Should I Stay Home During A Roof Replacement? What You Need to Know

Replacing your roof is no small task and you may be asking yourself many questions including, “how long will it take,” “how much should I budget for,” or “should I stay home during a roof replacement?” These questions are valid and important to know the answers for, especially the safety of staying home during your roof replacement. Whether you are concerned about the noise and potential disruptions, safety, or any other factor, we will discuss the various parts of a roof replacement that can help guide you in your decision to stay home or pack up for a few days or weeks.

1. Roof Replacement Safety

The number one priority during a roof replacement is safety. A roof replacement can be risky as the work being completed is high and uses heavy machinery. Accidents can happen whether they are falling pieces of old roof, shingles, or nails, which is why it is important for both the workers and anyone below to be aware of their surroundings.

If you are unsure whether or not you can stay home during the roof replacement process, consider the layout of your home and the amount of work being done. If the replacement is confined to one area of the roof or is being done on the exterior of the home, you may be fine to stay home during the duration of the project. However, if the project is more extensive or requires access to the inside of the home (through an attic), it may be worth considering moving to a different area of the home or relocating to a temporary living arrangement such as a hotel, Airbnb, or with a family or friend. Additionally, if you have small children, pets, elderly relatives, or those with limited mobility, it may be safer to stay elsewhere for their safety.

At NexGen Roofing, we take safety seriously and never want to put you or your loved ones in harm’s way, which is why all of our roofing professionals are well-trained and experienced. We do everything to minimize risk and ensure that everyone involved in your roof repair is adhering to the highest safety standards. We will work with you before and during the project to make sure that you are safe.

2. Temporary Living Arrangements

If you decide that it is best to relocate during a roof replacement, there are a few considerations you need to keep in mind while arranging a place to temporarily reside during the project. The scale and complexity of the project will determine how long it will take- it can  be anywhere from a couple of days to a few weeks.

One option is to stay with family or friends. This is usually the most cost effective and allows you to spend more valuable time with your loved ones. Another option is to rent an Airbnb or hotel room for the duration of the project. Extended stay hotels and Airbnb’s with cooking facilities are great options to not only save money on meals, but it also gives a “homey” feel to your temporary living arrangements.

If you do opt to stay outside of your home, be sure to plan for unexpected scenarios such as unexpected delays due to weather or materials shipping. Having a flexible arrangement can help reduce stress during an already stressful time. Also, be sure to speak regularly with your roofing contractor to ensure that timelines are on track and that everyone is on the same page.

3. Noise and Disruption

As mentioned earlier, a roof replacement can be a noisy process and one that you should consider when deciding whether to stay home or not. Replacing a roof requires the use of loud tools and equipment such as hammers, nail guns, saws, and boom lifts. The constant noise can disturb not only you, but your family and pets.

If you work from home, the noise may be too disruptive to maintain focus and conduct meetings. For those with small children, noise in the middle of the day can make naptime impossible. While some options such as working from a library or co-working space or using a white noise machine for naptime may help, they may not be enough or feasible for some. Consider if the potential noise is something that can be tolerated or if temporarily staying in a quieter location is more practical.

4. Communicating With Contractors

Having an open line of communication with your roofing contractors is essential to the roof replacement process. Talk with your roofing contractors BEFORE work begins and have a realistic and detailed conversation about the project timeline and any potential delays that may occur. Have them go through the different stages of the project and highlight days that may be the most noisy and disruptive. This information will help you to come up with a game plan and whether you stay home or temporarily relocate to another location for the entirety of the project, or only on the days that are the most disruptive. This also allows you to give any nearby neighbors a friendly “heads-up” about potential noise so they can plan accordingly as well.

Furthermore, be sure to ask your contractors if they need access to specific areas of your home that are not typically accessible such as an attic or other areas of the home. This allows you to plan ahead and have the areas clear for your contractors when they need to use a specific area.

5. Potential Hazards

While roof replacements are generally safe, especially when using trusted and trained roofing contractors, a project of this scale is not without its risks. Roofing materials, falling debris, power tools, and equipment can pose a threat to anyone who may be too close.

A trusted contractor like the team at NexGen Roofing will take the proper steps to secure the area around the project to ensure that potential hazards are contained. However, it is important for anyone, contractor or homeowner (and their loved ones, including pets) to stay aware of any hazards and make sure they stay in safe areas away from the work zone. This may mean that access to certain areas inside and outside of your home may be temporarily restricted and off limits. Before the project begins, be sure to consult with your roofing contractor to have the proper understanding of what areas in and around your home are restricted.

6. Pets and Roof Replacement

The comfort and safety of your loved ones is important and this includes your pets. Loud noises and other disruptions such as new people can be stressful for pets, especially if your home is usually a quiet oasis for them. Your pets can become anxious, skittish, or be more vocal than normal, including loud barking.

To help ease the potential disruptions, be sure to keep your pets in a quiet area of the home, especially if you are planning to stay in your home for the duration of the project. If feasible, consider boarding your pets or having them stay with a family or friend until the work is complete. If you have additional concerns or need further advice, be sure to consult with your pet’s veterinarian.

Should You Stay Home?

Deciding whether or not to stay home during a roof replacement is a personal decision, but one that can be made strategically. Consider several factors including the size of the project, the safety and well-being of your family and pets, the potential level of noise and other disturbances to your work and everyday life, and your comfort level. Having clear communication with your roofing contractor before and during the project will allow you to have a clear timeline of the project and any safety concerns or delays that may arise.

If you are ready to start the roof replacement process, reach out to the team at NexGen Roofing today!