Asphalt Shingle Roof Replacement: A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting a new roof is one of the biggest investments you'll make in your home, and most homeowners have no idea what actually happens once the crew shows up. Knowing the process helps you ask the right questions, spot shortcuts, and feel confident that you're getting what you paid for.

Here's a plain-English walkthrough of every major step in a professional asphalt shingle roof replacement — the kind of quality install the licensed roofers in our network follow right here in Altamonte Springs, Florida.

Step 1: Tear-Off — Removing the Old Roof

A quality replacement almost always starts with a full tear-off. That means stripping every layer of old shingles, staples, and nails down to the bare roof deck — not layering new shingles on top of old ones.

Why does it matter? Florida's building code generally limits the number of shingle layers allowed, and for good reason. Layering hides damaged decking, adds weight, and shortens the life of your new roof. A licensed contractor will pull permits and follow local code requirements before any work begins.

During tear-off, the crew will protect your landscaping, windows, and siding with tarps and plywood boards. Expect some noise and debris — it's a messy step, but a necessary one.

Step 2: Decking Inspection and Repair

Once the old material is off, the roofer gets a clear look at your roof deck — typically oriented strand board (OSB) or plywood. This step is critical and easy to rush through, so pay attention to it.

In Altamonte Springs's climate, heat cycles, high humidity, and occasional storm flooding can cause decking to rot, delaminate, or go soft in spots. A conscientious roofer will walk the deck, probe suspect areas, and replace any damaged sections before moving on. Ask your contractor up front how they price additional decking repairs — it's usually quoted per sheet.

Skipping this step and nailing into rotten wood is one of the most common ways a cheap roof fails years ahead of schedule.

Step 3: Drip Edge Installation

Drip edge is a metal flashing installed along the eaves (bottom edges) and rakes (sloped side edges) of your roof. It's a simple component that does an important job: directing water away from your fascia and into the gutters rather than letting it wick back under the shingles.

Florida code requires drip edge, and the installation order matters. On the eaves, drip edge goes on before the underlayment. On the rakes, it goes on after. A contractor who gets this backwards creates a path for water intrusion — something that becomes obvious during the first tropical downpour.

Step 4: Underlayment

Underlayment is the water-resistant barrier installed directly on the decking before any shingles go down. Think of it as your roof's backup line of defense.

There are two main types:

• Felt underlayment (15 lb or 30 lb) — traditional, cost-effective, and still widely used
• Synthetic underlayment — more tear-resistant, lighter, and better at handling Florida's UV exposure during the inevitable gaps between tear-off and shingle installation

Many roofers in hurricane-prone areas also apply a self-adhering peel-and-stick membrane (sometimes called "ice-and-water shield") in the most vulnerable zones: eaves, valleys, and around penetrations like skylights and vents. In Altamonte Springs, where wind-driven rain is a real concern, this added layer is worth asking about specifically.

Step 5: Flashing

Flashing is thin metal (usually galvanized steel or aluminum) installed wherever the roof meets a vertical surface — chimneys, walls, dormers, skylights, and plumbing vents.

A surprising number of leaks trace back to old or improperly installed flashing rather than the shingles themselves. A quality installer will replace or re-flash these areas rather than reusing old flashing from the previous roof. It's a small cost relative to the labor already invested, and it prevents big headaches down the road.

Step 6: Shingle Installation

Now the shingles go on — and the technique matters as much as the product.

The crew starts at the eaves and works upward, overlapping each course (row) according to the manufacturer's specifications. Nailing pattern is critical: too few nails, nails placed too high or too low, or nails driven at an angle can all void your shingle warranty and, more importantly, let shingles lift in high winds.

In Florida, look for shingles rated for 130 mph wind resistance or higher. Florida's insurance market has become increasingly strict, and having documentation of wind-rated shingles properly installed can matter when you file a claim after a storm. Your contractor should be able to show you the shingle specs and installation guidelines.

Three-tab shingles are the budget option; architectural (dimensional) shingles are the standard today and offer better durability, a more attractive profile, and longer manufacturer warranties — often 30 years or more.

Step 7: Ridge Vent Installation

Proper attic ventilation is often overlooked but it has a direct impact on your roof's lifespan — especially in Altamonte Springs's heat. A ridge vent runs along the peak of the roof and, paired with soffit vents at the eaves, creates a continuous airflow that pulls hot, humid air out of your attic.

Without it, attic temperatures can exceed 150°F in a Florida summer. That extreme heat accelerates shingle aging from the underside, raises your cooling bills, and can warp decking over time.

A ridge vent is installed before the cap shingles (the shingles that cover the very peak) are nailed down. It's one of the clearest signs that a roofer is thinking about long-term performance, not just covering the roof as fast as possible.

Step 8: Final Inspection and Cleanup

A professional crew doesn't just pack up and leave. Final steps should include:

• A thorough inspection of every flashing point, valley, and penetration
• Nail pops and exposed fasteners sealed with roofing caulk
• Gutters and downspouts cleared of debris
• A magnetic roller run across the yard to pick up stray nails
• Removal of all old materials from the property

You should also receive copies of the permit sign-off, the manufacturer's warranty documents, and the contractor's workmanship warranty. Keep these with your homeowner's insurance policy — you may need them.

What Comes Next

A well-installed asphalt shingle roof should serve your Altamonte Springs home for decades. But even new roofs benefit from a free inspection after major storms, and understanding what a roof replacement involves helps you hold any contractor accountable.

If you've been putting off replacing an aging roof — or you're not sure whether repair or replacement is the right call — Rune Roofing can connect you with a licensed local roofer for a no-obligation assessment. Call us today and we'll match you with a vetted contractor in Altamonte Springs, Florida who can walk your roof, answer your questions, and give you a clear, honest quote.