A new roof is a big project, and not knowing what’s going to happen makes it feel bigger. Most homeowners have the same questions: How long will it take? Do I need to be home? What happens if they find rot? Here’s the roof replacement process from the first phone call to the final cleanup, so you know exactly what to expect.
Step 1: Inspection and written estimate
It starts with a roofer walking the roof, checking the attic, and looking at flashing, vents, gutters and decking. At T&M Roofing we take photos so you can see what we see. Then you get a written estimate listing the scope, materials, warranty and price. Not sure what should be on it? Our guide to what a roofing estimate should include walks through it.
Step 2: Choosing materials and scheduling
Next you pick your shingle line and color, and decide on any upgrades like ridge vents or gutter guards. Your roofer orders materials, pulls the permit your city requires, and gives you a start date. Most crews watch the forecast and may shift the start a day or two to avoid rain.
Step 3: Prep day
Materials and a dumpster are dropped off, usually the day before or the morning of. On the first morning the crew protects your property: tarps over landscaping and the driveway, plywood against the siding near the dumpster, and sometimes covers in the attic. Move cars out of the driveway, and take fragile items off walls, since hammering can shake them.
Step 4: Tear-off
The crew strips the old shingles, underlayment and flashing down to the wood decking. This is the loudest, messiest part. Once the decking is exposed, the crew checks every board. Soft or rotted sections get replaced. A good estimate lists the price per sheet up front, so there are no surprises.
Step 5: Underlayment, ice shield and flashing
Before any shingles go on, the roof gets its protective layers. Ice and water shield goes along the eaves and in valleys, where Michigan ice dams and heavy runoff cause the most trouble. Synthetic underlayment covers the rest of the deck. New drip edge, step flashing and chimney flashing go in. This hidden layer is what keeps water out when shingles get pushed by wind or ice.
Ready to see what your roof needs?
T&M Roofing inspects your roof for free, shows you photos, and gives you a fixed written quote with a 10-year labor warranty.
Get a Free Estimate or call (313) 600-4538
Step 6: Shingles, vents and ridge cap
Shingles go on from the bottom up, nailed to the manufacturer’s pattern so the warranty stays valid. Pipe boots, roof vents and ridge vents are installed, and ridge cap shingles finish the peaks. If your attic ventilation needs work, this is when it gets balanced. Here’s why roof ventilation matters.
Step 7: Cleanup and final walkthrough
The crew clears debris, hauls off the dumpster and runs a magnetic sweeper over the yard and driveway to pick up nails. Then comes a walkthrough: checking the roof, gutters and flashing details, and answering your questions. Your city will typically do a final inspection to close out the permit.
How long does a roof replacement take?
For most single-family homes in Metro Detroit, the work itself takes one to two days. Larger or steeper roofs, multiple layers to remove, lots of rotted decking, or weather delays can stretch that to three or more. Scheduling from signed estimate to start date depends on the season. Here’s more on the best time to replace a roof in Michigan.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be home during a roof replacement?
Not the whole time. It helps to be around at the start and for the final walkthrough. Make sure the crew has access to outlets and the driveway.
Is it safe to stay in the house?
Yes. It’s noisy, especially during tear-off, but you can stay home. Keep pets and kids inside and away from the work areas outside.
What if they find rotted wood?
The crew replaces it at the per-sheet price listed in your estimate and shows you what they found.
Will my gutters be affected?
Usually not, though drip edge is replaced and gutters are checked. If your gutters need work, it’s a good time to handle it. See our gutters and siding services.
T&M Roofing has replaced over 1,500 roofs for homeowners in Detroit, Livonia, Warren, Westland and across Metro Detroit. Learn more about our roof replacement service or call (313) 600-4538.
Helpful outside resources: National Roofing Contractors Association – consumer information · Michigan LARA – protect your home improvement projects