A roof replacement is major construction on your home and should only be done by a team of professional contractors. Once you hire trusted professionals, they should take care of everything construction-wise, but there are still a few minor things you can do to protect your property.
Replacing an entire roof can rattle and shake a house, and there may be a few things dropped and some scratches in between. By following these simple steps, you can ensure your home will come out with a beautiful new roof and none of your valuable items damaged on the side.
Preparing the Outside of Your Home
When replacing a roof, your home becomes an active construction site for a few days. With that in mind, clearing the outside of your home beforehand is vital to ensure a smoother process and the safety of the crew and your family.
- Cut the Grass: Make sure your grass is cut short. Having a clean, trimmed yard makes it much easier for the crew to spot and magnetically pick up fallen debris, nails, or tools.
- Mark Hazards: It is important to mark your sprinkler heads, turn off your irrigation system, and let the construction crew know about any outdoor power outlets they can use.
- Clear the Driveway and Patio: You will want to move outside furniture, potted plants, grills, and vehicles away from the driveway and perimeter of the house, as falling debris is incredibly common when working from heights.
Protecting the Inside of Your Home
Even though the construction crew will not be inside your home, there are a few minor things you can do to protect your interior valuables from vibrations and dust.
- Secure the Attic and Garage: Clear any valuables from your attic or garage and lay a plastic tarp over the floors or stored boxes to safeguard them. During a roof replacement, your attic is the closest to the construction, and garages do not usually have proper ceiling insulation, making both spaces vulnerable to falling dust and shingle granules.
- Protect Windows: For the living quarters of your home, secure or cover windows to prevent them from getting scratched by falling debris during the tear-off process.
- Remove Wall Decor: It is highly recommended to remove decor, mirrors, and picture frames from exterior walls. You should also secure fragile dishware or items on high shelves, as the constant hammering vibrations can cause them to shift and break.
Consider Relocating During Construction
If major construction is happening to your home, it is always better to be safe than sorry. A professional roofer will thoroughly clean up the mess after the job is finished, but dust, debris, loud noises, and falling nails are unavoidable while the project is actively underway. Taking a couple of days away from your house and staying out of the way of construction is often the best choice for the peace of mind and safety of your family and pets.
Ready for Your Roof Replacement?
Needing your roof replaced? We can help with that! Call us at (813) 643-8333 or contact us online to request a free quote today.
