How to Best Prepare for Your Metal Roof Installation

Having a new metal roof installed should be an exciting time – you’re getting ready to enjoy all the benefits that come with a long-lasting, ultra-durable, amazingly strong roofing material that will serve you for decades. Here’s a checklist of things to help you prepare for your metal roof installation.

What your installer will handle

After the initial site assessment, choice of roofing style and material specifics, and getting the financials in order, your metal roof installer will see to several details before work begins:

• Give you a reminder call about a week before the start date
• Share a contingency plan for unexpected bad weather
• Arrange for a dumpster or recycling bin
• Set up outside electricity, if needed
• Inform the crew about what areas of the property to avoid and any gates that need to remain shut

What you should do prior to installation

• Know how many days and at what times of day workers expect to be at your property
• Make sure walkways, sidewalks and areas of the yard where work will take place are clear
• Remove vehicles, bikes and toys from the area(s) where work trucks will park
• Determine where on the property the crew will keep tools and equipment
• Remove potted plants or anything else connected to or hanging from the roof
• Lay a tarp or use boards to protect plants, flowers and shrubbery that are growing close to the house
• Let your neighbors know about the project and how long it is expected to take
• Determine how and when pets will be let outside if their presence in the yard could be problematic
• Decide if small children or pets should be taken away from the property during work periods

These are examples of things you can accomplish on your own. Remember to consult with your contractor for specific things he or she may need for you to do.

What you should expect during installation

• A lot of activity in the front and back areas of your property
• Period loud noises from people on the roof, equipment and materials
• Possible shaking of the house
• Items falling from the roof to the yard (make sure pets and children are safe from this)
• Your yard probably will be fairly messy with scraps of materials, and dumpsters may not be emptied and removed until the installation is complete
• More than the usual dust and dirt – if possible, keep screen doors and windows closed
• Pets, most likely dogs, may become excited by all the activity and bark or exhibit other behaviors

After your metal roof installation

When the job is finished, you should expect your contractor to:

• Use a magnet device to remove nails and other metal components from the yard and work area
• Pick up and remove all shingles, metal scraps and other debris
• Clean up any messes that the crew made inside the home (not including dust that entered the house through open windows or doors)
• Replacing pots, ornaments, outdoor furniture or other items that the team moved pre-installation
• Ensure the dumpster is removed on the date assigned
• Note: your contractor shouldn’t be responsible to replace anything that you moved prior to installation

Choosing a reputable, experienced metal roof installer will ensure that the installation process goes smoothly and according to schedule. Doing your part can make the installation easier on everyone.

If you’re considering a new metal roof, Advanced Aluminum of Lakeland, FL, can help you learn more about the advantages of this strong and beautiful roofing material. We produce top-line metal roofing used by leading contractors throughout the Lakeland region. Give us a call at (863) 648-5787.