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Even though there is no need to replace your roof yearly (thankfully), it can be an inconvenience when it comes time to fix or replace it. When something is wrong with your roof, the work that needs to be done can be extensive. However, you still need to go to work, children need to go to school, and your life won’t just hit pause until it’s all over. Therefore, it’s only natural to wonder, can you live in the house during a roof replacement?

Safety first

The first thing you need to consider is safety. How safe can your family be during the process? It is not recommended for anybody to be near the home’s exterior during this time. The roofing experts will need to remove your old roof. Debris can fall during the roofing process, so it is not safe for anyone to be there. If you want to stay in the house during the process, the experts at hansenbros.com strongly suggest moving your children’s things to a designated child-friendly area (depending on the available room). Know where your things in the home are stored, and continuously track where each family member is. Also, keeping your dog on a leash whenever you take them outdoors is another vital safety precaution while these renovations are ongoing. 

Take care of your pets too

Your pets may have difficulty adjusting to the new sights, smells, and sounds that are occurring in your house due to workers who are doing the roof replacement. Cats can’t stand all the fuss, and you probably won’t see them until the replacement is over. On the other hand, if you have a dog that’s easily startled by thunder and lightning, then it is likely that they will not like the constant thudding and banging. Instead of driving your dogs crazy by keeping them inside while the experts are putting a tarp on your roof, look for a pet-friendly boarding facility. After the new roof is in place, you can safely bring them back home.

Avoid getting in the path of the workers

When you engage a roofing contractor to replace your roof, you can relax, knowing that professionals are taking care of your home. However, it is of the utmost importance for your protection that you keep as far out of their way while they work. The contractor will also be able to work faster if they don’t have to avoid you constantly.

If you want to remain in your home during a roof replacement, you must be extremely cautious whenever you leave your house. While tearing off your rusted roof, the team will not be able to look over the roof’s edge to determine whether you or someone else is strolling around the house. It’s still best to let the workers know when you are outside.

Avoid the risk of injury

Your roofing contractor will not just dump all the roof debris at your front door. However, if you stand at or near the gutter line, there is a chance that some debris may strike you. You can avoid injuries by making sure to ask your contractor for information on the places where they will be unloading debris. That way, you’ll know the areas to avoid for your safety. The contractors can also inform you about any other precautions you must take.

Keep your furniture safe

Moving any outside furniture or valuables out of the way is a must. You’ll need to protect your items if you don’t want any debris to land on them. This is especially important if you have any items that are made of wood. Since security is crucial, it’s one of the most important traits to look for in safe temporary storage. However, wooden items also require humidity-controlled storage. Also, according to the storage professionals, anything you decide to leave in the house should have the appropriate protection and cover.

If you’re not ready for noise – don’t live in the house during a roof replacement

Setting up a new roof system can take some time. It is difficult to remain inside your house when constant thumping goes on outside. If you live in a home with more than one level, the sound of construction will be less audible on the ground floor. But the installers will continue to hammer nails until the sun goes down, and it won’t matter where in your house you are when they do it. The vibrations from their work will travel through the whole house. So, if you’re not up for all that, staying in the house might not be the best idea.

You will need to be ready for a teamwork

In the end, replacing the roofing is more of a team effort than you would think. If you want to stay in the house, you must collaborate with the roofers and make adequate arrangements. Talk to the roofers and try to come up with a plan that suits everyone. As a result, you will have a detailed timeline and know what to expect. Also, you’ll be sure that all of your needs are met.

Hiring reliable roofers is crucial

It’s essential to choose a reliable and experienced roofing company. Seasoned experts will make every effort to collaborate with you and keep you informed about the status of the project at each stage. Make sure they tell you:

• if the problem arises during the replacement
• if your help is required
• every other thing concerning your security and well-being

That way, you’ll make this whole process easier on both parts. Having your roof replaced will not be the easiest or most convenient of tasks, but it also does not have to be a major nuisance for you.

Final thoughts

So, the bottom line is – yes, you can live in the house during a roof replacement. However, you must know everything mentioned above if you decide to take that step. If you think you can’t handle some of these things, finding a place to stay temporarily while the roofers do their job is best. Sometimes, it’s better to distance yourself instead of living through a nightmare, even for a week. 

daniela.coleman

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