Key takeaways
- Start with an inspection, then choose the material, then the schedule.
- Ask what is included: decking, underlayment, flashing, vents and cleanup.
- Choose the color and style in daylight, against your house.
- Keep a cushion for decking repairs you cannot see until the old roof is off.
A roof replacement is easier when you know the order of the work. Here is a plan that fits most homes.
Start with an inspection
Before anything else, have someone walk the roof and check the attic. You want to know the condition of the shingles, the flashing and the decking, and whether the problem is the whole roof or one area.
Choose the material, then the color
Asphalt shingles, metal, slate, cedar and tile all work, and each has its own cost, look and care. Ask for samples and look at them outside, in the light your house gets. Our Roof Studio lets you try combinations first.
Ask what is included
A fair comparison looks at the whole system: tear-off, decking repair, underlayment, drip edge, flashing, vents, ridge cap and cleanup. A lower price often leaves something out.
Plan for surprises
Rotted decking and old flashing can hide under shingles. A good contractor shows you what they find and agrees on the plan before going on. Keep a modest cushion in the budget.
Settle the schedule
Many homes take a day or two once the crew starts, and weather can move the dates. Ask who will be on site and how the yard will be protected.
Our Roof Calculator shows how many squares and bundles a roof of your size needs, which helps you read an estimate.
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Questions about your own roof? Call or text 615-431-3789, or use the quote form below.