Contact your contractor, and a responsible company will send someone to collect any stray nails. Walk your yard carefully (wearing thick-soled shoes) before letting pets or children play outside, especially in the first week after completion.
What If I Notice a Leak?
Contact your contractor immediately if you notice any signs of water intrusion after a new roof installation. A leak on a brand-new roof is almost always a workmanship issue that is covered under your contractor's warranty. Do not attempt to fix it yourself, as this could void the warranty. Your contractor will send a crew to identify and repair the issue at no cost.
For a thorough understanding of what to look for, read our guide on signs of roof damage.
What About Neighboring Properties?
In tightly spaced Pinellas County neighborhoods, it is courteous to notify your immediate neighbors before the project begins. Let them know the expected start date, duration, and approximate work hours. They may need to move vehicles parked near your home and should be aware that noise levels will be elevated. Most neighbors are understanding, and a little advance notice goes a long way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stay in my house during a roof replacement?
Yes, you can stay in your home during a roof replacement. The work takes place entirely on the exterior of your home. However, expect loud noise, vibration, and temporary disruptions to your daily routine. Many homeowners choose to leave during the tear-off phase, which is the noisiest part of the project.
How do I prepare my home for a roof replacement?
Preparation includes moving vehicles from the driveway, removing patio furniture and decorations from around the house, covering items in the attic with tarps, removing wall-mounted items that could fall from vibration, trimming overhanging tree branches, and making arrangements for pets and children during the noisiest work phases.
How loud is a roof replacement?
Roof replacement generates significant noise, especially during the tear-off phase. The sound of prying tools, hammering, nail guns, and debris falling into dumpsters can reach 80 to 100 decibels inside the home. This is comparable to standing next to a running lawn mower. The installation phase is somewhat quieter at 70 to 85 decibels.
What happens if it rains during my roof replacement?
If rain threatens during a roof replacement, the crew secures any exposed deck areas with tarps and waterproof barriers. Work pauses until the weather clears. Experienced Florida contractors monitor forecasts carefully and plan their work to minimize the risk of leaving the deck exposed when rain is likely. The underlayment system provides temporary waterproofing if the project must pause overnight.
How long does cleanup take after a roof replacement?
Cleanup typically takes 2 to 4 hours on the final day of installation. This includes removing all debris, running magnetic nail sweepers across the yard and driveway multiple times, cleaning gutters, and conducting a final walkthrough. A thorough cleanup is a hallmark of a professional contractor.
Will my landscaping be damaged during a roof replacement?
Reputable contractors take precautions to protect your landscaping by laying tarps around the perimeter of your home before tear-off begins. However, some minor impact is possible from heavy foot traffic, material staging, and debris. Discuss landscaping concerns with your contractor before work begins so extra precautions can be taken for sensitive plants or garden features.
Ready for Your Roof Replacement?
Knowing what to expect takes the stress out of a roof replacement. The process is well-established, and experienced Pinellas County contractors handle these projects efficiently every day. Your role is to prepare your home and family, communicate with your contractor, and then let the professionals do their work.
If your roof is showing signs of aging or damage, start with a professional roof inspection to determine whether repair or replacement is the right path forward. Understanding the cost of a new roof and the cost of repairs helps you make a financially sound decision.
Visit our roofing services page to learn more about our approach to roof replacement in Pinellas County. We are here to guide you through every step of the process.