Planning your new roof
Charting your path to a worry-free new roof
Establish a plan for your new roof
Know your budget
A new roof can be expensive, and knowing your budget or financing options can help you choose the right roofer and products. Get a few quotes before making a decision and ask questions to understand the costs.
Find a contractor
Choose a contractor who is reputable and established. It’s a good idea to mention future home projects, since they may impact the overall job. For example, insulating an attic after a roof repair could interfere with the attic ventilation system, resulting in moisture problems.
Choose your shingles
Select your roofing shingle by considering its style, durability, cost and the climate where you live.
What Goes Into a Roof?
See everything that goes into the roof over your head. Spoiler alert: It's a lot more than shingles.
The GAF Lifetime Roofing System. Durable protection. Lasting beauty.
The GAF Lifetime Roofing System. Durable protection. Lasting beauty.
Protect your home and loved ones during the roof installation
Outside the home
- Clear patio furniture, grills and toys from your yard and sidewalks to protect them from falling debris.
- Move your cars out of the driveway and encourage visitors to park on the street.
- Cover your landscaping and flower beds with plastic or tarp.
Inside the home
- Re-locate valuable property or heirlooms from the attic — if they’re too big, consider tarping them.
- Remove mirrors and hanging frames from the walls of your top floor rooms, and secure shelves.
Home occupants
- Consider activities away from home during the day or two of roofing installation — roofing is loud work!
- The extra noise and disruption may disturb your pets. If possible, find another place for them to hang out during the installation.
Complete the Roofing Process
- Request a one-on-one discussion with your contractor - walk your home’s perimeter and get a full description of their work.
- Check landscaping, gutters, patios and the driveway for other debris—your contractor can help with clean up.
- Protect your new investment now and into the future by getting these documents in writing:
- A building permit
- A written work contract and proof that your roofing project will be covered under the contractor's insurance policy.
- A copy of your manufacturer warranty — be sure to review it before you have any future work done (even an inspection).
- If you have a satellite receiver on the roof, you may need to contact the provider for an appointment once the roof project is complete so they can recalibrate the dish. You may even want to contact them in advance to schedule, should there be long wait times.
Why choose GAF roofing for my home?
High-quality roofing systems, factory-certified independent roofers* and strong warranties for your peace of mind.
*Contractors enrolled in GAF certification programs are not employees or agents of GAF, and GAF does not control or otherwise supervise these independent businesses. Contractors may receive benefits, such as loyalty rewards points and discounts on marketing tools from GAF for participating in the program.
Find a contractor certified by GAF
At GAF, we evaluate thousands of roofers in the country and make sure they're insured and state licensed (where required) so they can offer our best warranties.