You probably know what we’re about to say, so we won’t beat around the bush. Roofs simply aren’t made to last forever. And in Florida, our roofs are subject to everything from strong winds and heavy rain (hello, hurricanes) to salt spray, intense sun and heat, and so much more. All of these things create wear and tear on your roof. This means that at some point, a roof replacement is going to be in order.

Many homeowners, however, have no idea what to expect from the roof replacement process. No matter what kind of roof you have now, or you are getting, being in the know can make the entire process so much easier. That’s why we’ve created this article. Our team at 1st Coast Metal Roofing Supply wants to help you take a load off and simply enjoy your new roof once it’s installed.

Understand the Timeline for Your Roof Replacement

We live in a society that loves immediate gratification. Unfortunately, that’s not how roof replacements work. If you want the job done properly, it takes time. Be wary of contractors who promise to rush through your project. While a quick turnaround may sound appealing, cutting corners during installation can lead to costly problems down the road.

In most cases, a metal roof replacement takes between two and five days, depending on the roof’s size and complexity. Asphalt roof replacements are often completed a bit faster, typically within two to three days and sometimes less. Weather, permitting, and unexpected repairs can also affect the timeline. For this reason, be sure to discuss and align on expectations with your roofing contractor before work begins.

Prepare the Outside of Your Home

When your roofing contractor arrives on site, they’ll be ready to get to work. But, if your driveway is blocked or they can’t get up close to your house with their ladders, it’s going to slow down the process.

Here are a few things you can do before your contractor’s arrival to make things easier for everybody:

  • Move vehicles out of the driveway and away from the work area.
  • Remove patio furniture, grills, potted plants, and outdoor decorations near the house.
  • Trim back tree branches that may interfere with ladder placement or material delivery.
  • Mow the lawn before work begins to make cleanup easier.
  • Unlock gates if crews need access to the backyard.
  • Let your neighbors know about the upcoming project, as roofing work can be noisy.

Make Plans for Family Members of Pets

In most situations, you can continue to reside in your home like always. But, we’d be remiss if we didn’t tell you up front that the roofing process can be quite noisy. The constant sounds of footsteps, hammering, material movement, and equipment can be unsettling for some family members and pets.

Dogs, in particular, may become anxious and bark more than usual throughout the day. While your roofing crew is accustomed to some noise, your neighbors may not be thrilled by hours of extra barking. Consider keeping pets in a quieter part of the home or arranging for them to stay elsewhere during the project.

Families with infants or young children may also want to plan around nap times. And if you work from home, you may find it difficult to focus during installation. In that case, a coffee shop, coworking space, or local library might provide a more productive environment until the work is complete.

Know What to Expect After the Work is Completed

Most contractors will take time to clean up their workspaces after your roof replacement is complete. However, sometimes, things can get missed. And, roofing debris can be dangerous for small children and pets.

That’s why we recommend doing a walk of your property with the crew before they leave the job site. Assess not just the roof but also the area around the house to make sure the work has been completed to your satisfaction and that all debris is properly disposed of.

Finally, take a few minutes to review your warranty information and ask questions about ongoing maintenance requirements. This is particularly important if you’ve invested in a new metal roofing system. Understanding what is covered under warranty and how to properly care for your roof can help you protect that investment for many years to come.

Take the Guesswork Out of Your Roof Replacement

If your home needs a new metal roofing system, why leave the work to chance? At 1st Coast Metal Roofing Supply, we’re proud to be the highest-rated metal roofing supplier in Florida. This means that when you work with us, you’re guaranteed an amazing roof that you’ll love. And the roof replacement process? We make it easy and stress-free. Contact us today to learn more.