If you’re scheduling a roof replacement, you may be wondering what you’re supposed to do on installation day. Do you need to take the day off work? Does someone need to be there to let the roofing crew in? Or can you leave while the work is being done?
In most cases, you do not need to be home while your roof is being replaced.
In fact, many homeowners choose to leave because a roof replacement can get pretty loud.
At Barringer Brothers Roofing, we want homeowners to know exactly what to expect before installation day. Here’s what you should know if you’re deciding whether to stay home during your roof replacement.
You Usually Don’t Need to Be Home
Most roof replacement work happens outside, so the crew typically doesn’t need access to the inside of your home.
You’re generally free to spend the day somewhere else while your new roof is installed.
Just make sure your contractor has a reliable way to contact you in case any questions come up during the project.
Roof Replacement Is Loud
If you’ve never been inside a home while the roof is being replaced, the noise can be surprising.
Between removing the old shingles, walking across the roof, and installing the new roofing system, you’ll hear plenty of banging and movement overhead.
If you work from home, have young children, or simply don’t want to listen to construction noise throughout the day, you may be more comfortable making plans to leave.
What About Pets?
Pets are another reason some homeowners choose not to stay home.
Dogs and cats may become nervous or stressed by unfamiliar people outside and loud noises coming from the roof. If your pet is easily startled, consider taking them somewhere quieter for the day or keeping them in a comfortable area away from as much of the noise as possible.
Move Your Vehicles Before the Crew Arrives
Even if you’re planning to stay home, it’s a good idea to move vehicles out of the driveway before work begins.
Roof replacement involves removing old shingles and other materials from your home. Keeping vehicles away from the immediate work area helps protect them and gives the crew room to safely work and manage materials.
It also makes sure you aren’t blocked in if you decide you need to leave later.
Prepare the Inside of Your Home
Roofing work creates vibrations throughout the house.
Before installation begins, take a quick look around your home for fragile or valuable items hanging on walls or sitting on shelves. Pictures, mirrors, decorations, and other loose items could potentially shift while crews are working overhead.
Removing anything you’re concerned about ahead of time is an easy precaution.
Make Sure Kids Know What’s Happening
If your children will be home during the roof replacement, make sure they understand that the yard and work areas are off-limits.
Roofing projects involve tools, ladders, materials, and debris, so children should remain safely inside and away from the crew’s work area until the project is complete and cleanup is finished.
Can You Come and Go During the Project?
Usually, but it’s best to minimize traffic around the work area.
If you know you’ll need your vehicle during the day, move it away from the driveway before the roofing crew begins. That way, you can come and go without interfering with the project or driving near roofing debris and equipment.
What If the Roofers Find a Problem?
This is one reason it’s important to remain reachable even if you aren’t home.
Once the old roofing materials are removed, your contractor may discover damaged decking or another issue that wasn’t visible during the initial inspection.
If something unexpected comes up, the roofing company may need to contact you before continuing with certain work.
You don’t need to stand outside watching the project—you just need to be available if an important decision needs to be made.
Staying Home vs. Leaving: Which Is Better?
There’s no requirement that you leave your home during a roof replacement.
If the noise doesn’t bother you and you’d rather stay home, that’s completely fine. If you’d prefer to spend the day somewhere quieter, that’s fine too.
The important thing is preparing your property before installation begins and making sure your roofing contractor can reach you throughout the project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Usually, no. Most homeowners don’t need to be present throughout the roof replacement as long as their contractor can reach them if necessary.
You can, but expect significant noise and vibration while the crew is working. If you have calls or meetings scheduled, you may prefer to work somewhere else for the day.
It depends on your pet. Roofing can be loud, so animals that are sensitive to noise may be more comfortable somewhere quieter during the project.
Most roof replacement work takes place outside. If interior access is needed for any reason, your roofing contractor should discuss that with you beforehand.
Yes. Moving vehicles away from the driveway gives the roofing crew room to work and helps protect your vehicle from debris and materials during the project.
Getting Ready for Your Roof Replacement
You don’t have to put your entire day on hold just because you’re getting a new roof. With a little preparation beforehand, you can stay home or leave while your roofing crew gets to work.
If you’re considering a roof replacement, Barringer Brothers Roofing can walk you through the entire process so you know what to expect before installation day.
Call Barringer Brothers Roofing at (618) 703-3036 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free estimate.
