How to Prepare Your Home for a Roof Replacement

What to Expect

A roof replacement is a noisy, dusty, and disruptive job — but it is usually over in a few days, and a little preparation makes it much easier. The old roofing is removed, the deck is checked, new underlayment and roofing are installed, and waste is cleared away. During that time, there will be noise from hammering and machinery, vibrations through the house, dust in the attic, and workers, materials, and a waste container outside. Knowing what to expect, and preparing the inside and outside of the home in advance, helps the job go smoothly and protects your belongings.

This guide covers what to do before work starts, what to expect during the work, and what to check afterwards. For the cost factors and the questions to ask before you accept an estimate, see our guides to roof replacement cost factors and questions to ask before accepting an estimate.

Before Work Starts: Confirm the Details

Before the crew arrives, confirm the practical details with the roofing professional:

• Start date and expected duration. Ask when work will start, how long it is expected to take, and what happens if weather delays the work.
• Working hours. Ask what time the crew will arrive and finish each day, so you can plan around the noise.
• Access. Ask how the crew will access the property, where materials will be stored, and where the waste container will be placed.
• What is included. Confirm what is included in the estimate — tear-off, disposal, underlayment, flashing, ventilation, and any deck repair — and how extra work is priced if it is needed.
• Permits. Ask whether a permit is needed and who has arranged it.
• Contact person. Ask who will be on site supervising, and how you can reach them during the work.

Inside the Home: Protect Against Noise, Vibration, and Dust

A roof replacement creates vibration through the house, and that vibration can shake loose items on walls and shelves. Dust can also fall into the attic and, in some cases, into the top floor.

• [ ] Remove or secure wall decorations. Take down pictures, mirrors, and hanging decorations, especially on the top floor and on walls directly below the roof. Vibration can knock them off the wall.
• [ ] Secure shelves and loose items. Remove fragile items from shelves, especially on the top floor, and store them safely.
• [ ] Cover items in the attic. Dust and small debris can fall into the attic during a replacement. Cover stored items with dust sheets or plastic, or move valuable items out of the attic until the work is done.
• [ ] Cover items in the top-floor rooms. If you have items in rooms directly below the roof that could be damaged by dust, cover them.
• [ ] Plan for noise. The work will be noisy, especially during tear-off. If you work from home, plan to work elsewhere, or use noise-cancelling headphones. If you have young children, elderly family members, or anyone who is sensitive to noise, plan for them to be out of the house during the noisiest parts of the day if possible.
• [ ] Protect pets. Pets can be stressed by noise, strangers, and open doors. Keep pets indoors in a quiet room away from the work, or arrange for them to stay elsewhere during the day. Make sure pets cannot get out through a door left open by the crew.

Outside the Home: Clear Access and Protect the Garden

The area around the house will be busy with workers, materials, and falling debris. Preparing the outside helps the crew work efficiently and protects your property.

• [ ] Move cars away from the house. Park cars away from the house and out of the driveway if possible, so they are not hit by falling debris and so the crew has access for materials and the waste container.
• [ ] Clear the driveway and the area around the house. Remove patio furniture, potted plants, garden ornaments, and children's toys from around the house, especially near the walls where debris will fall.
• [ ] Protect plants and landscaping. Cover delicate plants near the house with a tarp or dust sheet, and ask the crew how they will protect landscaping. Some damage to plants near the house is possible, even with care.
• [ ] Mark anything fragile. If there are fragile items in the garden — for example, a pond, a greenhouse, or delicate planting — point them out to the crew before work starts.
• [ ] Keep children and pets away from the work area. The area around the house will have falling debris, nails, and heavy materials. Keep children and pets well away, and do not let them play near the house during the work.
• [ ] Tell your neighbours. Let neighbours know when the work will happen, so they are not surprised by the noise and the waste container. It is a courtesy that helps avoid complaints.

After the Work: What to Check

When the work is finished, do a careful check before making the final payment:

• [ ] Walk around the house. Look at the roof from the ground. Does it look even and complete? Are the ridge caps, flashing, and vents in place?
• [ ] Check the gutters. Are gutters clear of debris and nails, and are downspouts directing water away from the house?
• [ ] Check the garden and driveway. Is debris cleared away? Has a magnetic sweep been done for nails? Check the driveway, paths, and lawn for nails and debris.
• [ ] Check inside. Look at ceilings and upper walls for new stains or dust, and check the attic for debris or daylight through the roof.
• [ ] Check the paperwork. Ask for the warranty terms in writing, any manufacturer documentation, and receipts. Make sure you understand what is covered and for how long.
• [ ] Ask about maintenance. Ask the roofing professional what maintenance the new roof needs, and how often it should be checked. See our roof maintenance checklist for a routine to follow.

If you find anything wrong after the work, raise it with the roofing professional promptly, while the job is fresh. Do not make the final payment until you are satisfied that the work is complete and the site is clean.

A Short Preparation Checklist

• [ ] Confirm start date, duration, working hours, and access with the roofing professional
• [ ] Remove wall decorations and secure fragile items, especially on the top floor
• [ ] Cover or move items stored in the attic
• [ ] Move cars away from the house and clear the driveway
• [ ] Clear patio furniture, plants, and toys from around the house
• [ ] Protect delicate plants and mark fragile garden items
• [ ] Plan for noise, and arrange for pets and children to be away from the work area
• [ ] Tell your neighbours when the work will happen
• [ ] Make sure the crew knows how to reach you during the work

When you are ready to discuss your roof, call (334) 772-1151 to discuss your roofing needs and check service availability. For more on the decision itself, see our comparison of roof repair vs. replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions