How to Prepare Your Home for a Visit from Roofing Contractors

Roofing projects can be daunting for homeowners, not just because of the work itself but also due to the potential disruptions to daily life. In 2022, residential roofing services contributed $10.36 billion to the total revenue generated by the roofing industry, highlighting the importance of proper preparation and professional services.

Whether you’re preparing for a minor repair or a full roof replacement, proper preparation can make all the difference. Being well-prepared ensures the project goes smoothly, protects your property from unnecessary damage, and minimizes disruptions for you and your family.

Here’s everything you need to do to prepare your home for a visit from roofing contractors in Poughkeepsie, NY, to ensure a successful and stress-free experience.

Prepare the Exterior of Your Home

To ensure that the roofing contractors can work efficiently and safely, it’s essential to prepare the exterior of your home by making a few key adjustments and taking protective measures.

1. Move Personal Vehicles

One of the first things you should do before the roofing contractors arrive is to clear your driveway. Roofing contractors need to park their vehicles as close to the work area as possible. This allows them to load and unload materials efficiently, reducing the time needed for the project. Additionally, parking close to the home minimizes the distance roofing contractors need to carry heavy materials.

• Where to Park: Move your personal vehicles to a safe location, such as the street or a neighbor’s driveway, where they won’t be in the way. This not only provides the contractors with the space they need but also protects your vehicles from potential damage, such as scratches or dents from falling debris.

• Additional Considerations: If you have multiple vehicles or a particularly long project, you may need to find alternate parking for an extended period. Communicate with your roofing contractors to understand the best place to park, and make arrangements ahead of time.2. Relocate and Store Outdoor Décor and Furniture

Roofing projects can create a significant amount of debris, including nails, shingles, and other materials that can fall from the roof. To prevent damage to your outdoor décor and furniture, it’s essential to move these items before the roofing contractors arrive.

• Types of Items to Move: Any outdoor furniture, grills, potted plants, lawn ornaments, or decorations should be relocated to a safe area, such as a garage or shed. These items are particularly vulnerable to damage from falling debris or being accidentally moved by workers.

• Temporary Storage Solutions: If you don’t have indoor storage space, consider covering your outdoor items with heavy-duty tarps or plastic sheeting. This provides some protection from debris and prevents dust and dirt from accumulating on your belongings.
• Plan Ahead: Depending on the size of your yard and the amount of outdoor furniture you have, it might take some time to move everything. Plan to do this the day before the roofing contractors arrive to avoid last-minute scrambling.

Prune Trees and Mow the Lawn

Landscaping can sometimes interfere with roofing projects, especially if you have trees with overhanging branches or tall shrubs near your home.

• Prune Trees: Overhanging branches can be an obstacle for roofing contractors, making it difficult for them to access certain parts of the roof. These branches can also pose a risk of falling during the project, which could damage your home or injure a worker. By pruning trees back before the contractors arrive, you make their job easier and safer.

• Mow the Lawn: A well-manicured lawn not only looks nice but also makes it easier for roofing contractors to move around your property. Short grass allows them to spot any debris that falls during the project, preventing damage to their equipment and making cleanup more efficient. Additionally, mowing the lawn reduces the risk of debris getting tangled in tall grass, which can be difficult to clean up.
• Remove Obstacles: In addition to trimming and mowing, clear your yard of any obstacles that could impede the roofing contractors. This includes toys, hoses, lawn equipment, and any other items that might be in the way.

4. Protect Windows and Doors

Roofing projects can generate a lot of dust, dirt, and small debris that can settle on or near your windows and doors. Protecting these areas of your home is an essential step in your preparation.

• Cover Windows: To protect your windows from dust and debris, consider covering them with tarps or plywood. This is especially important for windows directly under the roofline, where falling debris is most likely to accumulate. Covering your windows also prevents any scratches or damage that might occur during the project.

• Secure Doors: Similarly, your doors should be protected from debris. If your doors are near the work area, cover them with plywood or tarps to prevent them from being scratched or dented. You can also use weatherstripping or door sweeps to prevent dust from entering your home through gaps around the doors.
• Additional Precautions: If your home has skylights or other roof-mounted windows, be sure to mention these to your roofing contractors. They may need to take additional precautions to protect these features during the project.

5. Clear Access to Power Outlets

Roofing contractors often need access to power for their tools and equipment. Roofing tools like saws, drills, and nail guns often require electricity. If your roofing contractors don’t have easy access to power outlets, they may need to run long extension cords or rely on less efficient battery-powered tools.

• Prepare Outlets: Before the contractors arrive, make sure that all outdoor power outlets are accessible and in working order. If you have outlet covers or childproofing devices, consider removing them temporarily to make it easier for the contractors to plug in their equipment.
• Alternative Solutions: If your home doesn’t have outdoor power outlets, or if the outlets are inconveniently located, you can provide access to an indoor outlet via an extension cord. Just be sure to secure the cord and keep it out of high-traffic areas to prevent tripping hazards.

