Getting your roof replaced might feel like a big project. After all, your entire roof will be taken down and replaced with new materials. It is a sizable job that can leave many homeowners wondering what they'll need to do to ensure it goes as smoothly as possible.
When you work with an experienced roofing contractor, they will help the project run from start to end without a hitch. Your roof replacement job will (hopefully) not be their first, second, or third of that type of roofing work. They should have experience and know how to guide their customers to be as prepared as possible while delivering minimal disruption to their day-to-day lives.
While the majority of the prep work should fall on your roofer, there are a few simple things you can do as a homeowner to ensure your roof replacement is a headache-free project.
Prep Your Home for Success
One of the most important aspects of prepping your home in advance is ensuring the work areas are easily accessible. Move any vehicles, hoses, or garbage bins that could impede your roofers access to your home.
Also see if there is any patio furniture, in your front yard or backyard, that should be moved or covered. Since the roofers will be throwing down old materials, moving your outside furniture or covering it with tarps will ensure it stays clean and protected from damage.
If you have any hanging tree branches or overgrown plants, trimming these back will help the roofers operate more efficiently. Of course, always be safe when climbing ladders or standing on rooftops. Pay close attention to power and water lines that can easily be damaged by trimming devices. It's always best to talk with your roofing contractor and see what they recommend to do in order to properly prep your home and yard.
Secure Your Pets and Kids
Moving your pets and kids into a safe spot for the duration of your roof installation will help reduce the risk that anyone gets hurt. This is especially important for animals that are primarily outside pets. Also let your kids know that they aren't allowed outside while there are roofers working on your roof, and keep an eye on them just in case.
You could even go the extra mile and let your neighbors know what day(s) your roof installation will take place on so they have a chance to secure any outside pets as well. While the chances of a pet or child getting harmed from falling roof material are low, it's never guaranteed. We believe in being safe, rather than being sorry, so this is one of our biggest recommended tips for preparing for a new roof.
Check on Materials and Items on Your Roof
While not very common, we have been asked before if the homeowner should remove the old roof before we come out and install their new one. This might come from a place of wanting to save money, but it's not recommended you remove your old roof. You should leave this to the roofing company. While it could, in theory, save money, it can be dangerous to do if you're not experienced in tearing off an old roof.
For items like solar panels and satellite dishes, you should contact the company that installed them. They can set an appointment to visit your home to remove them for your new roof installation, and come back once your new roof is finished to reinstall them.
Work with a Trusted Roofing Company
Probably the biggest no-brainer on this list is that working with a trusted and reliable roofing company will help your new roof installation go smoothly more than any other prep work. The reason being is that they will inform you of what they need done to ensure a safe, efficient, and quality roof installation.
Pick a company with ample experience with roofing materials that match your roof type. Installing a metal roof, for example, is very different than installing concrete tiles. Do your research and ask lots of questions. Maybe even ask for references. .
If you're in need of a roof replacement, roof repair, or even just would like a free roof evaluation, contact Azul Roofing Solutions. We have the knowledge and skill to make any roofing project - no matter how big or small - go off without a hitch.
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