How to Replace the Roof: Complete 8-Step Process Guide (2025)

Before diving into the replacement process, it's important to confirm you actually need a full replacement versus a repair. Here are the definitive signs that indicate it's time to replace the roof:

Age-Based Indicators

• Asphalt shingles: 15-20 years in coastal areas (salt air accelerates wear), 20-25 years inland
• Architectural shingles: 20-25 years on the coast, 25-30 years inland
• Metal roofing: 40-50+ years with proper maintenance
• Tile roofing: 50+ years, though underlayment may need replacement at 20-25 years

Visual Warning Signs

• Missing or damaged shingles: More than 25% of shingles are damaged, curled, or missing
• Granule loss: Excessive granules in gutters indicate shingles are breaking down
• Sagging roof deck: Visible dips or waves in the roofline suggest structural issues
• Daylight through roof boards: If you see light in your attic, water can get in too
• Multiple active leaks: More than 2-3 leak locations often means systemic failure
• Moss or algae growth: Heavy growth indicates moisture retention damaging shingles

Insurance and Financial Triggers

Many Myrtle Beach homeowners don't realize their insurance coverage changes as their roof ages. After 10-15 years, insurers may switch your policy from Replacement Cost Value (RCV) to Actual Cash Value (ACV), meaning you'd pay significantly more out-of-pocket after a claim.

Pro Tip: A new roof can reduce your homeowner's insurance by 5-35% annually in coastal South Carolina. For many homeowners paying $4,000-6,000/year in premiums, this savings alone can offset a significant portion of the replacement cost over time.

Understanding exactly what happens when contractors replace the roof helps you prepare and ensures you know what to expect. Here's the complete process from start to finish:

Step 1: Initial Inspection & Estimate (Day -14 to -7)

A qualified roofing contractor will conduct a thorough inspection of your existing roof, typically lasting 45-60 minutes. They'll check:

• Current roof condition and remaining lifespan
• Deck integrity (checking for rot or damage)
• Ventilation adequacy
• Flashing condition around penetrations
• Measurements for accurate material ordering

You'll receive a detailed written estimate including materials, labor, timeline, warranty information, and payment terms. Always get 2-3 estimates and verify contractor licensing at SC LLR.

Step 2: Material Selection & Ordering (Day -7 to -3)

Once you've chosen your contractor, you'll select roofing materials. For Myrtle Beach homes, recommended options include:

Materials are typically delivered 1-2 days before installation begins. The delivery truck will place material bundles on your driveway or roof.

Step 3: Permits & HOA Approval (Day -7 to -1)

Your contractor handles permit applications with Horry County or your local municipality. In Myrtle Beach, roof replacement permits typically cost $75-150 and take 1-3 business days to approve. If you live in an HOA community, submit architectural approval requests early—some HOAs require 2-4 weeks notice.

Step 4: Property Preparation (Day -1)

The day before installation, prepare your property:

• Move vehicles away from the house (debris will fall)
• Clear items from your driveway for the dumpster
• Remove patio furniture, grills, and decorations near the house
• Cover items in the attic—vibration can dislodge dust
• Remove wall hangings that might shake loose
• Trim overhanging branches if accessible
• Secure pets indoors—the noise will be loud

Step 5: Tear-Off Day (Day 1 Morning)

Crews arrive early (typically 7-8 AM) to maximize daylight hours. The tear-off process includes:

1. Perimeter protection: Tarps and boards protect siding, landscaping, and windows from falling debris
2. Dumpster placement: A roll-off dumpster (typically 20-30 yards) is positioned for debris
3. Systematic removal: Old shingles, underlayment, and flashing are removed section by section, starting from the peak and working down
4. Deck inspection: As each section is exposed, crews check for rotted or damaged decking that needs replacement

Important: Deck repairs are often discovered during tear-off. Quality contractors include minor repairs in their estimate but will call you if significant damage is found. Expect to pay $75-150 per sheet of replacement plywood if needed.

Step 6: Installation (Day 1 Afternoon - Day 2)

Once the deck is prepared, installation proceeds in layers:

1. Ice and water shield: Self-adhesive membrane applied along eaves, valleys, and around penetrations (code-required in coastal SC)
2. Synthetic underlayment: Covers the entire roof deck, providing secondary water protection
3. Drip edge: Metal flashing installed along eaves and rakes to direct water into gutters
4. Starter strip: First row of shingles at the eave, installed upside-down for proper sealing
5. Field shingles: Main shingle installation, working from eave to ridge
6. Hip and ridge caps: Specialty shingles covering the roof's peaks
7. Flashing: Metal installed around chimneys, vents, skylights, and wall intersections
8. Ventilation: Ridge vents, box vents, or power vents installed for proper airflow

Step 7: Cleanup & Inspection (Final Day)

Professional crews perform thorough cleanup:

• Magnetic sweepers used to collect all nails from yard, driveway, and street
• Debris removed from gutters
• Landscaping checked and debris removed
• Final roof inspection for missed nails or defects
• Dumpster removed (typically same day or next morning)

Step 8: Final Walkthrough & Warranty Registration

Your contractor should schedule a final walkthrough where you:

• Inspect the completed roof from ground level
• Review any deck repairs that were made
• Receive warranty documentation (manufacturer + workmanship)
• Get permit sign-off scheduled with the county
• Receive before/after photos for insurance records

The actual installation to replace the roof takes 1-3 days for most Myrtle Beach homes. Here's what affects the timeline:

Factors That Extend Timeline

• Roof complexity: Multiple valleys, dormers, or steep pitches slow installation
• Deck damage: Significant rotted decking adds time for replacement
• Weather delays: Rain, high winds, or lightning stop work (safety first)
• Material type: Metal roofing takes 2-3x longer than asphalt shingles
• Crew size: A 4-person crew is faster than 2-person crew
• Chimney/skylight work: Multiple penetrations require careful flashing

Replacing the roof on a Myrtle Beach home requires attention to factors that don't apply inland. Coastal conditions demand specific materials, installation techniques, and code compliance.

