The roof is an important part of any home. It protects the house from the elements and keeps it safe from water damage. So, when it starts to leak or needs to be replaced, it’s a big deal. In this article we will talk about what you need to know before deciding if you can live in the house while roof is being repaired or replaced. In most circumstances, the choice is up to you.
Can You Live in the House While Roof is Being Replaced?
Whether your roof is leaking or the roof needs to be replaced, the first thing you should do is make sure that the structural integrity of the house has not been compromised. If there are signs of past water damage, such as mold growth or evidence of rotting wood, it’s a good idea to have a professional look at it before deciding what should be done. They can often help you decide if you should leave the house during these repairs.
It’s no wonder the common question that people ask is whether they can live in their home while their roof is being replaced.
In general, reputable roofers encourage customers to vacate the premises when they are working on the roof for safety reasons. However, oftentimes, homeowners choose to continue living in their homes while their roofs are being replaced as long as the work does not involve any major construction such as adding an extension or building an addition onto the house.
At the end of the day, it really depends on the type of roofing material that the homeowner has and the kind of roofing repair that needs to be done – not to mention the inconveniences families are willing to put up with.
So, can you live in the house while roof is being repaired or replaced?
First consider the several types of nuisances that can take place during roof repair:
There Will Be Loud Noises During Roof Replacement
Why are so many homeowners searching “live in house while roof replaced?” The truth of the matter is that many residents are working from home these days, and families with small children take naps. As you can imagine, the noise makes a big difference! Needless to say, roof replacement is a job that requires heavy equipment and loud noise.
Preparation is key. Ask your contractor how long it will take, so you will understand how long you will have to put up with the noise. Assuming you are not making the decision to get a hotel or stay at a friend’s house, there are a few things you can do to minimize the noise and make the repair process a bit more bearable:
- If you are not working from home, try to schedule the repairs for a time when you will be away from home.
- If you are working from home, take a vacation day or two.
- Take some time for yourself during the repairs. Go for that walk or catch a movie. Taking breaks like these throughout the day can give your rears a rest from the noise.
- Most roof replacement will take 1-2 days
Safety During Roof Replacement is Essential
When your roof starts to show signs of wear and tear, it’s time to call in the professionals. But what does that mean for your safety? Replacing a roof is a big job, and there are a lot of potential hazards – to both you and the roofing staff. But don’t worry – if you follow these simple safety tips, you can stay safe while the roofers do their work.
- Make sure to clear away any debris or obstructions from around your home. This will ensure that the roofers have a clear path to the roof and make tripping less likely.
- Falling debris is common. So, be sure to stay inside your home while the roofers are working. Should you have to go outside for any reason, ask the roofer beforehand where you should and should not walk when taking that pet out or running an errand.
- Be sure to stay inside your home while the roofers are working. However, if you have to go outside for any reason, ask the roofer beforehand where you should and should not walk.
Roof Repair and Pets
Cats and dogs will definitely be affected by loud roof work. Whether it be their barking nature towards noise, or an anxiety-ridden flare up similar to those pets that are afraid of thunderstorms or fireworks. Keeping your pets in mind is essential. Keep the following tips in mind:
- Find a pet sitter on the days of roof repair or roof installment.
- Take your dog(s) to doggy daycare for each day of the roof repairs.
- When pets are nervous, exercise them by going for a walk, park visit, or other fun activities.
- Make a relaxing space for your pet in the basement with their favorite bed or a snack-filled
- Spend time cuddling your pet, they like it and will remember the roof replacement project as a good thing)
How Long Will It Take?
The roof repair timeline varies, and rightfully so. For example, no two roofs are alike. Secondly, time spans are longer for roof replacements vs. roof repairs (in most cases). There are multiple other factors to consider when it comes to roof repair/replacement timelines.
The average square foot of a roof is around 2,000 square feet or 20 squares. If this is you, it may only take a day to replace your roof. If minor repairs are all that is needed, it could take up to several hours. If other factors are involved, it could take a few days, depending. Check out the multiple variables to consider when it comes to how long it takes to repair or replaced.
- The weather always plays a factor and can oftentimes delay the repair or replacement process.
- Roofing complexities are always considered when estimating time frames. The number of facets, hips, angles, valleys, and pitch make a difference when trying to determine how long it will take to repair/replace a roof.
- The accessibility of the roof itself plays a vital role in figuring timelines. The taller the roof, the more complex it will be when getting old materials off the roof and new materials up to the roof.
- Fences, paved surfaces, and bushes around the home are common and often make it harder to access the roof. So, your landscaping will need to be assessed. The more the landscaping, the longer it may take.
Our professionals here at MY Pittsburgh Roofing are known for high-quality roof repair and replacements. We are the #1 roofing company in all of Pittsburgh. We take our workmanship very seriously and have a reputation of surpassing all expectations. Reach out to us at 412-218-7082 for a free consultation. From there we may suggest a roof inspection.