What Actually Happens During a Roof Replacement

A full roof replacement is one of the biggest investments you’ll make as a homeowner. It can feel overwhelming if you don’t know what to expect. Here’s a straightforward walkthrough of what happens from start to finish — no surprises.

Step 1: The Initial Inspection

Before anything else, a roofer comes out and takes a hard look at your existing roof. We’re checking for leaks, missing or cracked shingles, damaged flashing, and any soft spots in the decking. After that, you’ll get a written estimate that covers materials, labor, and any extra work — like replacing rotted plywood or worn-out flashing.

Step 2: Picking Your Materials

This is where you get to make some choices. Asphalt shingles are the most popular option along the Wasatch Front — they’re affordable, they look good, and they handle Utah’s weather well. Metal roofing is gaining ground, especially in areas like Park City and Heber where heavy snow loads are a real concern. We’ll walk you through the options based on your budget, your home’s style, and what your roof actually needs to handle.

Step 3: Prep Work

Once you’ve signed off, there’s a little homework on your end. Move patio furniture, planters, and anything fragile away from the house. Inside, take down anything on the walls or ceilings that could shake loose — picture frames, mirrors, that kind of thing. Our crew handles the rest.

Step 4: Tearing Off the Old Roof

This is the loud part. We strip off every layer of old shingles, underlayment, and worn flashing down to the bare deck. It’s messy work, but we lay tarps around the house and bring a dumpster so debris stays contained. Most tear-offs for a standard home take less than a day.

Step 5: Inspecting the Deck

With everything stripped, we can finally see the condition of your roof deck. In Utah, freeze-thaw cycles and ice dams can cause hidden rot, especially around valleys and eaves. If we find damaged plywood or OSB, we replace it right then. Skipping this step is how you end up with a brand-new roof that still leaks.

Step 6: Underlayment and Flashing

Next comes the ice-and-water shield along the eaves — critical here in Utah where ice dams are a real problem — followed by synthetic underlayment across the rest of the deck. Then we install new flashing around chimneys, vents, skylights, and any wall-to-roof transitions. This is the waterproofing layer that does the heavy lifting.

Step 7: Installing New Roofing

Now the fun part. Asphalt shingles go on in overlapping courses from the bottom up. Metal panels get screwed down with precision. Every manufacturer has specific installation requirements, and following them to the letter is what keeps your warranty valid and your roof performing for decades.

Step 8: Cleanup and Final Inspection

When the last shingle is nailed, we’re not done. Crews sweep the yard and run magnetic rollers to pick up every stray nail. Then we do a final walkthrough — checking every ridge cap, every flashing seal, every drip edge. You’ll walk the property with us so you can see the finished work firsthand.

Step 9: Warranty and Maintenance

A solid roof replacement comes with two warranties: one from the manufacturer covering the materials, and one from us covering the workmanship. We’ll go over both with you, plus give you a simple maintenance checklist — things like keeping gutters clear, trimming overhanging branches, and scheduling an annual inspection. A little upkeep goes a long way toward getting the full lifespan out of your new roof.

Ready for a New Roof?

Need help with your roof? Call Cardinal Roofing at (801) 330-0311 or get a free estimate. We’ve been replacing roofs across the Wasatch Front and Back — and we’ll walk you through every step.