Roof Replacement Timeline in San Rafael: What to Expect Day by Day

A roof replacement in San Rafael usually takes 3 to 7 working days on the roof itself. Add time before that for the inspection, the written estimate, the city permit and material delivery. Roof size, the number of old layers, how steep the roof is and the weather all change the schedule.

Before day one: inspection, estimate and permit

The roofer inspects the roof and attic, measures each slope and counts the old layers. The written estimate lists tear-off, any decking repair, underlayment, flashing, the new roofing and disposal. If a few leaks are the only problem and the roof still has years left, roof repair may be the better choice.

Most reroofs inside city limits need a permit from the City of San Rafael Building Division. Homes in unincorporated Lucas Valley and Marinwood get the permit from Marin County. Homes in high fire hazard areas need Class A fire-rated roofing, which can narrow the material choice and the order time.

Day 1: tear-off

The old roofing comes off down to the wood deck, one section at a time, so the house is never fully open overnight. Tarps cover plants, windows and walkways, and a dumpster or trailer sits in the driveway. On narrow hillside streets in Sun Valley or Dominican, debris may be carried down by hand, which adds time. A roof with two or three old layers takes longer to strip.

Day 2: deck repair, underlayment and flashing

With the deck exposed, the roofer replaces any soft or rotted boards. Expect the estimate to list a per-sheet price for this, since nobody can see the deck until the old roof is off. New underlayment goes down next, followed by drip edge and flashing at walls, chimneys, skylights and vent pipes. Flashing is where most San Rafael leaks start, so this step matters more than the shingles.

Days 3 to 5: new roofing

Shingles go on from the eaves up to the ridge. A simple gable roof on a single-story home can be done in a day. A cut-up roof with valleys, dormers and skylights takes longer. Ridge and soffit vents are added or upgraded so the attic can dry out after wet winters. Flat Eichler roofs in Terra Linda and Lucas Valley get a membrane system instead of shingles, which follows its own steps.

Final day: cleanup and inspection

The roofer checks the flashing and edges, clears gutters and runs a magnet over the yard and driveway to pick up nails. The permit inspection closes the job. Keep the written estimate, the permit record and any material warranty paperwork in one place for when you sell the house.

What can slow the schedule

Rain stops tear-off work, and San Rafael gets most of its rain from November through March. That is why many homeowners plan a replacement for the dry months from May to October. Material delays, extra rotted decking and steep access also add days.

What it costs

A full asphalt shingle roof in San Rafael often runs $7,000 to $24,000, based on HomeAdvisor's local cost data. Roof size, pitch, the number of old layers, deck repairs and access move the price. Tile and flat roofs fall in their own ranges. If you are comparing bids, these questions for a roofing contractor help you check that each estimate covers the same work.