6 Essential Steps to Prepare for Roofing Installation
A roof replacement can be a big project, and there are several steps you need to take to ensure it goes smoothly.
Roofing installation is a dusty and messy job, so you should move any valuable items or heirlooms to a safer location during the process.
It’s also a good idea to cut your grass to short lengths before the roofing installation begins. This will make it easier for a skilled roofer to clean up nails and other debris in your yard.
1. Remove Debris
Before your roofers arrive, there are a few things you should do to make sure they’re able to complete the job in a timely manner. The first is to remove any debris from the attic and from other areas of your home that will be impacted by construction work.
Your attic is a dark, cramped space and can be difficult to work in. To avoid accidents, you should wear gloves and keep a flashlight handy.
You should also take the time to remove any tools and equipment that could be damaged or ruined. In addition, remove any items that are not in use, such as lawn ornaments and potted plants.
This step is not required, but it can help prevent the mess that can happen when the roofers remove shingles or other materials from your yard. You may even want to place some tarps down on your driveway, so that the workers can easily gather up and dispose of any debris they find.
Lastly, consider marking out your yard or garden with bright orange tape or ribbon to indicate any especially fragile plants or trees that you would prefer not to have destroyed by a dropped shingle. This can help the roofers know where they should give you an extra wide berth.
You can also place a tarp or frost blanket over your flower beds and bushes to protect them from damage during the roofing process. You can also mark out sprinkler heads, if you have them, to ensure that the workers don’t trip over them during installation.
2. Clear the Attic
Before you begin a new roofing installation, it’s important to clear the attic. This will help ensure that there is no debris that can fall through the roof during the process. It will also make the clean up process easier.
Attics are often filled with a variety of dusty items. These items can attract a variety of pests, reduce your home’s indoor air quality, and cause mold growth.
The best way to prevent these issues is to remove the old insulation from your attic floor. This will allow the fresh, clean air to flow freely through your attic and into your living space.
Once you have removed the insulation from your attic floor, be sure to sweep it up and remove any dust that may be there. This will keep your home clean and contaminant-free.
Another way to prepare your attic for a new roof is to ensure that the attic has good ventilation. Many homes have vents throughout the attic that help to pull in and push out fresh air.
This can prevent the buildup of moisture and heat, which can encourage mold growth. You should regularly check your soffit, eave, and ridge vents to ensure that they’re working properly.
In addition, it is recommended that you install an attic fan to help circulate air throughout the attic. Using an attic fan can help to increase the amount of air that flows into your living space, and it can also reduce the amount of dust that is present in your attic.
3. Clean the Roof
Cleaning your roof is the first step to getting it ready for roofing installation. It not only prevents debris from causing damage, but also helps remove any mildew or mold that could be hiding in your shingles.
When cleaning a shingle roof, it’s important to use a cleaner that is safe and effective for the material. There are many different types of chemical cleaners available in the market, and it’s important to read the instructions on each one before using it.
A common method to clean a roof is to mix equal parts of water and laundry-strength bleach. Then, spray it on the roof and let it sit for a while.
Then, gently scrub it with a soft-bristle brush. Be sure to use caution while doing so, as working with chemicals on a roof can make it slippery.
Afterwards, rinse the roof well with plain water. Doing so will help protect the surrounding bushes and trees from any irreparable damage that can be caused by chemicals used to clean the roof.
Cleaning a roof can be time-consuming, but it’s necessary to keep your home looking great and protect its lifespan. It’s also a good idea to invest in quality roof cleaning services to ensure that your roof will last for years to come. Keeping your roof clean can also save you money in the long run.
4. Set Up the Job Site
Before you start work on the roof of your house, you need to prepare the area. It’s a good idea to remove any objects that can cause injury or damage the roofing material you will be working with. Then, you should consider flagging the roof, dumpster areas and staging/loading areas to ensure everyone knows what’s going on.
Taking the time to properly set up the site can make a big difference to your job efficiency and safety. For example, you should never bury or cover your ladders in the ground (this could lead to accidents if they fall off).
As for safety measures, you should have an emergency action plan (EAP) with well-known and easily identifiable procedures in place. It should also include an emergency phone number, which can be relayed to 911 staff when needed.
The most important part of a job well done is the safety of those involved. For this reason, you should have a safety oriented crew and a safety minded manager to oversee and enforce safe practices.
The best way to make sure you’re on the right track is to use a proven roofing contractor that has been in business for some time and has plenty of references from satisfied clients. This will help ensure that your roofing project goes smoothly and you get paid on time. Other key factors include having a decent-sized work area and hiring the best equipment available, which will save you money in the long run and prevent costly accidents.
5. Secure Your Property
Roofing contractors need quick access to their tools and trucks in order to get the job done, and that means a clear area of your property. This includes relocating vehicles that fall within your home’s boundary and trimming back trees that are close to the roof line.
The best way to prevent damage from stray nails and flying debris is to use an ice and water shield on your shingles. These are a small but mighty bit of technology that act as a stopper around nail holes, preventing leaks from ever happening in the first place.
In addition to the aforementioned, secure your at-risk items like patio furniture, grills and gardening tools with tarps or plywood. This will make your life and your roofer’s a little easier, and keep them from damaging anything they may accidentally knock over in the process. It also shows your neighbors that you are a responsible homeowner who takes your property seriously, which in turn means a good word of mouth. This can also be a great opportunity to reposition your prized possessions. Getting this done in advance of the big day will help keep you from having to do it all again later on.
6. Contact a Roofing Contractor
One of the best ways to avoid scammers is to make sure that you only work with licensed, bonded and insured contractors. They should be able to provide you with proof that they are these things and that they are in good standing with your state’s licensing board. If you’re looking for a reputable contractor, check out Boulder roofing companies.
If they are not, don’t trust them with the installation of your roof! It’s better to choose a company that is reputable and has been around for a while.
Before they begin work, ask the roofing contractor for a written estimate. This will give you a clear picture of the materials, labor, and price they’ll charge for the project. It’s also important to ask for warranties on their work.
This is because if they do any problems, you’ll be able to file a claim with the insurance company.
Another important question to ask is whether they outsource their work to subcontractors. If they do, it’s imperative that you check out their team of contractors before hiring them.
You should also ask them about their experience in your area. This is important to see if they have worked on similar projects before.
Finally, before they begin work, ask the roofing contractor if they have Workman’s Compensation and general liability insurance. This will protect you if they accidentally damage your property while working on your roof.
