Introduction
Your roof isn’t just there for show; it is an integral part of your home that shelters you from the elements. As such, experiencing roof damage is a pretty common thing, and homeowners often need the services of roofing contractors to fix cracks and repair leaks. But, if the issue is more than that, you might need to invest in a roof replacement. From taking down decorations to covering furniture to clearing the yard and more, this blog explains how to prepare your home for a new roof installation.
Getting Your Interiors Ready For A Brand New Roof
Okay, so the roofers aren’t the only ones who are going to do all the prep work. If you’ve got an outdated roof that needs to go or a storm-damaged roof that needs to be replaced with a new one, here is how to get your interiors ready.
Keep on reading to find out!
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Prepare The Attic
Obviously, all the nailing, drilling, and material installation will impact the attic most. Before the roofing process begins, remove all sentimental items like family heirlooms and old photographs and store them on the ground floor for safekeeping. Next, cover everything else that remains with plastic sheets to protect it against falling debris and dust.
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Guard Your Garage
Next, step into your garage. If your roofers need to install a new roof over your garage, chances are, there will be a lot of falling debris like shingles and dust that could damage your vehicles, collectables, and sports gear. Cover everything with tarps to save it from scratches and dents, and move your car and bikes outside.
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Cover Up Your Windows
Something that your roofers can do is to board up your windows or cover them with something else. When they take down the old roof, there is a high chance that your window panes will get scratches and cracks. So prepare them by covering them up.
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Picture Frames & Cabinets
Next, consider all the wall decor you bought and cherished. If you have family photographs and mirrors adorning the top floor, take them down to prevent them from falling and breaking from the vibrations of all the oncoming hammering. Also, remove delicate China and other memorabilia from shelves and cabinetry and take them to the lower levels of the house to keep them safe.
A Checklist To Prepare Your Exteriors
With us so far? Great! Now that we’ve taken care of everything inside, it’s time to step outside and consider what needs to be done. Remember, there will be a lot of debris, and roofers will require easy access to your roof.
Here are a few things you can do to prepare your exteriors.
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Remove Roofing Accessories
Typically, for a job for the roofing company, if you have solar panels, satellites, and other roof accessories set up, have them taken down beforehand so that the roof installation process can get started on the due date.
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Remove Outdoor Furniture
As previously mentioned, there will be a lot of tile chunks and shingle shrapnel falling. If you have any patio furniture, it is best to get it out of harm’s way before the roof starts raining down on it.
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Free Up Your Driveway
Okay, so we know we told you that your car and bike might get scratched up in your garage, but that doesn’t mean that you should park them out in the driveway either. Your roofers will need it free so they can park their dumpster to dispose of old roofing materials. So, whenever you have your roof installation scheduled, park your vehicles down the street the night before so that they don’t get trapped by a delivery truck dropping materials off.
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Clear Your Yard
You probably have fountains, mosaic stepping stones, potted plants, or even birdhouses in the yard. To prevent them from getting damaged by falling shingles and shrapnel, move them all to a safe location.
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Protect The Plants
Finally, throw a net over delicate shrubbery and mark any trees that you want to protect from falling debris and dust. Indicate the sprinklers to the roofers and tell them to watch out for them as well, so that once everything is said and done, you won’t have to worry about a damaged yard next.
Conclusion
To conclude, having a new roof set up is a huge project that requires a lot of prep work on the homeowners’ part, along with the roofers’. From protecting furniture to covering windows, removing roof accessories to saving shrubbery, there is plenty you need to get done to prepare your home for a brand-new roof installation.
FAQs
How long does a roof installation take?
A typical residential roof installation takes about 1–3 days to complete.
What is the most common type of roofing material?
The most common type of roofing material is asphalt shingles.
How much does a roof installation typically cost?
A roof installation project can cost about $8000, depending on the size, material, and location of your home.
