Roof replacement can be a big investment and it’s a great opportunity to add protection and efficiency to your home. During the process, it’s easy to start feeling overwhelmed once the big day finally arrives. Roof installation is a major project, and while Craig Roofing has you covered on the heavy lifting, there are a few steps you can take to make the process as smooth and safe as possible – before your roofing contractor even steps foot on your property.
Here’s a checklist to help you prepare your home for a new roof before your contractor arrives to help speed things along and create a smooth process!
1. Clear Your Driveway and Surrounding Areas
Roofers will need plenty of space to work. They also may have trucks, dumpsters and material deliveries. Moving your vehicles to the street not only protects them from falling debris, but also ensures that the roofing crew has enough space to work quickly and efficiently without interruptions. If you have neighbors, you may consider warning them so they can prepare for extra equipment or moved vehicles.
2. Protect Fragile Items Inside Your Home
Roof replacements may involve heavy equipment that can send vibrations throughout the structure of your home. Before the crew arrives, take a moment to remove any fragile items from the walls, like picture frames, lighting decorations, glass or mirrors, to prevent them from falling and breaking. If you have an attic, you may want to cover the items up there with tarps or towels to protect it from dust that may fall through.
3. Prepare Your Yard & Outdoor Spaces
Aside from the roof, a major hub your roofing crew might work around is the yard. You’ll want to move any outdoor furniture or potted plants away from the house. Consider mowing your lawn the day before the crew arrives. This makes nails or other small pieces of equipment more easily visible for cleaning up. If you have any delicate landscaping that you want to ensure stay protected, cover it or mark it off so the roofing crew is aware of the area and can carefully avoid that spot.
Tip: Many professional roofing contractors will cover the landscaping with tarps for you, just ask!
4. Beware of Kids & Pets
Roofing replacements can be noisy and dangerous – two things that can raise alarms when dealing with a home housing furry friends or children. Remind your children of basic safety protocols and consider keeping any pets indoors during the process. If you’re worried about barking or can’t keep them indoors, try to arrange for them to stay elsewhere during the roofing process.
5. Provide Access to Power Outlet
Many roofing tools require a power source. An accessible outdoor outlet helps keep the project moving quickly and without interruptions. Make sure there is at least one empty outlet outdoors. If you don’t have an outdoor outlet, consider purchasing a longer extension cord that can be plugged inside of the home and reach near the roof.
6. Secure Satellite Dishes
If you have a satellite dish or antenna on the roof, be sure to discuss this with your contractor ahead of time. Depending on the situation, they may be able to secure it safely and work around it. If not, they may suggest that it get temporarily removed and reinstalled once the roofing job is complete.
If you’re experiencing any stress in the days leading up to a roofing replacement, take a few moments out of your day to make sure your ducks are in a row. Not only do most of these steps take only a few moments, but they keep the roofing process moving smoothly, quickly, and safely. Here at Craig Roofing in Akron, Ohio, our top priority is not only to deliver a quality service, but to give each and every client peace of mind from start to finish. When you decide you’re ready to make the first step, contact us today to get your free estimate.