A new roof is one of the best investments you can make for your home. Whether you're replacing a worn-out roof or upgrading to a more durable material, roof installation is a significant project. But before the roofers arrive with tools and materials, it’s important to get your home ready for the process.
Preparation doesn’t just protect your property—it also ensures the installation goes smoothly and safely. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of how to prepare your home for a roof installation. We’ll also touch on important considerations like chimney care service, attic protection, and neighborly etiquette.
1. Understand the Roof Installation Timeline
Before doing anything, talk to your roofing contractor about the schedule and expected duration of the project. Most roof installations take 1–3 days, but complex projects may require longer. A clear timeline helps you plan around noise, parking, and access issues.
Ask your contractor for:
Start and end dates
Daily working hours
Specific areas where crews will need access (driveway, yard, attic, etc.)
Weather contingency plans
2. Clear Your Attic and Protect Items
Roof work involves a lot of movement, vibrations, and falling debris. If you have an attic space, this is your first line of defense for your home’s interior.
Steps to take:
Remove or cover stored items: Use plastic sheeting or old bed sheets to cover furniture, boxes, or keepsakes.
Vacuum afterward: Dust and small particles may fall through the roof decking during removal.
Inspect for leaks or damage: Roof installation is a great time to evaluate your attic and hire a chimney care service if you have a fireplace or chimney stack passing through the attic space.
3. Move Outdoor Furniture and Decorations
Your roofers will need clear access to your roof and the surrounding areas. They’ll use ladders, dumpsters, and tools that can damage your belongings if they’re in the way.
Prepare your yard by:
Moving patio furniture, grills, and potted plants at least 15 feet from your home’s perimeter.
Removing garden decorations, wind chimes, or fragile items.
Marking or removing sprinkler heads or yard lighting near walkways.
This also helps protect these items from falling shingles or debris.
4. Take Care of Trees and Landscaping
Overhanging branches or dense foliage near the roof can obstruct workers or cause accidental damage.
Here’s what to do:
Trim trees or bushes that may block access to your roofline.
Mow the lawn the day before—this makes it easier for roofers to find and clean up stray nails or debris after the installation.
Water plants thoroughly the day before if it’s hot—this keeps them hydrated in case you need to cover them for protection.
5. Cover Items in the Garage or Carport
If your garage is directly below the roof or your carport is open, roofing work can send dust, nails, or shingle fragments downward. Just like your attic, you’ll want to protect anything stored inside.
Cover tools, storage bins, bikes, or shelving with tarps.
Move your car to the street or a safe area away from the work zone.
Close garage doors tightly during the installation.
6. Prepare Your Family (and Pets!)
Roof installation isn’t just noisy—it can be a stressful experience if you’re not prepared.
For your family:
Let everyone know what to expect in terms of noise and safety.
Consider alternative arrangements for small children or those working from home.
Reschedule activities like naps, virtual meetings, or pet grooming if needed.
For pets:
Keep dogs or cats indoors and away from loud areas.
Play soft music or use white noise to minimize stress.
Walk your dogs before the crew arrives and keep them leashed during outdoor breaks.
7. Notify Your Neighbors
Give your neighbors a heads-up that roof work will be happening. This is a courtesy that goes a long way toward keeping good relationships.
Let them know:
The scheduled dates and times of work
That there may be noise or extra vehicles on the street
You appreciate their understanding and patience
8. Secure Loose Wall Hangings and Decor Inside
The pounding and movement on the roof can cause vibrations throughout the home—especially in upper-level rooms.
To avoid damage:
Remove or secure pictures, mirrors, and shelves on upper floors.
Take down hanging light fixtures or wall art that may fall.
If you have chandeliers or decorative ceiling fans, double-check that they’re tightly fastened.
9. Coordinate with a Chimney Care Service
If your home has a chimney, it’s a smart idea to schedule an inspection and cleaning before or shortly after the roof installation. Roof work may reveal issues like:
Cracked chimney crowns
Loose flashing (metal where chimney and roof meet)
Obstructed flues
Water leaks near the chimney base
A Chimney Care Service can help you:
Address potential problems early
Ensure your chimney is safe and up to code
Improve the energy efficiency of your home
If you’re already hiring roofing professionals, many work in coordination with chimney specialists—or they may recommend one.
10. Double-Check Access Points
Make sure the roofing crew has access to everything they need, including:
Driveway or curbside parking for dumpster or material drop-off
Side gates to backyard or roof access areas
Outdoor power outlets for tools and equipment
Keep in mind that during the job, it’s best to stay clear of the work zone for your safety and to allow roofers to work efficiently.
11. Ask About Cleanup and Final Walkthrough
Reputable roofers will include a cleanup process as part of their service, but it’s helpful to confirm in advance.
Ask about:
Magnetic sweepers for nails or fasteners in your lawn or driveway
Debris removal and whether they’ll haul away old shingles
Gutter cleaning if dust or particles fall inside during the job
Whether they’ll perform a final inspection and walk you through the results
12. After the Installation: Post-Project Tips
Once the job is complete, there are a few follow-up steps to ensure your home is fully back to normal:
Walk around your property to check for any missed debris or damage
Look in the attic for signs of water intrusion or debris
Make sure your HVAC vents, satellite dishes, or solar panels are functioning if affected
Contact your chimney care service for a follow-up inspection if roof work involved the chimney area
Also, ask for warranty paperwork, photos of the completed work (especially hidden areas), and maintenance tips for your new roof.
Final Thoughts
Preparing your home for a roof installation may feel overwhelming, but taking the right steps will help protect your property, reduce stress, and make the process smoother for everyone involved. From clearing the attic to coordinating with a chimney care service, a little planning goes a long way.
Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home—treating the installation process with care ensures it will protect your investment for years to come.
FAQs
Q1: Should I be home during the roof installation?
You don’t have to be home, but it’s a good idea to be available by phone in case the crew needs access to power outlets or encounters unexpected issues.
Q2: Can I stay in my house while the roof is being installed?
Yes, but expect noise and some vibration throughout the day. If you work from home or have pets and small kids, consider making alternate plans during work hours.
Q3: Why is chimney care service important during roof replacement?
Your chimney and roof work together to keep your home safe and dry. A chimney care service can inspect flashing, masonry, and venting to prevent future leaks or hazards after a new roof is installed.
