How to Prepare Your Home for Roof Installation

A Step-by-Step Guide

A new roof represents a significant home improvement project. The right preparation makes the installation process smoother and protects your property. Follow these practical roofing project tips to get your home ready for the roofing team!

Clear Your Driveway and Yard

We advise that you remove vehicles from your driveway and garage before the installation begins. Our roofing team needs space for equipment and material delivery. Move outdoor furniture, grills, and plants away from the house, as this creates a safe work zone and prevents damage from falling debris.

Store these items in your garage or create a designated safe zone well away from the work area. The roofing team will bring heavy equipment, delivery trucks, and waste disposal containers, so they need maximum accessibility.

Protect Items in Your Attic

Old roofing removal creates vibrations throughout your home. We recommend covering stored items in your attic with drop cloths or tarps. You may also consider temporarily relocating valuable or fragile items to another room.

Remove wall decorations near the attic, as the installation process might shake them loose. Box up smaller items and label everything clearly. Think about humidity changes during the project - some items might need extra protection from weather exposure while the roof comes off.

Prepare Your Yard

It's always best to trim tree branches hanging over your roof. Mark garden beds and delicate plants with stakes and bright tape. The roofing team will know which areas need extra protection. Remove potted plants, lawn ornaments, and patio furniture from around your home's perimeter.

You may consider laying down plywood paths to protect your grass from heavy foot traffic. The roofing team will appreciate clear access points around your home.

Secure Indoor Items

The hammering and removal process will shake your home! We recommend taking down mirrors, artwork, and other wall decorations from upper-floor walls. Check light fixtures and ceiling fans to ensure they're properly secured.

Move breakable items away from walls and edges of shelves. Pay special attention to items in rooms directly below the roof work area. The vibrations affect different homes differently, so err on the side of caution.

Create Space for Material Disposal

The team needs a designated area for the disposal of old roofing material containers. This container requires significant space, often the size of a small truck. Clear an accessible spot near your driveway or on the street (check local regulations first).

The disposal container needs firm, level ground. Kindly mark sprinkler heads or other ground features near the container location. The team will need easy access to load old materials throughout the project.

Protect Your Windows

Ask our team about window protection methods. If applicable, crews may place plywood barriers around window frames to prevent damage from falling debris. We advise that you remove window screens and store them in a safe location.

Consider covering window wells and basement windows. The team should install protective coverings before any demolition work begins. Double-check all window protection daily during the project.

Plan for Noise and Dust

It's always best to let your neighbors know about the upcoming project. Roof installation creates considerable noise and some dust. You and your neighbors should keep windows closed during work hours, and potentially set up a temporary shelter for pets sensitive to loud noises.

You may also consider making arrangements for young children or anyone working from home to spend time elsewhere during the noisiest phases. The most intense work typically occurs during old roof removal.

Clear Exterior Electrical Outlets

The roofing team needs access to power sources. Remove holiday lights, security cameras, or other items blocking exterior outlets. It can also be beneficial to call 811 and have their workers mark buried electrical or other utility lines in your yard. We'll review power needs with you before our work begins, but multiple outdoor power sources can help the team work more efficiently.

Protect Your HVAC Unit

Cover outdoor air conditioning units with tarps or plywood. This prevents debris from entering the system. If feasible, turn off your HVAC system during work hours to prevent dust from circulating inside.

Clean or replace your air filters after the project completes. We'll work with you to protect roof vents and other HVAC components during the installation.

Interior Access Preparation

Our team may need access to your attic. Please clear a path to the attic entrance and remove items stored near the access point. This allows our workers to inspect the roof structure from inside when needed.

It is helpful to set up lighting if your attic lacks proper illumination, as the team might need to check ventilation or structural elements throughout the project.

Address Electrical Concerns

Identify all exterior electrical connections and mark satellite dishes, antennas, and security lights. Discuss with your SP representative how these items will be protected or temporarily removed. We'll help you create a plan for reinstallation after the project completes. Consider updating old electrical components while the roof comes off - we can give you referrals!

Document Pre-existing Damage

It's beneficial to walk around your property and take photos of any existing damage to siding, windows, or landscaping. This creates a clear record of your home's condition before work begins. Note the condition of gutters, downspouts, and fascia boards. Share these photos with us and your insurance company if needed.

Create a Temporary Storage Plan

The installation process requires removing all items attached to your roof. It's helpful to make a plan for storing satellite dishes, antennas, solar panels, weather vanes, and lightning rods, as well as labeling all components for easier reinstallation.

Safety Measures

We'll work with you to establish safety protocols and discuss work zone boundaries, equipment storage areas, emergency procedures, and communication methods during the project. We do advise that you create a safety plan for children and pets. Mark off-limits areas clearly, and review evacuation routes in case of emergency.

Good roof installation prep leads to a successful project. Each step protects your property and helps the roofing team work efficiently. Following this roofing contractor advice from SP Construction will contribute to a smooth, successful roof installation.

Don't leave your roofing project to chance! Contact our friendly team at SP Construction LLC today for a free estimate.