What Roof Installation Is Really Like

Preparing for new roof installation? We shadowed a professional roofing crew to help you better understand what to expect.

Written by Alex Hawkins Updated 11/06/2024

Installing a new roof is one of the most stressful home improvement projects. It’s expensive, disruptive, and requires you to understand complicated roofing jargon. To help you better prepare, I spent two days shadowing Erie Home’s roofing consultation and installation teams.

I followed the crew as they completed roofing consultations in Charlotte, North Carolina, and watched an asphalt shingle roof installation in Seymour, Tennessee. This guide includes insights from my notes, team interviews, and takeaways from the overall experience.

What Is a Roofing Consultation Like?

The consultation I attended took roughly three hours. The rep said it could take as little as an hour and a half, but we recommend setting aside sufficient time to ensure all of your questions are answered. Below is a step-by-step breakdown of the experience.

Initial Greeting and Survey

The Erie representative met the homeowner outside and introduced us. He made small talk and explained the first steps of the consultation. He asked for the homeowner’s initial information and any of their concerns, such as the roof’s age and structural issues.

We learned that there was a problem with the roof’s drip edge, sometimes called a drip lip. A drip edge is the L-shaped trim along a roof’s edges and eaves, with the vertical portion tucked under the roofing material and the horizontal section extending outward to form a small overhang or drip. The drip edge enables water to flow away from the underlying roof deck and fascia board. Without it, rainwater or melting snow and ice can become trapped and seep under the shingles, leading to rot, mold, and structural deterioration. All of the Erie team members I spoke with said problems with drip edges are common.

Check your home insurance and home warranty policies before hiring a roofer to see if your replacement costs will be covered. Home insurance will cover costs for major roof damage due to severe winds, hail, falling trees, and other natural disasters. Some home warranty policies include roof coverage, but typically only for leaks. You can also check your roof warranty to see if your roof is still covered.

The Erie rep used software synced between his phone and laptop to take extensive notes and store photographs of the roof’s condition. He looked for cracked, warped, missing, or loose shingles. He inspected flashing around chimneys, vents, and adjoining walls to see if there were any gaps or deterioration from the ground level. He then used the software to access satellite imaging to analyze the top of the roof in-depth.

According to the Erie rep I shadowed, you most likely won’t have to have anyone get on your roof during the consultation. He explained that most roofing companies now use either satellite software or drone surveys.

Attic Inspection

The rep surveyed the attic for signs of leaks, holes, poor ventilation, or inadequate insulation and photographed any problems he found. These issues impact your roof’s performance and life span.

Product Showcase

After completing his survey and inspection, the rep went to his car to gather roofing samples. He only brought samples for metal and fiberglass shingles, as the homeowner was primarily interested in a metal roof. The rep set up a product showcase and explained the homeowner’s options. This presentation requires some space, so be prepared to use a dining area or your living room.

The rep began by reviewing Erie’s company history and highlighting how it stands out compared to competitors. Erie operates through a partnership network, which means everything funnels to Erie’s central corporate office. It partners directly with the manufacturer of its roofing materials, so there’s a clear line of communication between all parties. This makes it easier for homeowners to ask questions or get future issues resolved. Some other companies have a manufacturer warranty that transfers to you when you buy the roofing materials, requiring you to contact the manufacturer separately from your contractor if something comes up.

Next, the Erie rep showed the homeowner some previous jobs with before-and-after photos, including a standard asphalt roof, fiberglass shingle roof, and metal roof. He also went over some of the damage and issues he noticed on the homeowner’s roof and in the attic. Finally, he reviewed Erie’s available roofing products in detail. The homeowner was most interested in a metal roof, but the Erie rep walked through Erie’s fiberglass roofing options in case the price point of the metal roof was of concern. Here’s how that product showcase went:

The rep showed the homeowner a broken shingle to demonstrate some of the issues he found on their roof. This helped the homeowner understand what a roof looks and functions like up close.
Next, the rep took out a piece of traditional tar paper, which some companies use on standard asphalt shingle roof replacements. He explained that this paper is inferior to more premium roofing underlayments and can easily lead to faulty installation.
The rep showcased Erie’s underlayment, which he said provides a more watertight sealant than traditional tar paper underlayment. He added that the underlayment uses a reflective material to improve your home’s energy efficiency.
He showed the drip edge for Erie’s metal roofing and how it seamlessly connects with the roof.
He brought out different pieces of flashing that may be used for the project.
The homeowner got to look at Erie’s pipe boots. A pipe boot, sometimes called pipe flashing, is a type of roof flashing used to seal and waterproof plastic or metal pipes that penetrate the roof surface. Your home’s bathroom fans typically connect to a pipe boot.
The rep highlighted Erie’s ridge vents, explaining how they can add insulation to the home’s attic.
Finally, the rep brought out a sample of Erie’s rake edge. A rake edge is the slanted outer edge of a roof where it meets the vertical exterior walls of the home. It mainly gives the roof a more aesthetically pleasing and seamless appearance.

Quote Process

After answering all of the homeowner’s questions, the rep generated quotes for both a metal and fiberglass roof to keep the homeowner’s options flexible. You can request whatever combination of quotes you want during the consultation, and we recommend reviewing multiple options.

