Many homeowners approach a roof replacement with apprehension, and that’s understandable. A roof replacement is an important investment and a lot of work. Few homeowners understand how a roof replacement works, or what goes into the roof, so they may feel unprepared to make decisions and prepare. This guide will help you understand the roof replacement process so that you can feel more confident in your decisions and preparations.

Reviewing Your Estimates

As you’re narrowing down your choice of a roofer for your re-roof, each contractor you’re considering should offer you an estimate. You can learn a lot about the kind of roofer you’re dealing with by comparing what each one includes on the estimate and what they charge for it.

Your goal shouldn’t be to find the lowest estimate, because those roofers may be cutting corners, but to find the roofer whose estimate is complete and whose explanations of their work make the most sense to you.

Your roofing estimate should include information about:

  • Whether any decking will be replaced
  • What underlayment the roofer is going to use
  • What type of shingles or other roofing material your new roof will have
  • If your flashing will be replaced or reused
  • Any warranties you will get from the installation
  • The cost of materials and labor, plus any applicable charges or taxes

You might also want to ask your roofer about when they’ll be available to start the job and how long they think the replacement will take. Almost all roofs will take one day to replace.

Preparing Your Home

Before you get your roof replacement, there are a few things you can do to prepare your home, including:

  • Cut the grass: After the roofers are done tearing off your old roof, they will look through the grass for stray nails. It’ll be easier for them to find the nails if the grass is short.
  • Take down mirrors: Mirrors, paintings, and other sensitive decor may be jostled by the roofers walking around on the roof. Any décor on the walls, especially on the second floor, may be best placed on the ground for now.
  • Move your vehicles: Your roofer will want to bring in a dumpster to collect the old shingles they’re taking off your roof. You can save them some time by moving your vehicles out of the way ahead of time.
  • Protect your plants: Roofers will seek to protect your landscaping, but sometimes shingles do go flying. Place netting over flower beds and trees to help protect them from accidental damage.

The Day of the Replacement

Your roofing team should arrive promptly and explain their schedule to you. If they need anything, like access to the backyard to one of your outlets, they should let you know. Otherwise, you can just wait in the house (or somewhere else to avoid the noise). There will be loud banging, and perhaps music playing, throughout the day.

If you’re concerned about how things are going, you can always head out and ask a supervisor how the roof is coming. They should update you if they run into anything unexpected, and then let you know when the work is done.