From time to time, it is necessary to complete some work on your home that is extensive and time-consuming. Tackling the roof is one of the biggest jobs there is, especially completing a full roof replacement. If you are planning on having this essential piece of work completed, here are some steps you can take to make it easier for you and the work crew at your home.
Take Down Your Existing Pictures
Every home has a collection of beautiful pictures and wall art, and we want to keep it that way. When work is being completed on your roof, the vibrations that roll through your home might dislodge your wall art. With this in mind, it is a good idea to remove anything that hangs on your walls. If you do have any heavy light fixtures that could swing, you could take them down for good measure. We don’t expect you to remove everything, just the items that could fall. So, if that art is screwed into the wall and is strong enough to swing off, it’s probably ok to leave it there.
Have a Safe Space for Children and Animals
Children and animals are curious by nature, and it is great that they want to see what is happening to their home. But, getting the roof replaced is dangerous. If possible, it would be best to take any children or pets away while work is being completed. If this isn’t possible, then you need to make sure that your pets are placed somewhere secure and safe. If children are old enough, explain to them that the work which is happening is dangerous and they cannot go near the work area. Always ensure that your children are carefully watched during this process, we don’t want anyone getting hurt because of curiosity.
Move Your Vehicles to Prevent Damage
While the work is being completed, the work crew needs access to their tools and vehicles. Tools can be heavy, and the closer they can be brought to the work area is better. If you have a driveway, you will need to let them park there while work is going on. Also, there is a small chance that something can fall from the roof. The last thing anyone wants is for your car to be the target. Once it is safe for your car to come back, the team will let you know.
Find Access to Power
The tools that the work crew use will require a power source, and they will need access to your plugs. If there is an outdoor power point, this is perfect. However, because they are not always available, the garage is the next best option. If this is unavailable, there will need to be extension cables run through windows. If possible, these should be plugged in areas that can be kept empty to help prevent tripping over the leads.
Cover Up The Attic
As there will be a work crew walking about on the roof, this means there can be some dirt and dust falling in the attic. This is completely normal and impossible to prevent, especially when working with roof installation. Roof installation is known for creating dust when it isn’t disturbed, so expect plenty of dust after it has been handled and replaced. What you can do to protect your belongings is cover them with a dust sheet. You can use polythene sheets or even an old bedsheet.
Get the Garden Cleared
The work area around your house will need to be cleared of any outdoor furniture and everything will need a cut. This includes the grass and any low-hanging branches from trees. If you have a TV aerial or a satellite dish, you may need to get these removed before any work can start. The area needs to be cleared so that there are no problems assembling scaffolding and creating a danger. And, as we said about your car, it is best to clear things away in case anything falls and damages your belongings.
Let Your Neighbours Know
If you don’t have any neighbors for miles around, you don’t need to worry about this step. However, if you have close neighbors, especially those you share a wall with, there will be some work going on at your property. Not only is this a good thing to do out of common courtesy, but it will also warn them. They may also have to take down their pictures and clear up their garden. It will also be useful if the work crew needs access to their garden.
We hope these tips we recommend on how to prepare for the job helps you out.
If you’re in the Greater Northwest we’d love to serve you! Our roofing contractors and installation specialists in Portland, Vancouver, and Salem serve all of NW Oregon & SW Washington.
