So you’ve decided it’s finally time to replace your old roof with something new—welcome to the club! As most homeowners know, there’s nothing quite so stress inducing as a roof that’s leaking, caving in or falling apart, so the decision to replace a severely damaged roof is bound to be exciting. But until the new roof is actually on your home, you’ll likely find that you’re still a little concerned and stressed, and that’s completely natural—the process of roof installation in Calgary isn’t always a walk in the park, either.
Understanding the particular risks involved in roof installation is the first step to overcoming any lingering stress, and fortunately, there are some steps you can take to make the process a little less daunting. Here are some things to keep in mind in between hiring a roofing contractor and welcoming them onto your property:
- Avoid interior damage due to vibration. Given the presence of roofers on top of your home, walking around, hammering and using other tools, it’s to be expected that there will be some vibrations noticeable inside your home. There’s no way around this. But it doesn’t have to cause damage—stow items typically placed on shelves or hung on the wall in a safe place during the roofing process to keep them from being accidentally broken.
- Take care of trees and yard work ahead of time. Before the roofers arrive, arrange to have trees trimmed, the lawn mowed and plants protected. While your roofers will take care not to damage anything, they’ll have an easier time if you take some preventative measures. They’ll also be able to clean up debris more easily if your grass is cut.
- Keep your children and pets in mind. Children are likely to find the roofing process sort of fascinating, but make no mistake—kids shouldn’t be getting in the way of the task at hand. Make sure your children are prepared for the disruption ahead of time and understand the dangers associated with work sites. Pets should also be kept away, and finding alternate lodging for them may be best.
- Be prepared for a lot of noise. Just as vibrations and messes are unavoidable, so is noise. Fortunately it’s only temporary, but it still might be a good idea to give your neighbors a heads-up when the roofers are scheduled to work.
- Remember to make your home accessible. Your roofers will be able to work much more quickly, efficiently and safely if they can easily get to the parts of your property that they need to access. Unlock your gates, clear your driveway and your yard and steer clear of your outdoor spaces while the roofers are at work. Again, it’s a temporary inconvenience, but one that’s necessary for the job to be done well.
Finding the right roofers to work with in the first place is always the biggest hurdle. That’s why you need to put sufficient time and energy into finding a roofer that you feel comfortable hiring for the job. But once you’re ready for roof installation in Calgary, it’s only a matter of time until you get to experience the thrill of having a safe, reliable roof over your head—perhaps for the first time in years!