How to Prepare For Roofing Services

The steps to readying your home, garden and family for your new roof

If you’re planning on getting a new roof installed, it’s important to be aware of what to expect during the process. While it can be an exciting experience for homeowners, it’s crucial to have expert knowledge and thorough preparations in place before beginning the roof installation.

Keep in mind that once the roof contractors start removing your old roof, your home will become a work zone. While we work very hard to ensure minimal inconvenience, it is important to be prepared for the potential noise and activity that may occur during the roof installation process.

At Starway Roof Systems, we know the importance of fast, efficient and professional roof installation. We want to make sure that your home is back in normal order as quickly as possible after providing roofing services. That’s why we prioritize providing our clients with the necessary information and resources to ensure a smooth roof installation or roof repair process. If you have any questions or concerns about your upcoming roof installation, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for more information or contact us for an estimate on your next home roofing or gutter repair project. In the meantime, take a look at our straightforward and simple steps towards being ready for your roof installation. 

Before We Begin Any Roofing Repairs or New Roof Installation

We care about your home, your valuables and your family. Before the roofing contractors arrive, it’s important to do some preparation work. This should be done a day or two ahead of time to ensure that everything is ready. Here are some steps you can take to prepare:

  • Clear out any items from the attic or cover them with tarps to protect them from construction debris.
  • Cover any plants near the exterior walls of your home with tarps to protect them from falling debris.
  • Cut your grass short to make it easier to find any nails or tools that may have been dropped during construction.
  • Remove any valuables, decorations, and fixtures that are not securely attached to the walls.
  • Move your vehicles to a safe location and secure any garage doors.
  • Keep children and pets away from the work area.
  • Remove any outdoor valuables such as landscaping lights or garden pots.
  • Make sure you have enough garbage containers placed as close to the house as possible.

By following these steps, you can help ensure that the roofing project runs smoothly and efficiently while keeping your pets and little ones safe. 

Getting Ready for A Full Roof Replacement

Before the roofing contractors arrive to replace your roof, it’s important to take some steps to prepare your home. Although the roofers won’t be inside your home, the process of installing a new roof can create vibrations that affect the entire building. Additionally, the process of replacing roof shingles involves a lot of nailing, which can be messy. 

A man working on a roof replacing the shingles with part of the roof already done

To prepare your home, consider doing the following:

Prepare for Materials Delivery

To prepare for the delivery of roofing materials, we want to know exactly what you expect and need. We can help make the roofing process as smooth as possible by understanding exactly where you would prefer to have the roofing materials placed. The delivery of supplies and use of dumpsters may create high traffic on your driveway, so it’s important to make sure the contractors have clear instructions about if and when you need to move vehicles and the timing of roofing materials delivery. You may also need to clear your driveway and remove your vehicles to ensure easy access to the perimeter of your home.

During the roof replacement project, the contractors will take care of setting up safety measures such as roof jacks with large boards, harnesses, and straps to prevent falling objects. They will also handle the disposal of debris and old roof shingles. It’s important to follow their instructions and stay out of the work area for your own safety.

Preparing Your Neighbors

It’s also a good idea to talk to your neighbors about the roof replacement project, especially those who live directly next to you. Let them know about any potential noise, disturbance, and the possibility of shingles or nails flying into their yard. If your neighbors are willing, you can also ask them to unlock their gates so that the roofing team can retrieve any stray shingles that may end up in their yard. Any reputable roofers and professional roofing contractors will be happy to ensure that your and your neighbors’ yards are clear of all debris. If their property is close to yours, they may also want to cover their plants, and the contractors may need to board up their windows. If you share a driveway, your neighbor may need to park their car on the street during the roof installation.

Preparing Your Garage

If your garage is attached to your house and the roof is being replaced, you’ll need to take extra steps to protect the items inside. Since many garages don’t have insulation, dust and shingle granules may fall through the roof and potentially scratch paint on your belongings. To protect your items, consider covering them with tarps. These may include car or motorcycle parts, collectibles, and tools.

An outdoor electrical outlet along a nicely landscaped path

Exterior Electrical Outlets

Before the roofing work begins, you should also check the electrical outlet outside your home to make sure it’s working. If it’s not, you may need to leave a door or window open near an outlet that the roofing contractors can access.

After The Roofing Project has Been Finished

After our team of roofing experts have finished replacing your roof, they will always clean up the work site and show you the new roof to make sure you’re satisfied with their workmanship. If you notice any issues after our team leaves, don’t hesitate to contact us to have it fixed. It’s possible that additional work may be needed due to changing weather conditions or other factors. Our team of professional roofers are committed to finishing the job perfectly, the first time. In the event that there is an issue of any kind we would be open and willing to fix any honest mistakes.At Starway, we proudly deliver exceptional service and timely solutions for all your roofing and gutter needs in the State College and Bellefonte, Pennsylvania area. We serve clients in Howard, Harrisburg, Lock Haven, Altoona, Williamsport, Sunbury, Saint Mary’s, Carlisle, Progress, and surrounding areas. Our team of trained roofing professionals is here to help you transform your home into the space of your dreams. If you’re in need of roofing updates, roof inspection, gutter inspection, roof estimates, gutter estimates or expert advice, don’t hesitate to give us a call.