Have you ever had the misfortune of sitting in your living room on a peaceful Saturday morning, coffee in hand, only to have the tranquility shattered by a series of loud bangs from the roof? That, my friend, is the sound of your neighbor’s roof being replaced. And as you grit your teeth in annoyance, you can’t help but think, “Why didn’t they just go to a hotel for the day?”
But what if that banging was coming from your own roof? Would you still nonchalantly pack your bags and head to a hotel while workers hammered away overhead? Or would you stick it out, clinging to the comforts of home while chaos ensues outside?
This, dear reader, is the question I aim to answer today:
should you stay home during a roof replacement?
There are good arguments on both sides of this decision. Staying home allows you to keep an eye on the project and your belongings. But leaving can save you from the noise, mess, and safety concerns inherent to reroofing.
To help you decide whether to stay or go when it’s time for your own roof replacement, we’ll look at the pros and cons of each option. I’ll share tips from roofing experts on how to make the process go smoothly regardless of where you spend the day. And I’ll give you a sneak peek into what exactly happens on the big day so you know what to expect.
Grab another cup of coffee, put in some earplugs to block out the neighbor’s roofer, and let’s weigh your options!
Should You Stay Home? The Pros
Let’s start with reasons why you might want to hang out at home while your roof is replaced.
You Can Monitor the Progress and Quality
When you’re investing thousands of dollars into a major home project like a roof replacement, it’s natural to want oversight on how it goes. By staying home, you’ll be able to actually see how the work progresses and ensure your roofers follow proper protocols.
You can check that they fully remove the old roof rather than taking shortcuts. Watch them add the right amount of starter shingles for adequate protection. See that they replace every flashing and seal around vents.
And if at any point you notice something amiss, you can immediately address it with the project manager. Monitoring progress yourself gives you peace of mind that you’re getting what you paid for.
You Can Respond Quickly to Any Issues
Even if you thoroughly vetted your roofing company, little problems can still pop up during the process. Maybe the crew discovers a section of rotten wood that needs replacing. Or they find an unusual vent configuration that requires guidance.
If you’re at the house while the roof work happens, you’ll be ready to answer any questions and approve fixes as they arise. This allows the project to move briskly along rather than the roofers having to stop work while they track you down offsite.
You Can Save on Accommodation Costs
Let’s be honest: hotels aren’t cheap, especially if you live in a major metro area. Even a budget room can run you $100 or more for a single night’s stay. And if you have kids or pets to bring along, costs add up fast.
By enduring the roof replacement from the comfort of your home, you get to avoid accommodation expenses. That’s money that can go right back into your own property!
You Stay Centered in Your Own Home
There’s a special kind of stress that comes from living out of a suitcase in an unfamiliar hotel room. Even if it’s just for a night or two, relocating your whole family can feel disruptive.
Staying put for the roof replacement allows you to stick to your normal routine as much as possible. Make your morning coffee in your own kitchen, sleep in your own bed, and find comfort in having your possessions nearby.
While the roofers do their thing outside, you get to remain centered in the familiarity of home.
You Can Keep An Eye On Your Property
With strangers coming and going from your home, it’s normal to have some concerns about security. Valuables going missing is unlikely with a reputable roofing crew. But peace of mind is priceless, right?
When you stay onsite during the roof replacement, you’re able to oversee your property at all times. If anything seems suspicious, you can flag it immediately. You’ll also have clarity that any damage or issues are accidental, not nefarious.
Should You Leave? The Cons
Of course, staying home during a roof replacement also comes with quite a few downsides. Let’s look at why you might prefer to take off and let the roofers do their thing without you around.
It’s Extremely Loud and Disruptive
Here’s an understatement for you: getting a new roof installed is not quiet. Even from inside your home, the incessant hammering and banging overhead will likely drive you mad. If you’re trying to get any kind of work done, or simply relax, forget it.
And if you have small children or pets averse to loud noises, the ruckus could be upsetting or even temporarily traumatizing! Protect their little eardrums by finding alternative accommodations for the day.
There Are Significant Safety Hazards
Replacing a roof is a complex job requiring heavy tools, intense labor, and working at dangerous heights. Before you decide to hang out below the action, recognize the safety hazards.
Falling debris like roof tiles or nails is a real risk, which is why professional roofers set up barricades around the house’s perimeter. They also need to be able to fully focus up on the roof rather than worrying about homeowners down below.
