What to Expect During Your Roof Installation

House with large roof

Roofing may not seem like the most exciting home improvement project but it’s one of the most important decisions you can make. A new roof enhances your home’s security by providing protection against the elements that lasts for decades on average, and immediately improves your home’s curb appeal. Having a new, durable roof over your head could even enhance your home’s energy efficiency and increase the value of your home. Knowing what to expect during your roof installation makes getting a new roof a smoother, more seamless experience.

The Expected Time Frame

The average roofing project has two basic stages: Planning and installation. The planning phase can last anywhere from one to four weeks, on average, depending on your local permitting process. Your roofing contractor will start by inspecting the roof you already have, which will provide a good idea of the scope of the project. Depending on the size and slope of the roof and the material you choose, installation typically takes an average of one to seven days. If your roofer finds problems along the way, such as pests, moisture damage, or code violations, the project could take longer.

How to Prepare the Outside of Your Home

In the days before your roofing project starts, your roofer might bring a dumpster to have on hand. It helps to prepare your yard, driveway and garage as soon as possible to give the roofing crew room for any materials they bring ahead of the start date. Within two days of getting started, prep the exterior of the home with these tips:

Make sure your vehicles are parked away from the driveway and garage to be clear of any debris or to prevent them from being blocked in.
Remove any toys from the yard and move outdoor furniture to a shed or garage to prevent damage from falling debris.
Clear any decorative items from your landscape, including wind chimes, water fountains, and bird feeders.
Cover your swimming pool and move satellite dishes.
Mark delicate plants and show them to your roofing team to make sure they are extra careful around them.
Remove your sprinkler system or mark the heads to prevent them from becoming a tripping hazard.
Trim the grass to make it easy for roofers to find debris.
Let your neighbors know you’re getting a new roof so they can prepare, if necessary.

How to Prepare the Inside of Your Home

Although the work is all being done on the outside of your home, the work done will create vibrations that could affect the structure of your home. Protect your valuables and any fragile items with these tips:

Remove anything of worth from the attic and store items on your ground floor until the roof work is finished.
Consider laying tarps in the attic to catch the dust that’s sure to collect as a result of all the nailing happening above.
Secure windows with wooden boards while the current roof is being removed.
Take wall decor, including artwork, loose shelves, and mirrors, down, especially on the top floor.

What to Expect During Installation

While the roofers are removing the old roof and installing the new one, you can expect a significant amount of noise. Not only should you plan to be away from the home or stay indoors yourself, but you should also have a plan for your children and pets. Keep them indoors, away from possible hazards like stray nails and falling debris. Even better, arrange to have your kids and pets stay with your parents or close friends to remove them from the disruption.

The experts at Carroll Bradford Roofing, Florida’s trusted roofing specialists, can answer all of your questions and provide a personalized plan for getting your new roof. Sign up here for your free roof inspection.

References:

https://www.bobvila.com/articles/new-roof-benefits/

https://www.iko.com/na/blog/how-to-prepare-for-a-roof-replacement/

https://modernize.com/home-ideas/46591/what-to-expect-during-your-roof-installation

https://www.owenscorning.com/roofing/tools/what-to-expect