Preparing for Your Roof Replacement: Essential Steps for a Smooth Project

Getting a new roof is an exciting home improvement, but proper preparation can help the process go as smoothly as possible. At Wabash Valley Exteriors, we want to ensure homeowners know what to expect before, during, and after their roofing project. Small steps, from parking arrangements to protecting your property, can make a big difference. Here’s what you need to know to prepare for the big day and minimize any inconvenience while our team works to upgrade your home.

Remember to keep your cars parked in the garage or on the street on the day of construction: If you need access to your vehicle, you may want to park on the street. Our debris trailers will most likely block the garage door.

Please move all contents at least 10 ft. from the perimeter of the home: Due to steep working conditions, debris may end up around the entire perimeter of your home. HomeGuard will be happy to assist in moving contents away from the home’s perimeter on the day of the project, but we cannot be held liable for broken or damaged property.

Please keep pets away from the construction site at all times: The construction process can often be too noisy for pets and debris around the property can create an unsafe environment. Most pets find it more comfortable at a neighbor or family member’s house.

Please keep children away from the perimeter of the construction site: As stated above, the site may often have nails and sharp debris around the home’s perimeter.

Please limit and avoid entering and exiting doors or walking around the perimeter while work is being performed: During construction, debris and nails will be dropped from the roof to the area surrounding your home. Entering and exiting should be avoided and caution taken in circumstances where it is necessary. Be mindful of the construction above and look overhead before reaching doorways or walkways. Nails will be on the ground during this time, so please watch where you walk.

Please notify your Project Manager of any known hazards: There may be conditions around your house that may create a hazard to our team. Please notify your project manager of any bee/wasp nests, soft surfaces, holes, overhead power lines or any other hazard that might cause injury or concern to our employees.

Remove fragile items from walls, shelves, and ceilings: The construction process can also cause light vibrations throughout the home. It’s nothing major but can sometimes be enough to shake pictures or even loosen light fixtures on the ceiling.

We will need access to at least one electrical outlet during the project: If you do not have an outlet on the exterior of your home, please advise your sales representative for further coordination.

In most cities, we will have to set a ladder for inspection: The city may require us to set ladders for the roof inspection. The ladder will be tied off to your gutter until the inspector makes it to the property to inspect the roof. We have no control over the inspection time frames.

Satellite D&R getting your provider to recalibrate: Our roofing installers may be able to recalibrate your satellite without the provider’s help. If we cannot help you regain signal, please call your provider and send us your bill for recalibration.

If there is no access to load roof material: (Low hanging power lines or truck belt cannot reach the roof.) Please get with your Project Manager and plan to stage material in a convenient area where you can still access your driveway if we have bad weather and fall behind schedule.

Please pick colors for all materials and sign for them once decided: Our process travels through many hands, so we need a firm decision once these colors are confirmed and signed to avoid ordering errors.

If you have an HOA: Please contact your HOA and get all materials and colors approved.

Nail Pops: In rare cases, heavy vibrations on the roof can sometimes cause nails to pop through the drywall on your ceiling. When the vibrations occur, the nails pop through the drywall, exposing the nail heads. This is caused by the installation method of the drywall & this is unavoidable by our roofing crews.

Cut Lawn: Cutting your lawn a day before roof installation will help our crews clean up those hard-to-find nails.

Start Times: Our Crews typically start work between 7:30 am-8:30 am & typically finish the same day; sometimes, in peak season, these times may vary. Your Project Manager will communicate any changes to the start time.

Inclement Weather: Inclement weather can cause us to reschedule your roofing project. Your Project Manager will communicate any changes if weather becomes an issue. Vent Debris: Sometimes when we tear off your roof, a small amount of debris could come through the vents in your ceiling. This is unavoidable by our roofing crews and requires minor cleanup.

If you have a Mortgage: Please contact your mortgage company immediately after your insurance adjuster approves roof replacement. This process can be very lengthy, so it’s important to understand their requirements to endorse the insurance checks.

Insurance claims: When dealing with insurance claims, patience is essential. Rushing through this process is never the answer. HomeGuard makes sure all trades are negotiated before any work is started, that way we can control the quality of installation, and materials being used before the production process begins. The negotiation process can take anywhere from 7-30 days, depending on the individual carrier’s availability. Prior negotiation also helps limit your risk should your policy not cover something.

At Wabash Valley Exteriors, we’re committed to making your roofing project as stress-free as possible. By following these preparation tips, you can help ensure a smooth and efficient installation while keeping your home and family safe. If you have any questions or concerns before or during the project, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Project Manager. We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to providing you with a high-quality roof that will protect your home for years to come.