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Roof replacement process — Proof Construction
Home / Roof Replacement Process

What Happens During a Roof Replacement

A step-by-step, day-by-day walkthrough of exactly what to expect when Proof Construction replaces your roof — from the moment our crew arrives to the final magnetic sweep of your driveway.

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Roof Replacement Timeline

Your Roof Replacement: What to Expect

Replacing your roof is one of the most significant home improvement projects you'll undertake — but it doesn't have to be stressful. At Proof Construction, we've refined our process over 12+ years and thousands of roofs to be efficient, clean, and transparent. Most residential roof replacements in the Tulsa area are completed in 1–2 days, with larger or more complex roofs taking 3–5 days.

Here's exactly what happens, day by day, so you know what to expect before, during, and after your roof replacement.

1–3 Days
Typical Duration
6–8
Crew Members
5,000+
Roofs Replaced
5-Year
Workmanship Warranty
Day-by-Day Breakdown

The Roof Replacement Process: Step by Step

Day 0

Preparation & Pre-Installation

  • Materials delivered — shingles, underlayment, drip edge, flashing, ridge vents, and fasteners arrive and are staged on your property, typically the afternoon before or early morning of Day 1.
  • Dumpster placed — a roll-off dumpster is positioned in your driveway for old shingle disposal. We use plywood and protective mats under the dumpster to protect your driveway.
  • Property protection setup — tarps are deployed around the home's perimeter to catch falling debris. Landscaping, AC units, and delicate plantings are covered.
  • Interior prep advisory — we recommend removing wall-hanging items (pictures, mirrors) from upper-floor rooms, as hammering can cause vibration. Clear items from attic floors near access points.
  • Vehicle relocation — move cars out of the driveway and garage apron to give the crew full access and keep vehicles safe from falling debris.
Day 1

Tear-Off, Deck Inspection & Underlayment

  • 7:00–7:30 AM — Crew arrives. The foreman introduces himself, confirms the scope of work, and does a final walkaround of the property. Equipment is positioned and safety harnesses are donned.
  • Tear-off begins. The crew strips all existing shingles, felt, and flashing down to the bare wood deck. This is the noisiest phase — expect hammering and scraping for 2–4 hours. A ground crew continuously feeds debris into the dumpster.
  • Deck inspection. Once bare, every sheet of roof decking (plywood/OSB) is inspected for rot, water damage, or soft spots. Damaged sections are marked, cut out, and replaced with new CDX plywood. Proof Construction includes up to 2 sheets of decking replacement at no extra charge in every quote.
  • Drip edge installed. Metal drip edge is fastened along all eaves and rakes to direct water into the gutters and protect the fascia boards.
  • Ice & water shield applied. A self-adhering waterproof membrane is applied along eaves (minimum 24" inside the exterior wall), in valleys, and around penetrations (chimneys, skylights, vents). Required by code in Oklahoma's climate zone.
  • Synthetic underlayment rolled out. High-performance synthetic underlayment (not #15 felt) is installed across the entire roof deck. This provides a secondary water barrier that's 5× stronger and 3× lighter than traditional felt.
  • Chalk lines snapped. The crew snaps horizontal and vertical chalk lines to ensure perfectly straight shingle courses. This precision layout is what separates professional results from amateur work.

Pro Tip: If we discover significant decking damage beyond what was anticipated, the foreman will show you photos and explain exactly what needs to be replaced before proceeding. You'll approve any changes before a single additional nail goes in.

Day 2

Shingle Installation, Flashing & Ridge Vent

  • Starter strip course. A specialized starter shingle strip is installed along the eaves with a continuous adhesive line. This seals the first row of shingles and prevents wind uplift — a critical detail that many contractors skip.
  • Field shingles installed. Architectural (dimensional) shingles are nailed row by row, working from eaves to ridge. Each row overlaps the one below by the manufacturer-specified exposure. Six nails per shingle (not four) — Proof Construction's standard for Oklahoma's high-wind conditions.
  • Flashing replaced. All chimney, wall, skylight, and pipe flashing is inspected and replaced with new galvanized steel or aluminum step flashing. Old caulk-and-pray repairs are eliminated. Proper counter-flashing is cut into mortar joints for chimneys.
  • Ventilation installed. Ridge vents (continuous vent along the peak) and/or box vents are installed to create proper attic airflow. Balanced intake (soffit vents) and exhaust (ridge/box vents) prevent heat and moisture buildup that can destroy a roof from the inside out.
  • Ridge cap shingles. Specialized high-profile ridge cap shingles are installed along all hips and ridges. These are thicker than field shingles and are nailed with extended fasteners. Each cap overlaps the next, creating a finished, dimensional peak.

