How to Prepare for a Roof Replacement: 10 Practical Tips

Getting a new roof can be very exciting for the entire family. You look forward to an opportunity to update the roof so your home will look and function like new, and the kids and pets usually enjoy observing how roofers rip, tear, haul, and nail.

But with the arrival of roofers, your home will also become a working area, which can cause some stress if you aren’t adequately prepared. 

While the RoofAdvisor team always makes sure that your roof replacement is as stress-free and seamless as possible, you can also take some safety measures and get yourself and your family ready for this big undertaking.

Read on to discover ten great tips for a stress-free and smooth roof replacement.

 

1. Remove Wall Decorations

You might notice some vibrations while the roof is being replaced but don’t worry, it’s nothing out of the ordinary. Vibrations are usually caused by hammering on the roof and can affect the walls in your home, especially those on top floors.

So if you have any items hanging on the walls, it’s best to remove them beforehand to prevent them from falling off and getting damaged. This includes mirrors, paintings, framed photos, and similar objects.

 

2. Relocate Your Vehicle

Leaving free access to your parking space will be a great help for your roofer and also a safety measure for you.

When we come to your home, we’ll be loading and unloading our tools, shingles, debris, etc., so it will be much more practical if we can do it right next to the house. In addition to that, by moving your vehicle away from the work area, you will also avoid potential accidental scratches and damages to the car.

 

3. Consider Your Kids and Pets

Just like any other job site, a roof replacement job site may also get a bit overwhelming for kids and pets, as well as somewhat hazardous.

You can talk with your kids and tell them that certain house areas will not be accessible to them during the replacement. On the other hand, if your kids and pets cannot fully understand these dangers, it may be a good idea to let them stay with friends or family during the roof replacement.

 

4. Move Your Patio Furniture Away and Clear Out Your Yard

For your benefit and the well-being of your belongings, think about organizing your yard and patio before the project starts and remove any kids’ toys, patio furniture, grills, potted plants, or lawn ornaments.

If you don’t have space to store them, put them in one place in the yard, safely away from the roofers’ work area.

This way, the workplace will not only be safer, but you will also avoid damage to these items.

 

5. Protect Your Belongings in the Attic

When replacing the roof, your roofers will walk on the roof, hitting it with a hammer and other tools. As a result, some debris and dust might fall into the attic.

We recommend covering your personal belongings to protect them from dirt, and if they are valuable and fragile, it’s best to remove them from the attic for the duration of your roof replacement.

 

6. Prune the Trees and Cut the Grass

It would be best if you trimmed all the tree branches near your roof before your contractors begin to work so that they can have unobstructed access to the roof.

Also, think about cutting the grass before the work begins, as after replacing the roof, it will be easier to clean any dust, debris, and nails from it.

 

7. Remove Antennas and Satellite Dishes

Any antennas and satellite dishes installed on or near your roof should be removed before the roof replacement. Of course, you should never do it yourself, but simply contact your provider and they’ll remove them as well as reinstall them after replacing the roof.

Roofers can also help you remove antennas and satellite dishes, and if it’s an old and unused unit, they will dispose of it for you.

 

8. Identify Accessible Power Outlets

Your contractors will need access to power outlets. The best ones to use are those outside the house, but if you don’t have any, use those in the garage.

However, if you see that the distance from the power outlet to the roofers’ workplace is very far, get an extension cord right away and remember that it will run through windows or doors.

Pay attention to safety so that no one stumbles over the cord. It’s best to use it in a place with the least traffic.

 

9. Secure the Windows

Earlier, we mentioned the vibrations that might happen and debris that might fall off the roof, which can also scratch and damage the windows.

The best thing to do is secure the windows with boards for the duration of the roof replacement or at least until the old roof is completely stripped off.

 

10. Let Your Neighbors Know

And finally, the neighborly thing to do is to also talk to your neighbors about your planned roof replacement so they can also prepare for it and know what’s going on.

They will appreciate it and also have the chance to rearrange their schedules if need be.

 

You’re All Set

Following these tips, you’ll have a smooth and safe roof replacement. Your roofer will also be there to answer any additional questions and ensure your complete safety and peace of mind.

And just remember, all these inconveniences are temporary, and you will soon enjoy your beautiful new roof.

If you, too, are due for a roof replacement, don’t hesitate to contact your #1 local roof replacement company for an estimate.