Scheduling a new roof for your Chattanooga home can feel exciting and a little stressful at the same time. You know you need the protection of a solid roof, but you also picture trucks in the driveway, shingles coming off the house, and nail guns overhead all day. It is a major project that happens right above everything and everyone you care about.
Once an installation date is on the calendar, questions usually follow. Do you need to empty the attic or just cover a few items? How loud will it be if you work from home? Will your landscaping, deck, or vehicles be safe? Clear answers about how to prepare your home for roof installation can turn nervous energy into a simple, manageable checklist.
At Lee Roofing, we have been roofing homes across Chattanooga and the Tennessee Valley for more than 25 years. As GAF Certified contractors and CertainTeed Select Shingle Master partners, we follow a proven process that includes walking homeowners through preparation before installation day. This guide shares the same practical steps and insider tips we give our own customers so you know exactly what to expect.
What to Expect During a Roof Installation in Chattanooga
For a typical single-family home in Chattanooga, crews usually arrive in the morning, with materials delivered shortly before or earlier that day. Many projects are completed in one day when roof size and weather allow. You can expect trucks, a dump trailer or dumpster, and activity around the entire perimeter of the house.
The first phase is tear-off. Old shingles and underlayment are removed section by section. During this time, you will hear scraping, thuds, and debris sliding into tarps and trailers. This is normal and necessary to expose the decking so the new roofing system has a solid foundation.
After tear-off and any required deck repairs, installation begins. Underlayment, flashing, and shingles or metal panels are installed, bringing steady hammering and nail-gun noise. Compressors will cycle on and off, and vibrations are common, especially in rooms directly below the roof.
The final phase is cleanup and inspection. Crews check the roof for missed areas, remove debris, and perform magnetic sweeps to pick up nails. With decades of experience across the Tennessee Valley, our process is designed to move efficiently without cutting corners, and a prepared property helps keep everything on schedule.
Preparing the Inside of Your Home
Interior preparation is often overlooked, but it is important. Roofing work creates vibrations that travel through framing and into walls and ceilings. While this is not harmful to the structure, it can knock loose lightweight or fragile items.
Secure or remove delicate wall decor, especially on upper floors and exterior walls. Picture frames, mirrors, decorative plates, and items on high shelves are the most at risk. Decorative ceiling-hung items such as plant hangers should be removed unless they are firmly anchored.
The attic also deserves attention. During tear-off, dust and small debris can filter down through nail holes. Cover stored items with plastic or old sheets, and clear a path to the attic access in case decking or ventilation needs inspection.
A quick walkthrough before installation day, removing anything that could rattle or fall, can prevent unnecessary damage and frustration.
Protecting Your Yard, Driveway, and Landscaping
Most of the visible activity happens outside, so preparation here is critical. During tear-off, materials naturally move toward roof edges. Gravity, wind, and roof slope all affect where debris lands.
Move vehicles out of the driveway and away from the house at least a day before installation. The driveway is typically needed for material delivery and a dumpster or trailer, and clearing it protects your vehicles from debris.
Look around the roofline and identify items that could be hit. Grills, patio furniture, umbrellas, potted plants, children’s playsets, and delicate landscaping should be moved or covered. While crews use tarps and protective measures, relocating fragile or high-value items adds an extra layer of protection.
Decks and patios should be cleared of cushions, rugs, and lightweight furniture. If you have a pool close to the house, ask about protection options during your pre-job walkthrough. As a licensed and insured Tennessee contractor with extensive local experience, we can offer guidance tailored to your property.
Planning for Noise, Pets, and Family Routines
Roof installation is loud. Nail guns, compressors, and constant movement on the roof create sustained noise throughout the day. Rooms directly under active work will feel the loudest.
If you work from home, consider relocating for the day or planning calls for quieter periods. Lower levels of the home are usually more tolerable, and we can often give you a rough idea of when certain areas will be busiest.
Pets are often sensitive to roofing noise. Set up a quiet, secure room away from exterior doors, or consider daycare or boarding if your pet is anxious. Dogs may bark or try to escape, and cats often seek new hiding places during installation.
Children should understand that the yard, driveway, and work areas are off limits. Plan naps or quiet time in rooms farthest from the roof and consider outings during the loudest phases. Our crews are used to working around families and can help you anticipate the most disruptive parts of the day.
Safety Steps Before the Crew Arrives
Safety is a shared responsibility. Before installation, walk your property with safety in mind and consider where ladders, cords, debris, and trailers will be placed.
Plan how children and pets will stay clear of work zones. Ladders, tools, bundles of shingles, and temporary debris will be present throughout the day. While we perform thorough cleanup and magnetic sweeps, nails may temporarily be in the grass during work.
Give nearby neighbors a heads-up, especially in cul-de-sacs or shared-drive communities. Letting them know about noise and temporary parking helps avoid tension and gives them time to move vehicles if needed.
Make sure gates function properly and any necessary access points are unlocked. Secure lightweight outdoor items that could blow into work areas. We will review key safety guidelines with you before starting so you know which paths are safe to use.
Weather and Insurance Claim Considerations
Chattanooga weather can change quickly. We schedule projects with local patterns in mind, but rain or storms may require rescheduling. If conditions are unsafe, we will communicate changes as early as possible.
If weather shifts during installation, our crews follow clear procedures to protect your home. Underlayment and temporary waterproofing are installed promptly, and emergency tarping is used if needed. We also provide free emergency tarping during community storm events because being “Here When You Need Us” matters.
Many roof replacements follow storm or hail damage and involve insurance claims. If that applies to you, our team can provide unbiased inspections and work directly with your insurance company, allowing you to focus on preparing your home rather than managing paperwork.
Your Roof Installation Day Checklist
- About a week before installation:
Confirm your date and access needs. Identify fragile interior items and outdoor belongings that need to be moved. Finalize insurance details if applicable. - The day before installation:
Move vehicles, clear patio furniture and potted plants, cover attic storage, remove delicate wall decor, and prepare a safe space for pets. Talk with children about work-zone boundaries. - Installation morning:
Ensure the driveway is clear, gates are unlocked, and last-minute items are moved. Plan your schedule around the noisiest parts of the day. - After completion:
Walk the property and contact us with any questions or concerns. We are happy to address anything you notice.
Get Ready for a Smooth Roof Installation
Preparing your home for roof installation does not have to be complicated. With a clear understanding of the process and a simple checklist, you can reduce stress and protect your home and family.
At Lee Roofing, our veteran-owned team has spent more than 25 years roofing homes across Chattanooga and the Tennessee Valley with precision and integrity. We guide you through preparation, complete many projects in as little as a day when conditions allow, and stand behind our work with strong manufacturer-backed warranties. If you are planning a new roof and want a clear plan for getting your home ready, contact us for a free estimate and personalized preparation walkthrough.
(423) 589-1792