Roof replacement is a big job. How well it goes depends heavily on how well you prepare beforehand. Most homeowners spend all their energy picking the right contractor, then forget there’s work to do on their end before the crew shows up. There are a lot of pre-works, like clearing the outside, moving pets aside, reviewing insurance, etc.
Getting ready in advance protects your belongings, keeps the project moving, and saves you a lot of unnecessary stress. If you’re working with Galloway Roofing, they’ll tell you the same thing: a prepared home makes for a faster, smoother installation.
Here’s exactly what to do before the crew arrives.
Clear the Outside First
Move your vehicles out of the driveway. Roofing crews bring large trucks, trailers, and dumpsters; blocking the driveway slows everything down. Park elsewhere for the full day.
Pull outdoor furniture, potted plants, and décor at least 15 feet away from the house. Shingles and debris fall fast during a tear-off. Cover anything you can’t move, like grills, garden beds, and pool equipment, with tarps for extra protection.
Trim any branches hanging directly over the roof if you can safely reach them. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, overhead obstructions and falling debris are among the most common hazards during exterior home projects.
Protect What’s Inside
Roof work creates a surprising amount of vibration. Nail guns and hammering travel through the entire structure. On installation day, take wall-mounted pictures, mirrors, and shelves off the walls, especially upstairs. Pack fragile items in boxes and move them out of harm’s way.
Clear a path through your attic if possible. Roofers sometimes need access to inspect deck boards or nailing areas. Cover stored attic items with plastic sheeting so dust and debris don’t settle on them.
Move Pets and Kids Offsite
Don’t leave this for the morning of. Roof work starts early, often by 7 or 8 AM, and gets loud fast. Arrange for pets to stay with a neighbor, family member, or boarding facility for the day. Dogs especially can become stressed or agitated by the constant noise.
Keep young children offsite as well. An active roofing crew creates real safety risks for kids who wander outside out of curiosity.
Give the Crew Clear Access
Walk your property the day before. Check for locked gates, overgrown shrubs along the siding, or anything blocking side yard access. Clear it out. Your crew needs to move freely around the house to do the job right.
Also, stay reachable by phone during the job, even if you’re not home. Questions come up fast, and decisions sometimes need to be made on the spot.
Review Your Insurance Before Work Starts
Read your homeowner’s insurance policy before installation begins. Some policies require notification prior to a roof replacement, particularly for storm damage claims. Failing to follow those procedures can affect your eligibility later. You should confirm coverage details before any major exterior work starts.
Get your documentation in order, and ask your contractor what, if anything, they need to provide your insurer.
Key Takeaways
- Park vehicles away from the property and keep the driveway clear all day
- Move outdoor items 15 feet from the house and cover what you can’t move.
- Take down wall hangings and fragile items inside, especially upstairs and in the attic.
- Arrange for pets and kids to be offsite before the crew arrives.
- Clear access paths around the house and stay reachable by phone
- Review your homeowner’s insurance policy and confirm notification requirements ahead of time.
- Cover garden beds, pool equipment, and landscaping features with tarps for added protection.
