You’ve decided the time is right to replace your roof. You’ve budgeted. You’ve found the right contractor and you’ve scheduled the work. Now you’re in a period of nervous anticipation. Most homeowners will only have one roof replacement experience, and they typically aren’t sure what to expect. Is there anything you need to do to prepare?
Younger kids are usually intrigued by the process. Loud noises, lots of equipment, and plenty of excitement. Some kids will be scared of the noises, some will want to get close to the action. But obviously, you’ll want to keep kids away from the work zone. Talk to your kids about what to expect. If you think your kids will have a hard time dealing with the disruption, it may be a good idea to plan some visits with friends or family during the construction.
You’ll also want to make sure to keep any pets away from the action. Pets in the yard can be a distraction to the workers and dangerous for the pets. If your pets will become anxious with the disruption or will have a hard time staying inside, they also may benefit from a play date away from the action.
If you park your car outside, make sure that it’s a good distance away from the site. Your contractor will need access to their trucks, and you want to make sure your car is out of harm’s way. The safest place to keep your car during the process is in a closed garage, but if that isn’t an option, moving your car to the street will keep it out of the way.
Home roof replacement is a loud and intense process. Vibrations from hammers and machinery can travel through the walls and ceilings of your home. A good suggestion is to remove pictures from the walls, pack away any fragile items on shelves, and even take down any delicate light fixtures.
Installers will be walking on your roof and pounding it with hammers. It will be loud, and your attic will take the brunt of it. Dust and debris can fall in the attic spaces. If you use your attic for storage, you’ll want to make sure anything stored up there is protected. Cover your items with old sheets or drop cloths to keep the debris away. Afterward, you may need to vacuum to clean up any dust.
Patio furniture, grills, potted plants, outdoor toys, and anything else that can be moved should be moved before your home roof replacement begins. A shed or garage is the best place to keep these outdoor items out of the way. If you can’t move them to a shed or garage, move them to an edge of the property far away from the work zone.
Your home roof replacement team will work to make sure that your plants and grass are protected with drop cloths. But before your replacement begins, you’ll want to do some clean up. Trim any branches that hang low near your roof. Cut the grass the day before construction begins to make it easier to find any fallen debris.
Your satellite dish or antenna will need to be removed before any roofing work can begin. If it’s an old antenna that you aren’t using, many roofing companies will remove and dispose of it, but if you currently use a satellite dish, you’ll want to make sure that you make the right arrangements to get that out of the way before the roofers start their work.
Your home roof replacement crew will need access to outlets. Outdoor outlets are preferred, garage outlets are a good backup plan, and extension cords running from your interior are a last resort. Rather than scrambling for cords when the crew shows up, check your outdoor power situation so you can easily direct the crew to the right spots.
When it comes to preparing for your home roof replacement, talking to your contractor and taking these steps can make the process run smoothly. Communication is the best way to make sure everyone is on the same page, and know that any disruption is temporary, while a new roof will keep your family protected for a long time! If you’re ready to have a new roof installed on your home, contact All-Nu Construction today!