Having a new roof fitted is a major project and a little preparation goes a long way. While our roofing team will handle everything to do with the work itself, there are a number of practical steps you can take beforehand to help the job run smoothly, protect your belongings and reduce disruption to your daily routine. Whether it’s a pitched roof replacement or a flat roof being overhauled on a rear extension, the same principles apply. This guide covers everything you need to know before the team arrives.

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What Should You Do Before the Scaffolding Goes Up?

The first physical sign that your roof installation is beginning is usually the arrival of the scaffolding team. Before they arrive, there are a few things worth sorting out around the exterior of your property.

Start by clearing the area directly around the base of your home. Move garden furniture, plant pots, ornaments and any outdoor equipment away from the walls and perimeter. If you have a vehicle parked close to the house, it’s worth moving it to a safe distance to avoid any risk of dust or debris landing on it during the strip-out stage. Letting your immediate neighbours know that scaffolding is going up is also a considerate step, particularly if access to a shared driveway or path may be briefly affected.

Protecting the Interior of Your Home

Many homeowners don’t realise that a roof installation can create mild vibration and movement throughout the property, particularly during the stripping stage. While this is entirely normal, it’s worth taking a few precautions inside your home.

Remove or secure any fragile items from loft storage, as movement on the roof can dislodge things that aren’t properly packed away. Pictures and mirrors hanging on internal walls near the roofline are worth taking down temporarily as a precaution. If you have a loft conversion, speak to your roofing team beforehand so they’re aware of the layout and can take extra care in that area.

Area of the Home	What to Do Before Installation
Garden and driveway	Clear furniture, equipment and vehicles from the perimeter
Loft space	Remove fragile or unsecured items from storage
Internal walls	Take down pictures or mirrors close to the roofline
Pets	Keep pets calm and away from the work area
Neighbours	Give advance notice of the work and likely duration
Vehicles	Park away from the property during active work days
Outdoor plants	Move pots and planters away from the scaffold base

How to Prepare Your Loft for a Roof Installation

If your roofer needs access to the loft at any point during the project, whether for a structural inspection or to check for signs of moisture, it’s helpful to have the space reasonably accessible before work begins. Clear a path from the hatch to the main roof area if possible and ensure any lighting in the loft is working.

It’s also sensible to check the loft yourself before the project starts. Note the condition of the insulation, look for any existing signs of damp or daylight and take a few photographs. Having a baseline record before work begins means you have something to refer back to should any questions arise once the roof installation is complete.

What to Expect on Installation Day

On the first full day of work, the team will typically begin stripping the existing roof covering once scaffolding is confirmed as secure. This can be the noisiest part of the whole project, so it’s worth being prepared for some disruption during the morning in particular.

Your roofing team should let you know roughly what to expect each day as the project progresses. A good team will keep you updated on what they’ve found during the strip, particularly if any structural issues come to light that need to be discussed before the new roof is fitted. Being available to speak to the team during the working day, even briefly, makes communication much easier and helps avoid delays.

Managing Dust and Debris

Roofing work, like most construction activity, generates dust and debris. While your team will work to contain this as much as possible, there are steps you can take inside your home to minimise any impact.

If your loft hatch isn’t well sealed, placing a draught excluder or rolled-up towel against it during active work days can help prevent fine dust from filtering through. Covering any loft storage boxes or items you can’t move with dust sheets is also worthwhile. Outdoors, a reputable roofing team will use protective sheeting or a waste skip to manage the old roofing materials responsibly rather than leaving debris to build up around your property.