Roofing and Siding Tips
Your decision to re-roof or have maintenance done on your roofing and/or siding is an important homeowner decision, and merits a bit of planning to make sure the project goes the way it is meant to.
- Tell your immediate neighbors that you are going to be getting the work done. The noise, the vehicles, the equipment, and the potential smell can affect those people on either side of you, and it is the "neighborly" thing to do, to tell them ahead of time.
- Make sure your property is tidy when the contractor arrives to begin the project. The less mess around your property, the easier it will be to get equipment and materials to where they need to go, the less chance for injury or damage, and the easier cleanup will be for the contractor after the project is completed.
- If the project is being done in the Fall, make sure that fallen leaves and branches are cleaned up before the project begins. Fallen nails, etc. will be harder to find and be cleaned up amongst yard debris, and can make the project trickier, and more dangerous, to complete.
- Make sure lawns are mowed and landscaping is done before the project begins so that nothing is in the contractor's way. As well, if the project takes two weeks to complete, you won't want to do yardwork during the project so will want to have it done ahead of time.
- Remove vehicles from the driveway so that the contractor's vehicle and equipment can get as close to the house as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
If my roof has only one layer, can I layover the shingles already there, or is it better to take them off first?
Will my attic be filled with dust or dirt from the roofing job?
Will nails and hazardous materials be a concern in my yard either during or after the job?
Is it necessary for me to protect items within my home from possible damage?
Do I need to be home while the work is being done?
Do I need to be home in order to receive an estimate?
Should I get a second opinion?
If my roof has only one layer, can I layover the shingles already there, or is it better to take them off first?
You need to consider a few things before making this decision. Older roofing materials may be wrinkling, gapping or cupping. As a new layer is laid on top of that older layer, it follows the "outline" of the older layer, which would look uneven and bumpy if the older layer is not perfect to begin with. More than this though, is a safety issue. Without taking the older layer off first, your contractor isn't able to look at the roof for damage or wear-and-tear that needs to be fixed first, instead of just Band-Aid'ing over the top. Taking the older layer off first is not a huge expense in comparison to the benefits that come from doing so.
Will my attic be filled with dust or dirt from the roofing job?
Unfortunately, there is really nothing that can be done to avoid some of the finer dust from falling through into the attic area. It is a good idea to remove any items that are valuable or irreplaceable, and covering with tarps or sheets anything else that you don't want touched by the dust.
Will nails and hazardous materials be a concern in my yard either during or after the job?
It's a good idea to check with your roofing contractor about this before they begin, just to make sure. Any reputable contractor includes a complete cleanup of all roofing materials and debris, from the roof down to the perimeter of the property and parking areas. A magnet is used to collect all nails and tacks that have fallen to ground level, so that when the job is done, you're left with nothing but a new roof!
Is it necessary for me to protect items within my home from possible damage?
There is always some vibration that goes through the walls and floors of the house during a roofing project. Anything of great value, or anything not firmly attached to the walls should be taken down for its safety. Glass bulbs on chandeliers are particularly sensitive to any vibration.
Do I need to be home while the work is being done?
No, it is not necessary that you are home while the work is being done. In fact, it might be more peaceful for you NOT to be at home because the hammering can be loud and very distracting. This is providing, of course, that you home has an outside electrical outlet, and you have agreed beforehand on the work being done. If you are having damaged wood replaced, you may have to inspect it yourself once it has been exposed, to determine how much you authorize being replaced. Talk to your contractor for more information about your specific roofing project.
Do I need to be home in order to receive an estimate?
Most roofing contractors get the necessary measurements and inspections from outside the home. It is, however, a good idea to meet personally with each estimator so that you can explain exactly what you want done, and find out your various options from each, so that your estimate is correct. As well, each contractor will probably have slightly different opinions and recommendations for your roof, and the accumulated information will help you to make valuable decisions with the final contractor that you choose for the project.
Should I get a second opinion?
Yes, yes, yes. It is always a good idea to get numerous estimates from various companies. There will be varying recommendations, varying prices, and varying job performances. Don't necessarily choose the cheapest estimate and "hope for the best"... each estimate you get done is an opportunity for you to interview that contractor and make the overall best decision for your roofing project.
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