When you get a new roof and seamless gutters, your home’s protection against the outdoor elements will increase. A roof replacement is one of the best things you can invest in for your house. This project will impact both your interior and exterior. Inside your home, you will notice a significant improvement in your comfort. Because your HVAC system does not need to work as hard, you would enjoy savings on your energy bills.
Here are essential things to do before getting a new roof.
Notify Your Neighbors of the Upcoming Replacement
One of the first tasks to accomplish before getting a roof replacement is to let your neighbors know about your project. Giving them a heads-up will give them enough time to prepare. They will be able to move their cars if necessary. Notifying your neighbors can help avoid conflicts as well due to disruption. Let them know that your contractor may lay tarps from their roofs to prevent damage.
Ask Your Roofer Related Questions
You must understand all the materials that will be installed in your home. As with seamless gutters, roofing materials come with their own sets of pros and cons. Choose a roofing option that is ideal for your home’s aesthetic and also your location.
Never hesitate to ask questions about your new roof to your contractor. The more questions you ask, the more you can avoid miscommunication, and you’ll know better ways to take care of your new roof. Another vital thing to understand is the billing process.
Go for Quality Underlayment Materials
Keep in mind that while roofs are water-shedding, they are not waterproof. Underlayment is your roof’s final protection against leaks. It offers superior resistance to water, making choosing a quality underlayment essential. A top-grade underlayment material will help prolong the life of your new roof.
Keep Your Children Safe During Roofing Projects
Children are curious creatures. During a roof replacement, keep your children away from the job site at all times. Materials such as nails, metal flashing, and ladders can be dangerous when handled by kids, especially younger ones. Telling your kids about the potential dangers that could happen if they take these items is also helpful. Also, be sure to keep children supervised during the installation.
Consider Relocating Your Pets
Projects, such as seamless gutter and roof installation can startle your pets. The noise during the construction and strangers might be hard on your furry friends. Consider temporarily relocating your pets or leaving them with friends or family during the roof replacement.
Don’t Forget About the Items on Your Roof
What kind of penetrations, items, or equipment are in your roof? If there’s a satellite dish on your roof, let your satellite provider know about your project before it starts. Do let your roofer know if you don’t use this item anymore so they can get rid of it.
Be Prepared for Carbon Monoxide Leaks
Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas, making leaks hard to detect. During roofing repairs and replacements, contractors take necessary precautions to avoid incidents involving this gas. However, the exhaust vents can still move out of place during the project, resulting in a carbon monoxide leak. To avoid difficult situations, do a visual inspection of the exhaust vents every day. Also, make sure that all your carbon monoxide detectors are working properly, so you’ll know if this odorless gas is present in your home.
Take Care of Valuable Items and Materials in Your Attic
When removing your old roof, refuse materials, such as nails and shingles may end up in your attic, get into your insulation, or even damage valuable items. Before your project starts, cover everything in the attic to keep them protected and clean.
Deal With Improper Electrical Wiring
In some cases, contractors discover improper or illegal electrical wiring after removing the old roof. These damaged wires are dangerous because they are a fire hazard. Roofing jobs could penetrate the insulation of the wires and cause a short circuit. Professionals experienced with roofing repairs and replacement will know if there are problems with your wiring. They will immediately tell you about the issue and recommend the best solution for it.
Mow the Lawn before Roofing Repairs Begin
After the roof replacement, your roofer will take a walk around your home to pick up fallen debris and nails. You can make this job safer, easier, and faster by mowing your lawn before your project starts.
Protect Your Yard and Outdoor Furniture
Before the actual installation starts, your roofer will lay tarps around your home’s perimeter. The tarp will cover the plants planted along the edges. It will protect your garden from fallen debris and nails, but it can damage your flower beds.
Another thing to take care of is your outdoor furniture and appliances. Refuse materials and debris that can damage your spa, pool, and hot tub during construction. Experienced roofers know about this kind of risk, and they will make sure your outdoor furniture and features stay protected by covering them before the installation.
Learn How to Deal With Debris, Dust and Noise
Replacing a roof can be noisy, dusty, and messy. These inconveniences are unavoidable, but you can stay away from them by making plans during construction hours. Depending on the size of your home, it should not take a roof replacement more than a few days to complete.
Protect Your Home’s Interior Too
The removal of old materials and the roof installation will create vibrations that can knock down items inside your home. Before the installation day, remove the things hanging on your interior walls and any breakable items from shelves. If possible, also take down items mounted on your ceilings, such as ceiling fans and chandeliers.
For quality roof repair and replacement services, you can rely on Deschutes Roofing. Our team also specializes in seamless gutter installation and ice dam removal. Give us a call at 541) 313-5944 (Bend), (503) 967-9590 (Portland), (541) 246-6860 (Eugene), (503) 468-7663 (Lake Oswego), or (503) 928-8750 (Beaverton). You may also fill out our contact form to get a free estimate.
