Your roof not only provides curb appeal it also shields your home against the Midwest elements. All throughout the year, your roof protects your home from blazing heat, driving rains, strong winds, snow, and ice. Re-roofing your home in central Iowa is one of the best ways to protect your house from the many weather conditions we experience.
Your home is your largest investment. So it’s understandable to have a lot of questions when replacing your roof. Let’s go over some of the common concerns in regards to re-roofing your central Iowa home.
Timeline of re-roofing your home in Central Iowa
Before the new roof is installed
In order to be prepared (moving cars, making sure the driveway is clear, etc.) you should ask your contractor when the materials will arrive.
Usually, the shingles will be delivered to your home a few days prior to installation. They will be placed on your roof or in your driveway. Then a dumpster will be delivered one to two days before the installation starts.
During the installation of the new roof
There are many factors to consider when estimating the time it will take to re-roof your home. Start by asking your contractor how long they anticipate it will take.
A couple factors that will impact the timeline include the size of your home and the weather. In general, it requires 1-3 days to replace a usual 1,000-2,000 sq. ft. home.
On the last day of installation, the contractor will most likely do a final walk-through with you. After the job is complete, your contractor will usually do a sweep of your yard to check for loose nails or any other debris.
After your new roof has been installed (1-3 days later)
1-3 days after the new roof is installed, the dumpster will be picked up. Depending upon the contractor, they may set up a time to review your roof and collect the last payment.
Make sure you understand your warranty prior to signing the contract. And be clear whether you or the contractor are responsible for registering the warranty.
How do you prepare to have your roof replaced?
There are several things you, the homeowner should consider prior to the installation:
Always start by checking whether your roof is under warranty. If it’s damaged and is still under warranty, you may be able to get all or a portion of it fixed.
It’s never anyone’s intention, but realize that unfortunate things happen. So be sure to carefully read through your contract.
Ask your contractor whether your pets should be locked up while they are installing the new roof.
Protect your valuables. That means removing pictures from the walls, possibly moving items from the attic, and making sure to protect any items in your yard that could be damaged during installation. You’ll also want to move your cars, boats, trailers and any other vehicles from your garage and driveway. This will ensure they are safe and out of the contractor’s way.
Cover items in your yard. You may want to consider covering your shrubbery and flowers. However, your contractor may do this themselves, so you’ll want to ask. If you have a pool or hot tub you’ll want to cover them as well.
Clear access to all electrical outlets and circuit breakers. This is a precaution in case the contractor needs access to power.
If you have gates that lock, be sure your contractors are able to get in and out.
Frequently asked questions when re-roofing your house
Question: “Can you live in your house while re-roofing your house?”
Answer: Yes, you can live in your house while your roof is being replaced. If you’re home while the crew is working, you’ll want to keep your children and animals inside as much as possible to maintain a safe job site.
If you’re uncomfortable with the noise, you may consider being away during the installation. However, if you choose to leave, make sure to be available by phone.
Question: “When is the best time to reroof your house in Central Iowa?”
Answer: Although ideal conditions for re-roofing a home include sunshine and 45-degree weather, it is possible to roof in temperatures below this and it’s not always possible to wait for the ideal conditions. Plus, in the Midwest, a warm, sunny day isn't unheard of in late December or early March, so roofing year round is possible!
If you have questions about re-roofing your home, give us a call today. We’d be happy to address any concerns you might have about roofing your central Iowa home.