Introduction
When it’s time for a new roof, many homeowners focus on the big decisions—materials, color, cost. But what happens between signing the contract and the first nail being driven? That’s where preparation comes in.
Roof replacements are large-scale construction projects that affect not just your house, but your daily routine. The more you prepare your home in advance, the smoother the installation process will go—for you, your family, and the roofing crew.
Use this step-by-step checklist to get your home and property ready before the crew arrives.
1. Move Vehicles and Clear Driveways
Your driveway and surrounding parking areas will likely serve as the staging zone for materials, equipment, and dumpsters. Make sure to:
- Park cars down the street or in a garage (if detached)
- Leave plenty of room for deliveries and crew vehicles
- Move bicycles, garbage bins, and trailers away from the house
This gives roofers easy access and helps prevent accidental damage to your personal property during roof replacements.
2. Remove Wall Decor and Fragile Items Inside
Hammering, walking, and material handling on the roof create vibrations that travel through the structure. These can cause wall decor to shift or fall.
Take a few minutes to remove or secure:
- Framed art and mirrors
- Hanging shelves or wall-mounted plants
- Delicate lighting fixtures
Also, consider securing items on high shelves or tall furniture that could topple if the vibrations are significant. It’s a small effort that helps avoid preventable damage during the project.
3. Protect Items in the Attic
If your attic is used for storage, chances are it will collect dust, debris, and possibly even stray nails during the removal of your old roof.
Before work begins:
- Cover items with tarps, old sheets, or plastic drop cloths
- Move valuable or sensitive items to a different part of the house if possible
- Ensure clear access to attic entry points in case the crew needs to inspect from below
You might not think of the attic as a construction zone, but during roof repairs or replacements, it definitely becomes one.
4. Trim Trees and Cut Back Landscaping
Branches that hang over or near your roof should be trimmed back to allow safe, easy access for the crew. This also prevents damage to limbs from falling debris.
If you have flowerbeds, shrubs, or decorative plants around the perimeter:
- Place covers over delicate plants
- Clearly mark garden borders if they’re not obvious
- Move potted plants and lawn décor away from work zones
Most roofing contractors try to avoid damaging landscaping, but giving them more room to work safely is always a smart idea.
5. Mow the Lawn Before Installation
Cutting your grass before the project begins might seem unnecessary—but it serves an important purpose. Shorter grass makes it much easier for the crew to find and clean up roofing nails and other debris that may fall during the project.
While most crews do a magnetic sweep after installation, this step helps ensure a thorough cleanup, reducing the chance of stray materials ending up in your lawn or driveway.
6. Notify Your Neighbors
While roofing work is temporary, it’s also loud and disruptive. As a courtesy, let your immediate neighbors know the following:
- When work is scheduled to begin and end
- Expected noise levels and activity
- Any traffic or parking implications
This is especially helpful if your neighbors have pets, small children, or specific scheduling needs. Good communication prevents misunderstandings and builds neighborly goodwill.
7. Make Arrangements for Children and Pets
The sounds of tearing shingles, hammering, and heavy equipment can be stressful for pets and young children. Depending on the size of your home and the layout, you might want to plan for:
- Keeping kids and pets in the quietest part of the home
- Sending pets to a friend or kennel for the day
- Scheduling errands or playdates for young children during peak work hours
Keeping pets safely indoors also ensures they don’t accidentally get in the way of the crew or encounter sharp objects.
8. Discuss Gutter Concerns Before Work Begins
If your gutters are nearing the end of their lifespan or showing signs of wear, it may make sense to replace them during the roofing project. Discussing gutter replacements during the planning phase can streamline your exterior upgrades.
Look out for:
- Gutters pulling away from the fascia
- Visible rust or holes
- Chronic overflow or drainage issues
Replacing the roof and gutters at the same time ensures proper water runoff alignment and reduces the risk of future damage to fascia boards and siding.
9. Prepare for Noise and Vibration
Roofing is inherently loud. Between the shingle removal, nailing, and material movement, you’ll hear activity throughout the day.
To manage this:
- Plan to be out of the house for a few hours if you’re sensitive to noise
- Schedule work or calls away from home if you work remotely
- Use noise-canceling headphones or background music as needed
While there’s no way to eliminate the noise, planning for it minimizes the disruption.
10. Ask About Cleanup Protocols
Before work starts, ask the contractor:
- How debris will be removed
- What protection will be placed around the home
- How nails and scraps will be collected
- If they’ll perform a final inspection and cleanup sweep
Reputable companies like Class Roofing typically perform a multi-point cleanup at the end of each day and after project completion—but it’s always worth confirming.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for a roof replacement in Newark is about more than choosing shingles—it’s about ensuring the entire process is safe, efficient, and minimally disruptive. A little planning on your part allows the crew to focus on delivering a high-quality installation without obstacles or delays.
By taking steps to protect your property, communicate with your household, and coordinate with your contractor, you’re setting the stage for a smoother experience and better results.
Companies like Class Roofing recommend this type of homeowner readiness to keep both sides of the project on track—from the first delivery to the final inspection.