Getting a new roof is a significant investment that protects your home and boosts its value. If you’re in Raleigh, where unpredictable weather and seasonal storms can take a toll on roofs, proper preparation can make the installation process smoother and safer.
At Citadel Contracting, we’ve installed new roofs for homeowners across the city, from North Hills to Wakefield Plantation. We’ve learned that preparing for roof installation not only helps the roofing crew work efficiently but also safeguards your property during the process. Here’s a simple guide to help you get ready.
Clear the area around your home
Before the roofers arrive, it’s essential to create a safe, accessible workspace around your home. Roof installation requires tools, materials, and room for debris disposal.
What you can do:
- Move vehicles away from the driveway to give the crew space and prevent damage.
- Relocate patio furniture, grills, and potted plants.
- Trim tree branches hanging over the roof to prevent interference.
- Mark or cover delicate landscaping with tarps or cones to avoid damage.
We once worked on a home in Raleigh’s Brier Creek area where a homeowner forgot to move their car. A stray shingle cracked the windshield, creating an avoidable repair bill. A little preparation goes a long way.
Protect items inside your home
Roof installation involves hammering, drilling, and movement across the roof, which can cause vibrations inside the house. This might shift or dislodge items hanging on walls or stored in the attic.
Steps to protect your belongings:
- Remove pictures, mirrors, and decorations from walls.
- Secure fragile items on shelves, especially on the upper floors.
- Cover items in the attic with sheets or plastic to protect against falling dust or debris.
Raleigh homes with older plaster walls, like those in Historic Oakwood, are especially susceptible to cracks from vibrations. Taking a few minutes to secure fragile items can save you from unnecessary damage.
Communicate with your neighbors
Roof installation isn’t a quiet job. The noise, dust, and activity might catch your neighbors off guard if they aren’t informed in advance.
Tips for being a good neighbor:
- Let neighbors know when the work will start and how long it will last.
- Share any potential impacts, like blocked streets or noise during nap times.
- If you live in a neighborhood with an HOA, review any guidelines for roofing projects.
We recently completed a New Roof Installation in Raleigh’s Bedford community. The homeowner gave their neighbors a heads-up a week before the project, and the entire process went smoothly with no complaints
Secure pets and young children
Roof work can be noisy and unsettling for pets and young kids. The unfamiliar sounds, vibrations, and presence of strangers might cause stress or pose safety risks.
How to keep everyone safe:
- Keep pets in a secure, quiet room or take them to a friend’s house for the day.
- Explain the process to older kids and set clear boundaries about staying away from the work zone.
- Make sure outdoor pets have their enclosures relocated away from falling debris.
One of our clients near Umstead Park boarded their anxious dog during their roof installation. It turned out to be a great decision—the crew worked faster without interruptions, and the pup came home happy and relaxed.
Prepare your home’s exterior
Roof installation can create debris like old shingles, nails, and wood scraps. Taking steps to protect your home’s exterior can prevent damage and simplify cleanup.
Here’s what helps:
- Mow the lawn beforehand, making it easier to find stray nails with a magnetic sweeper.
- Cover pools, hot tubs, and delicate garden areas with tarps.
- Remove items like garden hoses, toys, and lawn ornaments from the perimeter.
In Raleigh’s Stonehenge neighborhood, we installed a roof for a homeowner who forgot to cover their koi pond. Dust and small debris ended up in the water, causing a headache that could have been avoided with a simple tarp.
Double-check your attic and ventilation
Roof work can stir up dust and debris in the attic. If your attic is used for storage, take a few minutes to protect your belongings and check the ventilation system.
Here’s what to do:
- Cover stored items with plastic sheets to protect them from dust.
- Clear a path for roofers if attic access is needed.
- Check ventilation systems to ensure they’re unobstructed before the new roof goes on.
Proper attic ventilation is crucial in Raleigh’s humid climate. Our New Roof Installation services include ventilation checks to improve airflow and reduce moisture buildup.
Review the roofing plan with your contractor
Good communication with your roofing contractor makes the process much smoother. Before work begins, review the plan together to avoid surprises.
Key topics to discuss:
- Start and end times for the project
- Material delivery and storage locations
- Safety precautions for your property and family
- Cleanup plans, including nail sweeping and debris removal
At Citadel Contracting, we always walk homeowners through the plan before installation day. A quick 15-minute chat can prevent confusion and ensure everyone’s on the same page.
Plan for noise and disruption
Roof installation is noisy, and there’s no way around it. The sound of hammering, drilling, and shingles being removed can be disruptive, especially if you work from home.
How to handle the noise:
- Plan errands or outings during peak work hours.
- Set up a temporary workspace in a quieter part of the house.
- Let your kids know about the noise so they aren’t startled.
We worked with a homeowner in Raleigh’s Falls River neighborhood who scheduled a family outing to the NC Museum of Natural Sciences on installation day. It turned an otherwise noisy day into a fun family memory.
Prepare for cleanup after the installation
Reputable roofing companies, like Citadel Contracting, handle the majority of the cleanup after a roof installation. However, there are a few steps you can take to make the process easier.
Tips for post-installation cleanup:
- Walk around the property to spot any leftover nails or debris.
- Inspect gutters for shingle granules or roofing materials.
- Check attic spaces for dust or debris that may have fallen.
Our team uses magnetic sweepers to pick up nails, but we always encourage homeowners to double-check. A simple sweep can prevent flat tires or injuries later.
Conclusion
Preparing for roof installation is a straightforward process when you know what to expect. By clearing the work area, protecting your belongings, and communicating with your contractor, you’ll help the job go smoothly and protect your property.
At Citadel Contracting, we’ve helped hundreds of Raleigh homeowners get ready for their new roofs. If you need expert guidance or are planning a New Roof Installation soon, we’re here to help. Call us today, and we’ll make sure you’re fully prepared for the big day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do inside my house before a roof installation?
Remove fragile items from walls, cover belongings in the attic, and secure loose items on shelves. The vibrations from roofing work can cause things to shift.
How long does a new roof installation take in Raleigh?
Most residential roof installations take 1–3 days, depending on the size of the roof and weather conditions.
Should I move my car before roof installation?
Yes. Park your car away from the driveway to protect it from falling debris and to give the roofing crew better access to your home.
How can I protect my landscaping during roof installation?
Cover flower beds and delicate plants with tarps and let your roofing contractor know about any areas you want them to be extra cautious around.
Is it safe to stay home during roof installation?
Yes, but be prepared for noise and potential disruptions. If you have pets or small children, consider making alternative plans for the day.
Why choose Citadel Contracting for new roof installations in Raleigh?
We combine local expertise, high-quality materials, and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Our New Roof Installation services ensure your home is protected and your experience is hassle-free.
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