How do you replace an existing roof?
Short answer. Replacing an existing roof means removing the old shingles down to the deck, repairing or replacing damaged decking, installing new drip edge, leak barrier and underlayment, flashing and vents, then the new shingles and ridge caps. For the homeowner, the steps around that work matter just as much: inspection, a written scope, permits and approvals, scheduling, and a final walkthrough.
The homeowner's roadmap
- Get an inspection. Have the roof checked with photos, and ask specifically whether there is storm damage, because a covered loss changes who pays.
- Compare written scopes, not just totals. A good estimate lists tear-off and number of layers, decking price per sheet, underlayment and leak barrier type, drip edge, flashing, pipe boots, ventilation and ridge caps.
- Pick the product and color. Look at full-size samples in daylight and check HOA rules. See HOA roof approval in Georgia.
- Handle the paperwork. Your contractor should know whether your city or county requires a permit and pull it if so.
- Prepare the house. Move cars, cover belongings in the attic, take fragile items off walls, and plan for pets and kids.
- Tear-off and dry-in. The old roof comes off, the deck is inspected, and bad sheets are replaced before the new layers go down.
- Installation. Drip edge, leak barrier, underlayment, starter, shingles, flashing, vents and ridge caps.
- Cleanup and walkthrough. Magnetic sweep for nails, a look at every slope, and photos of the finished roof.
- Close it out. Final invoice, permit sign-off if required, and the manufacturer warranty registered in your name.
On an average house the on-site part usually takes a day. The details of that day are in what to expect on roof replacement day, and choosing who does it is covered in how to choose a roofing contractor in Georgia.