Wouldn’t it be nice if every home came with a little booklet with easy, five-minute life hacks to solve every house problem ever?
Leaky roof? Easy. Hole in the ceiling? Barely an inconvenience.
But the reality is, replacing your roof can feel overwhelming—especially if you’ve never done it before. Between the noise, unclear pricing, hidden contract fees, and decisions about materials or warranties, it’s easy to feel unprepared or uncertain about what will happen next.
We believe education should come before installation. Having served homeowners in Central PA, Indiana, and Michigan, Equity Roofing has explained the process of a new roof replacement more times than we can count. We could probably recite it in our sleep.
So now we’re sharing it with the world—what to expect when you’re expecting a new roof.
This guide covers:
For shingle roofs, the most obvious warning sign is roof leaks. You may also notice shingles blowing off during storms or excessive granules collecting in your gutters, which shows the shingles are wearing out.
Most shingle roofs last about 25 years. Some shingles can range from 15 to 40 years, depending on weather conditions and the quality of the manufacturer. However, your home insurance may deny renewals after a set number of years.
In Pennsylvania, many home insurance carriers begin non-renewing policies when a roof is more than 15 years old. This differs from Indiana, where insurers consider roofs older than 20 years to be high risk and deny renewal. Check with your home insurance policy to see what age they consider a roof to be ineligible for non-renewal.
Metal roofs show different warning signs. You might find rusting or loose screws that have fallen to the ground. Taking a closer look can reveal dried-out washers coming off, or screws that appear to be backing out and sitting higher than normal. Rust spots anywhere on the metal surface are also red flags.
Other warning signs include:
When deciding between a roof repair and roof replacement, you should consider multiple factors. The choice is always yours. Contractors will offer their professional advice, but if your budget requires a repair to buy time, that decision should be respected.
However, roofing contractors may refuse to make unsafe repairs that put anyone at risk.
In regions like Central Pennsylvania and Northern Indiana, where harsh winters and summer storms are common, even a few remaining years of roof life can disappear quickly. A roof repair followed by a full replacement just a year or two later often ends up costing more than replacing it outright.
If the damage is widespread—something we see often in older homes across Southern Michigan or areas with heavy tree coverage—a repair may only mask a deeper issue. Think of it like patching one part of a tire when the tread is gone. In these cases, a roof replacement offers better long-term protection.
Roofs with soft spots, rot, or structural damage (common in homes that have experienced years of freeze-thaw cycles in Central PA) can pose a serious safety risk to workers. If the roof isn’t safe to stand or work on, most reputable contractors will recommend replacement.
If you’re considering repairing or replacing your roof, have your contractor provide estimates for both projects.
While not every contractor follows the same process, we plan for approximately an hour for a complete roof inspection, including 30 minutes spent on the roof.
While on the roof, contractors check for:
For roofs that are unsafe to walk on due to damage, steepness, or weather conditions, contractors can use drones for an alternative inspection.
In your attic, roofers examine your roof’s decking condition. They’ll look for signs of leaks and identify any rotting boards that might need replacement.
Before scheduling an inspection with your contractor, confirm that they will provide the following:
This typically occurs on the same day, while the inspector is still at your house.
If you choose to replace your roof, you'll begin by making a final decision on your materials and warranty. The next step is signing your contract and providing a deposit to officially schedule your project.
Your contract should clearly state the total cost for your roof replacement, based on the size, material, and scope discussed during your inspection. This price should reflect:
Transparent pricing decreases the appearance of hidden fees. Changes in services, however, can change the cost of your roof.
If your roof decking (the wood under your shingles) is rotted or damaged, it will need to be replaced. This damage might not be visible until the top layer of your roof is removed. Your contract should specify when you will (and won't) be charged for additional materials.
This protects both you and the roofing company from unclear expectations or mid-project surprises.
Beyond pricing, your roof contract should include your material details, such as:
The materials you choose affect both the performance and the warranty of your roof. Your contract ensures those selections are documented and covered.
Your contract should include a clear understanding of the terms and conditions between yourself and your roofer, including:
Knowing what to expect (and when) helps you prepare your home, your family, and your schedule for the work ahead.
Click to review each example in full size.
A little preparation goes a long way toward making your roof replacement smooth and stress-free.
Clear the driveway: We’ll need easy access to park equipment, such as dump trailers or the Equipter. An open driveway ensures we can set up efficiently and safely.
Remove outdoor items: Toys, patio furniture, grills, bikes, and any breakable yard décor should be brought inside or relocated. This helps prevent accidental damage during tear-off and cleanup.
Mow the lawn a few days ahead: Short grass makes it much easier to spot and remove stray nails during final cleanup, especially when using magnetic sweepers.
Wait to landscape: If you’re planning new mulch, flowers, or shrub trimming, wait until after your roof is installed. Fresh landscaping is difficult to protect from foot traffic and debris, even with the best of efforts.
Cover attic contents (for older homes): If your attic has plank-style decking and exposed beams, dust and debris can fall through during the tear-off. Use a tarp or plastic sheeting to protect anything stored inside.
It’s a good idea to contact nearby neighbors before your roof replacement begins. Roofing is a loud and disruptive process. Depending on how close the homes are, your contractor may need to hang protective tarps on adjacent structures to prevent debris from causing damage.
Let neighbors with children or pets know to keep them indoors and at least 100 feet from the work area. Giving your neighbors a heads-up about the project dates, expected noise levels, and any relevant safety precautions goes a long way in preventing misunderstandings and maintaining good relationships.
During the installation, you likely have tarping around your house to catch debris, parked dump trailers, and an "Equipter" (a self-propelled dumpster that can reach second-story height) on your property.
Stay indoors: Roofing is noisy and messy. It’s best to remain inside while work is underway.
Keep kids and pets inside: Even with tarps and safety protocols in place, debris can fall unpredictably from the roof. Make sure little ones and animals stay clear of all work areas.
Coordinate safe access with your site supervisor: We’ll help you determine the best entrance to use that avoids active roofing zones—typically a side or back door.
Avoid outdoor activity: It’s not a good day for yardwork, gardening, or even lounging outside. Safety is the priority during installation.
Your contractor’s cleanup should involve daily maintenance throughout the project, with magnet sweeps each evening to collect loose nails. You can expect the final cleanup on completion day, and a next-day inspection that includes a final magnet sweep and photos.
All materials will ideally be removed by the end of your project, but it is possible for items to be missed. If you notice any nails or materials left behind after the project, contact your contractor. They should return for another round of cleaning.
A supervisor returns the day after completion for a final quality check, which involves:
While not required, your presence helps address questions immediately rather than following up with a phone call.
Replacing your roof is a major home improvement project, even with a professional crew. Here are three simple tips to help you prepare and feel confident throughout the process.
Don't assume your contractor is familiar with your specific preferences. Communicate important details upfront to avoid misunderstandings.
Do roof work before other home improvements. Like washing a car, start from the top and work down; roof first, then landscaping and painting. This will avoid damage to your recently completed projects!
Now that you know what to expect with a roof replacement. From early warning signs to first inspection, you’re equipped to make the best decisions for your home.
If you’ve been dealing with leaks, aging shingles, or ceiling cracks, you’ve probably wondered whether a roof repair or replacement is in your future. This guide has walked you through the entire process so you’re not caught off guard when it’s time to act.
Your next step is to plan your budget. Find common price ranges for both services in our 2025 Roof Repair and Roof Replacement Cost Guides.
At Equity Roofing, we believe in homeowner education and transparency above all else. We're here to help you avoid surprises, plan wisely, and talk to contractors with confidence.