Getting a new roof is a big deal. It’s a big project that requires a lot of planning. One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to stay home during roof replacement or find somewhere else to be for a few days. There’s no right or wrong answer—it all comes down to your personal comfort level and specific circumstances.
Should You Stay or Should You Go: Evaluating Your Options
While some homeowners want to monitor every step of a roof replacement, others find it less disruptive to their routines to hand over the reins to the professionals. Your personality will be a big part of what drives this decision, but here are some other important things to consider.
How Big Is Your Roof and How Long Will the Project Take?
The size and complexity of your home’s roof will affect the length of your project. Simple shingle roof replacements on average-sized homes may only take 1-3 days. Larger, more complex jobs, especially on specialty roofs like those constructed with wood shakes or slate, can take weeks or even months.
Make sure you discuss this with your contractor upfront so there are no surprises and you know what you’re signing up for. This will allow you to better understand the potential duration and plan accordingly for any inconveniences that may arise.
Noise Levels and Family Disruptions
Roof replacement is inherently noisy, between the removal of the existing shingles and the installation of new materials. If you’re particularly sensitive to noise or you work from home, even a one—to three-day project could feel overwhelming and make it difficult to concentrate.
Consider how other household members will cope, especially if anyone works night shifts, has young children who need naps, or elderly relatives who could easily become agitated. If loud noises are a serious concern for your family dynamic, planning to stay elsewhere might make sense.
Pet Considerations
As every pet parent knows, many of our furry friends have sensitive ears. Not surprisingly, cats and dogs tend to find construction’s loud and unfamiliar noises stressful, often leading them to bark excessively or even try to run away.
If you’ll be staying elsewhere during your project, consider arranging for your pet to do the same. They can stay with a friend, relative or be boarded at a reputable kennel, where they can ride out the noisy project in a safe and relaxing environment.
Communicate Openly With Your Contractor
The key to a successful and seamless roof replacement is honest communication between you and your roofing contractor. Make sure you address any concerns about safety, scheduling, or potential disruptions to your daily routine in advance.
Good communication will alleviate many issues before they arise, and a reputable contractor will welcome the chance to answer your questions and help you decide what’s best for you and your family.
Evaluating Potential Disruptions to Your Home Life
Having work done on the exterior of your home is going to disrupt your daily routine—there’s really no way around it. Here’s a breakdown of the kinds of disruptions you should expect and helpful suggestions to help minimize stress:
Driveway Access
It’s standard practice for roofing companies to use your driveway for their dumpsters, materials, and vehicle parking. If you usually park in your driveway, speak to the contractor beforehand and determine their process.
You might need to find alternative street parking for the duration of the project. Discuss parking options and any permits needed for street parking during this time.
Protecting Landscaping and Outdoor Areas
As the old shingles get ripped off your roof, a substantial amount of debris will come down. That debris could consist of nails, loose shingles, or even scraps of wood—all things you don’t want littering your lawn, flowerbeds, and other outdoor spaces.
Discuss what precautions your contractor’s team takes to protect your property. This might include using tarps or plywood barriers to keep your plants and landscaping safe from damage.
Power Outages: A Rare But Possible Scenario
Although not typical, it’s possible that power to your home could be temporarily interrupted during your project. Before work starts, confirm with the contractor about any potential disruptions.
Discuss backup options like generators, if needed, especially during warmer months when air conditioning is crucial or if someone in your household relies on powered medical equipment. Having a plan B in place helps minimize inconvenience should temporary outages arise.
FAQs About Staying Home During Roof Replacement
What Should I Do While My Roof Is Being Replaced if I Stay Home?
This depends a lot on your personality. Some people may enjoy observing the progress or documenting the work being done for peace of mind. Others will find the process extremely stressful and prefer to focus on other projects, especially if they’re sensitive to loud noises or interruptions to their routine. The best approach is whatever minimizes stress and anxiety for you personally.
Can I Stay in My Attic During Roof Replacement?
You should avoid the attic while the work is being performed. Your roof’s old layers will be stripped away, making it a hazardous area.
Aside from not being a safe environment, this is highly disruptive to your contractor and puts you in the line of dust, debris, and even the possibility of being struck by a stray nail or dropped tool. The safest, smartest thing to do is give them space and steer clear of that area of your home while the job is being completed.
Is My Home Secure While the Roof Is Being Replaced?
When having work done on your house, security should always be top of mind. An experienced and reputable contractor understands this and will work to minimize any vulnerability.
They will do this by using tarps and temporary coverings at the end of each workday, minimizing the amount of time your home is exposed to the elements. Discuss their specific security measures and address any concerns you may have.
Conclusion
When considering whether to stay home during roof replacement, consider the scale of the project, your noise tolerance, the impact on any pets you may have, and whether you need constant access to your driveway. Talk openly with your chosen contractor, and always prioritize open communication throughout the process.
Following this advice can turn a potentially stressful situation into a smoother, more positive experience overall.
