Roof Replacement Guide

Step-by-step

1. 1

   Decide: tear off or overlay

   Tear-off is nearly always the right answer in 2026. Overlays add weight, hide deck rot, and most manufacturers void warranties on layer-two installs. Budget for full tear-off.

2. 2

   Protect the property

   Tarp landscaping and set up plywood ramps over gutters. Dumpster placement matters — nails will end up wherever the dumpster is, so put it on the driveway, not the lawn.

3. 3

   Tear off to the deck

   Remove all old shingles, underlayment, flashing and nails. Inspect the deck for soft spots and replace any damaged sheathing. Sweep with a magnet.

4. 4

   Install underlayment and ice shield

   Ice & water shield on the eaves (6 ft up from the wall line in cold climates), in valleys, and around all penetrations. Synthetic underlayment everywhere else — no more felt.

5. 5

   Install drip edge and flashing

   Drip edge under underlayment at eaves, over underlayment at rakes. Step flashing at every sidewall, counter-flashed into the siding.

6. 6

   Lay shingles

   Start with a starter strip along the eaves. Stagger courses per manufacturer spec. Use 6 nails per shingle in high-wind zones (most of the USA now qualifies). Nails go in the nail zone — high nails void the warranty.

7. 7

   Install ridge vent and cap

   Cut a 1" vent slot along the ridge, install ridge vent, and cap with matching cap shingles nailed above the vent baffle.

Safety note: this guide is educational. Always follow local building codes, pull required permits, and hire a licensed pro for structural, electrical, gas or plumbing work when in doubt.