Is your roof on its last leg? Are you debating whether or not to be home when the roofers come to tear it all off and replace it with a shiny new one?
Getting a new roof is a big project, and it’s normal to feel unsure about the best way to handle it. Should you take the day off work and hold down the fort? Or should you pack up the pets and head to a hotel to avoid the ruckus?
There are decent reasons for both options. Staying home allows you to keep an eye on the work and your belongings. But leaving can spare you from noise and mess.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the main pros and cons of staying home during a roof replacement. We’ll also give you a peek into what you can expect on the big day, so you can decide which choice is right for you. Let’s dive in!
Pros of Staying Home
Staying home while your roof is replaced does have some benefits. Here are the main perks you can look forward to if you decide to stay put.
Monitor Progress Closely
When you’re home for the roof replacement, you have a front row seat to see how things are going. You can check out the step-by-step process up close and personal.
Many homeowners feel more at ease when they can keep an eye on the work themselves, instead of waiting for progress reports from the roofing company.
Being home also makes it easy to ask the roofers questions as they come up. You can get immediate answers about timelines, materials, or any other curiosities you have along the way.
Respond to Issues Quickly
Even when you hire the best roofing company, there’s always a slight chance that problems can crop up.
Maybe there’s an unexpected structural issue once the old roof is peeled away. Or the crew discovers your roof’s layout differs from the initial blueprints.
When you’re home, you can quickly connect with the project lead to address any hiccups or changes that come up on the fly. This prevents delays or mistakes from happening down the line.
Save Money on Accommodations
Heading out of town for a roof replacement often means shelling out for a hotel, Airbnb, or some other short-term lodging.
These additional costs can add up, especially if you’re getting a big roof replaced that takes multiple days to install.
Staying home lets you skip this extra expenditure altogether. Hey, it’s another perk you can look forward to once you’ve paid for that new roof!
Keep an Eye on Your Property
Having roofers at your home all day when you aren’t there can feel a bit uneasy. Even when you completely trust the company, it’s normal to get a little anxious about your unattended home and possessions.
Staying on site for the roof replacement brings peace of mind. You can monitor the comings and goings at your property and make sure all is going smoothly.
Stay Centered in Your Home
Beyond security concerns, being away from home for multiple days can just feel…unsettling. Even if you’re just across town, sleeping in a different bed and using someone else’s shower can mess with your zen.
Sticking around for the roof replacement lets you stay centered and grounded. You get to carry on your normal routines in your own space before and after the roofing crew packs up each day.
Cons of Staying Home
On the flip side, staying home during a roof replacement also has some definite drawbacks. Here are the key points to keep in mind.
It’s Extremely Noisy and Disruptive
If you’ve never experienced a roof replacement, you probably underestimate just how loud and disruptive it is. The banging and hammering overhead is constant and intense.
Trying to relax, work from home, or just think straight with that racket going on can be maddening. Even if you retreat to the lowest level of your home, the noise and vibrations still infiltrate.
For many homeowners, the decibel levels alone are reason enough to get out of Dodge during the roof work. Some even book a hotel just to spare their pets from the harsh noises.
Safety Hazards to Be Aware Of
Roof replacements involve some inherent dangers – old roofing materials will be tossed down into dumpsters below, new heavy bundles will be hoisted up overhead, and debris is flying.
Staying out of the way is crucial for your own safety and the crew’s. Never walk below roof edges while work is underway. The roofers can’t see you, which poses a real risk of debris or tools falling on you. Not ideal!
Before starting, the crew will advise you on off-limit outdoor areas. But avoiding mishaps is much easier when you’re away altogether.
Dust and Debris Created
Tearing off roofing materials and cutting new ones creates a big mess. Nails, broken shingles, and clouds of dust are inevitable.
While the roofing company will clean up thoroughly when done, the process itself is pretty filthy. Remaining home means dealing with the unsightly debris pileups and residue tracked inside.
