Depending on the materials used, a residential roof can last from 20-25 years. Sometimes, catastrophes such as natural disasters, rotting wooden supports, roof cave-ins, etc can strike and make roof replacements mandatory. Since Roofing Contractors in Texas come under construction services, they are classified as essential services and are available all around the year. Yet, once you have booked an appointment with the local roofing contractor, there are behind-the-scenes preparations you need to make before the contractor can start ripping, tearing, hauling, and nailing the new roof.
To make the roof replacement a smooth process, we have listed out a step by step guide on preparing your roof for roof replacement.
Preparations to make before a roof replacement project?
Hiring a professional roofing contractor ensures that they handle all tasks related to the project such as prepping the old roofing, installing the new roof, cleaning & clearing the debris on completion. Since roof replacement is an exterior job, the roofer doesn’t step inside unless required, and hence relocating furniture, taking down fragile items, etc needs to be done by the house owner. Let’s look at some of the other preparations to be done:
Step #1: Preparing the Yard
When working on replacing the roof, contractors placed tarps to collect debris yet it is important to clear your yard as shingle scraps can hide between the patio furniture or within the grass. It is advisable to clear a 15ft radius around your house. Trim the grass one day before the contractor starts the project. Any shingle pieces or fallen nail will be easily visible in trimmed grass. For any flower beds or tended gardens, protect them by covering them with tarp or a plastic sheet. Any low hanging branches can be an obstruction for the roofer and can become a tripping hazard. Get them trimmed before booking an appointment.
Step #2: Clear the attic and any satellites or antenna
Most people treat their attics as secondary storage. Relocate any fragile or sensitive articles from the attic as any dust and debris from the roof will collect in the attic. For any immovable or heavy items, cover them with tarp. In fact, even after relocation, cover the attic with tarp for easy cleanup. Roof replacement involves a lot of hammering and drilling that generates a lot of vibrations, so it is advisable to dismantle any hanging decor such as wall lamps, chandeliers, or family photographs. Talk with the cable company for temporal dismantling of any satellites on your roof.
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Step #3: Keep the driveway clear the night before
Park your cars at a safe distance away the night before as this makes it easier for the contractor to use the driveway to drop-off shingles any other roofing materials necessary for the replacement. Moreover, the dust from the shingle removal can scratch the paint when you wipe it away. Keeping the driveway clear allows the contractor easy access to their tools & equipment throughout the day and makes space for all the debris to be collected for pickup. It is also advised to keep the garage door closed to avoid the dust from entering inside.
Step #4: Shift to somewhere safe
Roof replacements are at the least two day process depending on the roof size. This can be really disruptive for the residents. This is escalated if you have pets or children. The pets are disturbed by the noise and it is advised to keep them in a kennel or atleast restrict them inside the house. Infants may have trouble sleeping and older children can come in contact with the debris or step on a stray nail while playing outside. It is safer to shift to a friend’s
Step #5: Inform your neighbors
Roof replacements involve a lot of drilling and cutting which is going to generate a lot of noise and vibrations. Even though you may shift to a temporary residence while the roof is being replaced, your neighbors need to deal with the disturbance. Hence it is advised to be a good neighbor and inform your neighbors about the roof replacement in advance. This way they can either be accommodating or at least make necessary arrangements to cope with the inconvenience.
Why is the preparation important?
Roofing comes under construction and for roof replacement, the existing roof needs to be ripped out. This would require tools, access to power outlets, and ample space for the roofer to work safely. So a roofing site would be full of tripping, shock, physical, and noise hazards. Additionally, you will have debris flying that can be a potential threat to your family members as well as fragile belongings. Certain preparations such as trimming low hanging branches improve worker safety while relocating furniture & vehicles avoid unnecessary repairs.
Wrapping Up
No matter how early you begin your preparations, you or the contractor are bound to hit roadblocks during the process. Yet, the advance prep will help you a lot in making the process smooth. By recruiting trusted roofing contractors, the post replacement clean up will be managed by them and you shall receive back your home with a brand new roof.
