If you’re about to have your roof replaced, you want the job to go as smoothly as possible. This means preparing your home and yourself to help ensure the work goes off without a hitch.
One way to do this is by taking down any hangings or items on the walls. This can reduce the risk of damage from a new roof’s vibrations.
1. Make Sure Your Roofers Have Access to Electrical Outlets
Before a roofing company arrives at your home, make sure they have access to several electrical outlets. Roofers often use power tools and air compressors to do their job, so they may need a way to get electricity to these devices. This is usually accomplished by using an exterior outlet but, if your home does not have one, they can also use an extension cord to run into your house or garage.
If you have small children or pets, it’s a good idea to take them to another friend or family member’s home during the roof replacement. They will be happier away from the ruckus, and you will have more peace of mind knowing they are safe.
Your roofers will be moving shingles, materials and equipment around the site so it’s important to give them enough space. Keep any cars or other vehicles out of the driveway and place them in a safe spot to avoid falling shingle debris that might damage their paint.
It’s also a good idea to clear the path around your home that roofers will need to walk, so they don’t trip on any toys or patio furniture you have out in the yard. Tarps should be placed over any landscaping that might be affected by the roof renovation.
Talk with your children and pets about the noise and dangers of construction. They should understand that hammers, nail guns and other workers on the roof will disrupt their normal routines and may lead to anxiety.
A well-planned roof installation will go smoothly if you follow these tips. The best part is, your roofer will be there to answer any questions you might have and ensure your entire experience goes as smooth as possible.
2. Clear the Attic
An unkempt attic is a prime breeding ground for pests, allergens, and mold spores. Dust, dirt, and other debris can also find its way into your home’s air ducts and distribute these contaminants throughout the house.
Invest in a high-efficiency vacuum with a filter or a shop vac and use it to clean your attic thoroughly from top to bottom. You can also broom and sweep to get rid of loose dirt.
Then, inspect the insulation for moisture and make sure it’s dry. Look for signs of mold, and block any holes that could allow animals into your home.
Mice and rats can squeeze through tiny openings in the eaves, boards, or around pipes to access your attic. If they find their way into your home, you’ll need a professional exterminator to deal with them.
If you have a lot of items to store in your attic, consider organizing it for easy access and storage. Build cubbies in slanted walls or install shelves to keep your stuff tidy and out of the reach of rodents.
Don’t forget to label everything in your attic to help you find it later. This is especially important if you’re working with a small space, because it can be difficult to find anything in an unorganized place.
If you have a lot of sentimental items in your attic, it’s best to put them away before cleaning the space. It can be tempting to pour over these items and savor the memories, but it’s better to set them aside until you have the time and energy to organize your attic properly.
3. Move Any Items in the Attic
When preparing for a roof installation, it’s best to get any items that you don’t plan to use out of the way. This will make the space less cluttered and easier to work with. Clarksville roofing companies will thank you for it.
Some of these things may be sentimental, such as old schoolbooks or wedding dresses, so it’s important to sort through them first. If you’re having a hard time parting with them, consider donating them or listing them on an online classifieds site.
Then, organize any items you do need to keep in an easy-to-access area. You’ll find that this makes it easier to grab the items you need and put them back without rummaging through the attic space.
For example, if you’re storing your holiday decor, put it in a clear storage box so that you can easily find it when you need to put it back. You can also divide it into categories, such as holiday, photos and so on.
Another idea is to store heavy items and items that are prone to heat damage in a different location, such as the basement. This will prevent your belongings from getting too hot, which can cause them to crack or break.
Finally, you should also avoid storing food in your attic. This is a big no-no, as it’s highly likely to attract pests, which can cause mold and mildew.
When it comes to storing items in your attic, it’s better to keep them in clear plastic bins. These are sturdier than cardboard boxes and are easier to see into. They’re also more likely to be air-tight, which will help you prevent mold and mildew. It’s also important to label these boxes, so that you know what they contain.
4. Remove Any Hanging Frames or Mirrors
When removing a mirror or frame, there are a few different techniques you can use. One method involves severing the glue that holds the mirror to the wall with a piano wire or guitar string. The other uses a special mounting bracket called a French cleat. This is a popular choice for heavy mirrors because it requires no drilling, and instead relies on evenly spaced studs in the wall for support.
A stud finder is a great tool for locating studs. Once you know where your studs are, it is easier to determine where you want to hang the mirror.
You can also mark a horizontal line across the wall using a level or a pencil. This will help you ensure the mirror hangs straight and cleanly on the wall.
Once the horizontal line is drawn, remove any paint or wallpaper from the wall that may interfere with the mirror’s positioning. Then, carefully move the mirror into position and latch its D-rings over the hangers.
Before you install the mirror, be sure to measure the distance from the top of the D-rings to the top of the frame. If necessary, cut a length of wire that is about three times the width of the frame and use it to connect the D-rings.
Then, feed the loose end of the wire through the other D-ring and back to the first D-ring, leaving enough slack so that it will not show when the mirror is hung. Then, screw the D-rings to the frame.
If you decide to hang the mirror with adhesive, use painter’s tape to mark the area where the adhesive will be applied. This will ensure that the mirror will not come off the wall when you try to remove it later.
5. Remove Any Glass Sconces
If you have glass sconces on the roof, remove them before starting work. This is an essential step to ensure that you do not injure yourself or your neighbor when working on the roof, and it can save you money down the road if you need to replace any of the sconces later on.
To remove a glass shade from a flush-mounted fixture, stand on a sturdy stepladder and look for a metal nub or finial at the bottom of the shade. Using the thumb of one hand, turn the nub counterclockwise several times while holding the glass shade securely with the other hand. This method works for many types of glass shades, including the ones that have a screw that protrudes from the bottom.
If you have a glass dome fixture, it’s a good idea to remove the whole thing before replacing the light bulb inside it, too. Typically, the dome has 3 or 4 screws that can be unscrewed simply by twisting them. Then, just pull the glass dome down off the screws, allowing you to change the bulb.
