Having to replace or repair the roof of the house can leave any homeowner overwhelmed. The cost involved and all the preparations required are bound to make many think that this is beyond their control. But the fact is that with a little preparedness, there is nothing that you cannot achieve when it comes to roof replacement or repair. To help you get started, here are some useful tips on every step of the process.

Get to know the terminologies of roofing
Before you get a contractor on board, you must ensure that you are well-versed with some basic terms related to roofing. Some these include:

• Shingles
  The top layer of the roof which is visible is known as shingles. These are most commonly made of asphalt.

• Decking
  This is a term used for the plywood foundation. It is the part to which shingles of the roof will be attached. It is also known as sheathing.

• Roof vents
  These are protruding surfaces on the roof that allow attic heat to escape.

• Underlay membrane
  This is the water-resistant barrier is found between shingles and the decking.

Remove things from the wall
One of the important tips to prepare for any kind of roof replacement or repair work is to take things off the wall. Any work on the roof can cause vibrations that travel across the home. If there is a roof installation taking place, the contractor might use the hand-nailing technique, which leads to pretty intense vibrations. They will not necessarily knock down something placed on the wall, but it is always better to be safe than sorry. Additionally, if there is something valuable hanging near the wall, you must make sure that it is also taken down before the roof work starts.

Know what to ask the contractor
To make sure that the roofing work goes on smoothly, you must ask certain questions to your contractor beforehand. These include:

• What all does the insurance cover?
• Whether or not the contractor is bonded and licensed?
• What warranties does the contractor provide on labor and material used?
• Who shall be getting the permits required for the job?
• Will there be any extended warranty?
• Is the contractor adhering to all the codes and regulations?
• What jobs has the contractor done previously in the area?

Turn the irrigation system off
If you have a lawn, you need to empty the area before the roofing job starts. All furniture and anything else that can lead to a blockage will have to be removed. Keeping the irrigation system off one or two days before the job starts is also advisable. If you let the grass remain wet, walking over it is bound to cause damage. Protecting your grass during roof replacement and repair is often overlooked. But it is one of the important things that you need to take care of to protect your home from damages.

Do a thorough inspection of the property
Before the roofing work starts, go around the property and do a thorough inspection. Check for any damages to the windows, light fixtures, etc. In case you notice any damages, click a picture before the roofing work starts. This way you would know about the preexisting damages. If any damage occurs after the roofing work, you would know that it has been caused due to the repairs. If a skilled contractor has been brought on board, they will do everything needed to protect your home. But, it is almost impossible to guarantee a complete lack of damages, and in case there is an issue, an inspection will help you resolve the issue with them.