Louisiana Roofing Contractor

10 Tips to Prepare for a Home Roof Replacement


10 Tips to Prepare for a Home Roof Replacement

10 Tips to Prepare for a Home Roof Replacement. Getting a new roof can be an exciting and time-consuming process. However, there are some things you can do to help make the process as painless as possible. It’s essential that you follow the guidelines below to ensure that your roof is replaced in the most pleasant manner possible. This will ensure that everyone in your household has as much fun while enjoying their new roof as soon as possible. 

1. Think about kids and pets

While work is underway on your home, you may want to consider posting a “danger” sign or taking other steps to let your children know about work zones. Talk with your kids to explain that certain areas of the home or yard will be off-limits until the roofing project is complete. Since young children and pets may not understand these dangers, you may be more comfortable visiting family or friends while your roof is replaced. But you can stay home during a roof replacement.

Though it can be exciting to watch from a safe distance, work zones are extremely unsafe for children and pets. Keep children and pets away from unsafe areas while construction is in progress. Loud noises coming from the home may increase anxiety or disturb sleep habits. 

2. Relocate your vehicles

If the work requires trucks, tractors, or other machinery to move from place to place, you have contractors who need access to this equipment throughout the day.  They need quick access to their tool and a place to load shingles and debris. To help them with this, you should consider installing some type of access point into your property. This can be a driveway or even a shed built into your backyard. You’ll want to keep your vehicles a safe distance from this area until work is completed. You should also keep your garage doors closed during construction to keep out dust and debris.

3. Remove wall decorations

The vibrations from hammers and machinery on your roof may travel through some walls of your home, especially if repairs to the existing deck are needed. As a precaution, remove any wall decorations that are not permanently secured with screws to prevent them from falling off during the construction. This may include any framed photos, paintings, mirrors, ornaments, and even decorative light fixtures like chandeliers since they are vulnerable to breaking. 

4. Cover belongings in the attic

During a roof replacement, numerous installers will be walking on your roof, pounding it with hammers. Dust or small debris will fall in attic spaces during a new roof installation.

Covering any personal items that you don’t want to get dirty or dusty with old sheets or drop cloths when your roof is being replaced is strongly recommended until the roofing company is finished. Be prepared to do some light vacuuming in these areas after construction is complete.

5. Move grills and patio furniture away from the work zone

The roofers will remove your old shingles, along with other debris -and you don’t want any of your personal possessions to be damaged. Also, you don’t want any that are lying around to be a hazard for the workers. 

A shed or garage is the best place to store outside items like grills, patio furniture, lawn ornaments, and potted plants while your new roof is being installed.

If you don’t have on-site storage, you may want to put these items together in an area of the yard that is a safe distance from the work zone.

Keep in mind that most contractors will not help you move any personal items inside or outside the home, so it’s best to do it yourself prior to the roof replacement. 

6. Prune trees and cut grass before construction begins

A house with large limbs and branches near the roofline will need those branches properly trimmed before construction can begin. 

It is standard for your contractor to use drop cloths to protect plants and grass in the immediate perimeter of your home, but you need to cut grass a day before construction begins.

Short grass will help keep fallen debris from hiding in your lawn, making cleanup faster and more thorough.

7. Identify several accessible power outlets

If you have contractors working on your house, expect them to need electricity for their equipment. Exterior outlets are preferred, but if your home does not have any, a garage outlet is a second-best choice.

If you don’t have an outlet outside or in a garage, keep in mind that extension cords may need to run through a window or door to get power outside. Extension cords can pose a tripping hazard, so choose an outlet in an area that doesn’t get a lot of foot traffic. You should make sure that your contractors have access to sufficient electrical outlets so that they can perform their duties without the risk of electrical fires or other explosions.

8. Remove antennas or satellite dishes

Most roofing contractors will tell you that a satellite or TV antenna is one of the most dangerous things on your roof that should be removed prior to any roof and shingle work. If you have any antennas or satellite dishes located on or very near your roof, you’ll want to have them removed. Call your cable or satellite provider to decide before roof work begins.

If it is an old, non-working unit, most roofing contractors will be happy to remove and dispose of it for you.

9. Talk to your neighbors

The first thing you should do is talk to your neighbors. Let them know what your plans are, and let them know your anticipated timeframe for the work. This will give them an opportunity to adjust their schedules and situations so that they can be most comfortable while the work is going on.

10. Be aware of your surroundings during construction

If you’re having work done at your home, you’ll want to be extra careful to prevent injuries. Construction at your home can create unexpected obstacles. Extension cords and other construction equipment can pose injury risks while your home is roof is being installed. Use caution when moving equipment out of the way to avoid fallen objects or trip hazards, so you can keep your family safe during remodeling.

Will Lampton, the owner of Roof Crafters, offers a smart tip:

“You should secure exits from the inside to make sure no one exits under a ladder or scaffolding. Also, a large note taped to the inside of the door is a great way to remind your family that an exit is unsafe to use.”

Finally, it is always best to communicate with your roofing company throughout the roof installation process. Ask if they have any other suggestions to make this work smoother for their crew and your family.

Most importantly, remember that this construction and any inconvenience it brings is temporary. Soon you will have the new roof that you’ve been waiting for.

Do you need a new roof?

When it comes to having your roof replaced, there are a lot of factors to consider. From what kind of roof you want and the materials that should be used to what kind of company is best suited for your job, you have a lot to think about. As experts in roof replacement, Louisiana Roof Crafters gives you peace of mind with high-quality work at competitive prices. Contact Louisiana Roof Crafters at (985) 241-8045 or visit us online to get a price, schedule a free, in-home consultation or find answers to any home roofing questions.

Call Now Button