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Trust Roofing Installation Standards

2.05 How to Prepare for Roof Tear Off

The pre-tearoff checklist. Protecting the property, staging materials, covering HVAC and landscaping, and setting the crew up for a clean, efficient job.

Roofing work involves working at height and requires proper safety equipment and training. The information in this course is intended for educational purposes. Homeowners should consult a licensed roofing professional before attempting roof repairs or modifications.

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Overview

How a crew prepares a property before tear-off begins determines whether the project runs smoothly or creates problems that are difficult to fix. Protecting landscaping, vehicles, HVAC equipment, and exterior finishes is a critical first step before a single shingle is removed. A client who comes home to damaged landscaping will not become a referral — regardless of how well the roof was installed.

Our Field Standards

Property protection before tear-off is required on every Trust Roofing project.

Field standards include:
* Tarps protect all landscaping, HVAC equipment, and exterior features before tear-off begins
* Client’s vehicles are confirmed moved before debris begins falling
* Pool equipment and outdoor furniture are covered or relocated
* Air conditioning units are protected from debris and granule contamination
* All protection is photographed before work begins
* Property is confirmed restored to original condition before closeout

Our Process

The Pre-Tear-Off Walkthrough

* Walk the full perimeter with the homeowner if present
* Identify all landscaped areas and trees within the debris fall zone
* Note HVAC units, pool equipment, and fragile exterior features
* Confirm all vehicles are moved before debris begins

Installing Debris Protection

* Tarps along all eaves and rake edges where debris will fall
* Over all landscaping within 10 feet of the home
* Over or around all HVAC units
* Pool areas covered or the pool system turned off during heavy debris removal

Restoring the Property

* Remove all tarps and protective materials after installation
* Inspect all protected areas for damage
* Confirm HVAC units are uncovered and functioning
* Return all outdoor furniture to original positions

Roofing Terms

Property Protection

The active steps taken before tear-off begins to protect the client’s landscaping, HVAC equipment, vehicles, pool systems, and exterior finishes from roofing debris and damage.

Tear-Off

The process of removing the existing roofing system, shingles, underlayment, and sometimes decking, before a new roof is installed.

Debris Fall Zone

The area extending 10 to 15 feet from the perimeter of the home where roofing materials will land during tear-off, must be protected with tarps before work begins.

HVAC Protection

The steps taken to prevent roofing debris and granule contamination from entering or damaging the home’s air conditioning unit during tear-off, a Trust Roofing field standard on every project.

Pre-Work Documentation

The photo record taken before tear-off begins showing the property condition, existing damage, and protection measures in place, uploaded to CompanyCam before work starts.

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