Nation RoofingHow to Prepare for a Roof Replacement
A re-roof is loud, dusty and busy, and almost everything that goes wrong on the homeowner side is preventable with an hour of prep.
Clear the driveway and the perimeter
The crew needs driveway access for the dumpster and the material drop. Move vehicles out the night before, and clear a path around the whole house. Anything within a few feet of the wall gets moved or covered, because tear off debris comes off the edges.
Protect the attic and anything below the roof deck
Tear off shakes decades of dust loose from the underside of the deck. Cover or move anything stored in the attic. In the house, take pictures and mirrors off walls on the top floor: the vibration from a tear off knocks them crooked and sometimes off.
Pets and people
Work usually starts early to stay ahead of the heat, and it is genuinely loud. Plan for pets to be somewhere else or well inside, and if anyone in the house works nights or naps in the day, tell us so we can talk through the schedule.
Yard, irrigation and landscaping
Point out anything fragile before day one: irrigation heads near the wall, delicate plantings, low hanging branches, outdoor lighting. We protect what we know about, and it is much easier to plan around than to repair.
Solar panels and rooftop equipment
If you have solar, tell us early. Panels usually have to be removed and reinstalled, which involves your solar provider and adds lead time to the schedule. Same for satellite dishes and any roof mounted equipment.
What we handle
Permits, the dumpster, material delivery, tear off and disposal, and a magnet sweep of the driveway and yard for nails at the end of the job. You do not arrange any of that, and cleanup is part of the work rather than an add on.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be home during the roof replacement?
Not usually. We need access to the exterior and sometimes the attic, and a way to reach you by phone. Many homeowners are at work for most of the job.
Can I stay in the house while the roof is replaced?
Yes, most people do. Expect noise, vibration and dust, starting early. If someone in the house is sensitive to that, or works nights, plan around the loudest days.
What happens if the crew finds damaged decking?
It is inspected once the roof is opened and any rotted or delaminated sheathing gets replaced. Your written scope includes a deck repair allowance so this is priced up front rather than becoming a surprise.
What about nails left in my yard?
A magnet sweep of the driveway, walkways and perimeter is part of the job. If you find anything we missed afterward, tell us and we will come back out.
Get a free roof inspection and written quote
No cost, no obligation. We will tell you plainly whether you need a repair, a replacement, or nothing at all yet.