A strong and stable roof is important for your home. However, it does not just end with the roof itself; it also relies heavily on the roofing contractor that you will choose. They will be the ones in charge from removal of your old roof to cleaning up, so it is a good idea to choose the most responsible and reliable when it comes to roofing. So, how do you go about doing this?
Do Your Research
Before setting up your appointment, it’s best to know what you want and what your expectations are. This also includes how much your budget is. Home improvement projects are not exactly cheap, but they go to a good cause in the end. The size of the roof and your chosen materials will be two big factors on the budget, but do not forget the amount that goes into labor.
Looking into different prospective home roofing contractors is always a good idea. You must also take in consideration that they provide maintenance and inspections after the job is done. Maintenance is a big part of making sure that the roof is always good and functional. For example, Christian Brothers Roofing is a manufacturer-certified roofing contractor. We only offer the best services and products from residential to commercial roofing. We also offer regular maintenance to extend the roof’s lifespan and keep your family safe.
Prepare Your Area
Once your schedule is set, you must start preparing your home. There will be a lot of materials and equipment strewn about and movement that will happen so it’s best to clear out the areas that may be affected during the installation.
- Driveway
Before the team arrives, you must make sure that your cars are parked at a safe distance. When your old roof is getting removed, it is inevitable that shingles, nails or debris will fall on your yard or driveway and, possibly, your car. The safest place for your vehicle during the installation is the street.
- Garden
Your garden may have a lot of decorations on it, such as solar-powered lights, statues, stepping stones, potted plants, water fountains and bird houses and feeders. All of these things should be removed before the installation process begins so none of them would be damaged. Also, make sure to mark or protect your plants that are delicate. Marking them will show that they need extra care and the roofers will provide more care towards that area.
- Patio
Your patio must also be cleared of all the decoration and furniture. It’s best to move them inside or, if they are too big, place them in a shed or your garage for their safety.
- Grass
To help the roofers find the debris that falls to the ground, it’s best to have your grass cut short. This will help the debris like nails be more visible and easily picked up.
Talk to Your Neighbors
It is always a common courtesy to let your neighbors be aware of the project you have planned. As this will create noise and disturbance, it’s good to warn them ahead of time. There is also the possibility that debris will fall on their yard. Ask your neighbors if it will be alright to open their gates for the roofers to clean up whatever strays went to your neighbors’ yard.
Protect Your Home
Although the roofers aren’t working inside your house, you will also need to work on protecting your interiors. Roof installment involves nailing directly to the structure of your home, so it’s best to be prepared. Here are some areas and things you need to consider cleaning out or preparing before the appointment.
- Attic
Since the attic is the closest to the roof, you must try to clear it out. If you have valuables stored in your attic, it’s best to bring them to the ground floor while the project is ongoing. You can also lay tarps on the attic floor to make clean up easier after the work is done.
- Windows
Homeowners love having their windows maintained. During the clearing process of your roof, falling debris can scratch your windows. You must ensure that wooden boards are placed to cover your windows. This is usually done by your roofers.
- Wall Decorations and Fragile Items
During the installation of your new roof shingles, the whole house will experience vibrations. To avoid breakables from falling, make sure to remove your wall decorations, and place them in a safe area where they will not break. This is the same for your china and other breakables.
Preparing Your Family
Pets and children must also be informed and protected during the installation. Try to keep them all indoors, especially your pets. If there are other people who can take care of them for a few days, try to choose that option. It reduces their stress and makes it easier for you and the team to not have them running around and possibly injuring themselves.
Infants and young children can be arranged to have them stay over at a family member’s home. They may get fussy, frustrated or lose sleep so it’s good to have them over at a different place. If you’re planning to book a hotel and stay there with them, make sure to leave your phone number with the roofers so they can contact you if they need to.
After the Roof Replacement
After the project, your roofers will clean up all the post-installation debris and show you the new roof. They will also conduct an inspection to see if the roof is installed correctly and of top quality. They will then inform you of regular inspections to be put in place to make sure that your roof stays efficient for a long time.
Thinking of having your roof repaired? Maybe, you need some storm damage roof repair. Christian Brothers Roofing is the right contractor for you. You can call us at (270) 715-1999 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your appointment.
