There are many different steps you can take to help prepare for your new roof installation. These steps will help your installers, and also protect you and your home in the meantime.
Stay Home or Relocate?
Roofing installations should ideally take 2 days. The specific details of your replacement will decide whether or not you stay home or relocate during the project. If your roof is undergoing a standard replacement, it should be easy enough to stay in your home.
However, if your roof is undergoing a more extensive replacement- like replacing OSB or other structural components of your roof- you may decide you’d like to spend the next few days elsewhere. Whatever the case, be aware of your options from the get-go.
Cover or Move Items in Your attic
After tearing off an old roof the attic can become exposed. The extent of exposure depends on your roofing structure. You should take precautions to cover anything valuable in your attic so it isn’t affected by debris or moisture. Vibrations that occur during your roof replacement can also knock things over; so please safely store and cover your items.
Secure Hanging or Shelved Items
During your roofing project, you can expect vibrations to be present from start to finish. Inside, this may mean removing hanging items from your walls or securing any valuable items sitting on mantels or shelves. The last thing we want is for grandma’s ashes to go cliff jumping.
Where to Park
First off, talk with your contractor about where they can park their dumpster and materials. Choose a spot that is central to the project and easy for you to navigate around. It may take up to a week for the dumpster to be removed after your project is finished. With this in mind, don’t have it placed somewhere that is going to limit you too much.
Next, you probably don’t want to park in your driveway. You could get away with it, although, we don’t advise it. Parking in your driveway puts your vehicle at risk of damage due to flying debris, or a flat tire from driving over nails. We suggest parking your car on the side of the road if you are able. Once your driveway is safe to park in again, your project manager can notify you.
Move Obstructions
To protect your home, roofers put up tarps to catch flying debris and keep your landscaping safe. If there are pots and lanterns in your flower beds, it may make for a difficult time of setting up. We strongly advise moving all obstructions or valuables before your roof installation begins. Some of these objects may include patio furniture, kids’ toys, or lawn care items. Objects that get in the way of your installers will only slow down your roofing project. Having the parameter of your home cleared prior to your project can really help keep things running smoothly. Trust me, the guys will thank you!
Speaking of lawn care; mowing your grass before tear-off begins will really help your contractors when it comes to clean up. Short grass allows crews to easier spot debris more and makes it easier for the yard magnet to pick up nails. This extra precaution makes cleanup easier, faster, and more thorough.
Locating Power Sources
Locating your outdoor power outlets is a really great way to help with your roofing project. Your installers will likely need to use your power source for tools. Showing them where to locate these before starting your project will really help things run smoothly. If you do not have outdoor power sources, be readily available to provide a power source from inside your garage or home if need be.
Staying Safe
A lot goes on during a roof installation and you want to make sure to take every precaution. Be very aware of your surroundings at all times. Whether it’s you, your child, or your pet, stay inside and try not to walk directly to where your crew is working. During tear-off, shingles are flying, nails are falling, chords are pulling, and ladders are being used. The last thing any contractor wants is for their customer or their crew member to be hurt on the job. When going outside, be aware of ladder setups, and extension chords, and take care not to trip or bump into anything.
Roof Installation in Sheboygan, Plymouth, & Manitowoc, WI.
Ultimately, having good communication with your contractor will benefit you the most when it comes to your roof installation. He can tell you the best ways to prepare and the best precautions to take to ensure your safety and your projects’ efficiency. At Gellings Roofing & Siding, we do this by talking with our customers and providing articles such as this one, to help keep them informed. Come check us out and see if we are a good fit for your next roof installation. Contact us for a free quote at 920-627-9494 or visit https://gellingsroofing.net/Contact-Us.
For more articles on this particular subject, visit https://roofadvisor.com/how-to-prepare-for-roof-replacement-ten-practical-tips/.