Tear-off and install on a shingle roof usually take one to three days. The permit and material delivery come before that, and inspections come during and after, so the full job runs longer. The table shows each stage.
| Stage | What happens | Typical timing |
|---|---|---|
| Inspection and proposal | Roof inspection, measurements, written price | A few days |
| Decision and contract | You choose material and color, sign | Up to you |
| Permit | Application, review, fee, issuance | Days to a couple of weeks, depending on the office |
| Materials | Ordered and delivered to your home | Varies by product and season |
| Tear-off and install | The hands-on work | 1 to 3 days for shingle, 3 to 7 for tile and metal |
| Inspections | In-progress and final | Scheduled with the building department |
How long does the actual installation take?
For a one-story Orlando house of average size, here is what the roof days look like:
- Architectural shingle. Usually one to three days for tear-off, deck repairs, underlayment and shingles.
- Standing seam metal. Often around a week. Panels are measured, cut and fitted, and trim and flashing details take time.
- Concrete tile. Usually three to seven days. Underlayment goes down first, tiles are loaded onto the roof, then set one by one.
Two-story homes, steep pitches, complex roof lines and a lot of rotten decking all add time. Compare materials in our shingle vs metal vs tile guide.
How long does the permit take?
It depends on where you live. Inside Orlando city limits, the city's residential roof permit page promises a reply on the online re-roofing form within three business days as of 2026. After you pay the fee, the permit and inspection paperwork come by email. Unincorporated Orange County permits go through the Fast Track online portal (Orange County permit guide).
Any reroof over $5,000 calls for a Notice of Commencement, which gets recorded with the county and posted on site before the first inspection (section 713.135, Florida Statutes). See roof permits in Orlando and Orange County for the full process.
What happens on installation day?
- Protection. The crew covers landscaping, pools and AC units, and sets up a dumpster or trailer.
- Tear-off. The old roof covering and underlayment come off down to the deck.
- Deck inspection and repair. Rotten or damaged decking is replaced, and the deck is re-nailed to current code.
- Dry-in. The secondary water barrier and underlayment go down. The roof is now protected from rain.
- In-progress inspection. Orlando requires a dry-in, in-progress inspection on reroofs. Orange County requires an in-progress inspection too.
- Roof covering. Shingles, metal panels or tile go on, with new flashing, vents and pipe boots.
- Cleanup. Debris is hauled off and the yard is swept with a magnet for nails.
- Final inspection. The building department signs off. Orlando's final also needs a signed affidavit covering how the deck was nailed and the secondary water barrier.
For why deck re-nailing and secondary water barriers are part of every Florida reroof, see Florida Building Code roof requirements.
What can delay my roof replacement?
- Weather. Summer afternoon storms can shorten work days. Crews dry in before rain.
- Hidden decking damage. You cannot see rotten wood until the old roof is off.
- Permit backlogs. After major storms, building departments get busy.
- Material lead times. Some tile profiles and metal colors take longer to get.
- Storm season demand. After a hurricane, roofers across Central Florida book up. The off-season is the easiest time to get on a schedule. See our hurricane roof preparation checklist.
How long does an insurance or grant-funded roof take?
Longer, because approval comes first. An insurance claim adds inspection, adjustment and payment steps. Read does homeowners insurance cover roof replacement in Florida. If you are using a My Safe Florida Home grant, you must have grant approval before construction starts (My Safe Florida Home FAQ). See our My Safe Florida Home program guide.
What do I need to do to get ready?
- Move cars out of the driveway and garage if materials will be staged there.
- Take pictures, mirrors and shelves down from walls that share roof framing.
- Clear the attic floor area under the roof, or cover stored items with sheets to catch dust.
- Keep pets inside or away from the work area.
- Let your neighbors know.
How much will it cost?
The materials that take more days also cost more. Our ranges: $12,000 to $22,000 for architectural shingle, $28,000 to $50,000 for concrete tile, $26,000 to $48,000 for standing seam metal. The Orlando roof replacement cost page explains what those ranges assume, and financing is available.
How do I get a timeline for my roof?
Book a free roof inspection and we will give you a written proposal with a timeline for your home. Our in-house crews handle the work from tear-off to final inspection. Learn more about our roof replacement service.
