On our blog, we’ve talked about how to tell if you need roof repair vs roof replacement, how to pick a roofing contractor, and more, but an essential part of roof replacement is knowing how you, as a homeowner, can prepare for it. There are a lot of different factors to consider on the homeowner side of trying to prepare for roof replacement: can you stay in your house or do you need to temporarily relocate? Should you put your things in storage while the job is being done? Is there anything that you personally need to do so that the roofers can do their job?
Here, we’ll cover all of that and more. If your roof needs to be replaced and you’re unsure of how you should prepare for roof replacement, keep reading to learn more about some of the steps you can take to ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible.
#1. Prepare Your Yard
You’ll want to mow your lawn, trim back your trees, and take care of any debris on your property. This is so that if anything falls while the roofers are working on your roof, it will be easy to spot and won’t end up lost in your overgrown shrubbery somewhere. You will also want to either clear away or clearly mark any potential tripping hazards on your lawn, such as sprinklers.
#2. Move Your Outdoor Furniture
If you have any patio furniture or a barbeque or anything of the sort, you’ll want to store this somewhere safe, like your garage, for the time being. Not only does this prevent potential damage to your outdoor belongings, but it also creates a safer work environment for the roofers.
#3. Tell Your Neighbors
It’s courteous to inform your neighbors that you will be having your roof replaced. That way, they will be able to expect all the people coming and going from the neighborhood, the vehicles parked outside your home, and all the noise and activity that goes hand-in-hand with roof work. If they have any concerns about people parking near their property, it’s good to know this ahead of time so that you can avoid drama and let the roofers know.
#4. Consider Your Attic
Some people don’t use their attics for anything and thus won’t need to worry about this step to prepare for roof replacement. However, if you do use your attic for anything, from storage to additional living space, you’ll want to cover up your belongings with sheets or tarps or something similar. That way, you can keep them protected from any dust and debris that may result from your roof replacement.
#5. Take Things Off Your Walls
If you’d like to avoid beloved paintings and pictures crashing down as vibrations from the roofers’ work reverberate through your home, you’ll want to clear your walls of any decorations while you prepare for roof replacement. While things may not always get knocked down while roofers are working, it’s best to err on the side of caution, especially when it comes to sentimental or valuable items.
#6. Consider Whether Or Not To Temporarily Relocate
Generally speaking, you can stay in your home while you are having your roof replaced, so long as you don’t mind all the noise and activity. If you have pets and/or little ones, though, this could make staying home during roof replacement a challenge. Consider whether or not you and your family would be better off staying somewhere else while the job is being done or whether you think you’ll be fine to stay at home throughout the process.
If you do stay home, keep your pets inside, so that they don’t bother the roofers, create safety hazards, or have their own safety risked by potential falling debris.
#7. Identify Power Outlets
Your roofers will need access to power during the job. To prepare for roof replacement and save everyone time on the day of the job, locate any accessible power outlets that the roofers can use for their equipment. You may need to open your garage so that they can use the outlets in there if there are not any on the outside of your home.
#8. Move Your Cars
If you’re going to be staying elsewhere during the job, you won’t need to worry about this, but if you’re going to be at home, you’ll want to move your cars so that the roofers can easily access your roof. If you won’t be going anywhere, you could potentially leave them in your garage, but it’s best to move them to a free parking spot, so you can come and go as need be.
These are eight of the steps that you can take to prepare for roof replacement. If you would like to learn more about how to prepare for roof replacement or if you have any roofing concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact the specialists at Lifetime Roofing today!
