How To Protect Your Home During A Roofing Replacement

Roofing Contractors in Napa, CA, Share Tips to Secure Your Home During a Roofing Project

Tips to Protect Your Home During a Roof Replacement

As a homeowner preparing for a new roof installation, you likely feel you’ve done the hard work – you’ve done your research and picked the right roofing company, chosen the perfect materials, and have the ideal timeline to get it all done. However, it isn’t as simple as removing old shingles and adding new ones. As a homeowner, part of your task is strategizing how to protect your home while the work is performed. This can mean covering things outside to avoid damage and knowing what questions to ask your roofing contractor to know everything is going as planned.

In this article, roofing experts share what homeowners should keep in mind as their roofing installation project is happening.

Being Home During a Roof Replacement

“Should I be home while my roof is being replaced?” For many homeowners, this will likely be the most critical question you’ll need to answer. While there are benefits to being home, like being accessible to your contractor if they have any questions and keeping an eye on the work, there are also concerns. For starters, when a roofing company works, debris and the work itself can pose a safety risk for you and your family. Similarly, there will likely be excess noise and vibration caused by the work, which can bother the people inside the home.

The bottom line is, whether you stay or not depends on your level of comfort with your contractor and your peace of mind.

However, if you do stay, be sure to establish clear communication with your roofing contractors. Before any work begins, discuss the project timeline, any potential disruptions it can cause inside your home, and safety precautions for your roofer and family.

Some easy questions you could ask include:

• How long is the roofing replacement going to take?
• Are there specific areas outside your home you should be avoiding?
• What precautions will the roofers take to contain any debris?

In most cases, a reliable roofing company will prioritize transparency and safety so that you can navigate these projects with minimal inconvenience.

Protecting Inside & Outside Your Home

Of course, whether you stay indoors or not, you can take precautions to protect your home during a roofing replacement. Here are some tips on areas you might want to secure inside and outside your home:

Areas of Concern Indoors

While most of the work happens outside during roofing repairs and installations, the vibrations caused by heavy machinery, materials, and even your roofers walking around can impact your home.

• Remove or Secure Wall Decor: As we mentioned, the vibration from hammering on your roof can shake walls, potentially causing artwork, mirrors, or even shelves to fall. Before work starts, remove and store any delicate items you wouldn’t want to break.
• Cover Furniture: Roofing work can generate dust, and small debris can find its way indoors or shake itself off the surfaces in your home. Protect furniture, electronics, and valuables by covering them with sheets or plastic tarps, particularly in attic spaces.
• Close Windows and Vents: Again, dust and debris can enter through any open windows and vents. Keep them closed during the project to prevent any unwanted messes inside.

Areas of Concern Outdoors

The outside areas of your home are the most at risk during a roofing replacement. Between the contractors removing old materials and heavy equipment coming in to handle roofing supply deliveries, you want to spend most of your time taking precautions outdoors.

• Move Vehicles Away from Work Areas: If available, park your car in the garage or away from your driveway to avoid accidental damage from falling debris and roofing materials. Not only will this protect your car, but it also gives your roofing crew space for their equipment and maneuvering.
• Protect Your Landscaping & Outdoor Furniture: Plants, garden beds, fruit trees, and patio furniture should all be covered with tarps to shield them from falling shingles or dust. Move what you can, particularly delicate potted plants or lawn decorations.
• Mark Off Sprinkler Heads & Fragile Fixtures: While there shouldn’t be any excavation happening, your sprinkler system, water features, and even outdoor lighting are still at risk from general foot traffic and workers. Be sure to mark the location of any sprinkler heads or delicate features so your contractor can avoid them.

Tips for Building the Perfect Plan

The reality is roofing replacement projects can make your home slightly chaotic for a short time. However, with some planning, you can make it easier on yourself and your family. Once you secure the indoor and outdoor suggestions mentioned above, take the time to work out a plan with your family if you plan on staying in the home when the work is done. Some things to focus on include:

• Establishing a Safe Zone: What areas are ok for people to enter and exit the home? Are there any times when there should be absolutely no foot traffic? Make sure everyone knows beforehand so you can plan appointments and visits accordingly.
• Make Arrangements for Your Pets: Loud noises can be stressful for pets. And the same goes for their bathroom habits. Consider keeping them in a quiet room, boarding them for the day, or taking them to a friend’s house while the work progresses.
• Prepare for the Unexpected: During a roofing installation, your roofer will assess the health of your home. They may spot undetected roof leaks or plywood decking damage that needs replacing before the new roof can be installed. Similarly, inclement weather can also halt progress.
• Understand Final Inspections: Just because your new roof is in place doesn’t mean the work is done. In many cases, final inspections and cleanups are still required. Be sure to check your yard and driveway for any nails or small debris that may have been left behind. The same goes for your gutters and any drainage.

The better your relationship with your roofing contractor, the more you can do to protect your home and have a seamless, stress-free experience. A new roof is a major investment, but when done correctly, it can add value and give your home an entirely refreshed look that will keep you satisfied for years to come.

About Modern Method Roofing

For over 60 years, Modern Method Roofing has provided Napa, CA, homeowners with top-quality service and care. Whether you’re going with a complete roofing replacement or simple repairs, you can count on their staff to offer transparent pricing and work while always prioritizing your safety and satisfaction. Call them today at (707) 255-8090 to schedule an appointment and get your next roofing project started!