Having a new roof installed on your home is an investment so you want to make sure that the roofing contractor you choose is a professional. Refer to my blog post on The Pros of Hiring an Expert Roofing Contractor for a wealth of tips and information on how to select the right company for your roofing project.
Once you have chosen a professional roofing contractor, there are a number of things you should do to prepare for your roofing installation which will make the process go smoother and more efficiently.
Several Weeks Prior to Installation
The contract you signed with the roofing installer will indicate when payments are due. Some contractors require a down payment at contract signing with the balance due upon completion; some require a down payment at contract signing with the balance due the first day of installation; and some contractors will require payment upon project completion.
If you are financing the project, make sure that the funds will be available as required and be sure to ask what form of payment the contractor will accept (cash, check or credit card payments) so that you will be prepared to remit the payment.
Most roof replacements don’t require a permit unless the work includes structural changes. You should ask your roofing contractor to check with your municipality to determine if a permit is required. If a permit is required, the municipality will periodically inspect the job. Permits generally take time to obtain, so it is advisable to work on obtaining the permit as early in the project as possible.
Several Days Prior to Installation
A bit of pre-planning can make the installation of a new roof go much smoother, with much less stress on the home’s occupants. Below is a list of activities that homeowners should consider tackling several days prior to the roof replacement.
• Determine whether you and your family should be home during the roof replacement. Noise and vibrations inside the home are major factors in this decision. If you work at home the noise will be noticeable and distracting, especially if you use the phone or are frequently on conference calls for your job. You may also want to make other arrangements if you have small children, as the noise can be startling for them and will definitely interrupt nap time.
• Determine whether you want your pets to remain in the home on installation day. Consider that in addition to the noise and commotion of having a work crew in your yard, if you have a dog you will have to take the dog out on a leash frequently while the crew is working on your home. Also remember to clear any pet waste prior to installation and while the roof is being installed.1
• Determine where a dumpster should best be located and make sure the company that delivers the dumpster has clear access to that area. Also make sure that your vehicles and other items (like bicycles and items you need from your garage) don’t become inaccessible because of the dumpster placement.
• Determine with your contractor where building materials will be stored prior to installation and make sure that the delivery company has unobstructed access to the site where the materials should be left. A crew will most likely arrive to place packages of shingles directly on the roof, using a boom truck or lift of some type. Make sure you know when they will be arriving and move any vehicles obstructing their access to your roof.
• Trim any branches that may be touching your roof.
• Have satellite dishes removed by the service provider, who will also reinstall the equipment after the roof is completed.2 If you own an antennae, remove it from your roof or ask your roofing contractor to do so.
• Mow your lawn. The roofers will take care not to drop nails and debris off the roof as much as possible, but there will be some debris that the contractor will need to clean up prior to completing the installation. It is much easier if the lawn is cut short and these items can be found easily. Many professional roofers will use a metal detector to collect nails and other metal scraps.
• Remove any patio furniture, outdoor decorations, barbeques, planters, etc., that might be adjacent to structures being roofed.
• Turn off your irrigation system several days before installation.3 Having a work crew walk on wet grass can damage the grass so it is best to let the soil dry out for several days prior to installation.
• Take items off the walls of your home. Walls can vibrate during the roofing process, so it is best to make sure that pictures and other items hanging on the walls of your home are taken down.
• Cover items if you have an open ceiling in your attic as there will be small wood splinters and other debris that will fall from the roof into the attic area.
Day of Installation
- Make sure to turn your home security system off so that vibrations from the roof installation do not trigger alarms on your security system.
- Unlock any locked gates so that the installation crew has access to the roof.
- Cover flowers and shrubbery if you desire.
New Roof Installation in Michigan
You want the best for your home especially when it comes to big investments such as a roof replacement or new roof installation. Go with an experienced roofing contractor and home improvement company like Excel Home Improvement in Romulus.
Our home improvement services are preferred throughout the area due to our quality work, materials, and efficiency. We have been replacing roofs, installing new siding and gutters as well as repairing soffits and trim since 1963! The arrival of Spring brings rain and unpredictable summer storms, so make sure your roof is intact.
Call to schedule a roof inspection and Free Estimate so we can get started on securing your roof for anything mother nature has in store.
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1 Roof Replacement Basics
Link: https://www.owenscorning.com/en-us/roofing/blog/what-to-expect
2 How to Prepare for a Roof Replacement: 10 Practical Tips, 4/3/2024
Link: https://roofadvisor.com/how-to-prepare-for-roof-replacement-ten-practical-tips/
3 How Do You Prepare for a Roof Replacement? (9 Simple Tips). 12/13/2023