--- title: The 8-Step Process to Replace Your Roof description: Is your roof replacement right around the corner? If so, you're probably wondering about the roof replacement process and what to expect on the big day. Here, you’ll learn the 8-step process to replace your roof, from the roofing materials being delivered to cleaning up your property. image: https://www.billraganroofing.com/hubfs/Featured%20Images%20%2853%29-1.jpg --- [Skip to main content](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/process-replace-roof#maincontent) [![Bill Ragan Roofing Company](https://www.billraganroofing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/assets/logo/bill-ragan-roofing-company--logo.jpg?width=200&height=83&name=bill-ragan-roofing-company--logo.jpg) ](https://www.billraganroofing.com/) Roofing Services - [Roof Replacement](https://www.billraganroofing.com/nashville-roof-replacement) - [Roof Replacement 101](https://www.billraganroofing.com/roof-replacement) - [Asphalt Shingle Roofing](https://www.billraganroofing.com/nashville-roofing-asphalt-shingles) - [Standing Seam Metal Roofing](https://www.billraganroofing.com/metal-roofing-nashville) - [Cedar Shake Roofing](https://www.billraganroofing.com/nashville-roofing-cedar-shake-roofing) - [DaVinci Synthetic Shingles](https://www.billraganroofing.com/synthetic-shingles-nashville) - [Copper Roofing](https://www.billraganroofing.com/nashville-roofing-copper-roofing) - [Membrane Roofing](https://www.billraganroofing.com/nashville-roofing-duro-last-roofing) - [Roof Repair](https://www.billraganroofing.com/nashville-roof-repair) - [Storm Damage Roof Replacement](https://www.billraganroofing.com/nashville-roofing-insurance-storm-damage) - [Skylight & Sun Tunnel Installation](https://www.billraganroofing.com/nashville-roofing-skylight-installation) - [All Services](https://www.billraganroofing.com/nashville-roofing-company) [ Pricing ](https://www.billraganroofing.com/roof-cost) [ Financing ](https://www.billraganroofing.com/roof-financing-nashville) [ Learning Center ](https://www.billraganroofing.com/learning-center) Company - [Service Areas](https://www.billraganroofing.com/middle-tennessee-service-areas) - [About Us](https://www.billraganroofing.com/about-us) - [Careers](https://www.billraganroofing.com/nashville-roofing-jobs) [ Get a Free Quote ](https://www.billraganroofing.com/quote) Search for topics or resources Enter your search below and hit enter or click the search icon. 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So, of course you want it to go smoothly.  However, it’s a chaotic process that can worry homeowners as soon as they see unknown vehicles in their driveway and things start flying around. This is especially true if your roofer doesn’t take the time to explain the process.  **For over 30 years, the team at Bill Ragan Roofing has helped homeowners understand every aspect of getting a new roof.** That’s why I want to break down the roof replacement process you can expect when working with a reputable roofer.  Below is the 8-step process to replace your roof from beginning to end.  ## 1. The roofing materials get delivered to your home  **The first step of a roof replacement is getting all the roofing materials delivered to your home, usually the afternoon before or morning of the project. **A reputable roofer will never deliver the materials multiple days in advance unless inclement weather delays them starting the project.  ![pallets with roofing materials delivered for a roof replacement ](https://www.billraganroofing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/MaterialsDelivered.jpg?width=500&height=300&name=MaterialsDelivered.jpg) The delivery will be unloaded on a paved surface near the roof access point in a dry area. If the pallets of shingles and materials are not placed on a paved surface, you’ll wind up with dead grass. The delivery size depends on the materials being replaced and how many [squares (100 square foot roof area)](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/what-roofing-square) of shingles will be installed. If you have a large roof, the delivery can take up a pretty large area. ## 2. Initial walkthrough and set up **On the morning of your roof replacement, your roofer will take pictures of noticeable damages before any work begins.** They’ll look for torn window screens, dented gutters, damaged light fixtures, or any other damage around the roof line.  Homeowners don’t usually notice existing damage until they look up and think it was done during their roof replacement. However, you should also take pictures the day before your roof replacement in case you find damage afterward.  While this is happening, the crew finds the access point, prepares their tools, sets up generators, and does whatever else they need to get started. ## 3. Precautions are set up to protect your property **Once everything is in place, the roofers start the actual roof replacement process by setting up **[**precautions to protect your property**](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/how-my-property-protected-during-roof-replacement)**.** They attach tarps to the roof line and/or lean wooden boards against the exterior walls to cover anything around the base of your home. ![property protection set up during a roof replacement](https://www.billraganroofing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/PropertyProtection%20(2).jpg?width=500&height=300&name=PropertyProtection%20(2).jpg) This controls where debris goes by letting it slide to the right areas instead of falling on your landscaping. It also creates specific dump zones, so cleaning up debris and taking it to the dump trailer is more efficient.  Your roofer will also cover your attic and pool (if applicable), move things off your patio/deck, and ensure all their vehicles stay on paved surfaces.  ## 4. Tearing off your roof **Once your property is protected, **[**the tear-off process**](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/roof-tear-off-roofing-contractor)** begins.** Your old roof will be torn off in sections, starting on the furthest corner away from your driveway and gradually moving towards the dump trailer.  ![tearing off an old asphalt shingle roof during a roof replacement](https://www.billraganroofing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/RoofTearOff-1.jpg?width=500&height=300&name=RoofTearOff-1.jpg) While some of the crew is tearing off, others pick up the debris to ensure it gets to the right area. A couple of people will also be on the ground to ensure nothing gets away and everything coming off gets to the dump trailer.  As soon as a section is torn off and cleaned up, your gutters will also be cleaned out, and installation can begin.  ## 5. Replacing compromised or rotten roof decking **After tearing off a section, your **[**roof decking**](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/what-roof-decking)** needs to be inspected for rotting, broken, or compromised wooden boards.** If your roofer finds any signs of damaged decking, [it must be replaced](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/will-roof-decking-replaced-during-roof-replacement) before installing the new materials.  ![roof decking that was replaced before installation begins](https://www.billraganroofing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/RoofDeckingReplaced.jpg?width=500&height=375&name=RoofDeckingReplaced.jpg) It’s rare to need entire sections or the full roof deck replaced, but there’s a good chance that some will. Just know that plank decking with more than a 1/8” between the planks must also be replaced, whether they’re damaged or not.   This is per shingle manufacturers’ installation instructions, which must be followed exactly or [your warranties are voided](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/things-void-roof-warranty). ## 6. Your roof new roof is installed **After tearing off your old roof and replacing any damaged decking, it’s time to install the new materials.** The crew begins by installing [drip edge](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/what-roof-drip-edge) on your roof’s edges, [ice and water shield](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/ice-and-water-shield-roof) in [roof valleys](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/what-roof-valley) (and other problem areas), and replacing the [roof flashing](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/what-roof-flashing).  Next, [underlayment](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/what-roof-underlayment) is installed over the entire roof decking, which must go over the drip edge along the eaves and under the drip edge on the rakes. Once your roof is dried in with underlayment, shingle installation can begin. ![new asphalt shingle roof being installed](https://www.billraganroofing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Installation.jpg?width=500&height=300&name=Installation.jpg) They’ll start with a row of starter shingles, followed by rows of shingles, starting at the bottom and working up to the ridge. When they’re done with the shingles, they’ll install ridge capping and replace [the roof vents](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/types-roof-vents). After this is completed, your old roof has now been replaced with a brand new one. But that doesn’t mean the roof replacement process is over.  ## 7. Cleaning up after your roof replacement is complete **Once your roof is installed and fully replaced, it's time to clean up. **The crew will blow off your roof, gutters, and downspouts to ensure all leftover debris reaches the dump tarps. ![blowing off new roof and gutters after installation](https://www.billraganroofing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BlowingOffNewlyInstalledRoof.jpg?width=500&height=281&name=BlowingOffNewlyInstalledRoof.jpg) Next, they’ll spend a couple of hours on the ground rolling up tarps, getting their tools, and cleaning up everything on the ground. They should also take a few passes through your yard and check the landscaping for any missed debris.  ![nails and roofing debris cleaned up](https://www.billraganroofing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Cleanup.jpg?width=500&height=300&name=Cleanup.jpg) Someone will also go all over your property with a strong magnet to ensure there are no loose nails sitting around. After they clean up and leave, you shouldn’t be able to tell roofers were there in the first place. ## 8. Final inspection and walkthrough **After the full roof replacement process is complete, your roofer will double-check the finished product.** They’ll inspect the roof to ensure it’s properly installed and [areas known to leak frequently](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/most-common-roof-leaks) (around penetrations, skylights, chimneys, etc.) are properly protected.  Once off your roof, they’ll do a final check around your home for missed debris, nails, or other trash. If you want reassurance, a reputable roofer shouldn’t have any problem doing a walkthrough with you to answer questions.  With your roof replacement complete and you're satisfied with the work, you’ll get your warranty information and make the final payment.  ## What can go wrong during the roof replacement process? Now you know what to expect during the roof replacement process. Just know that the exact steps vary from roofer to roofer. However, you’ll find most reputable roofing companies follow the same principles and general process. Unfortunately, the process doesn’t always go smoothly. There’s always a chance things will go wrong during a roof replacement, and some are even controllable. But knowing what can go wrong can actually help you avoid them from happening in the first place.  That’s why I wrote another article breaking down the things that can go wrong during the roof replacement process.  Check out [8 Things That Can Go Wrong During a Roof Replacement](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/go-wrong-roof-replacement) to continue preparing for the most important day in your roof’s life. [![prepare for your roof replacement checklist](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3406853/d58d219b-ad60-4abb-9c2d-5a1fd411946b.