Shingle usually takes 2 to 5 working days. Tile and metal often take 1 to 2 weeks, depending on roof size and inspection scheduling. We tear off only what we can dry in the same day. Here is what a typical first day looks like, and what happens after it.
Day one, hour by hour
See also:Free roof inspection →| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | Crew arrives, dumpster or truck staged, driveway and landscaping protected |
| 7:30 AM | Tear-off begins, old roofing goes straight into the truck |
| 11:00 AM | Deck exposed; we photograph it and replace any failed sheathing |
| 1:00 PM | Deck re-nailed to code; flashings and drip edge set |
| 3:00 PM | Underlayment installed, the house is watertight |
| 5:00 PM | Site cleaned; first magnet sweep of driveway and lawn |
Inspections
The building department inspects in stages, typically deck nailing and dry-in during the job, then a final. We schedule each one; you do not need to be home unless the inspector needs interior access.
Finishing and cleanup
- Tile, metal or shingle installed over the inspected underlayment
- Ridge, hips and penetrations closed and sealed
- Gutters and downspouts reset
- Final magnet sweep for nails, then a walk-through with you
You get a photo record of every stage, including the deck nobody sees once the roof is on.
Before day one
- Permit issued and posted at the home
- HOA approval on file
- Materials and color checked against the approval
- Cars moved out of the driveway the night before
- Pets and patio furniture secured
- Pictures and fragile items on interior walls taken down, vibration happens
What you will hear and see
Tear-off is the loudest part of the job. Expect hammering and debris noise for most of the first day. Once underlayment is down, the noise drops and the work becomes more methodical.
What happens if it rains
We tear off only what we can dry in the same day. South Florida afternoon storms are planned for, if a storm is coming, the crew prioritizes getting the exposed area watertight before it arrives.
After day one
| Day | Typical work |
|---|---|
| 2 | Remaining tear-off or underlayment details; in-progress inspection |
| 3 | Tile loaded out, metal panels staged, or shingles begun |
| 4 | Field installation continues; ridges and hips begun |
| 5+ | Ridges, hips and penetrations closed; cleanup; final walk-through |
Tile and metal roofs often run longer, because the dry-in inspection has to pass before tile or panels go on.
How we keep you updated
Your project manager and operations manager send weekly updates by WhatsApp and email until the final walkthrough, and you can call anytime.
After the roof is finished
We schedule the final inspection with the building department. When it passes, the permit is closed and you receive the photo record, warranty documents and closeout paperwork.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be home during the re-roof?
No, unless an inspector needs interior access. Your project manager and operations manager send weekly updates by WhatsApp and email until the final walkthrough, and you can call anytime.
How long does a roof replacement take?
Shingle usually takes 2 to 5 working days. Tile and metal often take 1 to 2 weeks, depending on roof size and inspection scheduling.
Will nails end up in my driveway?
We run magnetic sweeps during the job and again at the end.
Is my house exposed overnight?
We tear off only what we can dry in the same day, and we plan around afternoon storms.
About the author
Roshy Rajan has worked in Broward County real estate and construction since 2006. He founded SafeTech Roofing and Windows (SafeTech Builders Inc.) after a hurricane left a friend with roof and window damage and the referrals kept coming. Florida Certified General Contractor CGC1537934 · Certified Roofing Contractor CCC1336954 · BBB Accredited.
