What to Expect During Your Roof Replacement

Getting a new roof is a significant home improvement project, and it's natural to have questions about what the process involves. At River City Roofing Solutions, we strive to make roof replacement as smooth and stress-free as possible for homeowners in Madison, Huntsville, Decatur, and throughout North Alabama. Here's a detailed walkthrough of what you can expect from start to finish.

Before Installation Day: Preparation

Once you've signed your contract and materials have been ordered, we'll schedule your installation date. In the days leading up to the project, move vehicles out of the driveway and away from the house—there will be significant activity around your home. Take down any loose items from walls and shelves inside, as the hammering can cause vibrations. Clear the area around your home's exterior, moving patio furniture, potted plants, and grills away from the work zone. Alert your neighbors about the upcoming project—it can be noisy.

Day of Installation: Property Protection

Our crew arrives early—typically around 7:00 AM. Before any roofing work begins, we protect your property. We position tarps over landscaping, bushes, and flower beds around the perimeter of your home. We cover AC units and protect windows from falling debris. We place plywood against garage doors and other vulnerable areas. A dumpster will be positioned for debris disposal.

We take property protection seriously because we know your landscaping and outdoor spaces matter to you.

Step 1: Tear-Off

The first major task is removing your old roofing. Our crew works systematically across your roof, removing old shingles down to the wood decking. This exposes the roof structure and allows us to inspect for any underlying damage. The old materials are loaded into the dumpster as we go.

Tear-off is the noisiest part of the process. It's loud, so you may want to plan activities away from home during the morning hours.

Step 2: Deck Inspection and Repair

With the old roofing removed, we inspect the entire roof deck. This is a critical step—it's our opportunity to identify and address any rotted or damaged decking before installing your new roof. If we find damaged sections, we replace them with new plywood to ensure a solid foundation for your new roofing system. Any repairs are documented and discussed with you before proceeding.

Step 3: Installing the Roofing System

Now the new roofing installation begins. This involves multiple layers, each serving an important purpose:

Drip Edge: Metal edging installed along the roof's perimeter to direct water away from the fascia.

Ice and Water Shield: A self-adhering membrane applied to vulnerable areas like valleys, around penetrations, and along eaves to prevent water infiltration.

Synthetic Underlayment: A water-resistant layer covering the entire roof deck, providing additional protection beneath the shingles.

Flashing: Metal components installed around chimneys, vents, skylights, and wall intersections to prevent water penetration at these critical points.

Shingles: Finally, your chosen shingles are installed, starting at the eaves and working up to the ridge.

Ridge Vents and Caps: Ventilation components and ridge cap shingles are installed along the roof's peak.

Step 4: Clean-Up

We take cleanup as seriously as installation. Our crew clears all debris from your property, including using magnetic rollers across your yard, driveway, and street to collect any stray nails. We haul away the dumpster and ensure your property is left clean and safe.

Final Walkthrough

Before we leave, a project manager will conduct a final walkthrough with you. We'll show you the completed work, explain your warranty coverage, and answer any questions. We don't consider the job done until you're completely satisfied.

Most roof replacements are completed in a single day. Larger or more complex roofs may take two days. Throughout the process, you're welcome to stay home or leave—just know that our team is working hard to give you a roof that will protect your family for decades to come.