Hurricane-Rated Installation Requirements

Horry County is in a High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ). When you replace the roof, building codes require:

• Enhanced nail patterns: 6 nails per shingle vs. 4 nails in non-coastal areas
• High-wind starter strips: Special edge treatment to prevent wind uplift
• Ice and water shield: Required on eaves, valleys, and around penetrations
• Wind-rated materials: Shingles must be rated for 110+ MPH winds minimum
• Proper deck attachment: Ring-shank nails or screws for underlayment in high-wind zones

Salt Air Corrosion Protection

Salt air corrodes metal components faster. When replacing the roof within 5 miles of the ocean:

• Use stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized nails (not electro-galvanized)
• Aluminum drip edge and flashing resist salt better than steel
• For metal roofs, specify Galvalume or aluminum (not galvanized steel)
• Apply sealants rated for salt exposure

Ventilation in Humid Climates

Myrtle Beach's high humidity (averaging 74% year-round) makes proper attic ventilation critical when you replace the roof:

• Balanced intake/exhaust: Soffit vents + ridge vent create airflow that removes moisture
• 1:150 ratio minimum: 1 square foot of ventilation per 150 sq ft of attic space
• No mixing vent types: Don't combine ridge vents with powered attic fans

Poor ventilation causes shingle deterioration, mold growth, and higher cooling costs. Always upgrade ventilation when you replace the roof—it's much cheaper during a replacement than as a separate project.

The contractor you choose to replace the roof matters as much as the materials. A poorly installed premium roof will fail faster than a properly installed standard roof. Here's what to look for:

Essential Qualifications

• SC Contractor License: Verify at SC LLR (required for jobs over $200)
• General Liability Insurance: Minimum $1 million coverage
• Workers' Compensation: Protects you from liability if a worker is injured
• Manufacturer Certifications: GAF Master Elite, Owens Corning Preferred, or similar
• Local Presence: Physical office in the area (not just a P.O. box)
• Verifiable References: Recent projects you can see or owners you can call

Red Flags to Avoid

• Storm chasers: Out-of-state contractors who appear after hurricanes and disappear after payment
• High-pressure tactics: "Sign today or lose this price" is a warning sign
• Cash-only requests: Legitimate contractors accept checks and cards
• No written estimate: Everything should be documented
• Requesting large deposits: More than 10-20% upfront is unusual
• No permit mention: Skipping permits means skipping inspections

Questions to Ask Before Signing

1. Who will be the on-site supervisor, and how do I reach them?
2. What happens if you discover deck damage?
3. What manufacturer warranty will I receive, and what's your workmanship warranty?
4. How do you handle weather delays?
5. What's your payment schedule?
6. Will you pull the permit, and who handles inspection scheduling?

While some home improvement projects are DIY-friendly, roof replacement is almost always a job for professionals. Here's an honest assessment:

Why DIY Roof Replacement Is Not Recommended

• Safety risk: Falls from roofs cause over 300 deaths annually in the US. Professionals have training, safety equipment, and fall protection systems
• Permit issues: Most jurisdictions require licensed contractor installation for permit approval
• Warranty voiding: Manufacturer warranties require certified installer application
• Insurance problems: Your homeowner's policy may not cover DIY roofing work
• Time investment: What takes pros 1-2 days takes DIYers 2-3 weeks (working weekends)
• Tool costs: Nail guns, compressors, safety harnesses, and other equipment add up
• Quality concerns: Improper installation causes leaks that may not appear for months

The Math Doesn't Work

A typical 2,000 sq ft roof replacement:

• Materials: $4,000-6,000 (same cost whether DIY or professional)
• DIY tool rental/purchase: $500-1,500
• Professional labor: $3,000-5,000
• DIY time value: 60-100 hours × your hourly rate

When you factor in the value of your time, safety risk, warranty implications, and potential for costly mistakes, hiring professionals to replace the roof makes financial sense for most homeowners.

What You CAN Do Yourself

• Get multiple quotes and ask detailed questions
• Research materials and understand what you're buying
• Prepare your property before installation day
• Inspect the completed work (from ground level)
• Perform minor maintenance: cleaning gutters, checking for debris

Your roof replacement is complete—now protect your investment with these post-installation steps:

Immediate Actions (First Week)

1. Document everything: Photograph the completed roof from multiple angles
2. Store warranty documents: Keep manufacturer warranty, workmanship warranty, and permit in a safe place
3. Verify permit closure: Confirm the final inspection was passed and permit is closed
4. Update insurance: Notify your insurance company of the new roof—request a premium review
5. Magnetic sweep: Walk your yard with a magnet to catch any missed nails

First Year Monitoring

• Check attic after heavy rains for any signs of leaks
• Inspect gutters for granule loss (some is normal initially)
• Look for any lifted or displaced shingles after high winds
• Schedule 1-year warranty inspection with your contractor

Ongoing Maintenance Schedule

Following this maintenance schedule can extend your roof's life by 5-10 years and ensure you maintain warranty coverage.