A roof installation is a significant investment in your San Diego home. Knowing what to expect at each stage — from the first day of tear-off to final walkthrough — reduces stress and helps you confirm the work is being done correctly.
Before Work Begins
Materials are delivered. Most contractors schedule material delivery 1-2 days before installation begins. A pallet of shingles, rolls of underlayment, bundles of ridge cap, drip edge, and flashing materials arrive on your property. Verify the brand and product line match what's specified in your contract.
Permit is obtained. Any legitimate full roof replacement in San Diego County requires a permit. Your contractor should handle this before work begins. The permit is posted at the job site.
Neighbors are notified. Professional contractors typically give a heads-up to adjacent properties about the upcoming work — particularly relevant if shared driveways or parking will be impacted.
Day 1: Tear-Off
The first day is typically the loudest and most disruptive.
Crew arrives early — typically 6:30-7:30 AM. This is intentional: mornings are cooler, especially in summer, and starting early means finishing before peak afternoon heat.
Staging the work area. A dumpster or trailer is positioned to catch removed material. Tarps are laid at the perimeter to protect landscaping and catch roofing debris and nails.
Tear-off begins. Old shingles, underlayment, and in some cases old flashings are stripped down to the roof deck. This phase generates significant debris and noise.
Deck inspection. Once the old roofing is removed, your contractor should walk you through the condition of the roof deck. Any rotted, soft, or damaged sections are identified and quoted for replacement before proceeding. This is the critical decision point: deck repairs can't be deferred once the new roof goes on.
End of day 1. If the installation won't be complete in one day, the exposed deck should be covered with tarps if rain is in the forecast. A responsible contractor won't leave your home exposed overnight in uncertain weather without protection.
Day 1-2: New Roof Installation
Underlayment installation. The first thing to go on after deck repairs is a new layer of underlayment — either felt or synthetic. This secondary waterproofing barrier is laid from the eave up, with each course overlapping the one below. Quality installation shows a flat, wrinkle-free surface with properly stapled or nailed edges.
Drip edge and starter strip. Metal drip edge is installed at the eave (and sometimes the rake edges, depending on local code and contractor practice). A starter strip of shingles at the eave provides the first actual waterproofing layer.
Flashing installation. New flashing at chimneys, skylights, pipe penetrations, valleys, and walls goes in either before or alongside the shingles, depending on the location. Flashing is a critical detail — ask your contractor specifically whether all existing flashing is being replaced. Reused old flashing is a common cost-cutting shortcut that can create future leak points.
Shingle installation. Starting from the eave and working up, shingles are installed in staggered courses. The contractor should be following manufacturer specifications for nail placement (usually 4-6 nails per shingle, positioned in the nail zone above the adhesive strip). Proper nailing is invisible once the roof is complete — it's one reason manufacturer-certified installers matter.
Ridge and hip caps. Ridge cap shingles or a preformed ridge cap product complete the peak and hip lines of the roof.
Final Day: Cleanup and Inspection
Debris removal. The dumpster or trailer is removed. The entire property — especially driveway, lawn, and planted areas — is swept with a magnetic roller to collect roofing nails.
Contractor walkthrough. A quality contractor will walk you around the perimeter and discuss what was completed, any deck repairs made, and what to watch for going forward.
Your inspection. Walk the perimeter. Look for:
- Straight, aligned shingle courses visible from the ground
- Clean, tight ridge cap installation
- No visible debris or construction waste
- Gutters free of shingle material and granules
- No roofing nails on the ground
Attic check. Open your attic hatch and look for daylight intrusion or any visible problems from the interior.
Documentation to Receive at Completion
- Permit and inspection sign-off — the building inspector should have signed off on the work
- Manufacturer warranty registration — your GAF, CertainTeed, or Owens Corning warranty should be registered in your name
- Workmanship warranty from the contractor (typically 5-10 years from reputable contractors)
- Invoice showing materials used — confirms the products specified were actually installed
Service Areas
Peak Builders & Roofers of San Diego installs roofs throughout the county, including San Diego, Chula Vista, El Cajon, La Mesa, Santee, Lakeside, Spring Valley, Lemon Grove, National City, and more.
Ready to Get Started?
Call (619) 330-8185 or visit our contact page for a free estimate. We walk every client through the process before work begins so there are no surprises. GAF Master Elite certified, C-39 licensed, serving San Diego since 1999.