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3406853/d58d219b-ad60-4abb-9c2d-5a1fd411946b) #### Table Of Contents ## Related Articles [### What Recourse Do I Have for a Bad Roofing Job? July 17th, 2026|5 min read ](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/what-recourse-bad-roofing-job) [### Can You Do a DIY Roof Replacement? July 15th, 2026|9 min read ](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/can-do-diy-roof-replacement) [### Can You Use Multiple Types of Roofing Materials on a Roof? July 1st, 2026|6 min read ](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/have-different-types-roofing-materials-roof) [### How Often Does a Roof Need to be Replaced? June 8th, 2026|11 min read ](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/how-often-replace-roof) [### Does a New Roof Increase Your Home’s Value? June 3rd, 2026|6 min read ](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/does-new-roof-increase-home-value) [### Does a New Roof Increase Your Home’s Curb Appeal? June 1st, 2026|10 min read ](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/curb-appeal-new-roof) [### What’s the Average Cost to Replace a Roof? (2026 Update) May 22nd, 2026|12 min read ](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/average-cost-replace-roof) [### Metal Roofing vs. Asphalt Shingles: Which is Right for You? May 4th, 2026|15 min read ](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/metal-roofing-vs-asphalt-shingles) [### 4 Options to Consider If You Can’t Afford a New Roof April 17th, 2026|7 min read ](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/cant-afford-new-roof) [### Standing Seam Metal Roof vs. Cedar Shake Roof: Which is Right for You? April 15th, 2026|9 min read ](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/standing-seam-metal-roof-vs-cedar-shake-roof) [### What are the Signs of a Bad Roofing Job? April 13th, 2026|8 min read ](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/signs-bad-roofing-job) [### 7 Things to Consider Before a Roof Replacement April 10th, 2026|14 min read ](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/things-consider-before-roof-replacement) [### 7 Things to Know Before Replacing Your Roof in Nashville, TN (2026) April 8th, 2026|13 min read ](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/need-know-replacing-roof-nashville-tn) [### 9 Ways to Prepare for a Roof Replacement in Nashville, TN April 6th, 2026|7 min read ](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/ways-prepare-for-roof-replacement-nashville-tn) [### 10 Frequently Asked Questions Before Getting a New Roof April 3rd, 2026|15 min read ](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/frequently-asked-questions-before-getting-a-new-roof) [### How Much Does a New Roof Cost in 2026? (Update) March 30th, 2026|12 min read ](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/new-roof-cost) [### 8 Warning Signs You Need a New Roof March 27th, 2026|8 min read ](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/warning-signs-need-new-roof) [### How Long Does a New Roof Last? March 25th, 2026|11 min read ](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/how-long-new-roof-last) [### When Is the Best Time to Replace a Roof in Nashville, TN? March 13th, 2026|9 min read ](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/best-time-replace-roof-nashville-tennessee) [### How Do You Pay for a New Roof? December 24th, 2025|5 min read ](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/how-to-pay-for-new-roof) [### How Long Does It Take to Replace Your Asphalt Roof? December 12th, 2025|6 min read ](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/how-long-replace-asphalt-roof) [### What is Roof Underlayment? December 5th, 2025|5 min read ](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/what-roof-underlayment) [### How Long Does It Take to Replace a Roof in Nashville, TN? November 28th, 2025|6 min read ](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/how-long-does-it-take-replace-roof-nashville-tn) [### What are the Signs that a Nashville Roof is Failing? November 17th, 2025|6 min read ](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/what-signs-nashville-roof-failing) [### What is Roof Decking? 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I would highly recommend them!!!" - Jeffrey Gardner [Privacy Policy](https://www.billraganroofing.com/privacy-policy) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://www.billraganroofing.com/#roofing-contractor", "@type" : "RoofingContractor", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "US", "addressLocality" : "Nashville", "addressRegion" : "TN", "postalCode" : "37204", "streetAddress" : "2969 Armory Dr., Suite 300" }, "description" : "Award-winning Nashville roofing company specializing in residential roofing services, including roof replacements, roof damage claims, gutters, and more backed by a lifetime warranty.", "founder" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Bill Ragan" }, "foundingDate" : "1990", "geo" : { "@type" : "GeoCoordinates", "latitude" : 36.1038435, "longitude" : -86.7535011 }, "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.billraganroofing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/assets/logo/bill-ragan-roofing-company--logo.jpg?width=200&height=83&name=bill-ragan-roofing-company--logo.jpg" }, "name" : "Bill Ragan Roofing Company", "priceRange" : "$, $$, $$$", "sameAs" : [ "https://www.facebook.com/billraganroofingnashville/", "https://www.instagram.com/billraganroofing/", "https://www.youtube.com/@theroofingchannel", "https://www.linkedin.com/company/bill-ragan-roofing-company", "https://www.yelp.com/biz/bill-ragan-roofing-nashville-2" ], "telephone" : "+1-615-242-0333", "url" : "https://www.billraganroofing.com/" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://www.billraganroofing.com/#website", "@type" : "WebSite", "inLanguage" : "en", "name" : "Bill Ragan Roofing Company", "publisher" : { "@id" : "https://www.billraganroofing.com/#roofing-contractor" }, "url" : "https://www.billraganroofing.com/" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "articleSection" : "Roof Replacement", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Bill Ragan", "url" : "https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/author/bill-ragan" }, "dateModified" : "2024-03-27T20:16:39+00:00", "datePublished" : "2024-03-27T20:16:39+00:00", "description" : "Is your roof replacement right around the corner? 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