The Strategic Defense: Protecting Your KC Property During Roofing
Ensuring your Mission Hills hydrangeas and Brookside driveways survive a 10,000-pound tear-off.
In the Kansas City metro, a roof replacement is often viewed through the lens of shingles and warranties. However, for a homeowner in the manicured neighborhoods of Fairway or the historic stretches of the Plaza, the real anxiety often lies at ground level. A standard 2,500-square-foot roof involves stripping away roughly five tons of asphalt, nails, and felt. Without a dedicated protection strategy, that debris doesn't just "fall"âit can devastate.
The "Catch-All" vs. Standard Tarps
Top-tier Kansas City contractors are increasingly moving away from traditional blue tarps. Tarps often trap heat, which can "cook" delicate foliage like Hostas or Peonies in the humid KC summer heat. Professional crews now frequently utilize the Catch-All systemâa breathable, mesh-based netting system available through local suppliers like ABC Supply Co. in Overland Park. This system leans against the siding at an angle, creating a slide for debris that allows plants to breathe while preventing direct impact.
The AC Unit Lean-To
In Kansas City, where a July roofing project can coincide with 95-degree days, your air conditioning unit is your homeâs most vulnerable expensive asset. Falling shingle granules can clog condenser fins, and a stray piece of decking can crush a fan motor.
Expert protection involves building a "lean-to" or "A-frame" using 7/16-inch OSB or plywood over the unit. Crucially, this must be done while allowing for airflow if the unit is running. If you live in a tighter lot in Waldo or Westport, where the AC unit might sit directly under the eaves, this step is non-negotiable.
The Driveway Dilemma
Standard KC driveways are often 4-inch thick concrete, which isn't designed to support the outriggers of a heavy "Equipter" or the weight of a fully loaded 30-yard dumpster. To prevent crackingâespecially in older Johnson County suburbsâcrews should use 2x10 wood planks or specialized "poly pads" under all dumpster wheels and stabilizer legs to distribute the weight.
Windows & Siding
Large picture windows, common in Leawood mid-century moderns, require vertical protection. This usually involves leaning sheets of plywood against the walls to create a "shingle shield." This doesn't just prevent glass breakage; it protects the vinyl or James Hardie siding from the abrasive "sandpaper effect" of sliding asphalt shingles.
Localized Environmental Costs
| Protection Item | Standard Practice | Premium "White Glove" |
|---|---|---|
| Landscaping | Basic blue tarps | Breathable mesh + shrub covers |
| Driveway | Direct dumpster placement | Wood planking / Surface shielding |
| Estimated Cost | Included in base labor | $450 - $900 additional |
A Note on Decking & Hardscapes
If your property includes a composite deck (like Trex) or expensive pavers in the Northland, protection is even more critical. Shingle scuffs on composite decking are permanent. Expect a quality contractor to use "Ram Board" or heavy-duty floor protection across these surfaces. In some cases, we even recommend moving all patio furniture to the garage or the furthest corner of the yard, as debris can bounce surprisingly far.
Homeowners should also verify that the contractor is familiar with local codes in municipalities like Overland Park or Olathe regarding the placement of dumpsters on public streets if the driveway is too fragile or steep to accommodate one.