10 Best Roof Replacement Tips to Prepare for Your Project

A roof replacement is one of the best investments you can make in your home. The average cost of a new roof is between $7,500 to $12,000 and will largely depend on the material you choose. For instance, there is a large difference between asphalt and metal roof costs; however, either one can increase your home’s value significantly. Realtors report that a new roof is one of the most sought-after items by home buyers. Once you decide to install a new roof, learn what to do to protect your home, family, and pets during the process. Make sure to follow these roof replacement tips to prepare for the project. 

1. Understand the Basic Parts of a Roof 

Anytime you take on a home improvement project, it is important to educate yourself on as much of the process as possible, even if you are not tackling the work yourself. Roof replacement is no different. Here are the basic parts of a roof, so you can ask the right questions and understand what your roofer is telling you about the project.

• Roof deck: The roof deck consists of the plywood sheets that are attached to the rafters and create the foundation of the roof. Shingles or other roofing materials are attached to the deck.

• Underlayment: This material is laid in between the roof deck and the roofing material to create a water-resistant barrier between the two. It can be made from treated felt or tar paper, but there are also more durable synthetic options.

• Roofing material: Roofing material refers to the shingles or sheets of roofing installed on the decking—the visible roof covering. Different types of roofing material include asphalt shingles, clay tiles, cedar shake, composite tiles, slate tiles, and metal roofing.

• Flashing: Flashing is installed where two sections on the roof meet and form a seam. Flashing seals the gap between these sections. It is typically installed where two different angles meet or at the base of the chimney or other penetrations.

• Roof vents and penetrations: Roof penetrations are installed in the roof deck and include vents to help with ventilation and possibly skylights.

• Square: A square is equal to 100 square feet and roofing material is typically measured in squares.

2. Ask Your Roofer the Right Questions Before Starting 

Before committing to a roofing company near you, it is important to ask the right questions so you understand the process and have an accurate estimate of the project cost. Talking to at least three roofers can help you compare prices and services to make sure you are getting a good deal and working with someone you are comfortable with. Here are a few questions to ask the roofer:

• Are you properly licensed and certified?

• Do you provide a written estimate of the roof replacement cost? How accurate do your estimates tend to be?

• Will your company be completing the work or do you hire subcontractors?

• Does this project require a building permit and, if so, do you pull it?

• How long will the project take?

• Where will you be parking your vehicles and storing materials and equipment?

• How do you protect my property from damage?

• Are there any additional repairs that will be on the final bill?

• When is payment due and do you offer payment plans?

• Will you be replacing the soffit and fascia material?

• Who will be my contact person throughout the job?

• Will you be adding any vents or other penetrations?

• Will you be removing the old roofing or laying the new roofing on top?

• Do you have any tips for how to get insurance to pay for roof replacement?

Asking these questions will give you a good idea of the cost and process of your roof replacement. As you move forward with the project, make sure to write down any additional questions you have—and do not hesitate to ask them.

3. Be a Good Neighbor

Roofers bring trucks, equipment, dirt, flying debris, contractors, and other workers to your neighborhood, so be courteous and let your neighbors know well in advance that you will be having your roof replaced. It is also a good idea to see if your city requires a permit to park large trucks on your street and to let your roofing contractor know about the rules.

4. Protect Treasures in Your Attic

If you store memorabilia or other valuables in your attic, make sure to cover them with tarps or sheets of plastic to protect them from the dust and dirt that could potentially rain down during roof dismantling and installation. Then, after the job is complete, get out your most powerful vacuum or rent a shop vac to suck up all of the debris. 

“Your contractor may also be able to do this,” said Eric Gonzalez, Expert Review Board Member and founder of Regions Commercial Roofing, Inc. “Reputable contractors usually go above and beyond to make sure your property is left in original condition or even better.”

5. Clear the Decks and Driveway

Move your patio furniture, grill, bicycles, swing sets, and other outdoor items out of the way of flying shingles and old tar paper before the work begins. If you have a pool, make sure it is completely covered. This is usually done with a tarp to keep it from filling up with dirt during the process. Move your cars out of the driveway to keep them from any damage.

6. Prune Trees Near Your Roof 

You want to make sure that your roof is as accessible as possible when the roofers arrive. This makes their job easier and potentially faster. If you have large trees hanging over the roof, it is a good idea to have them trimmed before construction begins. Get this scheduled as soon as possible, so you do not run into delays or have the tree trimmers and roofers there at the same time.

7. Locate Accessible Power Outlets

The roofing crew will likely need power for their tools and equipment, so locating and testing accessible power outlets and clearly marking them or showing the contractor where they are can help make their job a little easier. If you do not have an outdoor power outlet, you will need to open a window or leave a door open, so they can access an interior one.  

8. Take Everything Off Your Walls

Not only is roof replacement a loud process, but it can also be a little jarring. Your house may shake a bit during the job, and that means things can fall off the walls and break. Take down decorations to ensure that nothing of value is damaged, especially artwork and delicate decorative objects. Remove any flags, satellite dishes, antennae, or other items attached to your exterior walls.

9. Board Up the Windows

It is a good idea to put up temporary boards to protect your windows from breaking, getting scratched, or incurring other damage, either from falling objects or from vibrations caused by the banging and hammering. Usually your contractor can do this as well, if you ask them.

10. Keep Kids and Pets Away

Most roofing jobs can wrap up in a day, though larger jobs may take longer. It is a loud job with thumping, banging, and hammering; re-roofing can disturb children and pets. If possible, get your kids and furry friends out of the house for the duration of the project. You may need to be around to make sure everything goes smoothly, but worrying about disrupting your kids’ schedules or your pets running away will not help you get through the process.