One of the most common worries we hear from homeowners before a new roof goes on is simple: what is my yard going to look like when you are done? It is a fair question. A typical tear off produces a lot of old shingles, nails, and underlayment, and all of it has to go somewhere.
The trailer in this photo is one of the ways we answer that question. It is a LePierre Roofing debris trailer, parked right beside the house so old roofing material goes straight from the roof into the trailer instead of piling up on the lawn.
Why a Debris Trailer Instead of a Big Dumpster
Large roll off dumpsters work, but they are heavy and often have to sit on the driveway for days. On a lot of Nassau County properties, especially older homes in Fernandina Beach with tight lots, a smaller trailer is a better fit. It can be positioned close to the work area, moved when needed, and hauled away as soon as it is full.
- Less weight sitting on your driveway or lawn
- Shorter carry distance for old material, which means less dropped debris
- Easier to place on narrow or wooded lots
- Removed promptly so it is not sitting at your home longer than necessary
What Cleanup Looks Like Each Day
Debris control is not something we leave for the last hour of the job. Our crews clean as they go. At the end of each workday we pick up loose material around the house, check walkways and the driveway, and make sure nothing is left where kids or pets could step on it.
When the roof is finished, we do a final walk around the property and sweep the yard, driveway, and landscaping with a magnetic roller to pick up stray nails. Roofing nails are small and easy to miss, so we take this step seriously.
Protecting Landscaping and Outdoor Spaces
Before tear off starts, we look at what is close to the house: shrubs, flower beds, pool enclosures, AC units, and patio furniture. Depending on the home, we cover plants with tarps, shield windows and screens with plywood, and ask homeowners to move cars and outdoor items out of the work zone.
If you are planning a roof replacement, we will walk through these details with you before the job begins so you know exactly what to expect.
A Clean Job Is Part of a Good Job
A new roof should make your home look better, not leave you with a mess to deal with. Keeping the property clean is part of how we show respect for your home.
How to Prepare Your Yard Before We Arrive
A few simple steps on your end make the cleanup even more effective. None of these are required, but homeowners who take care of them usually find the whole process easier.
- Move cars out of the garage and driveway the night before so they are not in the drop zone
- Bring patio furniture, grills, planters, and yard decorations away from the house
- Take down wall hangings and fragile items on walls that share the roof framing, since vibration from tear off can loosen them
- Let us know about sprinkler heads, low lighting, septic lids, or anything else in the yard we should avoid
- Keep kids and pets inside or away from the work area during working hours
Where the Debris Goes
Once the trailer is full, it is hauled away and emptied at an approved disposal facility. You do not have to arrange anything or wait for a separate pickup. If a job needs more than one load, we swap trailers so the work keeps moving.
This is one reason we like having our own branded equipment on site. We control when it arrives, where it sits, and when it leaves, instead of waiting on a third party rental company.
Pool Areas and Screen Enclosures
Pool cages and screened lanais are common across Nassau County, and they are one of the areas we pay closest attention to. Falling debris can tear screens or land in the pool. We protect these areas before tear off begins and clear them carefully at the end of each day.
What About the Gutters?
Old shingle granules and small debris often end up in the gutters during a roof replacement. We clear them as part of cleanup. If your gutters are older or pulling away from the fascia, it can be a good time to replace them too. Our Gutter Division installs 6 inch seamless gutters and can coordinate the work with your new roof.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the trailer damage my lawn?
We place it to keep weight off soft areas whenever possible. On most properties the trailer leaves little or no mark. If your yard is soft from recent rain, we will talk with you about the best spot before we set up.
Do I need to be home during cleanup?
No. Many homeowners are at work during the job. We will walk the property with you at the end if you would like, or send you photos once the work is complete.
What if I find a nail after you leave?
Call us. We do our best to collect every nail, but if you find one later we want to know about it and will come back if needed.
Have questions about your roof? Call LePierre Roofing at (904) 277-3000 or request a free estimate and we will be glad to take a look.
