When it comes to a roof replacement, there are a lot of things to prepare for. From researching the best roofing styles and colors to match your needs, to choosing the best roofing contractor to work with, a lot goes into making your dream home a reality. And preparation is key, as your roof is a long-term and valuable investment that protects your home, its contents, and can raise your home’s market value.
If your scheduled roof replacement is approaching, you may be wondering what you can do to prepare for installation day. While a responsible roofing company will take all steps necessary to ensure a quick, easy, and quality install, there are some things you can do before they arrive to make the process go even more smoothly. Below are 8 tips for roof replacement, and ways to prepare your home for the big day.
Table of Contents
– Make Plans
– Move Vehicles
– Remove Valuables from the Walls
– Find Outdoor Power Sources
– Turn Off your Irrigation System
– Inspect your Property
– Check Security Alarms
– Consider your Pets
Make Plans
The first tip for roof replacement we’d like to cover is making plans. A roof replacement can be extremely loud, but it’s even louder inside your home. If you work from home, if you or your children are sensitive to loud noises, or if you simply do not want to hear it, then you may want to consider spending the day somewhere else. It’s at the discretion of the homeowner whether to stay or leave, but you will want to make this decision before the day of the install.
There are a few reasons you will want to plan for this in advance, but let’s say half way through the install you decide it’s too loud and you’d like to leave the house for the afternoon. This is all well and good until you realize that there’s roofing materials, work vehicles, and trash receptacles blocking your exit route. Asking the contractors to move their equipment in the middle of the install may cause the process to take longer than expected.
Not only that, while most roofing contractors will periodically clean up throughout the job, the big clean up takes place when the installation is complete. This means that you run the risk of running over a roofing nail or something that could leave you with a flat tire. With that being said, a little preparation goes a long way, and can save you from some major headaches down the road.
Move Vehicles
As far as tips for roof replacement go, you will want to be sure to move your vehicles before the roofers arrive. On the day of the install, your driveway will be full of equipment, company vehicles, and a dump truck or trailer. You will want to be sure to move your vehicles before the contractors arrive so you don’t get blocked in, and so they have access to parts of your property that they need.
When working with an experienced and reputable roofing contractor, they will typically make sure your vehicles are out of your driveway or garage before they start. Having this already taken care of, however, will speed up the process and allow them to start their work sooner. This is a great way to help the roofing company you’re working with, and to help do your part in ensuring the job gets done fast.
Remove Valuables from the Walls
Another tip for roof replacement for your next residential roofing project involves removing valuables from your walls. When a roof is replaced, it can cause your home to vibrate, especially if your contractor installs their roofing nails by hand. In most situations, the interior of your home will be unaffected, but if you have something fragile and/or valuable on your walls, you may want to take it down until the job is complete, just to be safe.
Find Outdoor Power Sources
Locating any outdoor power sources you may have is another tip for roof replacement day. When a roofer comes to inspect your roof, one of the first questions they will ask you is if you have an outside power source. They will need access to power during installation in case they need to cut any wood or remove rotted roof decking.
The contractor will test to see if your outdoor power source is still putting out power, and if it’s not, they will make a note to bring a generator with them when they come to replace your roof. Knowing where your outdoor power sources are and if you have them is a small way to prepare, and can save you from having to search the perimeter of your property during the inspection.
Turn Off your Irrigation System
Another tip for roof replacement that most homeowners forget to consider is turning off their irrigation system. If you have an irrigation system in your grass, it is highly recommended to turn it off a couple of days before the roof replacement. The last thing you want is a crew of contractors walking on your wet grass and damaging your landscape.
Inspect your Property
While a vetted roofing contractor will do everything they can to protect your home, another tip for roof replacement we highly recommend is inspecting your property before they arrive. The day before your roof replacement, you should inspect the outside of your home, and check for torn window screens, dents in gutters, damaged light fixtures, prior storm damage, and any other pre-existing damage.
This is also a great opportunity to see what isn’t damaged, and to take pictures of everything before the roofers arrive. This creates peace of mind for the homeowner, because if you find any damage post-install, you will be able to easily determine if it was already there or if it was caused by the roofing company. If it was caused by the roofers, a reputable company will address and resolve the issue.
Check your Security Alarm
Checking your security alarm settings is another valuable tip for roof replacement we’d like to address. As previously mentioned, a roof replacement can cause vibrations throughout your home, which can set off your security alarm.
If you decide to leave during the installation process, we recommend locking your doors, but not setting your alarms. Having to drive back to the house and getting the police involved for vibrations from a roof install is stressful, and a hassle that can be prevented with a little preparation.
Consider your Pets
Last, but certainly not least, when it comes to tips for roof replacement, Elite Exteriors asks that you consider your pets. If your pets do not respond well to thunderstorms, fireworks, or anything of that nature, they are not going to like the noises that come along with a roof replacement. We recommend including your pets in your family game plan for roof replacement day, and bringing them along with you if you decide to leave.
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As you can see, there are plenty of things you can do as a proactive homeowner before the contractors arrive on install day. All of these tips for roof replacement will help with the process, provide peace of mind, and make for an easier and a more enjoyable experience.
If you’re in the market for a roof replacement, give Elite Exteriors a call today at 470-350-3024 for a FREE initial consultation and inspection, or fill out our online form for more information. Elite Exteriors is the Southeast’s premier residential and commercial resource for unparalleled service, superior craftsmanship, and incomparable quality – all backed by an unprecedented lifetime labor and materials warranty!