Contemplating a roof replacement? Whether you’ve had damage from storms or your roof is weathered from old age, every home eventually needs an update. If you’ve never had roofing replacement before, you may be wondering what’s involved. The good news is, with a little preparation, your new roof installation should go smoothly.
How to Prepare Before the Roof Replacement Begins
A day or two before the roofers are scheduled to arrive, take time to prepare your property to keep people and possessions safe, and make your space easy for workers to navigate.
Clear Your Outdoor Spaces
Get your outdoor areas ready for the foot traffic and work that will be done around your home.
- Move furnishings, planters, and lawn décor away from your home exterior. If possible, store them in a shed.
- Trim trees and bushes away from the exterior, cover flowerbeds with tarps, and cut grass low. This makes it easier for roofers to clean up debris as they work.
Prepare Your Home’s Interior
Because there will be a lot of workers atop the roof, your home’s walls may tremble, causing items to fall.
- Take down pictures and wall hangings on exterior walls to prevent breakage.
- Pull furnishings safely away from walls.
- Move valuables out of the attic, and cover remaining attic storage items with a tarp.
Park Cars Safely Out of the Way
Between old roofing products, dust and dirt, and workers’ movements, your cars will be in the way if left in your driveway.
- If the car is in the garage, it will be safe but you won’t be easily able to get out.
- A good compromise is to park vehicles elsewhere, such as on the street a few houses down.
Make Room for Delivered Items
Your roofing company may opt to have new roofing materials delivered directly to your home. They will likely also use a dumpster. Be sure there is space to put everything.
- Clear an area of your driveway where roofing materials can be placed.
- Ask for wood footing to be placed on your driveway before the dumpster is set in place. (This displaces the weight and protects asphalt and concrete.)
Make Arrangements for Pets and Children
With the commotion outside your house, the daily activities of children and pets can be disrupted. Make plans to keep them safe and happy.
- Keep an eye on children, so they do not get in the way of workers and potentially hurt themselves on tools and debris.
- Pets can easily become frightened by the noise and people. Secure them safely inside your home, or take them to the kennel.
Be Prepared for the Noise
In case you’re wondering—yes, you can stay in your home during the few days it takes to complete the replacement process. But remember, replacing a roof can be a noisy process, with hammering, people talking outside, and lots of footsteps on your roof.
- If you work from home, be prepared, as the noise might make you less productive.
- Consider going into the office or spending time at the local library if you need quiet.
- If you must leave your home during the installation, be careful. Remember, workers atop the roof may not be able to see you as they toss old materials aside.
A Trustworthy Roof Replacement with John McCarter Construction
After you have prepared for your roof replacement, you can relax and let the experts at John McCarter Construction take over! We can answer any other questions during prep time, the installation process, and after your roof is installed.
Haven’t scheduled a roof replacement yet, but want to learn more? Contact us today for a free roof assessment!
