When getting something done with their roof, most people have a tendency to ask, “How much is it going to cost?” or “How long is this going to take?”. A question NJ roofers hear less often is about the noise level. How loud will your tear-off and roof project be? It depends largely on the size of your home and the work being done to it. However, there is one guarantee: that it will be loud. As such, you may want to know how to prepare.
Key Takeaways
- Tear-off projects often consist of the complete removal of old roofing materials is crucial for a fresh start, involving removal, roof deck inspection, repair, new underlayment, and application of chosen roofing material.
- Tear-off projects generate noise within a range of 70 dB to 140 dB, with the initial tear-off and new material installation phases being the loudest (over 100 dB), while clean-up phases are generally less noisy (60 to 80 dB).
- Opt for tear-off projects for a longer-lasting roofing system and plan short getaways during intense phases.
What Counts as a Tear-Off Roofing Project?
A tear-off roofing project refers to the process of completely removing the existing roofing material, down to the roof deck, before installing new roofing materials. This is a common practice when a roof is old, damaged, or needs a complete replacement. The term “tear-off” comes from the fact that the old roofing material is torn off or stripped away.
Key components of a tear-off roofing project include:
- Removal of Existing Roofing Material:
- Shingles: If the roof is covered with asphalt shingles, wood shakes, or other types of roofing materials, these are removed and disposed of.
- Underlayment: The underlying roofing felt or underlayment is often removed as well.
- Inspection of Roof Deck: After removal, the condition of the roof deck is assessed to ensure it is sound and free from any damage.
- Repair or Replacement of Deck: Damaged or deteriorated sections of the roof deck may need to be repaired or replaced.
- Installation of New Underlayment: A new roofing underlayment is installed over the roof deck to provide an additional layer of protection against water infiltration.
- Application of New Roofing Material: Once the underlayment is in place, new roofing material (shingles, metal panels, etc.) is installed according to the chosen roofing system.
Tear-off projects are more extensive and labor-intensive compared to roofing projects that involve overlaying new material over the existing roof. However, a tear-off allows for a fresh start, addressing potential underlying issues and ensuring a longer lifespan for the new roofing system.
How Loud is a Tear-Off Project?
The basic answer to how loud a tear-off project will be is “very loud” on the outside and inside of your home. The constant banging and scraping, hammering and nailing, and then the cleanup all generate noise. As such, if you, your children or pets are sensitive to noise, staying within your home on the day of the tear-off may be uncomfortable.
Why Are Roof Replacements and Tear-Offs So Noisy?
To understand why tear-off projects are so loud, you must also know what goes into them and the noise level involved.
Initial Tear-Off
The tear-off phase, as mentioned before, involves the removal of existing roofing materials. This can be a relatively loud phase due to things like hammering, scraping, and the use of power tools. Decibel levels during the tear-off phase can range from 70 dB (quieter tasks) to over 100 dB (louder tasks like using power tools).
Installation of New Roofing Materials
Typically, after a portion or the entirety of your roof has been torn away, the hammers and nails come out. Did you know that hammering is one of the noisiest activities? According to the Department of Defense’s Hearing Center of Excellence, hammering nails produces about 120 to 140 decibels, which is comparable to the volume of a rock concert. Compare that to the noise level generated by other appliances, like a hair dryer or blender, which produce around 85-100 decibels, or even a motorcycle at 100-120 dB. Even nail guns can be loud—around 85-110 dB.
Clean Up
The clean-up phase is generally less noisy than the tear-off phase. It involves the removal of debris, final inspections, and ensuring the site is clear of any leftover materials. Cleanup activities may include the use of machinery such as leaf blowers or industrial vacuums, which can contribute to the noise level but are generally less intense than the tear-off activities. This means that noise levels during the clean-up phase are likely to be in the range of 60 to 80 decibels, depending on the specific tasks being performed.
Preparing For Roofing Project Noise
Understanding the noise levels associated with tear-off roofing projects is essential for homeowners to prepare themselves and their families for the disruption. Here are some tips to help you navigate the noise during a roofing project:
- Inform Your Neighbors: Let your neighbors know about the upcoming roofing project. Informing them in advance can help manage expectations, and they may appreciate the heads up about potential noise disruptions.
- Plan Indoor Activities: If the noise becomes too bothersome, plan indoor activities during the peak construction hours. Consider going to a library, shopping mall, or a friend’s house to escape the constant noise and maintain your daily routine.
- Protect Sensitive Ears: If you have young children or pets, consider using ear protection for them. Noise-canceling headphones or earplugs can help mitigate the impact of the construction noise.
- Stay Informed: Communicate with your roofing contractor to get a detailed schedule of the project. Knowing when the loudest activities, such as hammering, will occur allows you to plan around those times.
- Create a Designated Quiet Space: Designate a quiet area within your home where family members can retreat to escape the noise temporarily. This can be especially important for those working or studying from home.
- Schedule Accordingly: If possible, schedule the tear-off roofing project during a time when family members can be away from home, such as during work or school hours. This can minimize the disruption to your daily routine.
- Consider a Short Getaway: If the noise level becomes overwhelming, consider planning a short getaway during the most intense phase of the tear-off and installation. This allows you to return to a quieter environment when the bulk of the noisy work is completed.
- Use Noise-Canceling Devices: Invest in noise-canceling devices or soundproofing materials for your home. These can help reduce the impact of the noise, making it more tolerable for occupants.
Contact a South Jersey Roofing Company Today
Roofing projects, especially tear-offs, bring inevitable noise ranging from 70 dB to over 140 dB. Anticipate and prepare for disruptions by informing neighbors, planning indoor activities, using ear protection, and staying updated on the schedule. RGB Construction prioritizes your comfort—contact us for a quality, minimally disruptive roofing experience. Give us a call at 856-264-9093 or fill out the contact form for a free estimate or consultation.
