Why prep matters
Tear-off shakes the whole house. Dust and old granules can sift through small gaps in the deck into your attic. Nails and shingle pieces fall to the ground. Good prep protects your belongings and gives the crew room to work.
Most homes take one to three days once materials arrive. Our roof installation process page shows the full order. This guide covers what you do before the crew shows up.
One week before
- Confirm the date and the weather plan. Ask what happens if rain moves the start.
- Check the permit. Ask who pulls it and when. See our Michigan roofing code guide.
- Tell your neighbors. Dumpsters, trucks, and noise affect them too.
- Plan for pets and kids. Loud noise stresses animals. Arrange a quiet spot away from home if you can.
- Trim back tree limbs that block ladder or dumpster access.
The day before
Clear the driveway and yard
Move cars out of the driveway and off the street near the house. Crews need space for a dumpster and a material drop. Pull patio furniture, grills, and toys at least ten feet from the walls. Falling debris can hit anything near the foundation.
Cover or move garden beds
Plants near the foundation take hits from tear-off. Ask the crew about tarps over shrubs and beds. Move potted plants to a safe spot.
Protect the attic
Shaking and nail work loosen dust above your head. Cover stored items in the attic with plastic sheeting. Move anything fragile. Clear a path to the hatch so the crew can check the underside of the deck if needed.
Secure the inside of the house
Take down wall art, mirrors, and shelf items on the top floor. Vibration can shift them. Cover furniture under the roof with sheets. Close windows on the work side.
What to expect on install day
| Time | What happens | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Crew arrives, sets tarps, and starts tear-off | Meet the lead, confirm the plan, and keep pets inside |
| Midday | Crew inspects the deck and repairs bad boards | Approve any extra deck work in writing |
| Afternoon | Ice barrier, underlayment, and flashing go on | Stay clear of the work zone |
| Evening | Crew dries in the roof and sweeps with a magnet | Check the yard and driveway for stray nails |
Small roofs may finish shingles the same day. Larger roofs take two or three days.
Noise, dust, and working hours
Expect hammering, ladders, and truck traffic from early morning. Remote workers should plan for a quiet room or a day away. Check your city's noise rules if you have concerns. The City of Grand Rapids posts local rules for work hours and street use.
Decisions to settle before the crew arrives
- Shingle line and color. Read our post on shingle colors for older homes.
- Where the dumpster goes, and what protects the driveway under it.
- How the crew handles extra deck repair. See our post on the roof deck during tear-off.
- Who you call on site if a question comes up.
After the crew leaves
Walk the yard with the lead. Look at the gutters, flower beds, and driveway. Check that the crew swept with a magnet. Ask for photos of the finished roof and any deck repairs. Keep the final invoice and warranty papers in one folder. Our guide on roof warranties explains what to keep.
Ready to schedule?
We walk you through the plan before work starts, so install day holds no surprises. Book a free inspection to set your date.
Common questions
Do I need to be home during roof installation?
No. You can leave, but stay reachable by phone. Meet the lead on the first morning and walk the job on the last day.
Should I move my cars?
Yes. Park them off the driveway and away from the house. Dumpsters and falling debris need the space.
Will the roof job damage my landscaping?
Crews use tarps, but some risk remains close to the walls. Move potted plants and cover garden beds before the start.
What should I do about my attic?
Cover stored items with plastic and move fragile pieces. Dust can sift through small gaps in the deck during tear-off.