Time to replace your roof? It can be a pain, but it also comes with significant long-term benefits. Not only will a new roof installation protect your home from the elements. It can also improve your curb appeal, save you money on energy costs, and even increase your home’s value.
When you’re ready for a new roof, it’s important to hire a team of professionals to ensure the job is handled correctly, from the removal of your old roof right up to post-installation cleanup and the final inspection. That said, there are a few things you can do to prepare your home for a roof installation. Let’s have a look.
Preparing Your Yard
During the installation, roofers will be moving around your yard, and old shingles or nails may fall. A dumpster will need to be placed in your driveway or on the street for debris. Preparing your yard ahead of time helps protect your vehicles, lawn, and gardens—and ensures our team can work safely.
Clear Vehicles From the Driveway & Garage
Before the roofers arrive, park your cars on the street a safe distance away from your home. Try to do this the night before, as you may wake up to find yourself blocked in by a dumpster or roofing equipment.
Avoid putting your car in the garage, as it may not be protected from falling shingle granules. You may also find your vehicle trapped inside during the roof installation.
Clear Toys & Patio Furniture
Help prevent trips and accidents by clearing toys and patio furniture from your yard before the crew arrives. This way, they can get straight to work without delays.
Clear the Front Yard
Take a walk through your front yard and move anything that could be damaged or create a hazard for the roofers. Items include solar lights, lanterns, statues, stepping stones, potted plants, fountains, or bird baths. A dropped shingle could easily damage these items.
Mark or Protect Plants
Plants can be easily damaged by falling shingles, and some may be delicate or costly to replace. Mark valuable or vulnerable plants with orange tape so your roofers are aware, and cover flower beds or shrubs with tarps or netting for extra protection. Be sure to point out any especially fragile plants so the crew can avoid them.
Mark Sprinkler Heads & Other Obstacles
Do you have a sprinkler system that can’t be removed? Mark your sprinkler heads or any other stationary obstacles that a roofer could trip over. This will protect your property and your roofer from damage. While you’re at it, if you have a pond or water feature, be sure to mark these as well, particularly if they’re hidden or covered by foliage.
Mow Your Lawn
Short grass makes it much easier for our team to find leftover debris after a roof installation. Mowing your lawn before we arrive helps us to ensure we don’t leave anything behind and protects you from finding a discarded nail in your foot.
Unlock Your Gates
During the roof installation, roofers will need access to your yard, including the backyard. Make sure gates are unlocked and pets are kept safely inside to prevent escapes or injuries from falling shingles.
Check Your Outlets
We may need to use power equipment during the roof installation. Ensure we have access to a power outlet, and double-check that it is working properly.
Let Your Neighbours Know
While you’re outside getting your yard ready, take a moment to let your neighbours know about the roof installation. Warn them ahead of time about the noise, disturbance, and the risk of a shingle flying into their yard if the wind picks up. Ask them if they would be willing to unlock their gates as well, so the roofers can retrieve any stray shingles or debris that may blow in.
Preparing Your Home
While your roofers won’t need access to your home, there are still things you can do to prepare it for your roof installation.
Clear & Protect the Attic
If you’re storing fragile or sentimental items in the attic, you may want to relocate them while we install your roof. The attic will likely collect dust during the roof installation process, so consider laying tarps or painters’ drop sheets on the floor and over objects to make cleanup easier.
Protect the Garage
If you have an attached garage, your roofers will be installing a new roof on it as well. If your garage isn’t insulated, shingle granules can sneak in and potentially scratch paint or damage stored items. Protect them with tarps while we complete the roof installation.
Remove Wall Decor & Protect Fragile Items
Hammering vibrations can cause wall decorations—especially on the top floor—to shift or fall. Before installation, take down items like mirrors, pictures, or loose shelving, and move fragile pieces such as plates, glasses, or vases away from the walls to prevent damage.
Preparing Your Kids & Pets
A roof installation usually only takes a day, but the noise and activity can shake up your usual routine. Give your pets and kids a heads-up, and take a little time to prepare yourself too—everyone will adjust more easily with a bit of notice.
Keep Kids & Pets Inside
Keep children and pets safely indoors during your roof installation to protect them from falling debris. If loud noises make them anxious, consider arranging care elsewhere for the day or taking them out for a while. If you stay home, be ready to comfort your pets to help them feel more at ease. Keep in mind, if your children still nap, this quiet time may be disrupted.
After Your Roof Installation
Once your roof installation is complete, there’s one thing you’ll definitely want to take care of.
Inspect Your Roof
Once the installation is complete, your roofers will walk you through your new roof to make sure you’re completely satisfied with the work. Take a close look at the shingles, flashing, and overall finish. If you notice anything that doesn’t meet your expectations or seems off, don’t hesitate to point it out—your crew will address it promptly to ensure the job is done right.
Your Team for Professional Roof Installations
When it comes to your roof installation, get service and quality you can trust. A. Clark Roofing & Siding has been Calgary’s contractor of choice since 1953. With over 300,000 satisfied customers, we’ll get the job right the first time while protecting your home and its occupants.
Our quality workmanship and advanced techniques speak for themselves, and our commitment to your satisfaction is clear. A. Clark’s team has been recognized for its superior roofing expertise and use of high-quality materials. We offer industry-leading warranties to provide our customers with unmatched protection and peace of mind.
For a quality roof installation, contact A. Clark Roofing & Siding today.
