Updated November 4, 2026
Before the crew arrives
The permit should be in place before work starts, and your contractor should tell you the start date and how long the job is expected to take. Weather can shift the schedule, especially in Florida's rainy season and during storm threats.
- Move vehicles out of the driveway and clear space near the house.
- Take down wall decor on upper floors; vibration from the work can loosen items.
- Cover or move items in the attic and protect stored belongings.
- Tell the crew about pets, gates, sprinklers, and any plants you want protected.
- Ask where materials will be delivered and where the dumpster will sit.
If you have a home business, a baby who naps, or a neighbor who works nights, mention it to the contractor ahead of time. A short conversation before the first day avoids surprises later.
Tear-off and deck inspection
The crew removes the old roofing and underlayment down to the roof deck. This is when hidden problems show up, such as soft or rotted plywood. A good contractor will show you photos and explain any deck repair and how it is priced under your contract before proceeding.
State law requires that roof replacements strengthen the roof-deck attachment and add a secondary water barrier (Florida Statute 553.844). This is the stage where the deck fastening happens. Pinellas County and some cities, such as Clearwater, ask for documentation. Clearwater's inspection affidavit calls for photos of each roof plane showing the sheathing and the dry-in or base sheet, with the permit number or address marked on the deck. Ask your contractor who is taking the photos and how they are filed.
Dry-in, flashing, and underlayment
Once the deck is ready, the crew installs the secondary water barrier and underlayment and the metal flashing at edges, valleys, walls, and penetrations such as vents and pipes. This stage is what keeps water out if the outer covering is damaged later, so it is worth asking to see it before it is covered.
Inspection timing varies by city. Ask your contractor which inspections your building department requires and when they will be scheduled. Pinellas County says inspection requests made before 3:30 p.m. can be scheduled for the next business day, but confirm for your jurisdiction.
Installing the roof covering
With the underlayment approved, the crew installs the shingles, tile, or metal according to the manufacturer's instructions and the product approval. Ask your contractor to confirm that they are following the installation method that the product's wind rating assumes. The job might take one or more days depending on size, material, and weather.
Expect noise, some dust, and workers on the roof and around the property. Reasonable questions are fine, but stay off ladders and out of the work zone.
Cleanup and final inspection
The crew should clear debris and use a magnetic sweeper for nails around the driveway and yard. Walk the property with your contractor and check gutters, landscaping, pool areas, and the driveway for damage or leftover debris. Take dated photos of anything you want fixed, and send the list to your contractor in writing so it is on record before the final payment.
The building department's final inspection closes the permit. Do not make the final payment until the final inspection has passed and you are satisfied with the cleanup, unless your contract says otherwise and you understand why.
Paperwork to keep
- The signed contract and any change orders.
- The permit and final inspection sign-off.
- Product approvals and manufacturer warranty documents.
- The contractor's workmanship warranty in writing.
- Photos of the deck and underlayment stages.
- Proof of payment and any lien releases your contractor provides.
After the job, ask for a wind mitigation inspection and send the Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection form to your insurer or agent. The state says a completed form is valid for five years if the structure is unchanged. Whether your premium changes depends on your insurer. See the state consumer guide.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a roof replacement take?
It depends on roof size, material, complexity, and weather, so ask your contractor for an estimated schedule in the contract. Permit and inspection timing can also affect the calendar.
Do I need to be home?
Not necessarily, but be reachable. Crews may find hidden deck damage that needs your decision. Ask how your contractor handles change orders.
When should I make the final payment?
Generally after the final inspection passes and you are satisfied with the work and cleanup. Follow what your written contract says, and ask questions before signing.
What if it rains during the job?
A licensed contractor should protect the exposed roof during work. Ask how they handle weather, including temporary dry-in, and what happens if the schedule slips.