How to Prepare for a Roof Replacement

Your upcoming roof replacement can be pretty exciting, and planning for it can ensure you minimize stress throughout the process. Taking some precautions and getting your home and family ready for your roof installation can ensure things go smoothly. 

Read on to gain practical tips on how to get ready for your roof replacement. 

Tips on Preparing Your Exterior for Your Roof Replacement

1. Cut Your Grass and Have Trees Trimmed

Mow your grass as short as possible prior to your roof installation. This will help your contractor find any nails or debris that may have fallen in your yard during the removal of your current roof or installation of your new one. 

If there are trees with branches that brush up against your home, have them trimmed back professionally before your new roof is installed. This will ensure your roofing contractor can access your house easily and keep branches from brushing up against your new roof. 

2. Uncover Exterior Power Outlets 

Your roofing contractor will need access to electricity for the installation. It’s best to use an outlet located outside your house. Make sure exterior outlets are easily accessible by trimming back any bushes or shrubs that brush up against them. Let your roofer know where they are located. 

3. Clear Your Driveway of Vehicles and More

A dumpster will be dropped off in your driveway so your current roof can be easily disposed of. Roof materials will be delivered to the driveway as well. Prior to your roof replacement, move your vehicle down the street so you don’t need to get it out of the garage during your installation. Keep your driveway clear of any personal items and vehicles throughout the replacement process. 

4. Move Outdoor Furniture, Planters, and Toys Out of Sight

Preserve your lawn furniture, planters, and children’s toys by getting them out of your yard before your roof replacement. If they can be safely stowed, that will keep them in great condition while you get your new roof. If you don’t have space for them indoors, place them all in the far corner of your yard and cover them with a tarp. This will help protect them and keep them out of the way of the roofing crew. The installation team will appreciate your foresight, and it will help streamline their time as they organize workstations on your property. 

5. Have Your Satellite Dish Removed

If you have a satellite dish on your roof, contact your provider and have them remove it prior to your roof replacement. They will also need to reinstall it after your new roof is placed. This will ensure your satellite dish is well protected and handled appropriately. 

6. Cover Landscaping to Preserve It

Bushes, shrubs, and flowers that border your home can be harmed if shingles fall on them. Place netting or a tarp over them for their protection. Talk with your roofer before they begin to show them any areas you’ll need them to be more careful around to avoid damaging your landscaping. 

7. Mark Your Sprinklers to Avoid Accidents

If you have a sprinkler system, each sprinkler head should be marked so roofers don’t stumble over it. You’ll help them avoid tripping by marking anything that sticks out of the ground on your property. 

8. Unlock Your Gate

Make things easy on your roofing team by unlocking the gate to your property so they can get all the way around your exterior with ease. 

Tips on Getting Your Interior Ready for Your New Roof 

1. Remove Wall Décor

Vibrations are a typical part of the roof replacement process, particularly on the highest floor of your house. Safeguard your pictures, mirrors, framed photos, and fragile items by removing them from your walls prior to the installation of your new roof.  

2. Make Plans for Your Small Children and Pets

If you have young children or pets, plan ahead to have them out of the house during the bulk of your roof replacement. Avoid accidents and injuries by keeping them out of the construction zone as your current roof is removed and your new roof is installed. Even after your new roof installation is complete and your contractor has made their way around your yard to ensure there are no nails or debris left in your yard, it’s important to exercise caution in case a small nail was left behind. 

3. Remove Precious Items from Your Attic

If you have special items safely stored in your attic, remove them during the roof installation process. Another option is to place a tarp over anything stored in your attic to ensure

dirt or debris doesn’t land on it while your roof is being installed. 

4. Protect Your Garage Items

If the roof on your garage is being replaced, everything inside it needs extra protection such as a tarp. 

5. Call Your Neighbors

Roofing contractors often start their work early in the morning. It can be pretty noisy for the duration of your installation with the sound of many nails going into your roof shingles. Give your neighbors some notice that you have an upcoming roof replacement so they can prepare for any noise intrusion that may occur during that time. 

Expert Roofing Installation for Your Minnesota Home 

Is your current roof showing signs of aging like missing or curling shingles? Do you run for a bucket every time it rains? Are you aware there is mold growing or rotting wood in your attic? These are signs it’s time for a new roof. 

At Lutgen Companies, since 1983, we have provided over 10,000 Minnesota homeowners with low-maintenance, beautiful home renovations that give them long-lasting solutions to enjoy. Imagine the peace of mind you’ll have knowing premium roofing materials were installed by a reliable, experienced, local team. Learn more about how our exceptional roofing services can meet your needs and provide an excellent return on investment (ROI).