How To Prepare for Your New Roof Installation

Replacing your home’s roof is one of the best investments you can make in your property. Not only do today’s roofing designs look beautiful, but they’re also designed to last for as long as you own your home.

As you prepare for your home roofing installation, there are several things you can do to ensure the job unfolds as smoothly as possible. Here are eight tips to keep in mind before the roofers arrive.

1.   Do Your Home Roofing Homework

Replacing a roof is a substantial investment. Once you’ve decided it’s time for a new roof, it’s important to select a home roofing contractor who will deliver exceptional work, high-quality materials, and unparalleled expertise.

According to Kurt Heckman of vCalc, a calculator site that allows homeowners to estimate the cost of construction projects, knowledge is valuable.

As you talk to prospective home roofing contractors and begin to gather quotes, Heckman says it’s a good idea to get a firm handle on the size and scope of your project. “You should know the size of your roof and have an idea of the amount of material you’ll need.” You can use a free roofing calculator to compute the roof’s surface area, the pitch of the roof, the number of rafters or trusses, and even the number of sheeting boards you’ll likely need for your project.

By having a clear idea of what to expect as you enter your roofing project, you’re less likely to underestimate the total cost of replacing your roof — something that can make the cost of a home remodel higher than you anticipated.

Once you have an estimated budget in place, working with an experienced home roofing company will help you stick to it. An experienced roofing contractor will spend just as much time planning your installation as they do installing the roof. At Nu Look Home Design, our home roofing experts use a 13-step production cycle on every job. We also assign both an in-office and on-site liaison to every project, so you always have a point of contact who can answer questions and provide guidance and peace of mind.

Before the first hammer flies on a roofing project, we know exactly how the job will unfold, step by step. This thorough planning allows us to complete most roofing projects in just one day.

2.   Make Sure the Home Roofing Company Has Access to Your Roof

It goes without saying that the roofers will need access to your roof to get the job done. While a professional home roofing company will work as neatly as possible, tearing off an old roof and installing a new one is a big project that takes up a lot of space around the perimeter of your home. To protect outdoor items from debris — and ensure the roofers can work as efficiently as possible — it’s important to clear driveways and sidewalks before the crew arrives.

If possible, move vehicles and other items away from your driveway. This ensures that your cars, children’s toys, and other items will be safely away from any falling debris or dust.

Similarly, if you have patio furniture, grills, or other items near the house, you should also consider moving them into the garage or covering them with a tarp or plastic sheeting while the work is performed.

3.   Clear Valuables From the Attic

Experienced roofers will work hard to minimize the dust and debris created during your roof’s installation, but there’s no getting around the fact that roofing is a messy, dusty job.

If you store heirlooms or valuable items in your attic, consider moving them to a safe spot until the job is complete. If certain items are too bulky or heavy to move, try covering them with drop cloths or a plastic sheet to protect them from dust and shingle debris.

4.   Make Arrangements for Children and Pets

If you have pets or young children, you might want to make arrangements for them to stay with a friend or relative while your new roof is being installed. The construction that takes place during a roof tear-off and installation can be noisy, which can disturb pets and small children.

Because construction equipment and materials can also pose a hazard to children, many parents choose to keep their kids indoors while the crew is on site.

5.   Be a Good Neighbor

Chances are, your neighbors will be nearly as excited as you are to see your home getting a brand new roof. Major exterior upgrades like a new roof boost your home’s value, as well as the value of properties around you.

Before the roofers get started, however, it’s a good idea to give your neighbors a heads up that you’re replacing your roof. This small courtesy can go a long way — especially if they have pets or children who might be disturbed by the noise and commotion that inevitably occurs during installation.

6.   Prep the Inside

Although experienced roofers do their best to keep dust and noise to a minimum during a new roof installation, any type of heavy construction on your home’s frame can cause strong vibrations that shift mirrors and photos on the walls.

To reduce the risk of a photo or mirror falling during installation, it’s best to temporarily remove any hanging frames or mirrors on your upper floor. You should also consider removing any glass sconces on light fixtures that are attached to the walls on your upper floor.

7.   Prep the Outside

Installing a new roof means nailing down thousands of shingles. As a homeowner, the last thing you want to experience is a flat tire caused by a roofing nail — or, even worse, stepping on a roofing nail in your bare feet.

Expert roofing contractors perform a thorough clean-up once a roofing installation is complete. This includes using powerful magnets and special rolling tools designed to pick up nails. Before your roofing installation, cut your grass to a short length, as nails can easily get missed when they fall into the long grass.

If you have a satellite on your roof, you should work with your cable provider to move it while your roof is being installed.

If you have flowerbeds or landscaping around your home, it’s a good idea to protect them from dust and debris by covering them with tarps or plastic. You should also remove any hanging plants while the new roof is being installed.

8.   Work With a Home Roofing Expert

One of the best ways to prepare for a new roof installation is to choose a professional roofing company with a track record of superior customer satisfaction. An expert home roofing company will ensure that your roof is installed properly and that any underlying damage is addressed and repaired.

Although installing a new roof is a major exterior home renovation, working with a knowledgeable contractor will make the process easy and hassle-free. At Nu Look Home Design, we are driven to make sure the homeowners we serve have the best experience possible.

Contact Nu Look To Start Working on Your New Roof Design

Are you ready to replace your home’s roof? Contact Nu Look Home Design today to schedule a free in-home consultation. Our experts will show you the latest roofing designs that can transform the look of your home, boost your property’s value, and protect your investment.