You need to prepare your home before a roofing replacement project. Doing so helps prevent delays that could drive up the cost of your project.
Here are some tips to help you prepare your home for your roof installation.
Notify Your Neighbors About Your Project
Roofing can be noisy and messy and disrupt the routine of your neighbors. You don’t want your project to cause conflicts among you and your neighbors, so it’s a good idea to let them know about your roof replacement ahead of time. This way, they won’t be caught off guard. Also, think about the timing of your roof replacement. If possible, don’t have the workers come too early in the morning or keep them working too late.
Take Care of Items in Your Attic
While your contractor will take necessary measures to contain the debris and refuse materials during the installation, roofing jobs still involve a lot of mess and dust. Before your roofer arrives, make sure to place the valuables and breakables in your attic somewhere safe. You can protect heavy or massive items with plastic sheets for protection against debris.
Make Indoor Preparations
The process of removing old roofing materials and installing new ones can generate plenty of debris and a lot of noise. Strong vibrations may occur, causing the items on your walls to shake. Remove artwork, mirrors, picture frames and other decorative items on your walls before the construction begins. If possible, remove any fixtures attached to the walls on the upper floors of your home.
Don’t Forget About the Outdoors
After preparing your indoor spaces, it’s now time to take care of what’s outside. It’s inevitable for some refuse materials to end up in your lawn or front yard while your roofer is tearing off old shingles. A reliable roofing contractor will make sure your outdoor spaces are free from nails and other construction debris before leaving your home. They will do a cleanup involving magnets and special tools to remove any dangerous items.
You don’t want to accidentally step on nails or end up with a flat tire because of them. Cutting your grass short before your roof replacement can help ensure no debris is left behind after the cleanup. Your roofer may miss debris in overgrown areas.
You can protect your flowerbeds and the rest of your landscaping from debris with plastic covers or tarps. Before the roof installation, remove hanging plants because they can fall off due to vibrations from nailing new shingles. Then, your roofers should cover your windows with wooden boards for protection against fallen debris.
Consider Relocating Pets and Children
Construction areas are dangerous, especially for your kids and fur babies. The noise and strangers in your home can stress out your pets. In addition, refuse materials, roofing tools and other construction equipment are safety hazards for young children. If you have kids or pets at home, consider having them stay with friends or relatives for the duration of your project. Depending on how expansive your roof is, it could take a day or two to replace it.
If you have decided to keep your pets at home, be sure they stay indoors to avoid injuries from stepping on nails or debris. Keep them as comfortable as you can, or even bring them out for a walk before the construction starts. If your children are older, explain that they need to be cautious around debris and roofing equipment. Make sure they are wearing shoes at all times.
Park Your Cars at a Safe Location
The day before the visit of your roofing contractor, move your vehicles from your garage or driveway. If possible, park them on the street but not too close to your home. Shingle granules may end up on your car, which can cause scratches on the paint. For this reason, you should cover all fragile items with plastic sheets or tarps.
Make sure to move your cars the day or night before the project. It might be harder to relocate your vehicles in the morning because of material deliveries and the workers arriving. Your roofer will also use your yard for moving and disposing of materials. They will also place the disposal bins and their equipment outside.
Make Your Roof as Accessible as Possible
Good access is essential to successful roof replacement projects. Roofers must be able to access your roof from all sides of your home. Moving around the perimeter of your home would be difficult if there are obstructions. You should remove outdoor furniture, decor and even toys before workers arrive. Don’t forget to unlock the gates that they’ll be using as well.
Consider moving grills, patio furniture and other belongings to your shed or garage. You’ll also need to move garden items like bird feeders or baths, wind chiefs, plant pots and water fountains. To ensure they are protected, cover them with plastic sheets during the roof replacement process.
Get Outdoor Electrical Outlets Ready
Your contractor might have to use electrical equipment to complete your roof replacement. They might need to use your outdoor outlets. Make sure the ones you have are working if you have them. If you don’t have them, open a door or window close to an outlet that your contractor can access.
You can count on dependable roofers to leave your home spotless clean after your project. At Lask Exterior Solutions, LLC, you can trust us for all your residential roofing needs. Call us at (815) 396-8607 or fill out our contact form to get a free estimate. We work with clients in Rockford, IL, and nearby areas.