Getting ready for roof replacement day

A roof replacement is loud, dusty and fast. A little preparation makes it go smoothly.

The day before

• Clear the driveway for the dumpster and the material delivery. On narrow Trenton streets, ask whether the city requires a permit for a dumpster on the street.
• Move cars out of the garage and away from the house.
• Move outdoor furniture, grills and planters away from the walls.
• Take pictures and mirrors off top-floor walls. Hammering shakes the house.
• Cover attic belongings with old sheets. Old board decking lets dust and debris through.
• Tell your neighbors, especially on attached houses where the crew will work along the shared edge.

On the day

1. The crew sets up ladders, tarps over plantings and protection for windows and AC units.
2. The old roof comes off down to the deck. This is the loudest part.
3. The roofer checks the deck and replaces bad sections, with your written approval of any change.
4. Drip edge and eave membrane go on, then underlayment over the rest.
5. New flashing goes in at walls, chimneys, vents and skylights.
6. Shingles or membrane are installed, then the ridge or edge details.
7. Cleanup, including a magnetic sweep of the driveway and yard for nails.

Pets and kids. The tear-off is loud enough to upset pets and small children. Many families arrange for them to be elsewhere on the first morning.

After the crew leaves

• Walk the property with the crew lead and look for missed nails and debris.
• Check the attic after the next rain.
• Keep the contract, any permit or approval, and the product details together with your house records.
• Make the final payment only when the work is complete.