While roofs are built strong enough to withstand a wide range of environmental factors, they do not last forever. When it comes time for a roof replacement, you want to make sure that you are prepared. What does a roof replacement entail, exactly? It is essentially a tear down of all roofing materials down to the deck. Once bare, new felt paper and shingles are installed. Roof replacement is different then reroofing, which is the process of layering a new set of shingles over an existing set.
Preparing For A Roof Replacement
If your home is soon undergoing a roof replacement, check out these tips to help ensure that the process goes smoothly.
1. Move Debris from Around Your Home
Patio furniture, kid toys, grills, and other items usually found scattered around your home should be moved before the contractors arrive. You want to make sure that the workers have plenty of space around the perimeter of the home to safely access your roof. Items left on the lawn pose a safety hazard and could potentially become damaged due to falling materials or tools. In addition to moving debris out of the yard, make sure that all sidewalks and driveways around the home are clear.
2. Park Vehicles on the Street
There are several reasons why parking your vehicles out on the street and away from the construction zone is important. First, you want to provide the contractors with adequate room in the driveway for their work vehicles and materials. Next, moving your cars will reduce the risk of vehicle damage during the roof replacement. Finally, you do not want to have to open and close your garage during the project. In fact, your garage should remain shut throughout the duration of the roof replacement to prevent dirt and dust from accumulating inside.
3. Protect Delicate Plants and Flowers
You have worked hard on your garden and landscape and do not want it damaged during a roof replacement. You can keep dust and debris off your plants and flowers by covering them with tarp during the day while the construction is active. Use orange tape to mark off any fragile or valuable trees that you are worried about becoming damaged and let the contractors know to take extra precautions around those areas. If you have sprinkler systems in your lawn, tip off the roofers so that they do not trip over them.
4. Remove Valuables from the Attic
When you work with qualified roofing contractors, you can rest assured that they will do everything in their power to keep the mess to a minimum. However, when undergoing a complete roof replacement there is a small risk of items in your attic become dirty or damaged. If you have special heirlooms, important pictures or documents, or other valuables in your attic, you may want to remove them before construction begins. As an alternative, you can cover the items in your attic with a drop cloth or plastic sheeting to keep dirt and dust off.
5. Cut Your Grass
The day before the contractors are due to show up to begin construction, give your grass a cut. Long grass is not only more difficult to walk through and transport materials through, but it also makes it more difficult to find construction debris like roofing nails. When the grass is short, it is easier to go through the lawn and pick up debris that could potentially cause injury if stepped on. You also do not want to hit metal nails or other materials with your lawn mower later on as this could damage your machinery.
6. Make a Plan for Kids and Pets
Roof replacement can be dangerous work and you do not want to put your children or pets in harm’s way. Make sure that you have a plan to keep your kids and pets indoors during active construction or schedule a day away at the zoo or park. Talk to your children about what they can expect during construction, such as strangers around the home and loud noises. If you suspect that the construction will cause your children or pets stress, consider asking a family member or friend to babysit or pet sit.
7. Provide an Electrical Source
The roof replacement contractors will likely need to use tools or machinery that requires electricity to operate. This can be difficult when there is not a direct source of electricity nearby. Make it easier for the contractors to complete your roof replacement by pointing out where the electrical outlets are located outside your home. If you do not have electrical outlets outside, you may need to run an extension cord from inside your home to a safe area outside. You can leave a window or door open to allow the contractors to use the electricity as needed.
8. Talk to Your Neighbors About the Upgrade
While you are not obligated to tell your neighbors that you are getting a new roof, it is neighborly to tell those living on either side of you about what they can expect. Roof replacement projects can be loud and there will likely be more traffic around your home than usual. There is also a possibility that nails and other debris could wind up in their yard. By letting your neighbors know ahead of time about your plans, you can help avoid any conflict and reduce the likelihood of damage to your neighbor’s property.
Learn More About Roof Replacement & How To Prepare
Experienced roofing contractors know how to avoid causing damage when replacing a homeowner’s roof. However, there is only so much roofers can do to keep the mess at bay. It is important for homeowners to take the necessary steps to prepare their home, yard, and family for roof construction. By preparing in the days or weeks prior to the project start day, you can have your home ready for when the contractors arrive. For more information about how to prepare for a roof replacement, contact Beyond Exteriors today.