Knowing what to expect during a roof replacement takes most of the stress out of it. A new roof is a construction project on top of the place you live, with permits, inspections, noise, a dumpster in the driveway and weather to work around. This guide walks through the roof replacement process in Central Florida step by step, from the first inspection to the final paperwork, so you know what happens, what you need to do, and what to ask along the way.
Quick answer: A typical roof replacement moves through inspection and measurement, choosing a system, a written scope and contract, permitting, scheduling, home prep, tear-off and deck repair, an in-progress inspection, installation, cleanup and a final inspection. How long it takes depends on your roof’s size and complexity, the system, the weather and inspection scheduling. A good contractor gives you a timeline in writing and keeps you updated when anything changes.
Step 1: Inspection and measurement
The process starts with a look at your current roof: the surface, flashing, penetrations, ventilation and, where accessible, the attic. The roofer measures the roof (or confirms satellite measurements on site) and photographs problem areas. This is also where you learn whether a repair could still work. If you’re not sure you need a full replacement, read roof repair vs. replacement first.
Step 2: Choose your roof system
Next, you pick the system: architectural shingles, standing seam or exposed-fastener metal, concrete tile, stone-coated steel, or a membrane for flat and low-slope sections. Consider budget, look, HOA rules, weight and how long you’ll stay in the home. Our guides to the best roofing material for Florida’s climate and metal roof vs. shingles can help. If you live in an HOA community, check whether you need approval for the product and color before scheduling.
Step 3: Written scope, contract and financing
Before you sign, make sure the estimate spells out:
- The exact product line, color, underlayment and accessories.
- Tear-off of existing layers and disposal.
- How rotted decking is handled and priced if it’s found.
- Flashing, ventilation and drip edge work.
- Permit and inspection handling.
- Cleanup and property protection.
- Manufacturer warranty and the contractor’s workmanship commitment, explained separately.
Verify the contractor’s license on the Florida DBPR license search. Gravity Roofing is a Florida Certified Roofing Contractor, license CCC1334209. For budgeting, see what drives roof replacement cost and our Pay Your Way options. Gravity is not the lender, so check current terms with the provider.
Step 4: Permits and paperwork
A roof replacement needs a building permit. In the City of Orlando, for example, the residential re-roof application covers the roof type, the Florida Product Approval numbers for the products being installed, underlayment, flashing, drip edge and valley details. If the job is valued over $5,000, the city requires a recorded Notice of Commencement. Homes outside city limits go through Orange County or another local building department, which runs its own process. Your licensed contractor should handle the permit and tell you what, if anything, you need to sign.
Step 5: Scheduling and weather
Central Florida’s afternoon storms and hurricane season affect roofing schedules. Crews plan around the forecast, and a responsible contractor won’t leave a roof open to rain. Expect your start date to be confirmed close to the day, and ask how you’ll be notified if weather shifts the schedule.
Step 6: Prepare your home
- Clear the driveway and make room for the dumpster or material delivery.
- Move vehicles, patio furniture, grills and planters away from the house.
- Protect the attic. Tear-off can shake dust and debris loose, so cover or move items stored up there.
- Take down wall hangings on top-floor walls; hammering causes vibration.
- Plan for pets and kids. It will be noisy, and the work area isn’t safe for them.
- Tell your neighbors, especially if access or parking will be tight.
- Ask about screen enclosures and landscaping near the roofline so they can be protected.
Step 7: Tear-off and deck inspection
The crew removes the old roofing and underlayment down to the deck. This is the moment hidden problems show up, especially rotted plywood or OSB from slow leaks. Damaged decking should be replaced before the new roof goes on. In the City of Orlando, the re-roof application notes that an inspection is required when damaged decking replacement is needed. Ask your contractor to photograph any decking they replace so you can see what they saw.
Step 8: Dry-in and the in-progress inspection
Once the deck is sound, the roof is “dried in” with underlayment. Some building departments inspect at this stage. The City of Orlando, for example, requires a dry-in/in-progress inspection for re-roof projects, and requires a completed affidavit at final inspection verifying the roof deck nailing and the secondary water barrier. This inspection is one reason the order of work matters.
Step 9: Installation
With the underlayment in place, the crew installs drip edge, flashing at walls and penetrations, valley treatment, ventilation components and the roofing itself. Details at edges, valleys and penetrations are where many leaks start, so they deserve as much care as the field of the roof.
Step 10: Cleanup and final walkthrough
Expect the crew to remove debris, clear gutters of roofing scraps and check the yard and driveway for nails. Walk the property with your project contact, look at the finished roof from the ground, and ask about anything you’re unsure of.
Step 11: Final inspection and closeout
The building department completes a final inspection. Afterward, keep a file with:
- The permit and final inspection record.
- Your contract, invoice and any change orders.
- Warranty documents for the products and the workmanship.
- Photos of the deck and installation, if provided.
That file matters later. Under Section 627.7011, Florida Statutes, a roof’s age for homeowners insurance purposes is counted from the last date the entire roof surface was replaced under the building code in effect at the time. Florida also requires insurers to offer discounts or credits for verified wind-mitigation features (Section 627.0629, Florida Statutes), documented on the state’s Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form. Ask your agent whether a wind mitigation inspection after your new roof could change your premium.
How Gravity runs a replacement
Our promise is simple: know what you’re getting, get updates every step, and we do what we say. In practice, that means an inspection with photos, a written scope you can compare, a licensed contractor pulling the permit and scheduling inspections, a named point of contact, and updates from start to final walkthrough. Learn more about our roof replacement service.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be home during the roof replacement?
Usually not for the whole job, but you’ll want to be reachable, and you may need to provide access to the attic, garage or electrical panel. Confirm the details with your project contact.
How long does a roof replacement take?
It depends on the roof’s size and complexity, the system, the weather and when inspections can be scheduled. Ask for an expected timeline in writing.
What happens if it rains during the project?
Crews plan around the forecast and protect open areas. Ask your contractor how they handle sudden weather.
Will my yard be damaged?
Some foot traffic and debris are unavoidable, but a good crew protects landscaping and cleans up thoroughly. Point out delicate plants, screen enclosures and septic or irrigation components before work starts.
Start with an honest inspection
We’ll inspect your roof, show you photos, and walk you through every step before any work begins.
