What a Roof Replacement Week Looks Like, Start to Finish

For most people, a new roof is a once-in-a-while event, and not knowing what to expect is half the stress. Who shows up? How loud is it? What happens if it rains? Here's the shape of a roof replacement, built on the four steps New Castle publishes on its own site and on what customers have said about the work.

Step one: the consultation

It starts with someone coming out to look at your roof and listen to what you want. Expect questions about leaks you've seen, rooms with stains, how old the roof is and what look you're after. Several customers describe the same thing in their Google reviews. Francesca Naccarato wrote that Froy came to inspect her issue, gave her a detailed quote and set up the appointment.

Wendy Rodriguez had a similar experience. She wrote that her quote was done quickly and efficiently, and that the procedure and product were explained thoroughly. This is the moment to ask your questions and to point out anything you want checked.

Step two: the detailed proposal

Next comes a written proposal. A detailed one names the roofing material, describes what happens at chimneys, valleys, vents and edges, and says what's included. Read it all the way through. If something is unclear, ask, and expect a plain answer.

This is also when you choose materials. Rick V., a Yakima customer, noted that Angel and his crew were professional in the pre-job contact, making sure he and his wife were satisfied with the color and type of shingle before work started. Picking early means no surprises on delivery day.

Step three: the installation

On installation days, a crew arrives early, protects what needs protecting, and strips the old roof down to the deck. The deck gets checked, then underlayment, flashing and the new roofing go on. New Castle's residential page describes how they keep you informed: “we send out update texts with pictures, so that you can monitor the progress of your roofing installation.”

Pictures matter more than they sound. Most of us don't spend time on our own roofs. Francesca wrote that she appreciated detailed photos of the work that needed to be done and the work that was completed.

A real three-day example

Rick V. posted an account of his replacement on New Castle's testimonials page, and it's worth reading because it lays out the days. The house is, in his words, “a 2 story 1800 plus sq ft home.” It was a shake roof.

• Monday: “He showed up at the pre arranged time on Monday 7am with crew, they stripped the shake roof.” Cleanup happened at the end of each day.
• Tuesday: the crew finished stripping the old roof, then, in Rick's words, “arranged and met with the city inspector and was cleared to finish job.” Materials were delivered and installation began.
• Wednesday: “Wednesday they started at 7am and finished the roof by 6pm.”

That was one house, one roof and one crew. Your timeline depends on your roof's size, shape, material and the weather. But it shows the rhythm: early starts, daily cleanup and communication all the way through.

Wendy Rodriguez, another recent customer, wrote that she got on the schedule quickly and, four days later, had a new roof.

Step four: the final inspection

When the roofing is on, the last step is a final inspection. The crew walks the roof, checks the details, confirms the cleanup and goes over anything that needs another look. This is your chance to ask questions again, and to walk the property and see the finished work. Look at the ground for stray nails, check the gutters, and ask to see photos of the areas you can't see from the yard, like chimneys, valleys and vent pipes.

How to get ready

• Move vehicles away from the house and out of the driveway
• Take fragile items off walls, especially on the top floor
• Cover or move anything stored in the attic
• Let your neighbors know there will be noise and trucks
• Keep pets and children well away from the work area
• Decide in advance who your point of contact will be

Expect noise and some dust, and expect it to feel like a lot on day one. A good crew will stay on the clock, tidy up each evening, and keep you in the loop. Ask the crew lead any question that comes to mind. They'd rather you ask than wonder.

Wapato and Yakima homeowners who want to see how this works at their own address can call New Castle at (509) 941-8952, Monday through Saturday, 7am to 5pm, or use the contact page to set up a consultation.