Asphalt Shingle Roof Replacement SOP

Purpose

Standardize the full tear-off + replacement of an asphalt shingle roof. The biggest job most residential roofers do; quality variation here drives 90% of warranty claims + reputation issues.

Scope

Single-family residential, 1-2 story, asphalt shingle to asphalt shingle. Excludes commercial, tile, slate, metal, or roof + structure complete rebuilds.

Prerequisites

• Permit pulled (most jurisdictions require)
• HOA approval (if applicable)
• Materials staged on-site or delivery scheduled
• Crew of 3-5 trained roofers
• Weather window: 2-3 dry days minimum, temp 45-95°F ideal
• Dumpster delivered for tear-off debris
• Plywood + tarps on hand for emergency cover

Materials checklist

• Shingles (per spec, +10% waste factor)
• Underlayment (synthetic preferred; felt acceptable)
• Ice + water shield (eaves + valleys per code)
• Drip edge (aluminum or steel)
• Starter strip (or use cut shingles)
• Ridge cap shingles (or use field shingles)
• Roofing nails (1.25" galvanized, ring-shank)
• Pipe boots (replace; never reuse)
• Step flashing (against walls)
• Counter-flashing (chimney/wall transitions)
• Caulk (poly urethane roofing grade)

Procedure

Day 1 morning - Setup (1 hour)

1. Protect landscaping with tarps
2. Stage dumpster as close to house as access permits
3. Set up edge protection (debris catcher) if needed
4. Brief crew: assignments, safety, plan for the day
5. Cover AC condensers + skylights

Day 1 - Tear-off (3-6 hours, varies by roof size)

1. Start at ridge, work down
2. Remove shingles + underlayment to deck
3. Remove drip edge, pipe boots, flashings
4. Pull all nails (or hammer flush; loose nails puncture new underlayment)
5. Inspect decking - soft / rotten / delaminated sheets get replaced (note for change order)
6. Clean roof completely - magnetic sweeper around house twice

Day 1 afternoon - Decking + dry-in (2-4 hours)

1. Replace any damaged decking with 1/2"+ plywood / OSB
2. Install ice + water shield on eaves (per local code; typically 24" past warm wall OR 3' minimum)
3. Install ice + water shield in valleys (36" wide centered)
4. Install drip edge at eaves (under ice + water shield is acceptable; over is common)
5. Roll out underlayment, working ridge-to-eave with 4" overlaps
6. Install drip edge at rakes (over underlayment)
7. Cap-nail underlayment every 8-12" along laps

If weather threatens, complete dry-in BEFORE end of Day 1.

Day 2 - Shingles + flashing (4-8 hours)

1. Snap chalk lines for first course
2. Install starter strip at eaves (factory adhesive toward eave)
3. Install first course flush with starter
4. Continue up roof maintaining offset pattern per manufacturer (typically 5-6" stagger)
5. Nail per spec: 4 nails per shingle (6 on steep slopes / high-wind zones)
6. Nail placement: in the nail strip ONLY (above sealant, below cutout); never high-nailed
7. Install pipe boots, step flashing, counter-flashing as you reach them
8. At valleys: closed-cut or open-metal per spec; closed-cut most common

Day 2 - Ridge + cleanup (1-2 hours)

1. Install ridge vent (if specified) OR ridge cap shingles
2. Cap shingles: hand-cut from 3-tab or use pre-made
3. Final magnetic sweep around house
4. Walk roof inspecting nail strikes (raised nails get reseated)
5. Clean gutters of debris
6. Photo the completed roof

Day 3 (if needed) - Punch list + customer walkthrough

1. Customer walkthrough - point out new flashings, vents
2. Provide manufacturer warranty registration
3. Provide your labor warranty in writing
4. Final invoice + payment

Acceptance Criteria

• All shingles laid to manufacturer pattern + spec
• Nail count + placement per spec
• All penetrations re-flashed (no reuse)
• Ice + water shield at eaves + valleys per code
• Roof passes "no daylight visible from attic" check
• Site clean - no nails, no debris in landscaping
• Customer signs off on punch list

Common pitfalls

• Reusing pipe boots: leak in 2-3 years; always replace
• High-nailing: nail above the strip - visible, voids warranty, blows off in wind
• Skimping on ice + water shield: code violation in cold climates; ice dams cause leaks
• No drip edge: water wicks under shingles at edges; rots fascia
• Inadequate ventilation: shortens shingle life by 5-10 years
• Walking on hot shingles: damages granule layer; voids manufacturer warranty
• Skipping decking inspection: hidden rot becomes a callback

Safety notes

• Fall protection: harness above 6 ft is OSHA required
• Two ladders set + secured per house side
• No work in wind > 25 mph or wet conditions
• Hydration breaks every 60-90 min in heat
• One person on ground spotting at all times

References

• NRCA installation guidelines
• Local building code (IRC R905)
• Manufacturer installation instructions (binding warranty)
• Manuall internal: Residential Roof Inspection SOP, Asphalt Shingle Types + Ratings Reference