The rep then went through what Erie’s software program revealed about the home’s roof. This particular roof was really high off of the ground and rather large (nearly 4,000 square feet). For comparison, the average roof size in the United States is closer to 1,500–2,000 square feet.

Erie would have to work with its manufacturer to get 40 squares of metal roofing sheets to install a metal roof on this home. Professional roofers typically calculate roofing material in squares. Each square provides approximately 100 square feet of material. The rep explained that roofers usually order slightly more material than required to provide backup in case of any issues. The rep shared that roughly 10% of the material will go to waste.

The rep also explained the homeowner’s financing options and additional payment methods, such as paying 50% in cash upfront and 50% after the job. The homeowner was interested in paying in cash, as this included a discount and no interest rates. I can’t share specifics for the homeowner’s privacy, but here’s a quick breakdown of the two quotes we reviewed.

Metal roof: $88,519 or $1,212 per month for labor and materials*
Fiberglass roof: $52,620 or $701 per month for labor and materials

The homeowner wanted to wait to consult his children to decide, but he appeared most interested in installing a metal roof and paying in cash. The rep shared that once he receives confirmation, they can install within three to four weeks of agreeing on a contract. The installation crew I shadowed later confirmed this timeline.

Roofing companies are open to negotiating, and our experience showed how it benefits homeowners. For example, the homeowner mentioned a senior discount that the rep didn’t include in the initial quote. We recommend researching possible discounts before your roofing consultation and negotiating terms.

*The monthly payment plans include interest.

What’s the Roof Installation Process?

I shadowed an Erie roof installation in Seymour, Tennessee. This job included removing a barn-style metal roof laid over an older asphalt-shingle roof and replacing it with a new shingle roof. Below is what I observed during my visit.

Before the Installation

I spoke with the installation crew managers to learn what you can expect before installation day. Your roofing contractor will complete several key preparatory steps a couple weeks before installation. This includes thoroughly inspecting the entire roof deck and flashings. Any rotting wood or deteriorated components will be noted and replaced.

The Erie crew shared that any high-quality roofer should inspect your roof on their own once or twice before installation day. A roofer who relies only on the information the consultation representative shares is a red flag.

The roofing crew will also get the required permit approvals from your local municipality. They’ll gather all necessary roofing materials and equipment to ensure the job progresses smoothly. These steps generally take three to four weeks. Your installation date will accommodate for this time.

Day of Installation

The crew will arrive early, typically around 8 a.m. or 9 a.m., and begin to protect surrounding areas. The crew will outline precautionary measures such as clearing yard spaces, covering landscaping, and installing debris chutes or dumpster positioning. You should also trim any overgrown foliage that may impede roof access.

How a Roof Is Replaced

Once the preliminary staging is complete, the real work starts. Here is what I observed throughout the day.

Area Preparation and Old Roof Removal

Replacing a roof involves carefully removing the existing roofing materials until the bare roof deck is exposed. The Erie crew used specialized tools to strip away any preexisting metal sheets and worn shingles. They put all the debris into a dumpster on one side of the home, but they gave some metal sheets to the homeowner to use to build a shed.

The crew used crowbars, drills, and hammers to remove the metal roof. They removed the old asphalt shingles beneath the metal roof with a specially designed shovel-like tool called a shingle stripper. If the shingles were too worn, they used a leaf blower to remove them. They protected exterior fixtures such as vents, skylights, and gutter systems by working around them and keeping measurements precise.

Plywood Replacement and Measuring

The team thoroughly inspected the exposed deck after removing the old roof. I

noticed that some plywood had to be replaced on-site, so be prepared to make space for a pile of extra wood.

The crew used chalk line to mark where to install any required ridges and used the saws to cut the space for the ridges and plywood.

New Roof Installation

The Erie crew used aligned rows of stapled or nailed strips to secure the new underlayment. They used a nail gun with a noisy compressor to complete this step, but it’s possible to use hammers. Either way, be prepared for noise. Next, the roofers installed new drip edges and flashing. Finally, they installed the shingles selected by the homeowner.

The crew left downspouts attached to the home, but they removed all gutters because the homeowner was also getting gutter replacement at a later date.

Final Walkthrough

The managers did a walkthrough with the homeowner while the crew cleaned any fallen debris and removed tarps and other trash. I recommend inspecting your attic space to confirm no interior leaks or issues.

After the Installation

The roofing company will provide all necessary documentation for the job, including the permit, inspection reports, warranties for materials and labor, and any relevant product information. A representative will also explain the warranty coverage terms and long-term care requirements. Erie Home offers a limited lifetime warranty of up to 50 years for all its roofing materials and workmanship, making it one of the best in the industry. Most reputable contractors offer a workmanship guarantee of at least one to two years in addition to the shingle manufacturer’s materials warranty.