Many homeowners come back to a newly roofed home with vastly cleaner outdoor areas and interiors. Avoiding the debris is a bonus of being out of town during the work.
Can Be Inconvenient
Between coordinating with roofers and navigating blocked pathways, staying home during a roof replacement can mean putting your life on hold. Moving vehicles so the crew can access areas or keeping pets indoors all day quickly becomes a headache.
Heading out of the house removes these annoyances from the equation. The contractors can work efficiently without worrying about disrupting your comings and goings. It’s often the path of least resistance.
What to Expect on Roof Replacement Day
Wondering what exactly goes down on the day your roof gets replaced? Here’s a quick overview of what the process involves.
Overview of Process
A standard roof replacement generally takes 1-3 days for most homes. The roofing company arrives in the morning to get set up. Then the tear-off begins.
This involves removing all your old roofing materials right down to the roof deck. Next, any deck repairs or replacements are completed.
Once the roof deck is prepped, the new roof installation begins. Shingles or tiles are layered on meticulously and sealed. Flashing, vents, and other elements are installed.
Finally, the crew cleans up debris and nails. They do a final walkthrough to ensure all is functioning properly before packing up.
And voila – you have a fresh new roof overhead!
Removal of Old Roof
On day one, the roofers begin by preparing the job site. They’ll coordinate with you on protecting landscaping, covering doorways/vents, and setting up equipment.
To remove the old roof, they strip off all existing materials in sections. Tear-off may involve prying up nails, scraping away old adhesives, and loading debris into a dumpster.
This process creates a lot of noise, as well as falling debris you’ll want to avoid. Removal is often the dustiest and most disruptive phase.
Installation of New Roof
After prepping the roof deck, it’s time for the new roof installation. The underlayment and drip edge are installed first.
Then shingles or tiles are layered on row by row, secured with specialty nails. Vents, flashing, and other elements are added.
During installation, you’ll see the roof really taking shape. The crew works efficiently to get the water-shedding and aesthetic components in place.
Clean Up Process
Before leaving your property, the roofers will thoroughly clean the job site. They’ll sweep debris, remove equipment, and haul away any waste.
A magnet is used to comb the property and pick up stray nails. A final walkaround confirms everything is properly in place.
The crew foreman will also review the finished product with you, and may take photos to document the new roof. Then they’ll be on their way!
Deciding What’s Best for You
As you can see, both staying home and finding alternate accommodations during a roof replacement come with pros and cons. So which one is right for you? Here are some key factors to consider:
Factors to Consider
Think about your lifestyle and priorities. Do you absolutely need to access your home office, or have flexibility to work elsewhere? Are you ultra-protective about monitoring your home?
If you have anxious pets or babies who nap, the noise levels may drive you away. But if you’ll worry nonstop about your unattended house, staying may be wise.
Chat with your roofing company about the expected timeframe so you can plan properly. A one-day project may be manageable to stay home for.
Ideas for Alternate Accommodations
If you opt to clear out, look at nearby options like a friend’s place, affordable hotel, or short-term rental. For longer projects, extended stay rates can make sense.
You may only need to be gone during work hours if noise is your primary concern and the timeframe is under 3 days. Going to work and returning at night to a clean, quiet home is a popular choice.
Communicating with Roofing Company
Talk to the roofing company ahead of time about your plan to stay or go. They’ll advise you on logistics, like where to safely park vehicles that won’t get blocked in.
If staying home, get their input on the most noise-free areas to camp out in. For a full exit, provide contact info in case any issues arise.
Conclusion
Replacing your roof is a complex decision, but understanding what to expect can make it less daunting. Weigh the benefits and downsides thoughtfully to decide if staying home or finding alternate lodging is right for your needs.
Either way, partnering with a professional roofing contractor is key. They have the skills and experience to complete the job efficiently, whether you oversee the process or put your trust in their hands.
With your sparkling new roof installed properly, you can look forward to decades of enhanced protection and beauty for your home. The short-term discomfort of installation will pay off for years to come!
