Are You Ready for a Roof Replacement?
If your roof is reaching the end of its lifespan, it might be time for a new roof. Once you've decided to replace your old roof, you may be wondering what you need to do to prepare for the replacement. Who do you turn to, what materials do you buy, and how do you get your property ready? These are all important questions. Below we review the roof replacement process and provide some helpful tips on how to get ready to install your new roof.
#1: Talk to a Professional Roofer Before Buying Materials
Before you do anything, you should speak with a professional roofer and have your current roof inspected. During your inspection, our roofers will measure your roof and discuss your reroofing options. We can also discuss the look you want, what you do and don't like about your current roof, and your budget. From there, we can help you select materials, guide you in purchasing, and provide expert installation services.
Benefits of working with a professional roofer include:
- Ensure that you are buying the right materials for your project
- Ensure that your roof is correctly measured so that you purchase the right amount of materials
- Get a safe, reliable installation from people who know what they are doing
- If you have questions or issues down the road, you have someone to go to for help
In short, an experienced roofing company, like Lyons Roofing, will guide you through the reroofing process from start to finish.
#2: Prepare Your Home
Before the roofers arrive, you want to get your property ready for the installation. Importantly, you will want to make sure the work areas are clear so that your roofers can move freely about your property. This includes moving vehicles away from your property and out of the driveway. Additionally, because your roofers will be removing your old roof and tossing it down to the ground, you should move things like patio furniture out of the way. This will keep things clear for your roofers and will protect your belongings from damage.
To prepare your property for a new roof installation, you should also:
- Cover things in your attic with drop clothes to keep them clean from dust that shakes loose
- Prune trees that overhang your roof
- Move toys, furniture, sports equipment, etc. out of your yard
- Make sure your roofer has access to power outlets and somewhere to park their vehicles
- Have materials delivered to a convenient location on your property where your roofer will have easy access
- Mow your lawn and prune any overgrown plants so that your roofers have an easy time navigating your property
You may also need to have a dumpster delivered to your property to dispose of your old roofing materials. Check with your roofer to find out what they need and what you can do to ensure installation day goes smoothly.
#3: Remove Satellite Dishes & Other Roof Installations
Many people ask us if they need to remove their old roof themselves before we install the new one. The answer is no. You should leave removing your old roof to the pros. Though some homeowners want to do this themselves, you risk damaging your roof in the process. Additionally, working on a roof can be hazardous, and it is always better to let our experienced roofing team take care of this.
However, you may need to remove any satellite dishes, antennae, or other roof installations. Again, this is not something you have to do yourself. Instead, call your satellite TV company and coordinate the removal with one of their technicians.
#4: Keep Your Kids & Pets Safe
If you have pets that normally spend a lot of time outside, you will want to bring them in during the installation. Similarly, make sure your children know that the yard is off-limits and keep an eye on young children. This will go a long way in keeping your family safe during the installation. Additionally, you will want to notify your neighbors that you are having your roof replaced and when. This way, they too can make sure their pets are inside, and their family knows to avoid the area.
#5: Ask Questions!
One of the most important things you can do to prepare for your roof replacement is to ask questions! We know that getting a new roof is a big investment. We also know that you don't do this every day. This may even be your first time replacing a roof! With this in mind, we are always ready to answer any questions you may have. If you think of a question after we've left, just give us a call. We love chatting about roofing and want to ensure that your reroofing process is as smooth as possible.
Is it time for a new roof? Contact Lyons Roofing today to discuss your options.
