If you’re planning on installing a new roofing system soon, you’re likely excited to add attractive curb appeal and long-lasting durability to your home!
However, before you can enjoy your beautiful new roof, there are a few tasks you’ll need to tackle to prepare for your replacement. Follow this detailed list to ensure your kids, pets, and belongings are protected during your roof installation with Craftsman Exterior Remodeling.
9 Tasks to Complete Before Your Roof Replacement
1. Remove Wall Décor
During your roof replacement, it’s common for your interior walls to shake when hammers and machinery are used to secure your new roofing materials.
It’s wise to remove any loose items hanging on your walls, like picture frames, mirrors, or artwork, to ensure they aren’t damaged during the roof replacement process. Objects that are screwed into your wall, like your television, don’t need to be removed.
2. Consider Your Family
Construction zones can be dangerous, so you must talk with your children about the home areas that will be “off limits” until your roof replacement is complete.
Additionally, if you have kids or pets that are sensitive to loud noises, you may want to arrange to stay with family or friends until the installation of your new roof is complete.
3. Move Your Vehicles
Whether you park in your driveway or garage, finding a different location to park your vehicles during your roof replacement is smart.
First, the construction team will need plenty of space to unload equipment, tools, roofing materials, and other items required for the replacement. However, more importantly, moving your car will ensure your vehicle isn’t scratched, dinged, or damaged during your roof replacement.
4. Relocate Outdoor Furniture
Do you have patio furniture, potted plants, backyard tools, or a barbecue grill in your backyard? If so, it’s wise to store these items in your garage until your roofing job is completed.
5. Protect Your Attic
Like we mentioned earlier, it’s not uncommon for your walls to shake during your roof replacement since the construction crew will be hammering shingles and walking on your roof.
These abrupt movements can also stir up dust and dirt in your attic. It’s wise to cover the belongings in your attic with a tarp or blanket to protect them during the roofing installation process. You should also move fragile items to a first-story room until your project is finished.
6. Trim Your Landscaping
It’s courteous to trim your trees and mow your lawn before the roofing team arrives. Overgrown trees can make it difficult for the crew to access certain areas of your roof, and well-trimmed grass makes it easier to spot nails, dust, and debris that fall from your roof.
7. Remove Satellite Dishes
If you have any satellite dishes or antennas on or near your roof, you’ll want to have them temporarily removed, so they don’t get in the way during your installation.
Make an appointment with your cable or satellite company to have these items removed, and make sure to schedule a time for them to come back and reinstall them after your roof replacement is complete. If you’ve switched to Netflix and Hulu and no longer use cable, the roofing company will often remove and dispose of these items for you.
8. Find Power Outlets
Your roofing company will need access to power outlets for their tools and machines during your replacement. Although outdoor outlets are preferable, if you don’t have any, outlets in your garage also work well.
If you don’t have outlets in your garage or outside, you’ll need to run an extension cord out a window or door from inside your home. Choose a location that doesn’t get much foot traffic, like a guest bedroom, since extension cords can pose a tripping hazard.
9. Warn Your Neighbors
Warning your neighbors about the dates and times of your roof replacement is a kind gesture. If they work from home, they may wish to relocate for the week, and if they have dogs or children that are sensitive to loud noises, they might want to drop them off at daycare. Regardless of the circumstances—they’ll be grateful you gave them advanced notice!
Schedule Your Roof Replacement with Our Team at Craftsman Exterior Remodeling
Most importantly, scheduling your roof replacement with an experienced contractor, like Craftsman Exterior Remodeling, is crucial. Your contractor can clarify what to expect and let you know if there are any additional tasks you need to complete before your roof replacement. Contact us for your free roof assessment today!