I asked a crew member for advice on how to maintain a new roof. They suggested having an annual inspection to check for any cracked, curled, missing, or loose shingles on the roof surface, flashing, and vent pipes. This is so you know how many shingles you need. It’s also important to look for debris buildup that can trap moisture, as clogged drainage systems can cause water to back up and infiltrate the roofing materials. Clean your gutters at least twice per year to prevent this. Large tree limbs hanging over the roof can cause scratches during windy conditions and drop leaves and debris that retain moisture, so it’s best to trim them regularly. Proper airflow into the attic is also crucial to prevent moisture buildup that can damage the underlayment and decking. Ensure vents are free of any obstructions.

Important Questions To Ask a Roofing Company

Asking the right questions allows you to verify the roofer’s credibility, get specifics on the installation process, understand pricing and warranty details, and ensure you’re making an informed hiring decision.

Are there any prorated coverages or exclusions I should know about?
Can you provide a detailed, itemized quote in writing?
Can you provide copies of your current licenses and insurance certificates?
Do you provide written contracts detailing the full scope of work?
Have you worked with my type of roofing material before?
How can I ensure the warranty remains valid over time?
How long can I reasonably expect the job to take from start to completion?
How long has your company been in business?
How many workers will there be in my project crew?
What are your procedures for protecting my property and landscaping during the work?
What is the warranty coverage period on materials and labor?
What percentage do you require as a down payment?
What types of roofing materials and methods do you recommend for my home?
Will you provide documentation for any necessary building permits?
Will you remove the existing roofing layers or install over them?

Do I Really Need a Roof Installer?

I strongly recommend hiring a professional roof installer for any major roof repair or replacement project. Roofing work is extremely dangerous, involving working at heights, using power tools, and handling heavy materials. Professional roofers have the proper safety equipment and training to work securely on steep inclines. In addition, most areas have specific building codes that regulate the types of materials and installation methods required for roofs. Professional contractors understand and follow these codes to ensure your roof meets regulations.

A roof system comprises many integrated components, such as decking, underlayment, flashing, ventilation, and shingles. Incorrect installation can lead to leaks and premature failure. Professionals have the expertise to install a roof correctly for long-term performance.

Additionally, roofing manufacturers’ material warranties are only valid if a certified professional roofing contractor installs the roof according to their specifications. Roofers also carry workers’ compensation and liability insurance to protect you in case of accidents or property damage during the project.

My Takeaways

Here are my major takeaways from my experience with Erie Home.

Be ready for noise: Roof replacement requires hammering and drills. It might include loud leaf blowers, generators, compressors, and nail guns. You’re going to hear the crew working no matter where you are.
If you find a price too good to be true, it’s likely a scam: The consultation and installation teams shared that one of the most significant signs you’re dealing with a roofing scam is if the price is shockingly low. Our research shows that new roof replacement costs an average of $8,500–$14,300. If you get a quote for less than $5,000, I recommend considering other roofing companies.
Make space for a large dumpster, materials, and multiple trucks: I noticed about four trucks, a dumpster, and a large pile of material during the installation. Plan to deal with these things being somewhere around your property on installation day.
Set aside a few hours for an in-depth consultation: I was surprised that a consultation could take up to three hours, depending on how many questions the homeowner has and how many options they want to compare. However, the end result is a more competitive quote and a robust understanding of your roofing options. I recommend setting aside a substantial amount of time to get the most out of your consultation.
Small or simple roof replacements don’t take long: The Erie crew told me that they can typically install a standard asphalt shingle roof in roughly half a day. They shared that any experienced crew of six or more people can likely do the same. I assumed roof replacement would be far more time-consuming. However, your project will take longer if it requires removing the old roof, like my visit did, or using more complicated roofing materials, such as metal. If your roof exceeds 2,000 square feet, installation may take an additional day.

Learn More About Roof Replacement

This article covers the basic process of a roof consultation and replacement, but there’s a lot more to understand about roof replacement and repair. I recommend exploring some of our other guides to get a better idea of what the project might look like for you:

I also recommend you read our Erie Home Review for more information about the company. You can use our tool below to contact it quickly.

FAQ About Roof Installation

Are roof quotes negotiable?

Yes, roof quotes are negotiable. The initial estimate is usually just a starting point, and you can often get a better price by gathering multiple quotes and sharing them with the sales rep during your consultation.

How do you know if a roofing contractor is ripping you off?

The biggest signs that a roofing contractor is ripping you off are if they’re asking you for full payment upfront, pressuring you into signing the contract without thoroughly reviewing it, and being reluctant to share their license or proof of insurance. Be wary of companies that don’t have physical business addresses or don’t provide samples of completed roofing jobs.

What is the difference between a roofer and a carpenter?

A roofer specializes in roofing systems using materials such as shingles, tiles, metal, and flat roofs. They may perform carpentry work, but their speciality is roofing systems. On the other hand, a carpenter is skilled in framing, finishing carpentry, cabinetry, and other woodworking tasks for interior and exterior construction work.

Can you install a roof yourself?

You shouldn’t attempt to install a roof yourself. This task requires specialized knowledge, skills, and equipment to ensure the proper installation techniques and adherence to building codes and safety protocols. Doing roofing work improperly can lead to structural issues, leaks, and potential injuries from falls or other accidents. We strongly recommend hiring a professional, licensed roofing company that can provide warranties and liability coverage for their work.

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