From Tear Off to Clean Up: What to Expect During a Roof Replacement
Most homeowners will not have to deal with more than one or two roof replacements in their lifetime, so when it’s time to schedule one for your home, you may not know what to expect or how to prepare. Do you have to be home during the process? How long will it take? How disruptive will it be? What do you need to do to prepare your home? Your roofing contractor will help you understand what to expect, but there are some common things you can do to prepare your home and family for a smooth process.
Planning: Finding Your Roofer and Signing the Contract
Finding your roofing contractor is the first step to a successful roof replacement. You’ve solicited recommendations from local friends, family, and neighbors, double-checked references and credentials, and met with several roofing contractors to get estimates.
During this process, you may have inspected your roof to assess its current condition and determined if any repairs need to be made. For the official roof inspection, your contractor will likely request to go into your attic to assess for any signs of damage, looking for water stains, mold, or wood rot.
Once you’ve chosen your contractor, you’ll have a thorough contract that lays out the payment schedule and everything included in your roof replacement. In most cases, a roof tear-off and replacement will require a dumpster, which your roofing contractor will arrange. The contract will include when you should expect to have the dumpster delivered and picked up, usually in the days just before and after the job. Although this usually goes smoothly, make sure you have indicated where the dumpster should go, so you aren’t surprised by a blocked driveway.
The Day Before: Preparing the Exterior of Your Home
Although the roofers will be focused on the areas immediately surrounding your home, you can make things easier for them and yourself by preparing the exterior of your home. The roofers will begin by laying tarps to protect your lawn from the shingles and nails. To help ensure this can be done easily, quickly sweep the area around your home the day before your roof replacement. Move patio furniture, grills, and outdoor toys that could be in the way. If you have a pool, keeping the cover on is a good idea to avoid any debris getting in. Cars should be kept in the garage if possible, but if not, should be moved out of the way to prevent potential damage and give the roofing crew room to work. The roofing crew will try to protect your lawn and garden beds, but if you have an area you are concerned about, let them know so they can use extra caution.
The Day Before: Preparing the Interior of Your Home
Unless repairs need to be done in your attic, all roof replacement work will occur outside your home. If there are interior issues, your contractor will discuss the plan for those separately. If your roof replacement is straightforward, there isn’t much you need to do inside your home to prepare. However, getting a new roof can be loud, and some work will be felt inside your home.
If you have fragile items on shelves, you may want to take them down for the day. It’s a low risk that the vibration from the work on the roof would shake them to the floor, but many homeowners would rather be safe than sorry. In addition, many homeowners take down wall art and photographs for the same reason.
It’s Replacement Day!
Should you stay or go? You are welcome to do either, and your roofing contractor will go through what you need to do if you decide to stay home or leave for the day. Roof replacement is a straightforward process, but it can be loud and disruptive. For this reason, many homeowners will choose to spend the day elsewhere, particularly with their pets and children who may be bothered by loud noises.
If you work remotely from a home office, you will want to relocate for the day. There is usually no need for anyone to stay home to oversee the process, as your roofing contractor will be there to manage everything, but many homeowners like to be present, and that’s fine as well. If you need to come and go during the day, make sure your car is in a spot where you can easily get out.
The Process
The replacement process has three basic stages:
- Preparation and Tear-Off
The roofing crew will lay tarps to catch the materials and protect your lawn. Once everything is prepared, the crew will remove all the existing roofing materials, including shingles, underlayment. Once the decking is exposed, a final inspection will occur, and any compromised sections of decking will be replaced.
- Installation
A moisture-resistant underlayer is the first to be installed, followed by a drip edge. This will protect your roof from any water damage. Flashing will then be installed around any chimneys, vents, and skylights to protect these vulnerable areas from leaks.
Once the first layers are prepared, the shingles will be installed in a pattern designed to divert water and provide full coverage. The shingles are securely nailed into place. Finally, the ridge caps and ventilation will be installed to achieve a polished finish.
- Clean up and Final Inspection
When the installation is finished, all debris will be cleaned up, making sure your property is safe. Although the tarps catch shingles and nails, most roofing crews will go around your home with metal rollers to catch stray nails. Everything will be loaded into the dumpster, and the tarps will be removed.
A roof replacement is a major project, but with the right contractor and a little preparation, it doesn’t have to be stressful. From the initial tear-off to the final cleanup, knowing what to expect each step of the way can help you feel confident and ready for the process. Whether you decide to stay home or spend the day elsewhere, your roofing team will handle the heavy lifting—literally and figuratively. At All-Nu Construction, we take pride in making your roof replacement as smooth, efficient, and worry-free as possible. Contact us today for an estimate on a new roof for your home.