A professional roofing crew protects your property as carefully as they protect your roof. If they haven't thought about this, they haven't planned for problems.
What good property protection looks like
- Plywood or rubber matting over driveways where equipment or dumpsters will sit
- Tarps over landscaping adjacent to the home during tear-off
- Covers or plywood barriers around HVAC units
- Protection for gutters and downspouts during the installation process
- Daily debris removal — not a pile that sits for a week
Include it in the contract
The scope of work section of your contract should specifically mention property protection measures. Vague language like "we'll take care of your property" is unenforceable. Specific measures — "crew will tarp all landscaping within 8 feet of the structure" — are enforceable.
Document before work begins
Take photos of your driveway, landscaping, gutters, and exterior before the first crew member arrives. If damage occurs, you'll have a baseline for any dispute.
A contractor who seems annoyed by this question. Protecting your property is basic professionalism — not an unreasonable request.