Roof installation transforms your home's protection. The process takes only a few days, but knowing what to expect helps those days go smoothly. San Diego homeowners who understand the sequence can prepare properly and avoid unnecessary stress.
The Days Before Work Begins
Communication sets the tone. Quality contractors contact you several days before the scheduled start. They confirm the arrival time, explain what equipment they'll bring, and ask about any special considerations—pets that might escape through open gates, elderly family members sensitive to noise, or home offices where you need relative quiet at certain hours.
Your preparation makes a difference. Move vehicles to the street. Take down wall decorations that might vibrate loose. Cover items in the attic with drop cloths. Secure pets in an interior room away from the work zone. These steps take thirty minutes but prevent frustration later.
Driveway space needs to be available. Material delivery trucks need access. The dumpster for debris needs placement. The crew truck needs parking. Coordinate with neighbors if your driveway isn't sufficient.
Day One: Tear-Off
The crew arrives early—roofing work starts at first light to maximize the workday. They'll set up protection for landscaping, position the dumpster, and haul materials to the roof before the tear-off begins.
Tear-off is loud. Shovels scraping shingles, debris sliding into dumpsters, and boots on plywood create noise that carries throughout the house. If you work from home, consider relocating for the day. If you have toddlers who nap, today will be difficult.
Don't be surprised by what the tear-off reveals. Hidden damage often appears once old materials come off. Quality contractors document these findings and discuss any scope changes before proceeding.
By day's end, your roof will be stripped to bare deck, inspected for damage, and any necessary repairs will be noted. In San Diego's dry climate, contractors often leave the deck exposed overnight with confidence, though they'll tarp vulnerable areas if rain threatens.
Day Two: Underlayment and Field Installation
This day shows real progress. The crew installs underlayment, drip edge, and begins laying shingles. By afternoon, much of your roof will have its new covering.
Underlayment installation moves quickly. The waterproof barrier goes down in overlapping courses from eave to ridge. Drip edge at the perimeter directs water into gutters.
Shingle installation follows a specific pattern. Starter strips at eaves. Field shingles in staggered courses working upward. The crew's rhythm becomes almost meditative—position, nail, position, nail—covering ground steadily through the day.
Flashing installation happens as shingles reach penetrations. Step flashing at walls, counter flashing at chimneys, and boot seals around pipes all integrate into the shingle courses.
Day Three and Beyond
Ridge installation usually completes on day two or early day three for average-sized homes. Larger or more complex roofs take longer. Ridge caps and vents seal the peak, completing the watertight assembly.
Final cleanup matters. Professional crews run magnetic sweepers to collect fallen nails. They remove all debris, take down protective coverings, and leave your property looking better than when they arrived.
The walkthrough with your contractor gives you a chance to examine the completed work. Look at the overall appearance. Check that cleanup is complete. Ask any questions about warranty coverage or maintenance recommendations.
Within a few weeks, you should receive warranty documentation confirming both manufacturer and workmanship coverage. Keep this paperwork with your other home documents. You'll need it for any future claims or when you eventually sell the property.
