Should You Stay Home During A Roof Replacement?

Posted on July 9, 2024

A roof replacement is a major investment involving huge sums of money and a long project timeline. So when you decide that it’s time to replace your roof, one question that might spring to your mind is: Should I stay home during the roof replacement?

Deciding whether to stay home or not is a common dilemma for homeowners. As a roofing company with decades of experience in this industry, we receive this question a lot and today we will discuss what affects the answer.

Let’s explore the factors that can help you make the best choice, ensuring your home upgrade goes smoothly and without any unexpected surprises.

The Roofing Process: What to Expect During A Roof Replacement Project

Before we dive into the stay-or-go decision, let’s briefly outline what a typical roof replacement involves:

Preparation and Material Delivery: Roofers will set up safety equipment and deliver all necessary materials to your property.
Removal of Old Roofing: The existing shingles and underlayment are stripped away, exposing the roof deck.
Inspection and Repairs of Underlying Structure: Any damaged wood or structural issues are identified and addressed at this stage.
Installation of New Roofing Materials: New underlayment, flashing, and shingles are carefully installed according to manufacturer specifications.
Clean-up and Final Inspection: The work area is thoroughly cleaned and a final quality check ensures everything meets industry standards.

Now that you know the general process of a roofing replacement, it is clear that this project takes some time and is not a quiet process. In the sections below, we will cover the advantages and disadvantages of staying at home during this project.

Why Should You Stay Home During A Roof Replacement? (Pros Of Staying Home)

Allows You To Manage The Project

By staying home, you’ll have the opportunity to oversee the project firsthand. This can be crucial as roof replacements are expensive and you can address any concerns immediately and make quick decisions if unexpected issues arise. This can speed up the process and ensure everything is done to your satisfaction. Your presence allows you to catch small details that might otherwise be overlooked, ensuring the final result aligns perfectly with your vision for your home.

Saves On Relocation

Staying home will eliminate the need for temporary accommodation, which can be a significant expense, especially for longer projects. This saved money could be used for upgrades or unforeseen repairs.

Peace of Mind

Some homeowners feel more comfortable being present to keep an eye on their property and belongings. While reputable roofing companies are trustworthy, having a homeowner on-site can deter potential theft or vandalism. Your presence also ensures that doors and windows are properly secured at the end of each workday, maintaining your home’s security throughout the project.

Can Help You Understand Your Home Better

Staying during the roof replacement offers a unique opportunity to learn about your home’s structure. You can observe the process, ask questions, and gain insights into roofing techniques and materials. This knowledge can be valuable for future maintenance and help you make informed decisions about your home in the long run.

How Relocating Can Help You During A Roof Replacement

In the section above, we covered why staying at home is a good idea. However, relocating during the roofing replacement also makes a strong case. Here’s why:

Avoid The Noise (And The Stress)

Temporarily moving out allows you to avoid the noise, dust, and general disruption of a major home improvement project. This can be especially beneficial for families with young children, elderly members, or individuals who work from home. By relocating, you’ll maintain a peaceful environment, reducing the stress and anxiety often associated with living in a construction zone.

Maintain Your Routine

By relocating, you can maintain your normal daily routine without the interruptions that come with a roof replacement. This is particularly advantageous if you have a strict work schedule or children with school and activity commitments. You won’t have to worry about early morning noise disrupting your sleep or construction activities interfering with important calls or meetings.

Gives Roofers Free Rein

In some cases, not having occupants in the home allows roofers to work more efficiently. They won’t need to worry about disturbing residents or working around your schedule, potentially leading to a quicker completion. Roofers can start earlier, work later, and move more freely throughout the property, which can significantly speed up the project timeline (just make sure that the roofer you hire is reputable and experienced).

Also Read: 6 Tips For Finding The Best Roofing Contractor In Wisconsin

Making Your Decision: A Personal Choice

We have seen that both staying at home and being away during your roofing replacement project have their share of benefits. Ultimately, the decision to stay or go during a roof replacement depends on your individual circumstances. Consider the following questions before deciding:

How well do you handle noise and disruption?

Roof replacements, even with our best efforts, will be noisy and can create disruption. Drills and hammers can cause disturbances, and even more so if you have kids and/or pets. If you can handle this or tune it out, staying isn’t a bad idea.

Do you have any health concerns that might be exacerbated by dust and debris?

The removal of old shingles and installation of new ones creates a considerable amount of dust and small debris which can aggravate allergies.

Can you work effectively from home during the project?

If you work from home, you may face some difficulties, especially if there are meetings or calls scheduled.

Do you have young children or pets that might interfere with the work?

During roof replacements, there is always a risk of damage. Falling debris, exposed nail heads, and ladders create potential hazards. To ensure safety, it’s essential to keep children and pets away from the work area and under close supervision.

Is your budget flexible enough to accommodate temporary relocation?

Relocating, even for a short period of time, can not only cost you a lot of money but can also disrupt your routine. Also, remember that you will need to extend your stay if your roof project extends beyond the deadline.

Preparing for Your Roof Replacement: Tips for Success

Irrespective of whether you choose to stay or go, here are some tips to ensure a smooth roof replacement process:

Remove or cover items in your attic to protect them from dust and debris.
Cover furniture and valuables in rooms directly below the work area.
Move vehicles, patio furniture, and other items away from the house to give roofers ample workspace.
Give your neighbors a heads-up about the upcoming project to minimize disruptions.
Vibrations from the work might cause pictures or mirrors to fall, so secure these items in advance.
If staying home, arrange a quiet, safe space for your pets during work hours.

Get In Touch With The Roof Replacement Experts In Northeastern Wisconsin

Prestige Roofing is your go-to roofing contractor for roof replacements in Northeastern Wisconsin. We are licensed and insured and have more than 50 years of combined experience in the roofing industry.

We understand how stressful roof replacements can be and we do our best to reduce that stress. Our roofers will take care of your home and make sure the project is completed on time.