For your own protection, it’s smart to steer clear of the work zone entirely. You’ll minimize injury risks and stay out of the roofing crew’s way.
It Creates a Major Dust Storm
Even if you stay safely out of the danger zone, simply having your roof replaced means living amidst clouds of dust for a few days. As the tear-off process begins, decades of accumulated gunk in your old roofing system goes airborne.
The dust floating around outside also finds its way indoors, covering surfaces and making it tough to keep things clean. If you or any family members have allergies or asthma, subjecting yourself to all that debris may not be worth it!
Staying Can Be Highly Inconvenient
Imagine you decided to work from home on roof replacement day. You’re on an important video call when suddenly a roofer appears on camera outside your window. Or you have a phone interview set up, but it’s nearly impossible to hear over the banging from above.
Since you’ll be sharing the home with roofers, communicating about appropriate times and locations you need off-limits can be a hassle. You may have to rearrange your day’s plans or risk constant disruptions.
It Can Disturb Kids and Pets
If you have young children or sensitive pets like cats or anxious dogs, the clamor of a roof replacement could really affect them. The unfamiliar workers, loud noises, and shaking from hammering are often upsetting or even scary for kids and animals.
Some may hide or act out due to stress. So if you want to minimize upset for your whole household, taking a little vacation from the house for a day is wise.
Is it Safe to Stay Home During Roof Replacement If Pest Control has been Done?
Yes, it is safe to stay home during roof replacement if pest control has been done. However, it is important to take precautions when bringing baby home after pest control. Ensure that the areas have been ventilated and cleaned thoroughly before exposing the baby to any potential residues.
What To Expect On Roof Replacement Day
Now that we’ve weighed the potential pros and cons, let’s get into the nitty gritty of what a roof replacement actually involves so you know what to plan for.
The process varies based on your roof size, materials, and other factors. But typically it follows this timeline:
- 7 AM – 9 AM: Materials are delivered and staging begins. Permits are posted and zones marked off with barricades and caution tape.
- 9 AM – 12 PM: Tear-off starts as the old roof is removed down to the roof deck. Debris is thrown into dumpsters onsite.
- 12 PM – 1 PM: Lunch break for the crew. They’ll do a safety check and clean-up before resuming work.
- 1 PM – 6 PM: New roofing materials are layered on according to spec. Flashing details are installed around vents, chimneys, etc.
- 6 PM – 7 PM: Final cleanup and checklist to prep for inspection. Roofers pack up for the day.
For a single day project, most of the action happens from mid-morning until late afternoon. Larger roof replacements can take several days to weeks depending on size and intricacy.
The roofing contractor will section off areas around the house where debris could fall using caution tape, signs, or cones. If you’re staying onsite, absolutely avoid these zones and ask the project manager which areas are off limits before they start work.
The crew may also temporarily block off your home’s entryways. This ensures no one enters or exits while heavy material gets hauled up overhead. Just coordinate with the roofing supervisor so you aren’t accidentally locked in or out!
Key Factors To Consider
As you decide whether to take off or stick around your home during the process, keep these key considerations in mind:
- How long is the project estimated to take? If it’s a single day, staying is more doable than for multi-week overhauls.
- Check the weather forecast. If heavy rain or high winds are expected, the roofing schedule may get delayed or interrupted.
- Do you have alternate accommodation for pets or kids? Their comfort may be the deciding factor.
- How responsive and communicative has your roofing contractor been so far? Ensure you trust them before opting to leave the house empty.
- Will there be areas of the home you can quietly work or relax in despite the noise? If not, staying will be frustrating.
Carefully weighing these elements will help you determine whether to take a mini-vacation or stick it out at home for your roof replacement.
At the end of the day, whether to stay home or temporarily relocate during your roof replacement comes down to personal preference. There are compelling cases to be made on both sides.
Ideally, your roofing contractor will be flexible and help you make the process go smoothly regardless of where you’ll be. Communicate your plan ahead of time and work together on expectations.
If still undecided, I suggest packing an overnight bag with your essentials just in case. You can play it by ear based on noise levels and how disruptive the first day is. There’s no shame in sneaking off to a tranquil hotel room for a good night’s sleep!
Above all, remember this investment is a positive one, soon resulting in enhanced protection and peace of mind despite a few chaotic installation days. Before you know it, the pounding will cease and you’ll have a fresh, watertight roof over your head for years to come. So pour yourself some coffee, get out the earplugs, and start looking forward to the finished product!