Posted on June 21, 2022

A roof replacement is one of the best investments you can make in your home. The average cost of a new roof is between $7,500 to $12,000. However, it can increase your home’s value up to a 109% return on your investment. Realtors report that a new roof is one of the most sought-after items by home buyers. Once you decide to install a new roof, know what to do to protect your home, family, and pets during the process.

1. Be a Good Neighbor

Roofers bring trucks, equipment, dirt, flying debris, contractors, and other workers to your neighborhood, so be courteous and let your neighbors know well in advance that you will be having your roof replaced. It’s also a good idea to see if your city requires a permit to park large trucks on your street and let your roofing contractor know about the rules.

2. Keep Kids and Pets Away

Most roofing jobs can wrap up in a day, though larger jobs may take longer. It’s a loud job with thumping, banging, and hammering; re-roofing can disturb children and pets. If possible, get your kids and furry friends out of the house for the duration of the project. You may need to be around to make sure everything goes smoothly, but worrying about disrupting your kids’ schedules or your pets running away won’t help you get through the process.

3. Protect Treasures in Your Attic

If you store memorabilia or other valuables in your attic, make sure to cover them with tarps or sheets of plastic to protect them from the dust and dirt that will potentially rain down during roof dismantling and installation. Then, after the job is complete, get out your most powerful vacuum or rent a shop vac to suck up all of the debris. “Your contractor may also be able to do this,” said Eric Gonzalez, Expert Review Board Member and Founder of Regions Commercial Roofing, Inc. “Reputable contractors usually go above and beyond to make sure your property is left in original condition or even better.”

4. Clear the Decks and the Driveway

Move all of your patio furniture, grill, bicycles, swing sets, and other outdoor items out of the way of flying shingles and old tar paper before the work begins. If you have a pool, make sure it’s completely covered. This is usually done with a tarp to keep it from filling up with dirt during the process. Move your cars out of your driveway to keep them from any damage. If you have large trees hanging over the roof, it’s a good idea to have them trimmed before the construction begins.

5. Take Everything Off Your Walls

Not only is roof replacement a loud process, but it can also be a little jarring. Your house may shake a bit here and there during the job, and that means things can fall off the walls and break. Take decorations down to ensure that nothing of value is damaged, especially artwork and delicate decorative objects. Remove any flags, satellite dishes, antennae, or other items attached to your exterior walls.

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