So you’ve ordered your new roof and the day is fast approaching when the roofers will arrive with their tools in tow to cart away the remnants of your old worn-out roof and leave you with a brand spanking new one. Here’s what you can expect when they arrive.

First of all, roofing installation usually starts within 3 to 4 weeks after the contract is signed, and last 1 or 2 days. Of course, this varies depending on the size of the project, time of year, weather, schedules, and demand. If you are unsure as to when your project is scheduled to start, make sure you contact your roofing company well ahead of time to find out his proposed start date. Here at American Windows & Siding of VA, Inc., our clients always know well ahead when their project will start and finish, and what they can expect every step of the way.

Once the big day does arrive, here are some guidelines within which you should operate, no matter who your roofer is.

Do I Need to Be Present When My New Roof is Installed?

Every contractor works differently and communication is key to a successful project.  Make sure you know ahead of time whether or not your roofing contractor expects or requires you to be on the premises for the start, end, or duration of the installation. It is not uncommon for complete a roof replacement to be done while the homeowner is away. So just make sure that expectations are clear.

When Will the Roofers Arrive?

When the big day arrives, you can expect that the roofing contractor will arrive early in the day unless otherwise scheduled. There’s much work to be done to install a new roof and the hope is to finish in a single day … or two at the most … so an early start is usually imperative. So the first thing you can do to facilitate a successful installation is to be present, on-time, and available early in the day if your roofer expects your presence on the premises.

Do the Roofers Need to Enter My Home?

However, as the job is an exterior installation there should be no reason why the roofers need to enter your home. The general etiquette is that if the job is outside, the workers stay outside. Nevertheless, if you are inclined to offer the use of your bathroom, cool refreshment during hot summer months, or the use of your deck or patio for lunch, those would always be most welcome conveniences for the day or two they are there. However, such niceties are not part of your contract and certainly not required or expected by the roofing team.

How Can I Help to Make It a Success?

Honestly, the most important thing a homeowner can do to make a roof installation successful on the day of the job is to stay out of the way and be ready to pay the bill on time. These guys do this stuff everyday, and in the Fairfax to Springfield Northern Virginia area there is so much demand that most days the roofers will be working at a very fast clip.  They have a process and routine that they have down to a “T”.  The last thing they need is “help” to get their jobs done efficiently and properly. What they DO need is room to do their best work, time to clean up afterward, and then an expedient thank you (hopefully coupled with a check!) to send them on to their next job.

Here at American Windows & Siding of VA, Inc., we enjoy helping people.  If you have any questions about roofing contractors, roofing installation, or roofing companies … feel free to contact us and we’ll do our best to answer all your questions!