Prepare the Interior of Your Home

While much of the roofing work will take place outside, the interior of your home can also be affected by the project. Preparing the inside of your home is just as important as preparing the outside, especially if the project involves significant construction or demolition.

1. Secure the Level Below the Roof

The area directly below the roof is most susceptible to vibrations and movement during the roofing process. Whether this space is an attic, bedroom, or office, it’s essential to secure it before the roofing contractors begin their work.

• Clear the Area: If your attic or top floor is used for storage, consider moving any fragile or valuable items to a lower level of the house. This reduces the risk of damage from falling debris or vibrations that could knock items over.

• Secure the Space: If you have items that can’t be moved, such as heavy furniture or built-in shelving, take steps to secure them. Use furniture straps or brackets to anchor large items to the wall, preventing them from tipping over during the project.
• Protect the Floors: If the roofing project involves significant demolition, such as removing old shingles or tearing out damaged sections of the roof, it’s a good idea to protect the floors in the rooms directly below the work area. Lay down drop cloths or plastic sheeting to catch any debris that might fall through the ceiling.

2. Cover Belongings Underneath the Work Area

Roofing work can generate a lot of dust and debris, especially if old shingles are being removed or damaged sections of the roof are being replaced. To protect your belongings from this mess, it’s important to cover them before the work begins.

• What to Cover: Any furniture, electronics, or other valuable items in rooms directly under the roof work area should be covered. This includes beds, couches, tables, and shelves. Electronics, in particular, are vulnerable to dust, which can cause them to malfunction.

• How to Cover: Use drop cloths, plastic sheeting, or old blankets to cover your belongings. Make sure the coverings are secured so they don’t shift or blow away during the project. For added protection, consider taping the edges of the coverings to the floor or walls.

• Additional Precautions: In addition to covering large items, you might want to remove smaller items from the room altogether. This includes things like books, knick-knacks, and picture frames. Store these items in a closet or a room that isn’t affected by the roofing project.

3. Remove or Secure Wall Hangings

Vibrations from roofing work can cause items on your walls to shift or fall, leading to potential damage. Before the roofing contractors begin, it’s a good idea to remove or secure any wall hangings in rooms adjacent to the roof.

• Remove Fragile Items: If you have fragile items hanging on your walls, such as glass-framed pictures or mirrors, it’s best to remove them before the work begins. Store them in a safe place until the project is complete.

• Secure Remaining Items: For items that you choose to leave on the walls, make sure they are securely fastened. Use wall anchors or picture hooks rated for heavier loads to prevent them from falling. You might also consider using museum putty or other adhesive products to keep items from shifting during the project.
• Consider the Noise: Roofing projects can be noisy, and the vibrations can be felt throughout the house. If you have particularly sensitive items, such as musical instruments or delicate art pieces, consider moving them to a different location until the work is finished.

4. Prepare Pets and Family Members

Roofing projects can be noisy, chaotic, and stressful for both family members and pets. Preparing your household in advance can help minimize the disruption and keep everyone safe.

• Create a Safe Space for Pets: Pets can be particularly sensitive to the noise and activity of a roofing project. To keep them safe and calm, create a designated safe space for them in a quiet part of the house. This could be a room far from the work area or even a basement. Provide them with their favorite toys, bedding, and food to help them feel secure.

• Consider Pet Daycare: If your pets are particularly anxious, or if the project will be especially loud and disruptive, you might want to consider taking them to a pet daycare for the day. This keeps them away from the noise and ensures they are safe and well-cared for.

• Communicate with Family Members: Explain to your family what to expect during the roofing project, including the noise levels and any areas of the house that will be off-limits. Set expectations for how the household will function during the project and establish boundaries to keep everyone safe.
• Plan Activities Away from Home: If possible, plan activities away from home during the roofing project. This could include spending the day at a park, visiting friends or family, or going on a day trip. This not only reduces the stress of being in a noisy environment but also keeps your family safe while the work is being done.

How to Communicate with the Roofing Contractors

Effective communication with your roofing contractors is key to a smooth and successful project. With employment of roofers expected to grow by 2% from 2022 to 2032, ensuring clear and timely communication is even more crucial to keep your project on track.

Discuss the Work Plan

Before the roofing contractors begin their work, it’s essential to have a pre-work meeting to discuss the project plan. This is your opportunity to ask questions, express any concerns, and clarify expectations.

• Review the Scope of Work: Go over the details of the project with the roofing contractors, ensuring that you understand exactly what will be done. Ask about any potential challenges or areas of concern that might arise during the project.
• Set Expectations: Discuss your expectations for the project, including noise levels, working hours, and access to your property. If you have specific requests, such as limiting work to certain times of the day or avoiding certain areas of the property, make these clear to the contractors.
• Address Any Concerns: If you have concerns about the project, now is the time to address them. This could include questions about safety, the potential for damage to your property, or how the contractors will handle unexpected issues. Roofing contractors are experienced professionals, and they should be able to provide you with the information and reassurance you need.