The last thing any homeowner wants is to receive a surprise bill following an emergency roof replacement. That’s why so much advice hinges on tracking roof age and recognizing warning signs that it’s nearly time for a replacement.
But once you’ve gotten ahead of the need for a roof replacement, it’s not enough to just blindly pick a contactor and wait for the project to begin. There are steps you can take to prepare your home for this major project before any contractor steps on the property.
Here are a few ways to get ready before you begin a roof replacement.
Just because a roof replacement is an exterior project doesn’t mean your home’s interior is out of the picture. The main concern should be covering anything stored in the attic.
Even if the roof deck isn’t being fully replaced, you’ll still have workers walking on the roof and pounding the frame with hammers. Covering your belongings will keep dust and debris from ruining anything kept in the attic.
It’s not just the attic that will be affected, though. All the hammering on your roof will cause vibrations throughout the walls of your house as well. To account for this, take loose pictures and decorations off the wall. This will ensure nothing falls and breaks accidentally.
No matter how great your roof replacement contractor is, this is a messy project. Shingles, wood, debris, and hardware will find their way into your yard. No homeowner wants to check the progress of a roof replacement to find that a grill or outdoor furniture has been damaged by this project.
Any exterior fixtures should be put away in storage or at least moved further away from the home. As long as they’re out of the way of the falling debris, they should be safe.
One thing that many homeowners don’t consider is that plants around the borders of the house will be flattened by falling debris. Many homeowners accept this loss as part of the process and plan to fix the situation the following season.
But if landscaping damage is a concern for you, consider propping plywood up over the plants to deflect wood and shingles. It’s not a perfect solution, but it’s better than losing an entire bed of flowers.
It’s also a good idea to cut your lawn shorter than normal when preparing for a roof replacement. Doing so makes it easier for roof replacement contractors to clean up any hardware that finds its way into your yard.
One of the most important aspects of great bathroom design is proper ventilation. This factors into a roof replacement because bathroom fans vent out through the roof.
If you don’t have proper ventilation coming through your existing roof, a replacement gives you an opportunity to remedy the situation. You just have to be prepared enough to mention this concern to your contractor before the project progresses too far.
Ideally, you’ll work with a great roof replacement contractor who limits the potential for installation problems.
However, there are some issues that may still come up during the process. Unprepared homeowners may be surprised when the duration of the project is extended due to inclement weather, hidden structural problems, or backordered materials.
Understanding the potential problems that can arise during a roof replacement will save you frustration if something does come up.
All of these notes on roof replacement preparation come down to one thing—doing your homework before diving into a project.
Each of these steps can help minimize frustration during the project, but the most important thing you can do is ensure you’re working with the right roof replacement contractor. Having a partner you trust can eliminate even the most daunting aspects of the process.