There are situations where a repair just won't fix the problems with your roof. When a roof has reached the end of its life, or a storm has damaged it beyond repair, a replacement can feel like a stressful project. At Roof Experts, our office is in Arlington, and our team has worked with homeowners across Dallas-Fort Worth since 2017 on all kinds of roofing work, including roof replacement projects.
Getting a new roof can be a good experience. When the project is handled by the right team, it can be interesting to watch your old roof come off and a new system go on. But while the crew is there, your home is an active work area, with ladders, falling debris and nails, and that's a real risk for anyone who isn't paying attention.
To help homeowners get ready, we put together the steps that keep the process as stress-free as possible. Beyond staying aware of the work area, a little preparation goes a long way.
The noise from a roofing project can raise anxiety and disturb sleep, especially for people who work nights, young children and pets. Watching from a safe distance can be fun, but work areas are a real hazard for kids and pets. Talk with your children and explain which areas are off-limits until the project is over. In some cases, it's easier to have pets or young children spend the day with family or friends.
Know What Happens on Install Day
Knowing the order of the work makes the day less stressful. On a typical North Texas re-roof:
- The permit is pulled before work starts, in cities that require one. Our guide to roof permits in Arlington and Fort Worth explains how that works.
- Materials are delivered, often the day before, and a dumpster or trailer is placed for debris.
- The crew tears off the old roof down to the decking.
- The decking is checked, and any rotten or damaged boards are shown to you before they're replaced.
- Underlayment, flashing, vents and the new roof go on.
- The crew cleans up and runs magnets over the yard and driveway to pick up nails.
Plan Your Vehicle Parking
For a roof replacement, the crew needs good access to your driveway. Contractors need to reach their tools and materials throughout the day, and time spent walking back and forth makes the job take longer. They also need room for the dumpster or trailer that holds the debris, so easy access keeps the cleanup quick and safe.
Think about the safety of your own vehicles too. Plan parking in advance, and never leave a car near the edge of the roof where debris can fall. Park on the street or farther from the house instead. If you'll need your car during the day, move it out of the garage before the crew starts so it isn't blocked in.
Take Care Of Your Wall Decorations and Attic
Not many people think about what a roof replacement does inside the house. Vibrations from hammers and nail guns travel through the framing and walls, and deeper repairs make them stronger. Take down pictures, mirrors and shelves, especially on top-floor walls, to keep them safe.
Dust and bits of old roofing can also fall through gaps in the decking into the attic. If you store things up there, cover them with old sheets or plastic, or move them out until the job is done.
Move Grills And Patio Furniture To A Safe Place
Before the crew arrives, move grills, patio furniture, potted plants and yard decorations away from the house. That keeps them from being damaged or covered in dust and debris, and it gives the crew room to set ladders and work safely.
Trust Roof Experts for Your Roof Replacement
If you need your roof replaced by a team that will do the job safely and keep you informed along the way, call Roof Experts. We've served homeowners across DFW since 2017, our inspections are free, and our workmanship is backed by a 5-year labor warranty. If you're still deciding, our repair vs. replace guide can help. To ask a question or schedule an appointment, contact our team.