How to Get Prepared for a Roof Replacement

Everything you own is under your roof, so you want the best protection for your family and your possessions. Replacing your roof will not only protect your home and family but will also improve the appearance of your home and increase its value. While the professionals will replace your roof and haul away any trash or debris, there are some steps you can take before they arrive that will make the job go  more smoothly.

How to Get Prepared for the Roofers

• Vehicles: Before your roofing contractor arrives to begin the job, you need to make room to allow them to work. Move your vehicles out of the driveway so that the roofers can bring in their trucks, equipment, and a dumpster as soon as they arrive. The roofers will have to be in and out during the job, so it’s best to park your vehicles at a neighbor’s house or down the street. If you leave your car in the garage, you may not be able to get it out until the entire job is complete.
• Clear the Yard: To prevent damage or injuries to the roofers, go around your yard and move any items at least fifteen feet away from the house. This would include items like kids toys, swing sets, outdoor furniture, grills, etc. This will allow the roofers to access all parts of your roof without damaging any of your outdoor things.
• Landscaping: Your roofers will do anything they can to prevent damage to your yard, but you can help. If you have any potted plants outside, move them away from the house. Also, if you have any landscape items like solar lanterns, garden gnomes, bird baths, or bird feeders, relocate them for the duration of the job.
• Shrubs and Small Trees: A certain amount of debris is likely to fall from the roof during the job. You can protect any shrubs, small trees, or delicate plants by covering them with netting. It’s also a good idea to use tape to mark any areas around your house where you want the roofers to pay particular attention to delicate shrubbery.
• Sprinklers: If you have a sprinkler system in your yard, mark the sprinkler heads to prevent roofers from tripping on them or damaging them. If there are any other items embedded in your yard, mark them as well.
• Gates: Remember that the roofers will need access to the entire area around your home. If your yard is fenced, make sure that any gates are unlocked before they arrive. If the gates lock automatically or are accessed by the use of codes, give this information to the roofers so they can open them when needed.
• Mow the Lawn: If the yard has been freshly mowed before the roofers begin their work, it will make it much easier for them to walk around the yard. This will also allow the workers to locate any debris that might have fallen from the roof so that it can be removed in the post roofing clean up.
• Electrical Outlets: The roofers will most likely use various electric power tools during the job. If you have outdoor electrical outlets, make sure they’re working ahead of time. If they’re not, or if you have no outdoor outlets, find a way to allow the roofers to use indoor outlets, perhaps through an open window or doorway.
• Advise Your Neighbors: Let your neighbors know that the roofers are coming. They will be bringing in trucks, dumpsters, and other equipment that could pose a temporary traffic problem in your neighborhood, so they need to be aware. There’s also a good bit of noise involved with a roofing job, so letting them know in advance will prepare them.
• Children and Pets: As stated above, there will be a lot of noise during the roofing process, and the job could take two or more days, depending on the size of your home and the complexity of the roof. All of the noise and vibrations could startle or frighten your kids or pets. Keep your dogs or cats inside or consider boarding them until the work is completed.  You might want to take your tiny kids to a friends house or grandma’s during the days that the work is going on. If your kids are going to be home during the day, make sure they stay indoors or go to a friend’s yard to play. Also, warn them that there may be nails and other debris falling from the roof. Caution them to be careful while leaving or entering the area to ensure their safety.

Final Words

Replacing your roof is big job that requires careful planning and precise execution on the part of the roofers, but you can help by preparing your home, yard, family members, and neighbors before the work begins. This preparation will help the roofers to finish the job as quickly as possible, it will minimize any potential damage to your home or yard, and it will help to keep your family safe. 

Whether you’re dealing with small leaks, storm damage, a total roof replacement, or if you just need a roof inspection, trust the experts at Structured Solar & Roofing Systems to handle the job. We are the leading residential roofing company in the Dallas Fort Worth area, and we’ve set ourselves apart by focusing on quality workmanship and our customers’ experience. We have a knowledgeable and experienced team with the skills and expertise to handle almost any roofing issue. When it comes to your home, your roof’s health is essential to keeping you and your family safe and protected from the outside elements.  Call us to schedule a free inspection today if you need roofing repairs or think it’s time for a roof replacement. If you’d like to know more about our company or the services we provide, please visit our website or give us a call at 972-484-1200.