Replacing your roof is a significant investment and a crucial step in maintaining the health of your home. In addition to selecting a suitable roofing material like asphalt shingles or wood shake and hiring a reputable contractor, you'll need to consider how the project will impact your daily life and take steps to prepare your home and family accordingly. In this article, we'll explore some questions you should ask when preparing for a roof replacement, including what to do with pets and children, where to park your vehicle, how to protect your belongings and more. By carefully considering these factors and taking the necessary steps to prepare for the project, you can ensure a successful outcome and a roofing system that will protect your home for years.
What to do with kids and pets?
The safety and comfort of children and pets are always top of mind, and they should also be considered when planning a roof replacement project. The noise and disruption caused by a roof replacement can be unsettling for some, so it may help to make arrangements to minimize their exposure to the construction site.
Having children and pets stay with a friend or family member during the project is a good idea. If that's not possible, consider designating a specific area of the home where they can stay during the day while work is being done. This could be a spare room or an area away from the construction site.
Is there space for your vehicle?
Parking is another important consideration when preparing for a roof replacement project. Depending on the layout and size of your property, it may not be easy to find a suitable location to park your vehicle during the project.
Before the project begins, communicate with your contractor about parking arrangements. They can guide you to finding the best location for parking or make alternative arrangements, such as reserving a spot on the street or in a nearby lot.
Sometimes, you may need to park your vehicle off-site for the project's duration. If this is the case, consider making arrangements with a neighbor, friend, or local parking lot to ensure your vehicle is safe and secure during the project.
What should I do with wall decorations?
When preparing for a roof replacement, protect your home's interior, including any wall decorations or artwork.
Depending on the location of the roof replacement and the extent of the work being done, vibrations or loud noises may cause items on the walls to shift or fall. To prevent damage, it's a good idea to remove any valuable or fragile items from the walls and store them safely until the project is complete.
If you have large or heavy items that cannot be easily removed, consider reinforcing them with additional hardware or taking other measures to secure them in place. In addition, consider covering them with protective materials, such as blankets or plastic sheeting, to minimize the risk of damage.
Does the patio furniture need to be moved?
Suppose your patio or outdoor living space is located near the area where the roof replacement project will occur. In that case, your patio furniture may need to be moved.
During the project, debris, dust, or falling materials may damage or stain your outdoor furniture. To prevent this, moving your furniture to a safe location until the project is complete is a good idea.
What about my satellite dish?
In many cases, if you have a satellite dish installed on your roof, the dish may need to be removed temporarily to allow the work to be completed safely and effectively.
Your contractor can advise you on whether the dish needs to be removed and whether they will handle the removal and reinstallation process. In some cases, they can work around the dish without removing it, but this depends on the specifics of your project and the dish's location.
If the dish does need to be removed, your contractor can coordinate with your satellite provider to ensure that service is not interrupted. This may involve reinstalling the dish after the roof work is complete or installing a temporary dish to maintain service while the project is underway.
Other Things To Consider
Should I cover my belongings in the attic?
Depending on the extent of the work being done, debris or dust may fall into the attic and potentially damage your belongings.
To protect your belongings, it's a good idea to cover them with plastic sheeting or other protective materials. This will help to prevent dust and debris from settling on your items and keep them safe during the project.
Should I have trees and grass trimmed beforehand?
Trimming trees and grass before a roof replacement project is generally a good idea. Depending on the project's location and the size of nearby trees, branches or debris may fall onto the roof during the work, potentially causing damage or delays.
To prevent this, it's a good idea to have any trees or branches that overhang the roof trimmed back before the project begins. This will help to minimize the risk of damage and make it easier for the contractors to access the roof.
Similarly, grass or other vegetation near the project area may need to be trimmed to provide clear access to the roof. Again, this can make the project more efficient and minimize the risk of lawn damage or landscaping damage.
Preparing for a roof replacement project can be a daunting task. Still, by asking the right questions and taking the necessary steps to prepare, you can help to ensure that the project goes smoothly and is completed safely and effectively.
By considering factors such as the safety of your kids and pets, the location of your vehicles, the removal of wall decorations, the protection of your belongings in the attic, the relocation of patio furniture, and the trimming of trees and grass, you can help to minimize the risk of damage and disruptions during the project.
