Re-roofing your home is something any homeowner dreads having to deal with. It’s one of the costliest upgrades a home can require, and it’s a very disruptive process that can take some time to complete properly, even for the best roofing contractors out there.
Unfortunately, while we at RGB Construction very much prefer to repair any roof that’s not a lost cause, eventually, all roofs become lost causes and need to be replaced. Entropy is just an unavoidable power in the universe, and nothing, even the best-maintained roof, lasts forever.
Since most homeowners can’t pack all of their things and move out while this process is underway, we’re going to talk about the things to expect when cohabitating with a re-roofing project, and how to best prepare for it.
Before the Project Begins
The most important part of this is to prepare before the project begins. Professional roofers such as ourselves will do everything in their power to prevent any kind of damage or other problems. However, physics are just as inevitable as entropy, and it’s important to make some preparations to protect your home.
Interior Preparation
- Dust is something that’s going to happen, even inside. When not cooking, keep all food and cooking implements covered and sealed. The same goes for furniture and other sensitive items.
- Impacts from hammers and other tools are going to produce vibrations through your walls and ceiling. This means you need to take down anything wall-mounted, take things off of top shelves, etc. Think of it as preparing for a somehow-predicted earthquake.
Exterior Preparation
- Any landscaping maintenance required – especially mowing – should be done in advance, to avoid clashes of equipment, cables and for the safety of all involved.
- Driveway access is important for your contractor – be sure to move vehicles and clean walkways and the driveway.
- Remove potted plants, ornaments, grills, furniture or anything else that falling debris may damage.
- Remove antennas, satellite dishes or other roof-mounted components.
- Shut off lawn irrigation systems like sprinklers, for the safety of roofing equipment.
Ongoing Safety
We understand that you may have to be in your home while this is going on. We’re used to working with this, but we do recommend that if you have children, you be sure they not only understand the nature and extent of the disruptions but the importance of staying away from the actual remodeling site if at all possible.
For pets, the noise may disturb them, and you may need to either sedate them (not the best solution), or see if someone can pet-sit them until the project is completed.
Ongoing Maintenance After the Remodel
To maintain your new roof, be sure to clean your gutters regularly, do your best to prevent ice dams, sweep leaves and other mold/moss-producing substances, and of course, do regular inspections.
To learn more about the roof replacement process and how to coexist with it, fill out our contact form or call us today!
