How to Prepare for a Roof Replacement: Full 2024 Guide

If you’re planning for your next roofing project or already booked, a little preparation can go a long way. Learn what to do before roofing companies arrive to protect your home from the outside in. 

Part 1: Prep Outside

How do you prepare for a roof replacement? 

Once you’ve booked your new roof project, it’s time to get your home ready for a safe, simple replacement. To make space for the crews and create a safe environment for work, you’ll want to prepare your exterior ahead of time. Let’s start with the outside and work our way in.

• Create a clear, wide path. Remove any cars from your drive so the roofing company can park their vehicles and garbage bin close to the house. When we come to your home, we’ll be unloading and reloading tools and supplies throughout the day, so having these items close helps us work quickly and avoids any potential damage to your vehicles from falling debris. Don’t park your cars in the garage - many garage roofs aren’t insulated, so dust, debris, and other items can easily fall through. 

• Clean up the garden area. Remove any valuable breakables, like statues, potted plants, fountains, solar lights, birdhouses, and more. Though roof contractors aren’t intentionally dropping shingles and other supplies in your gardens, items may occasionally fall. While you’re there, trim back any overgrown bushes or overhanging branches that could make work harder or even dangerous.

• Move or cover patio furniture. Remove patio furniture and store it away safely in a shed, garage, or far corner of the yard. If your furniture is too heavy to move or you’re short on storage options, cover it with a heavy tarp and inform workers where these items are located. 

• Give neighbors a heads-up. Though we work mindfully to minimize disruptions as much as possible, a new roof project requires some noise and extra foot traffic. Though most neighbors understand because they’ll need a roof replacement at some point themselves, it’s still a kind and considerate gesture to inform them of the work’s expected duration and apologize for the inconvenience. 

• Cut your grass and mark danger zones. Mow your lawn a day or two before your roof project starts so it’s easier to find any leftover nails or debris afterward - you don’t want to step on one or drive over it with a lawn mower later. Mark vulnerable plants, sprinkler systems, and ponds with obvious flags so workers know to avoid or take extra care around these areas. 

• Find your power outlets. Our contractors will need to access your power outlets so we can power up our roof replacement tools. Find any outdoor outlets ahead of time and make a note of them so you can tell your roofing contractors when they reach the site. If you don’t have any outside, look for ones in the garage or get an extension cord to run from inside your home to the outside. 

Part 2: Prep Inside

With the outside of your home all set, it’s time to work your way in. Roofers may not enter your home, but their work can still affect the interiors, so prepare early. 

• Remove any art, wall hangings, or fragile decor. As we tear off and replace roofs, homes may experience heavy vibrations - don’t worry, they’re normal! Take down any wall hangings that might get dislodged, and safely stow away any decor that might fall over or break during the process. 

• Cover and protect belongings in your attic. As workers move around your rooftop, dust and debris can fall in your attic. Cover any belongings with tarps and drop sheets for easier cleanup later. 

• Consider turning off your utilities. You might need to run your air conditioning or fans during the warmer months, but ask your contractor if you should turn them off temporarily. Sometimes, leaving these systems running circulates heavy dust throughout your home, so it’s often better to keep circulation to a minimum during working hours or until they complete the project.

• Talk to your family and prepare your pets. Talk with your kids and family members to prepare them for the work ahead, including mentioning any off-limit areas. Since roofing work can be disruptive and stressful for little ones or pets, arrange for them to stay at a friend’s or family member’s until work is complete. If you don’t have alternate arrangements for your pet, keep the pet indoors and away from harmful debris. Better yet, prepare a crate covered in a blanket or a cozy area with plenty of toys and comforting objects in a quiet corner of your home. 

Part 3: New Roof FAQs

Should I Stay Home During Roof Replacement?

Most roofing companies are fine if you prefer or need to stay home during new roof construction, but you don’t need to stay home while they work. Be warned that certain parts of the process can get quite noisy, so most homeowners prefer to go out for the day or find a great pair of noise-canceling headphones. If you plan to stay home, give contractors a heads up so they can plan accordingly. 

How Long Do Roofers Work in a Day?

Most roofers work around 8 hours a day, though the roofing industry can be fickle because it’s so dependent on weather. As roofers, we work around good weather and adjust days longer or shorter to maximize the viable working time we have and complete projects within a few days.

What Can Go Wrong During a Roof Replacement?

While we prepare well to keep roof construction running smoothly, there’s always the potential for unforeseen circumstances to force us to adapt on a dime. 

During tear-off, for example, we sometimes uncover internal damage and issues that require a remedy. Weather and rain can also often delay roofing work.

What is the Loudest Part of Roof Replacement?

Roof removal can get a little noisy, but the loudest part is nailing time. Whether we hand nail or use a nail gun, a certain level of noise is unavoidable. It’s not deafening, but it’s not exactly the best environment to put a baby to sleep, either. 

SameDay Roofing: Reliable Roofers in Hamilton

With your home fully prepped and ready for a new roof, you’ll enjoy a more seamless experience and keep roof replacement costs to a minimum. 

Ready to get started prepping for your roof replacement project? Let's chat and get started on a free roofing estimate - call (905) 544-4667 today.