Installing a new roof is one of the biggest home improvement investments you’ll ever make, so it’s important to understand the steps to roofing replacement before you get started. From choosing the right contractor to protecting your property during installation, every stage matters if you want a durable roof that can handle Delaware’s storms, snow, and humid summers.
If you’ve never been through a roof replacement before, the process may feel overwhelming—but don’t worry, we’ll break it down for you. This guide walks you through the 7 essential steps to roofing replacement, with insider tips on what to expect, what to watch out for, and how to make sure your new roof lasts for decades to come.
7 Essential Steps to Roofing Replacement in Delaware
Here’s what the process looks like from start to finish:
- Property Protection – Safeguarding your home, landscaping, and outdoor spaces.
- Removal of Old Roofing – Stripping away old shingles to inspect the decking.
- Thorough Roof Inspection – Identifying and repairing damaged decking.
- Preparing the Roof Surface – Installing drip edge, underlayment, and felt.
- Installing New Roofing Materials – Shingles, flashing, ridge vents, and more.
- Site Cleanup – Removing debris and ensuring your home looks spotless.
- Final Inspection – Checking every detail for quality and durability.
Step #1 – Property Protection
Before any shingles come off, your contractor should take measures to protect your home and yard. This step is often overlooked, but it’s critical.
What’s typiucally included in property protection:
- Covering siding, walls, plants, and bushes with tarps.
- Protecting windows and doors from falling debris.
- Safeguarding driveways and walkways with plywood sheets.
Pro Tip: Ask your roofer how they’ll protect your landscaping. A professional contractor will have a clear plan for keeping your property damage-free during the replacement.
Step #2 – Removal of Old Roofing
In most cases, all old shingles should be removed before installing new ones. Some contractors may suggest “roofing over” (installing shingles on top of existing ones), but that’s rarely a good idea—it hides damage and reduces your new roof’s lifespan.
Best practices for shingle removal:
- Completely strip shingles down to the decking.
- Remove underlayment, nails, and flashing as needed.
- Inspect decking for water damage or rot before continuing.
Delaware Tip: With our wet winters and humid summers, moisture damage under old shingles is common. Don’t skip a full tear-off.
Step #3 – Thorough Roofing Inspection
Once the old materials are gone, your contractor should perform a detailed inspection of the decking (the wooden base of your roof).
What to look for:
- Soft, wet, or rotted wood that needs replacing.
- Missing nails that need re-fastening.
- Wood sheeting that isn’t properly attached to rafters.
Skipping this step is a common mistake—shingles may look good initially, but problems will appear within weeks if the decking isn’t solid.
Pro Tip: Ask your roofer if they re-nail decking before installing shingles. At All Roofing Solutions, we re-nail every sheet for maximum security.
Step #4 – Preparing the Roof Surface
A properly prepared surface ensures your shingles last longer and resist leaks. This stage involves multiple layers of protection.
Preparation steps include:
- Drip Edge Installation – After wood decking is prepared we install drip edge at all edges of the roof. A drip edge is a piece of metal bent at 90 degrees to prevent rain from getting underneath roofing material on all edges.
- Ice and water shield installation – The next step is installing an “ice and water shield” which is a special type of roofing underlayment. Ice and water shield sticks to the wood decking which prevents any water leaks. It must be installed at the bottom of the roof and at all roof penetrations (chimneys, pipe flanges, roof connections, etc.).
- Roofing felt installation – After the ice and water shield is applied, the rest of the roof needs to be covered with roofing felt. Roofing felt prevents shingles from sticking to the wood. We always use heavy-duty #30 roofing felt.
Delaware Tip: Ice dams can form in our cold winters. A quality ice & water shield is critical to prevent leaks.
Step #5 – Installing New Roofing Materials
Now the fun part—installing your new shingles. Contractors work from the bottom up, ensuring a watertight seal at every layer.
This step typically includes:
- Laying shingles row by row.
- Installing step and counter flashing around chimneys and walls.
- Adding ridge vents for attic ventilation.
- Securing ridge caps to finish the job.
Shingle installation is where small errors can lead to big problems down the road. To make sure you don’t fall victim to common contractor shortcuts, check out our guide on shingle roofing installation mistakes.
Pro Tip: Ask your roofer about shingle options. High-quality asphalt shingles are popular in Delaware because they balance cost, durability, and curb appeal.
Step #6 – Site Cleanup
A good roofing crew won’t leave behind a mess. Cleanup happens daily and at the end of the project.
Cleanup should include:
- Collecting and disposing of all old shingles and materials.
- Using magnets to pick up stray nails from your lawn and driveway.
- Leaving the property cleaner than when they arrived.
Pro Tip: Walk the property with your contractor after cleanup. Check flower beds, walkways, and driveways for nails and debris.
Step #7 – Final Inspection
The last step is a thorough inspection to ensure your new roof is flawless. This isn’t just about appearance—it’s about long-term performance.
What should be checked:
- Properly installed flashing and ridge vents.
- Shingles that are securely fastened and aligned.
- Sealed joints around chimneys, skylights, and pipes.
- Attic ventilation and insulation.
Delaware Tip: Heavy winds from coastal storms can test a roof quickly. A strong final inspection ensures your roof is ready to handle the elements.
FAQs About Roofing Replacement in Delaware
Q: How long does a roof replacement take?
Residential roofs take 1–2 days to replace, depending on size, weather, and complexity.
Q: How much does a roof replacement usually cost?
We’ve created a full breakdown of roof replacement pricing, covering materials, labor, and size considerations. You can find it here: How Much Does a New Roof Cost?
Q: Can I stay home during the replacement?
Yes, but expect noise and vibration. If you work from home or have pets sensitive to noise, plan accordingly.
Q: What’s the best time of year to replace a roof in Delaware?
Spring and fall are ideal due to mild weather, but professional contractors can replace roofs year-round.
Q: Can new shingles be installed over old ones?
It’s possible, but not recommended. A full tear-off ensures problems aren’t hidden and gives your new roof a stronger foundation.
Q: How do I get an accurate estimate?
Knowing what you want before requesting quotes ensures you compare apples to apples. We’ve put together a helpful guide on what details to gather before requesting estimates: How to Know What You Want Before Getting a Roofing Replacement Estimate.
Need New Shingle Roofing Installed?
All Roofing Solutions is a family-owned and operated roofing contractor that proudly serves Delaware and southeastern Pennsylvania. We have been replacing, repairing, and inspecting roofs in the residential and commercial sectors for nearly 20 years and pride ourselves on excellent workmanship and great customer service!
To schedule your free consultation, call 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania.
Ahy Choose All Roofing Solutions
- Family-owned and operated Delaware & Pennsylvania roofing contractor.
- Fully licensed and insured.
- Over 25 years of experience with roofing & siding installation and repair.
- A+ rated BBB member
- Complimentary Extended Material warranty
- 30-year workmanship guarantee on full roof replacements
- Lien Waiver to protect the homeowners from material liens
- Own crew—no subcontractors!
- Full-service roofer handling all types of residential and commercial roofing, windows & siding projects.
- Most re-roofing projects are completed in one day.
- Because we are efficient we are able to offer very competitive prices compared to large contractors with bigger overhead.
- Each roofing/siding project includes a meticulously performed, post-roofing inspection. We want to make sure that your roof replacement is done correctly and that it meets your complete satisfaction.
- The company owner supervises all projects to ensure high-quality workmanship.
- Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed!
