The most common question we get before a job starts: "How long will you be at my house?" The honest answer: most Milwaukee residential replacements take one to two days. Here's what that actually looks like.
Day 1: Tear-off and Deck Inspection
The crew arrives by 7–7:30 AM. Tear-off begins immediately — removing existing shingles, underlayment, and any deteriorated flashing. On a 2,000 sq. ft. home, this takes 3–5 hours.
Once the deck is exposed, we inspect every board. Soft spots, rot, and delamination are marked. Deck replacement is priced separately from the initial estimate — Apexium will show you every damaged board before replacing it and add it to the written invoice.
By noon, new underlayment (synthetic, not felt) is being installed. Ice and water shield goes down along all eaves, valleys, and penetrations — this is non-negotiable in Milwaukee County, where ice dams form every winter.
Day 1 Afternoon: Shingle Installation Begins
New drip edge goes on before shingles. Starter strip courses are installed at the eave line. Field shingles start from the bottom and work up. Flashing at walls, chimneys, pipes, and skylights is installed as the crew reaches those areas.
On a straightforward 2,000 sq. ft. ranch or bi-level, shingle installation is often complete by end of day one.
Day 2 (if needed): Completion and Cleanup
Complex roofs — steep pitches, multiple valleys, dormers, extensive flashing — run into day two. Ridge cap and ventilation installation are the final steps. Cleanup includes a thorough magnetic sweep of the driveway and yard for nails.
Weather Delays
Apexium won't install shingles in rain or on wet decking. Rescheduling for weather is standard practice, not a delay — installing wet means trapped moisture under the membrane, which becomes a warranty claim in two years.
What to Do Before We Arrive
Clear driveway access for the material delivery truck. Move vehicles out of the garage if possible — vibration from tear-off can knock items off shelves. Alert neighbors if they're attached.
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