How long does a roof replacement take?

For a standard residential home in Central Alabama, a full roof replacement usually takes 1 to 2 days. Complex roofs with steep pitches, multiple valleys, or extensive decking repairs may take 3 to 4 days. We work efficiently to minimize disruption to your home life.

Can I stay home during the replacement?

Yes, you can stay home, but it will be very noisy. There will be constant hammering, thumping, and people walking on your roof. We recommend moving vehicles from the driveway and securing pets inside to reduce stress.

Should I tell my neighbors?

It is a great idea to give your immediate neighbors a heads-up. There will be noise, large trucks, and a dumpster near the property line. A quick warning goes a long way in maintaining good neighborly relations during the project.

Will my dog be stressed by the noise?

Most likely, yes. The constant thumping can be very stressful for pets. We highly recommend keeping them inside, or if they are particularly anxious, considering doggy daycare or a stay with family for the day.

Should I remove pictures from my walls?

Yes. The vibrations from removing old shingles and nailing down new ones can cause poorly secured pictures, mirrors, or delicate items on shelves to rattle or fall. It's best to take down breakables on the top floor as a precaution.

What if it rains halfway through?

We closely monitor the weather. If rain is expected, we will not tear off more roof than we can waterproof that same day. In sudden pop-up showers, our crews are trained to rapidly deploy heavy-duty tarps to protect your home's interior.

Will my insurance pay for a new roof?

If your roof has documented storm damage (like hail or wind), your homeowner's insurance will typically cover the replacement cost minus your deductible. Age and normal wear and tear are not covered perils.

Should my gutters be replaced at the same time?

Not always, but it is the best time to do it. If your gutters are old, undersized (5-inch instead of 6-inch), or were damaged by the same storm that damaged your roof, replacing them simultaneously ensures a seamless water management system.

Can my solar panels stay on the roof?

No. Solar panels must be professionally detached before the roof replacement and reset afterward. Your solar company usually handles this, and if it's an insurance claim, the cost to detach and reset is often included in the claim approval.

How long before I can sell my house after a new roof?

Immediately. In fact, a brand new roof is one of the highest ROI improvements you can make before selling. It eliminates a major buyer objection and can often increase your home's market value and asking price.

Will a new roof lower my energy bills?

Yes, significantly. A new roof with proper attic ventilation (ridge vents and soffit vents) allows trapped heat to escape, reducing the load on your HVAC system during brutal Alabama summers when attic temps can reach 150°F.

Can I finance my roof replacement?

Yes! Crimson Roofing offers flexible in-house financing options to help you break the cost down into manageable monthly payments, so you don't have to delay critical protection for your home.

Do you tear off the old roof or roof over it?

We always tear off the old roof down to the bare decking. 'Roofing over' old shingles hides decking rot, adds excessive weight to your home's structure, and voids most manufacturer warranties.

What happens if you find rotten wood underneath?

When we tear off the old shingles, we inspect every piece of decking. If we find soft, rotted, or broken wood, we replace it before installing the new roof. We document this with photos for your records or insurance supplements.

How do you protect my landscaping and driveway?

We use tarps, plywood, and specialized catch-all systems to protect your bushes, flowers, AC units, and driveway from falling debris during the tear-off process. We treat your property with the utmost respect.

How do you clean up the nails?

We perform multiple sweeps of your yard, driveway, and landscaping using heavy-duty magnetic rollers to pick up stray nails and fasteners before we consider the job complete. Safety for your family and pets is our priority.

The Ultimate Central Alabama Guide to Roof Replacement

Quick Answer: Is it Time for a New Roof?

"If your roof is over 20 years old, leaking in multiple spots, or has widespread storm damage, a replacement is the smartest long-term investment. In Central Alabama, standard shingles rarely reach their 30-year rating due to intense heat and humidity. Most architectural roofs in our area are replaced between year 22 and 25."

Roof Replacement at a Glance

Average Lifespan20–25 Years

Typical Installation1–2 Days

Insurance CoverageOften covers storms

Free Inspection?Yes

Why Local Expertise Matters

95°F

Avg Summer Highs

Tornado Frequency

Central Alabama's combination of extreme UV exposure and violent spring storms means your roof needs to be built to a higher standard than a generic national builder would provide.

1. Choosing the Right Roofing System

Interactive Tool

Roofing Material Visualizer

See how different shingle colors look on various home styles common in Central Alabama.

1. Select Home Style

2. Choose Shingle Color

Want to see these on your home?

Our experts bring physical samples to your home during the free inspection so you can see exactly how the colors look in Alabama sunlight.

Schedule Free Inspection

Charcoal Shingles

Pro Tip: In Central Alabama, lighter colors like Pewter Gray can help reflect heat, while darker colors like Charcoal provide a timeless, high-contrast look.

*Visualizer is for illustrative purposes only. Actual colors may vary based on lighting and screen calibration.

In Montgomery, Prattville, and Millbrook, the choice of material is your first line of defense. Architectural shingles are the most popular, but standing seam metal is rapidly gaining traction for "forever homes."

2. Repair or Replace?

Scenario	Repair	Replace
1-2 missing shingles (wind)
Roof is over 20 years old
Widespread hail bruising
Soft or sagging decking

3. Common Roof Replacement Mistakes

Roofing Over Old Shingles

Never let a contractor install new shingles over old ones. It traps heat, adds excessive weight, and hides rotted decking that will eventually fail.

Ignoring Attic Ventilation

A new roof without proper ventilation will literally 'cook' from the inside out in the Alabama sun, cutting its lifespan by 50% or more.

What Will Life Be Like During My Roof Replacement?

"Can I stay home?"

Yes, but be prepared for high decibel noise. If you work from home or have sensitive pets, we recommend planning to be out for the 1-2 days of installation.

"What about my pets?"

The vibrations and noise can be very stressful for dogs and cats. Keep them in a safe, interior room or consider doggy daycare for the day.

The Bottom Line on Replacement

Don't Wait for a Leak: Replace aging roofs before structural rot begins.

Full Tear-Off: Always insist on a complete removal of old materials.

Quality Decking: We replace all rotted wood before the new roof goes on.

Local Support: We'll be here next year to stand behind our warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready for a Lifetime Roof?

Replacing your roof is a major decision. Crimson Roofing provides the honest advice, premium materials, and expert installation you need for peace of mind.

Schedule Free Replacement Inspection Call (334) 336-0853

Written By

Kamryn Jackson

Owner & Roofing Specialist

Crimson Roofing LLC • Serving Central Alabama Homeowners

Crimson Roofing has helped Central Alabama homeowners navigate hundreds of roof replacements across Montgomery, Autauga, Elmore, and surrounding counties.