Can you live in your home when a roof is being installed? If you are you preparing to have your old roof replaced you may wonder this. The answer can be yes - as long as certain safety precautions are taken. It can also be a great way to save money by avoiding hotel or other living expenses during construction. However, there are some things you should consider before deciding to stay in your home during re-roofing.
This article will provide an overview of what needs to be done for you and your family to remain safely at home while the roofing project occurs.
Consider the Type of Roofing Project
The first thing to consider is the type of re-roofing project you are planning. If it's minor roof repairs or replacement, staying in your home may be possible. However, if the entire roof needs to be replaced, it is unsafe for anyone to remain inside during construction.
If you do decide to stay at home during re-roofing, there are some safety precautions that both you and the roofing contractors must take. All materials and debris should be carefully organized on the work site daily to prevent injuries or health hazards.
Possible Dangers of Being inside the House during Re-roofing
Before you fully decide to stay in your home while the re-roofing process is ongoing, it is crucial to be mindful and aware of these dangers. You might save a hotel fee, but it may not be worth it if you and your family get exposed to these hazards.
These are the following dangers of staying at home during major re-roofing:
- Exposure to airborne particles such as dust, mold, and mildew
- Loud noises that can be disruptive and potentially damaging to hearing
- Strong winds blowing debris
- Risk of electric shock from electrical wiring for tools.
- Accidents involving ladders or other tools used for roofing work.
- Possible puncture wounds from sharp materials such as nails, screws, and shingles.
- Injury due to heavy objects falling off of the roof.
Is there anything in the roofing material that can make me or my family sick?
Unfortunately, not all materials on the market are equal; some can contain toxic substances that could make you or your loved ones sick. Therefore, it's essential to understand what materials may be in your roof and their potential risks.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are one of the most common roofing options available today. While there is no evidence that either directly or indirectly suggests that asphalt shingles will make you ill, it's essential to know what types of chemicals are used in their production. Asphalt shingle roofs typically contain petroleum-based products such as bitumen, mineral fibers, fillers, pigments, plastic modifiers, and other additives.
There is also concern about asbestos exposure from older styles of asphalt shingles manufactured before the 1980s, made with asbestos-containing felt paper. Asbestos has been connected to dangerous illnesses like mesothelioma and lung cancer, so this material should be avoided at all costs. If you're uncertain if your home contains asbestos-containing products, it's best to have a qualified professional inspect the area before attempting any repairs or renovations on the roof.
Metal Roofs
Another popular alternative for rooftops is metal roofing material which generally poses little threat to human health, especially when compared to traditional asphalt shingle roofs. Metal roofs require minimal maintenance and can last up to 50 years in most cases— much longer than conventional asphalt shingle roofs, which typically last 20 to 30 years. While some metals, such as copper, can affect water quality due to runoff into nearby ponds or streams, the consensus is that metal roofs pose little risk to human health.
Wood Shake Roofs
Wood shake roofs have become a popular choice for homeowners looking for an environmentally friendly option for their property. However, these types of roofs carry certain health risks due to dust particle exposure caused by wood treatment processes. These roofing materials in the past were treated with arsenic, copper, lead, and zinc to prevent wood decay. So when replacing these types of roofs, it is advisable to remember that the material being returned can contain these treatment chemicals.
Therefore, anyone considering installing a wood shake roof on their home or business must take precautions against inhalation or skin contact with dust particles from treated wood shakes. This can be done by wearing protective clothing and breathing masks while handling material during installation and when cleaning up debris from the ground surrounding the house.
Overall, understanding the potential risks associated with different types of roofing materials is essential for ensuring your safety and the safety of those around you if you're considering staying at home during the roofing process.
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What if I Want to Stay in My Home During Re-Roofing?
If you choose to stay in your home during a roof replacement, at a minimum, you should be aware of the below cautions:
Re-roofing sounds can loud and annoying
If you have never experienced the deafening noise of a roof replacement, you may be unaware of how loud it can get. Roofers use nail guns and hammers, and they move around heavy materials. For some, these sounds make it nearly impossible to focus, nap, and do remote work inside the house.
Be Concerned About Your Pets During a Roofing Project
Pets are often susceptible to loud noises and can become agitated, scared, or stressed by the racket of roof replacements. Our pets can hear sounds at a higher level than we can, so just simple roof work can cause extreme panic for them. We suggest that during the day, when the majority of work is being done, you move your animals to a separate location to prevent overstressing your furry friends.
10 Safety Tips for Living in a Home During a Roof Replacement
- Wear protective clothing, including a hard hat and goggles, when near the work area.
- Beware of falling debris or tools, and always keep an eye on what is happening around you during a roof replacement project. We also suggest covering your outdoor furniture to protect it from falling roofing debris.
- Keep people and pets away from the worksite while it's active to avoid any risk of injury.
- Know where the power switch for electricity in your home is located. This is necessary so you can shut off power if there is an electrical emergency on the job site.
- Have fire extinguishers ready if sparks from tools create a fire on the job site.
- While fires are infrequent during roofing projects, having a hose and water nearby is best.
- Please do NOT attempt to go up on the roof during the replacement project for any reason, as it is hazardous and not recommended for non-roofing professionals!
- Have emergency contact numbers available to call should an accident or injury occur during a re-roofing project near your home.
- Ask questions if you have any doubts about any part of the process or safety protocols during a roof replacement project near your home.
- If you spot any safety hazards or potential risks during a re-roofing project near your home, alert the professionals immediately so that they can take action and resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
How Do I Keep My Family Comfortable Throughout the Re-Roofing Process?
When it comes to keeping your family comfortable throughout the re-roofing process, there are several things that you can do to ensure their safety and comfort.
First and foremost, communication is critical. Explain what kind of noises they might hear, how long the process could take, and how much disruption there may be.
If you have small children in your home, consider ways that you can help keep them calm during the re-roofing project. This could include providing a quiet space away from construction noise or entertaining activities like coloring books or puzzles. Try to set up a temporary play area outside for young children or pets so they can get away from the commotion of the roofing project.
By taking these steps and preparing for potential mishaps while living through a roof replacement job at home, you can help keep your family comfortable throughout this potentially stressful experience - ensuring their well-being while ensuring that the work gets done right!
What are My Options if I Decide to Move Out While My New Roof is Installed?
If you decided to move out temporarily for a few days, you have a few options to consider:
- You can either stay with friends or family.
- Book an Airbnb or
- Rent a hotel room at a nearby establishment.
Staying with friends and family may be cheaper in the long run, depending on how far away they live from your property. If they do not live nearby, renting an Airbnb or hotel room may be more cost-effective.
No matter what option you choose, it is essential to remember that safety should always come first—so don't hesitate to leave your home if it will ensure your well-being during the installation process!
If you are scratching your head about where to find a roofing company that can understand your concerns and situation, call or reach out to us through our contact page! We would be glad to help!