You’ve spent weeks researching the best roofing materials, getting quotes, and interviewing contractors. Now the time has come to have a new roof installed on your house. Getting a new roof can be an exciting experience. But if you’ve never had one installed before, then there are few things you need to keep in mind to ensure everyone’s safety and that the process goes smoothly. Below is what you need to know about preparing your house for a new roof.
Your house is now a work zone when you’re having a new roof installed.
When having a new roof installed, your house is now a work zone, not just residential property. As such, there are many safety precautions you need to take. Even minor things can make a huge difference when it comes to people’s safety. Trimming the grass, taking down pictures, mirrors, and other decorative wall hangings, boarding pets, and sending the little ones to their grandparents might be necessary.
Make sure family members and guests are well-aware that certain places in the yard are off-limits for the time being. Small children may not fully understand or remember the new rules. Your faithful dog may heed your warnings, but the cat’s another story. It might be wise to spend the time having your new roof replaced at a hotel or a relative’s house.
What to do Outside When Preparing for a New Roof
1. Move your cars.
The first thing you’ll want to do before the contractors arrive is to find a new place to park your cars. Your contractors will need to use your driveway or have prime access to the house from the street. They need easy access to tools and new materials for installation. Also, if you have a garage, make sure you keep the doors closed while work is conducted. Otherwise, dust, dirt, and debris will accumulate there. Park your vehicles at a safe distance from the property until the job is complete.
2. Clear the patio.
All patio furniture, grills, and potted plants should be moved and stored safely either in the garage, a tool shed, or the house. If you don’t have one of these areas to use for storage, it’s possible to move these items to the edge of the yard, and as far away from the activity as possible. Consider covering your patio furniture and grill with a tarp to keep it free from dust and debris.
3. Cut the grass and prune the trees.
If you have tree branches overhanging the roof, now’s a good time to prune them. Your contractor will need plenty of clearance to access the roof fully and do their job. Plus, overhanging branches should be trimmed back from the roof anyway. Otherwise, you invite algae and moss growth, which can damage the roofing materials over time.
4. Remove antenna or satellite dishes.
If you have a working satellite dish or antennae, you’ll need to have it removed before the new roof is installed. Contact your cable company and have them remove it. If you have an old dish or antennae that isn’t working anymore, talk to your roofing contractor about it. They may be willing to remove and dispose of it for you.
What to do Inside the House When Preparing for a New Roof
1. Remove and safely store wall coverings and hanging fixtures.
The hammering and machinery that will be used on the roof will create strong vibrations that will reverberate throughout the walls and ceiling. You’ll need to remove all wall hangings before the contractors show up. If you have decorative lights like chandeliers or pendant fixtures, you may want to remove them, too, just to be on the safe side.
2. Cover items in the attic.
If you have things stored in the attic or a bedroom there, you’ll need to cover everything with tarps, sheets, or drop cloths. Dust will find its way down the attic walls or become knocked loose from the ceiling during a roof replacement job.
3. Identify outlets.
Roofers will need easy access to outlets to run and power machinery. Try to identify the appropriate outlets located on the outside of the house before they arrive. If you don’t have any external outlets, running extension cords from the garage may suffice. But you’ll want to tarp or place drop cloths over your items stored there to keep them clean.
No outlet in the garage? Extension cords run from an interior outlet through a window or door can work. Just be careful to choose an outlet where there is minimal foot traffic to reduce tripping hazards.
Preparing for a New Roof on a House: A Final Takeaway
A roofing job on a house can last a few days to a few weeks, depending on the extent of the job or inclement weather. Roof replacement is also a noisy job, with lots of machinery running and hammering going on. Make sure you talk to your neighbors and let them know when your roof replacement job will start, and how long they can reasonably expect it to last. Depending on how close your homes are, your neighbors may need to move their patio furniture and prepare their property for the job, too.
Finally, be sure to stay alert during the construction process. Extension cords, tools, and debris will be in your yard and might end up on your walkways. Ladders may also block the front, back, or side doors. Be sure to communicate with the contractor throughout the job. Put up signs or tape a note to a door on the inside if a ladder is blocking it.
Having a new roof put on your home can be noisy and inconvenient, but it’s necessary to ensure the health and integrity of your home. Remember, it’s only temporary. Depending on what material you’re having installed, you may never need to replace the roof again in your lifetime.
Is your roof nearing the end of its lifespan? Contact Code Engineered Systems today for a free quote on a roof replacement in Tampa.
