Getting a new roof is a big job. It's noisy, messy, and takes over your home for days. But with good planning, you can make the process much easier. This guide will help you get ready for your roof replacement so the job goes smoothly.
Proper preparation before a roof replacement will save you time, money, and stress. Taking steps to protect your property, communicate with your roofer, and prepare your family will help ensure the project goes as planned and your new roof is installed quickly and correctly.
A roof replacement affects your whole property - inside and out. By following these steps, you'll be ready when the roofing crew arrives, making the job faster and protecting your belongings from damage during the work.
A typical roof replacement takes 1-3 days for an average home. The crew will arrive early, remove the old roof, make any needed repairs, and install the new roofing material. During this time, your home will be noisy and there will be a lot of activity around your property.
The process includes:
Delivery of materials (usually a day before)
Removal of old roofing (tear-off)
Deck inspection and repair
Installation of new roof
Cleanup
Good preparation helps:
Protect your belongings from damage
Speed up the process by giving workers clear access
Prevent accidents and injuries
Reduce stress for you and your family
Save money by avoiding damage that might not be covered by insurance
Before the crew arrives:
Move all vehicles from the driveway and away from the house
Clear toys, tools, and furniture from around your home
Create a clear path around your house (at least 15 feet if possible)
Mark sprinkler heads and other hidden features that could be damaged
Roofers need plenty of space to work safely. They'll need room for ladders, for dropping old materials, and for moving around your property.
Your plants and fixtures need protection:
Cover flower beds with tarps or plywood
Trim tree branches that might block access to your roof
Remove or cover lawn ornaments and delicate items
Take down wind chimes, hanging plants, and other items that could be damaged
Remember that even with tarps, some small debris might still reach your plants. Sensitive plants might need extra protection or temporary relocation.
Anything that can move should be secured:
Move patio furniture to a garage or shed
Take down satellite dishes (or have your provider do it)
Remove antennas and weather vanes
Secure or remove anything attached to your roof or exterior walls
Your attic needs special attention:
Remove or cover valuable items stored in the attic
Use plastic sheeting to protect anything that must stay
Check for items attached to rafters that might fall
Consider temporarily moving attic storage elsewhere
During roof work, dust and debris will shake loose in your attic. Tiny nails (called roofing nails) can also fall through small gaps.
The vibration from roof work affects your whole house:
Remove pictures and mirrors from walls, especially on top floors
Take down ceiling fans if possible
Move fragile items away from shelves
Protect electronics that might be sensitive to dust
Roof work is noisy:
Plan for children and pets to be away during peak work hours
Move computers and sensitive equipment to lower floors
Notify anyone working from home about the noise
Consider alternative arrangements if you need quiet for work calls
Before work begins, discuss:
Project timeline and daily work hours
Where materials will be delivered and stored
How crews will access your roof and property
Where waste will be collected (usually a dumpster)
Emergency contacts and procedure if issues arise
Weather contingency plans
Every home is different. Tell your contractor about:
Septic system location to avoid heavy equipment damage
Special landscaping concerns
Security systems or cameras that might be affected
Access codes needed for gated areas
Fragile or historic elements of your home
Safety should be your top priority:
Keep children and pets away from work areas
Create safe paths through your home away from debris
Identify safe outdoor areas for breaks
Discuss safety rules with family members
Consider if you should:
Stay with friends or family during the project
Board pets who might be stressed by noise
Work from another location if you work from home
Arrange childcare during workdays
Being a good neighbor means:
Let neighbors know about your upcoming project
Share the timeline so they can prepare
Provide contractor information in case of concerns
Thank them for their patience
Plan for common neighbor issues:
Noise during specific hours
Trucks and equipment on shared streets
Potential debris that might affect their property
Workers near property lines
After the job is complete:
Walk your property to check for remaining debris
Look for nails with a magnetic sweeper
Check downspouts and gutters for proper function
Inspect interior ceilings for any signs of issues
Review warranty information with your contractor
Keep your investment protected:
Schedule regular inspections (1-2 times yearly)
Clean gutters every spring and fall
Remove debris after storms
Check for damaged shingles after extreme weather
Keep trees trimmed away from roof surfaces
Ready for a worry-free roof replacement? Manning Roofing and Restoration makes the process easy from start to finish. Our experienced team serves Paducah, Mayfield, Benton, KY and surrounding areas with quality workmanship and clear communication.
We handle everything from residential and commercial roofing to siding installation, gutter work, and complete home exterior renovations. Our crew will guide you through every step of preparation and ensure your property is protected throughout the project.
Don't trust your biggest investment to just anyone. Contact Manning Roofing and Restoration today for a free inspection and estimate. Let us show you why we've become the most trusted name in roofing across West Paducah and beyond.
Call (270) 559-9019
Address: 7121 Kentucky 3520 West Paducah Kentucky 42086
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