A roof replacement is more than just a home improvement project—it’s a chance to transform your home’s appearance, boost its protection from the weather, and even make it more energy-efficient. Exciting, isn’t it? But here’s the thing: when the big day arrives, your property temporarily turns into a bustling work zone, which can feel a bit overwhelming if you’re not prepared.
That’s why Keeter Roofing & Remodeling is here to help! In this article, we’ll walk you through simple yet important ways to get ready for this upgrade, making sure everything goes smoothly—from protecting your property to keeping accidents at bay.
10 Steps to Prepare Your Yard Before Your Roof Replacement
1. Clear Away Clutter
There should be at least 15 feet of clearance around the perimeter of your house during your roof replacement. This ensures the roofing crew has adequate space to access your roof from every direction. It also safeguards your possessions from damage.
When your current roof is removed, debris may drop to the ground around your home, and by removing objects from the area around your house, you’ll ensure their protection. Move toys, patio furniture, planters, and anything else that can be relocated into your garage or to the back corner of your yard.
2. Trim Back Trees
If you have trees near your home with branches that extend to your roof, have them professionally trimmed before your upcoming replacement. This will help your contractor access your home easier and will ensure its new protective layer won’t be damaged by branches that rub up against it.
3. Move Vehicles out of Your Driveway and Garage
The night before your upgrade, park your vehicles a safe distance away from your house—on the street. If you wait until the morning, your vehicles may become trapped in the garage. The roofing crew will need your driveway to accommodate a large dumpster where the debris from your old roof will be deposited.
Another reason to keep your cars out of your garage is that garage roofs aren’t typically insulated, and if asphalt granules or other debris were to make its way through to your vehicles, it could harm them.
4. Protect Your Garden
Relocate anything you can out of your garden: solar powered lights, small statues, birdhouses, and more. When your current roof is removed, debris can be flung into your yard and damage items in its path.
5. Safeguard Your Landscaping
You’ve invested time and money in the landscaping that is adjacent to your home. Protect it from harm by covering it with a tarp before your roof replacement begins.
6. Unlock Your Gate
Your contractor will need access to the area around your whole home, so be sure to unlock your gate for easy entry.
7. Cut Your Grass Short
It’s a lot easier for roofers to find nails or small pieces of debris if your grass is cut short. Each day after they complete their work, a large magnet will be run over your yard to remove any stray debris or nails and prevent accidents.
8. Talk with Your Neighbors
As a courtesy, before your roof replacement begins, give your neighbors some notice. They may work remotely or have small children, and a roof replacement can add some noise to their space for a couple of days.
9. Locate Your Electrical Outlet
Your roofer will need access to an electrical outlet, so prior to their arrival, locate your outdoor outlet and verify it works. If it doesn’t, plan on leaving a window open so they can access an indoor outlet.
10. Mark Your Sprinklers
Anything sticking up out of the ground that your roofing crew could trip over should be marked, which includes sprinkler heads.
How to Prepare Your Interior for a Roof Replacement
Safeguard Your Fragile Possessions
If you have breakable items or delicate heirlooms on display in your home, they could be moved by the vibrations from hammering on your new roof. Rather than risking the possibility of incurring damage, remove them from shelves and safely stow them away during your roof replacement. Additionally, if you have fine china, vases, or other breakable items, make sure they aren’t touching each other or the wall before your renovation begins.
Remove Wall Décor
Artwork and decorations on your walls could be knocked off due to the hammering of nails on your new roof. Take them down before your big day arrives for their safe keeping. This includes mirrors, pictures, wreaths, shelving, and more. Your highest floor’s rooms are at greatest risk, so take more precautions on that level.
Protect Your Attic
If you have fragile items in your attic, they can become vulnerable during your roof replacement. Remove them from the attic and temporarily store them in another area of your house to ensure their protection. Additionally, since attics can collect dust during a roof replacement, lay tarps on your attic floor to make cleanup easier.
Steps to Get Children and Pets Ready for the Process
Plan an Outing
If you have young children at home, scheduling an outing, a playdate with other children, or a day at their grandparents’ home will be helpful.
Chat with Children About Debris
Once your roof replacement is completed, avoid accidents by requiring children to wear shoes in the yard, and talk with them about the possibility of stepping on debris.
Keep Pets Indoors or at a Kennel
Your home is about to become a work zone, and due to the noise involved, your pets will likely do best at a kennel, a friend’s house, or at least inside your home during your renovation.
Safeguard Your Most Significant Investment with a Durable Replacement Roof
Don’t miss out on the beauty and protection a new roof offers you. Get a gorgeous replacement roof installed by our experienced crew. At Keeter Roofing & Remodeling, we stand behind our workmanship with unwavering commitment, going the extra mile to ensure your roof installation is a success!
Choose from affordable synthetic shingles, durable metal roofing, or popular asphalt shingles. Learn more about how our top-notch roofing services can install an impressive, low-maintenance new roof.
