Keeping up the maintenance of your home is essential. Planning on replacing your roof is a task that requires a lot of time and planning. Keeping your roof in good condition is essential for protection against environmental factors that could damage the property and affect your wellbeing. While you have the option to choose from a plethora of roofing contractors for repair or replacement, there are still a few things you should keep in mind before you begin.
Removing the Roof
Roofs need to be replaced after years of wear and tear. Removing the old roof is itself a painstaking and time-consuming process that should be left to professionals. Some people may find it easier to place new roofing material over the old roof but that increases the risk of ceiling damage and serious injury. The addition of an extra layer increases pressure on the roof, making it prone to anomalies. In the process of roof replacement, a lot of waste will be accumulated that needs to be disposed of properly. Never dump the waste l in the street dumpsters as those are meant to be used for home waste disposal only. Moreover, you can get into legal trouble if you throw out old roofing materials in neighborhood dumpsters. If you are having problems with figuring out the proper way to dispose of the waste, ask your roofing contractor because most provide services for roof removal, disposal, and replacement.
Roofing Material
When replacing your roof, take the time to think of the type of roofing material you want to use. Always consider the climate changes of the area you live in and then choose accordingly. Everything from bricks to wooden shingles has several qualities. So do your homework on the new roof cost and plan according to your budget. Experts recommend going for quality materials that are durable, water-resistant, and can be easily maintained. Furthermore, make sure you are thorough when hiring contractors because the outcome of the project is directly related to their skill and experience.
Be Prepared
As soon as roof replacement work begins, your home will turn into a work site. This means that there will be a lot of noise, debris, and roof material falling all around the property. To ensure everyone’s safety, alert the neighbors to when the construction work will start. Don’t forget to tell the kids to stay away from certain areas where replacement work is being carried out because the debris and falling roofing material can be hazardous to their health. In case your home has toddlers, it would be best to relocate to another location until the work is complete. Furthermore, if you have valuables around your property, store them in a safe place as they can easily get damaged when work is underway.
Secure the Indoors and Outdoors
When replacing the roof, dust and debris will fall inside the household, especially in the attic. Before work starts, it is wise to cover all stored items in the attic and the furniture within the rooms. You can use either plastic or cloth sheets to cover everything up. After the work is done, clean the sheets with a dusting cloth and vacuum the whole area to clear out any dust or debris left behind.
Tree branches near the roof should always be pruned before the contractors arrive. The contractors usually cover up grass, plants, and trees within the property. It is also best to cut the grass beforehand to make the cleanup much easier later on.
Stay Alert
During construction work, keep an eye on the surroundings for any unexpected objects that can easily cause accidents. There will be debris, old rooftop material, power cords, and equipment lying around your household. These things increase the chances of injury and should be avoided at all costs.
Review Your Contract
Before starting the work, ask your contractor to write everything agreed upon in a contract. The things that should be mentioned are the roof area that needs to be replaced, the type of shingles, the material used, the color scheme, and the process adopted for roof replacement. Every detail down to the color scheme should be noted.
A roof brings everything together, protects from extreme weather conditions, and provides adequate support. Lastly, get frequent updates from your contractor throughout the roof installation process. Ask for any suggestions that might facilitate the installation, make the work easier for the crew, and most importantly, keep you and your family safe while you wait for your new roof.