What to Expect During a Roof Replacement (Savannah Homeowner's Guide)
Samed Güvenç
Founder & Director
How long does a roof replacement take?
Most residential roofs in Savannah are completed in 1–2 days. Larger or more complex homes (steep pitch, multiple layers, extensive decking repairs) may take 2–3 days. Weather delays can add time during Savannah's rainy season.
You've signed the contract, picked your shingles, and the crew is coming Monday. Now what? If you've never been through a roof replacement, the noise, activity, and unfamiliar process can feel stressful. This guide walks you through exactly what happens—day by day—so there are no surprises.
Before Day 1: How to Prepare Your Home
A little preparation goes a long way. Here's what to do before the crew arrives:
Exterior Prep
- Move vehicles out of the driveway and away from the house
- Clear patio furniture, grills, and potted plants within 15 feet of the house
- Mark sprinkler heads near the roofline with flags
- Trim tree branches hanging over the roof (or ask your roofer to coordinate)
Interior Prep
- Remove or cover items in the attic—dust and small debris will fall
- Take down wall-mounted items on upper floors (vibration can shift frames)
- Plan for pets: board them or keep them in a quiet interior room
- Warn neighbors about the noise and dumpster placement
Day-by-Day Timeline
Day 1: Tear-Off & Deck Inspection
- 7:00 AM — Crew arrival & setup. Our crew of 5–8 workers arrives with the dump trailer. We lay tarps around the perimeter to catch debris and protect your landscaping.
- 7:30 AM — Tear-off begins. This is the loudest phase. The old shingles, underlayment, and any rotten decking are stripped down to bare plywood. Expect significant noise from pry bars and shoveling.
- 10:00 AM — Deck inspection. With the roof stripped, we inspect every square foot of plywood decking. Rotten or water-damaged sections are replaced. This is where supplement claims may be filed if hidden damage is found.
- 12:00 PM — Underlayment installation. Synthetic underlayment (not felt paper) is rolled out and secured. This acts as your secondary waterproofing layer.
- 2:00 PM — Drip edge & ice shield. Metal drip edge is installed along all eaves and rakes. Ice and water shield goes on at valleys and penetrations.
- 4:00 PM — Partial shingle install or dry-in. Depending on progress, we'll start shingling or ensure the roof is watertight for the night.
Noise level: Loud (comparable to heavy construction). We recommend being away from home if possible, especially with small children or pets.
Day 2: Shingle Installation & Finishing
- 7:00 AM — Shingle installation resumes. Starting from the bottom edge, shingles are installed row by row up to the ridgeline. Each shingle gets 6 nails (the Talya Standard—code requires only 4).
- 10:00 AM — Flashings & penetrations. Vent boots, chimney flashings, and wall flashings are installed. We use premium pipe boots, not the cheap plastic ones that crack in Savannah's UV exposure.
- 1:00 PM — Ridge cap & ventilation. Ridge vent is installed for attic ventilation, followed by ridge cap shingles. This is usually the "almost done" signal.
- 3:00 PM — Cleanup begins. The crew removes all tarps, runs a magnetic nail sweeper across the yard and driveway (multiple passes), and loads remaining debris into the dump trailer.
- 4:00 PM — Final walkthrough. Your project manager walks the property with you, inspects the work from the ground, and confirms everything is complete.
Noise level: Moderate (nail guns and occasional hammering). Quieter than Day 1.
After Completion: What Happens Next
County Inspection (1–3 business days)
Chatham County requires a final building inspection. Talya Roofing schedules this for you. The inspector verifies nailing patterns, underlayment, flashing details, and code compliance.
Warranty Registration (within 30 days)
We register your manufacturer warranty (GAF Golden Pledge, Atlas ProPlus, etc.) on your behalf. You'll receive warranty documents via email. Learn about warranty options.
Insurance Notification
Notify your homeowners insurance about the new roof. Many carriers offer premium discounts for new roofs, especially with impact-rated shingles or metal. You could save 10–25% annually.
First-Year Follow-Up Inspection
Talya Roofing schedules a complimentary follow-up inspection 12 months after installation to check for any settling issues, flashing concerns, or minor adjustments.
Common Questions
Do I need to be home during the replacement?
No, but someone should be available by phone in case the crew has questions (e.g., gate access, unexpected decking damage). Most homeowners leave for Day 1 and return for the final walkthrough. Read our full guide on staying vs. leaving.
Will the crew need access to the inside of my home?
Usually not. The only exception is if we need to inspect the attic to check for leaks or ventilation issues. We'll always ask before entering.
What if it rains during the replacement?
We monitor weather forecasts closely and won't start a tear-off if rain is expected. If an unexpected shower arrives mid-project, synthetic underlayment provides temporary waterproofing, and we'll tarp any exposed sections immediately. More about rainy season roofing.
What about my satellite dish or solar panels?
We detach and reset satellite dishes as part of the job. Solar panels require a licensed electrician for disconnection and reconnection—we can coordinate this for you at an additional cost.
Ready to Schedule Your Roof Replacement?
From the first inspection to the final walkthrough, Talya Roofing handles every detail. Get a transparent quote with no hidden fees.
Get Your Free EstimateOr call: (912) 999-7989
Want to know the cost first? Check our 2026 Savannah Roof Replacement Cost Guide. For material comparisons, read Metal vs. Shingles for Coastal Georgia. We serve Savannah, Pooler, Richmond Hill, Tybee Island, and all of Coastal Georgia.
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