How to Get Ready for a Roof Replacement in the Harrisburg Area

The week before

1Confirm the start date, the shingle line and color, and who your contact is on the job.
2Ask where the dumpster or trailer will go, and whether it needs a street permit from the borough or city.
3Tell your neighbors, especially on rowhouses and twins where the work reaches the shared edge.
4Make sure the crew can reach the electrical panel, outdoor outlets and the attic hatch.

Inside the house

Hammering and tear-off shake the whole frame. Things that hang on walls or sit on high shelves on the top floor can fall.

Take down pictures, mirrors and shelves on top-floor walls.
Cover belongings in the attic with old sheets or tarps; dust and debris fall through.
Move cars out of the garage and driveway.
Plan for pets and small children to be somewhere quieter.

Outside the house

Move patio furniture, grills and planters away from the walls.
Mark sprinkler heads, septic covers or anything the crew might drive over.
Cut the grass short the day before so dropped nails are easier to find.
Cover delicate plants near the house, or ask the crew to.

What happens on the day

1The crew protects the walls, windows and beds with tarps.
2The old roofing is torn off, one section at a time.
3The decking is checked and any soft boards are replaced.
4Drip edge, ice barrier and underlayment go down.
5New flashing, shingles, ridge vent and caps are installed.
6The crew cleans up and runs a magnet over the yard for nails.

Extra decking

Rotten decking cannot be fully seen until the old roof is off. Agree in writing ahead of time how the roofer will tell you about it and get your approval.

Weather and timing

Central Pennsylvania summers bring afternoon thunderstorms, and winter days are short. A careful crew only opens as much roof as it can close up before rain or dark. Many single- family roofs are finished in one or two days; larger or steeper roofs and slate tear-offs take longer.

Before the crew leaves

Walk the yard, driveway and beds for nails and debris.
Look at the roof from the street for even lines and finished ridges.
Check the attic for daylight or anything that fell through.
Ask for paperwork on the shingles and any permit inspection that is still needed.

Questions

+Do I need to be home during the replacement?

Not usually, but someone should be reachable by phone in case the crew finds damaged decking or has a question. Many homeowners stay home for the first morning and the final walk-around.

+Will the noise bother my neighbors?

Yes, for a day or two. A short note to the neighbors ahead of time helps, and on shared roofs it is essential.

+What if it rains in the middle of the job?

A crew should watch the forecast and keep any open section covered. Ask how they protect the house if weather turns while the roof is partly off.

Getting ready for roof replacement day