If you’ve never had a roof replaced, the process can feel like a lot of unknowns. How long will it take? What happens to the old shingles? Will the crew need to come inside? What does the warranty actually cover?
Here’s a straightforward walkthrough of what a roof replacement with Divided Sky looks like, from initial assessment to completed project.
Step 1: The Inspection and Estimate
Everything starts with getting on the roof. A Divided Sky inspector will evaluate the full roofing system — surface condition, flashing, gutters, ventilation, and visible attic conditions. This isn’t a five-minute drive-by estimate. It’s a thorough assessment that gives you and us an accurate picture of what the project involves.
From that inspection, we build a detailed estimate that includes the scope of work, materials, timeline, and cost. You’ll know exactly what you’re getting before anyone shows up with a nail gun.
Step 2: Material Selection
Once you decide to move forward, we’ll go through material options together. For most residential projects in Central Texas, that means choosing the right shingle grade and style for your home. Divided Sky installs GAF products as a GAF Master Elite Contractor, which means access to the full GAF shingle line and the strongest warranty coverage GAF offers.
Choices include color, style (three-tab, architectural, impact-resistant), and performance characteristics. If metal roofing or other materials are in play, we’ll discuss those specifics as well. This is your home — you should understand what’s going on it.
Step 3: Pre-Project Preparation
A few days before the project begins, you’ll want to:
- Move vehicles out of the driveway and away from the home if possible
- Remove or cover fragile items from exterior spaces (porches, patios) that could be affected by falling debris
- Let neighbors know work is happening (it’s a courtesy they’ll appreciate)
- Plan for noise — a roof replacement involves impact nailers and material handling throughout the workday
You do not need to be home during the project, but you’re welcome to be. The crew will work regardless.
Step 4: Tear-Off
The existing shingles come off first. For most residential projects, tear-off is complete in a few hours to a half day. The crew removes the old shingles, hauls them to a dumpster or trailer, and exposes the roof deck for inspection.
This is when we confirm the condition of the deck. If the inspection revealed areas of concern, or if the tear-off reveals additional deck damage not visible before, we’ll show you and discuss the scope adjustment before continuing. No surprises.
Step 5: Deck Inspection and Repair
With the deck exposed, we look for soft spots, rot, delamination, or sections that need to be replaced. Most roofs have at least a few sheets of decking that need replacement — this is normal. We address those areas before installing the new roofing system.
In Central Texas, the deck condition is particularly important because heat and moisture over years can deteriorate oriented strand board (OSB) decking quietly before a full replacement.
Step 6: Underlayment and New Shingle Installation
With a solid deck, the new system goes on. First, synthetic underlayment — the secondary water barrier that protects the deck even if shingles are damaged or displaced in a future storm. Then shingles, starting at the eaves and working up to the ridge.
Flashing is installed and sealed at all penetrations: chimneys, skylights, vents, HVAC curbs, and any wall-to-roof junctions. This is where quality installation makes a real difference — flashing failures cause more leaks than shingle failures, and proper flashing work takes skill and care.
Ridge caps finish the peak, and ridge vent is installed if applicable.
Step 7: Cleanup and Final Walkthrough
At the end of the project — which for most single-family homes is one to two days — the crew cleans up thoroughly. Old material is hauled away. The yard is swept with a magnetic roller to collect any loose nails. We do a full walkthrough with you or your representative to review the completed work.
You’ll receive your warranty documentation, including any GAF system warranty that applies. Our workmanship warranty is in writing.
Timeline: What to Realistically Expect
Most residential roof replacements in Central Texas are completed in one day. Larger homes, complex roof systems with multiple pitches and penetrations, or projects with significant deck work may take two days. Weather can affect scheduling — we don’t install in rain.
From your initial inspection to a scheduled project start, expect a one to two week window in typical market conditions. Storm season, when demand spikes, may extend that timeline.
Ready to start? Contact Divided Sky here to schedule your inspection and get the process moving.