Pro Tip: Ask your contractor about nailing pattern. Oklahoma wind codes require 6 nails per shingle, not the industry-minimum 4. Proof Construction always installs to the high-wind standard — your insurance company may offer a discount for this.

Day 3

Cleanup, Final Inspection & Walkthrough

  • Magnetic sweep — the "Proof Clean" standard. The entire property is swept with a high-powered magnetic roller. Driveway, walkways, lawn, flower beds, patio, deck — every square foot, twice. Hand-sweeping follows for corners and tight spaces. We find nails the competition leaves behind.
  • Dumpster removed. The roll-off dumpster is picked up, typically same-day or next morning. All debris, packaging, and old shingles are gone.
  • Foreman inspection. The crew foreman performs a detailed inspection of every roof plane, penetration, and edge. Loose nails are addressed, shingle alignment is verified, and flashing seals are confirmed.
  • Homeowner walkthrough. You walk the property with the foreman. He'll point out key details — flashing work, ventilation setup, ridge cap finish — and answer any questions. You'll receive warranty documentation and care instructions.
  • Photo documentation. Proof Construction photographs the completed roof from multiple angles — under-flashing, ridge detail, full elevation — and provides them to you for your records. These photos are invaluable for insurance renewals and future home sales.
  • Final gutter check. Gutters are flushed and checked for nail debris. Downspouts are confirmed clear. Clogged gutters from roofing debris are the #1 call-back in the industry — we eliminate this before we leave.
Homeowner Checklist

How to Prepare for Roof Replacement Day

These simple steps will make your roof replacement smoother and protect your belongings:

  • Move vehicles out of the driveway and away from the house
  • Remove wall decorations from upper-floor rooms (vibration from hammering)
  • Clear attic items near access points and from floors close to the roofline
  • Secure outdoor furniture, grills, potted plants, and children's toys away from the work zone
  • Inform neighbors — a courtesy heads-up about noise and potential debris is always appreciated
  • Plan for pets — the noise can be stressful. Consider a pet-sitter, a quiet interior room, or boarding for the day
  • Unplug garage door openers if your garage opener uses vibration sensors mounted on the ceiling
  • Clear satellite dishes/antennas — let your provider know so they can temporarily reposition if needed

Ready to Start Your Roof Replacement?

Get a free, no-obligation inspection and a transparent, line-item estimate — typically within 24 hours. No pressure. No games. Just honest roofing.

Schedule Your Free Inspection

Or call us now: (918) 734-4444

Common Questions

Roof Replacement FAQ

Most residential roof replacements take 1–3 days depending on size, pitch, and complexity. A standard single-family home with asphalt shingles typically takes 1–2 days. Larger homes, steep pitches, or specialty materials (metal, tile, slate) may take 3–5 days. Proof Construction provides a precise timeline during your free inspection. Call (918) 734-4444.

No, you do not need to be home. The crew works entirely outside your home. However, roof replacement is loud — hammering and equipment noise will be noticeable if you stay. Many homeowners go to work or run errands. Pets and small children may be stressed by the noise and are better off elsewhere.

Proof Construction monitors weather closely and will not start a job if rain is forecast. If unexpected rain occurs, the crew immediately covers exposed areas with heavy-duty tarps and synthetic underlayment. Your home interior is protected at all times. Work resumes as soon as conditions are dry and safe. The synthetic underlayment we use is fully waterproof and rated for temporary exposure.

Roof replacement costs in the Tulsa metro typically range from $8,500 to $18,000+ depending on roof size, material choice, pitch, and complexity. Asphalt shingle roofs average $450–600 per square (100 sq ft). Proof Construction provides free, no-obligation estimates with transparent line-item pricing. Financing is available starting at $99/month. Insurance claims may cover the full cost if storm damage is documented.

Every Proof Construction roof comes with a 5-year workmanship warranty — if anything related to our installation fails, we fix it at zero cost to you. Additionally, you receive the manufacturer's material warranty (typically 30–50 years for architectural shingles, lifetime for premium lines like Owens Corning Duration or GAF Timberline HDZ). As a GAF Master Elite and Owens Corning Preferred contractor, we qualify you for enhanced manufacturer warranties with extended coverage.

Yes, you can stay in your home — the crew works entirely on the exterior. However, the noise level is significant (hammering, compressor, nail guns, debris falling into the dumpster). Infants, small children, and pets are often stressed by the sustained noise. Many families choose to spend the day with relatives or at a park. If staying, close windows facing the work side and consider white noise machines for nap times.

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