If you have hired a roofer to replace your roof, here are two tips which should help to ensure that this process goes as smoothly as possible.

Order roof trusses made from treated timber

When the time comes to order the materials for the roof, make sure to ask the roof trusses supplier to provide you with roof trusses which are made from treated timber.

'Treated' timber is wood which has been coated with fungicides and insecticides. These chemicals can help to significantly increase the lifespan of a roof truss, as they prevent termite infestations and erosive fungi (like wet rot, for example) from damaging the wood and affecting its structural integrity.

Roof trusses made from treated wood are usually more expensive than those which are not treated. However, in the long run, opting for the former could actually save you money, as it could prevent the problems that tend to occur when roof trusses begin to deteriorate (such as, for example, sagging of the roof structure, and structural problems caused by the roof placing too much pressure on the rest of the house's framework). These problems can cost thousands of dollars to resolve.

Move into temporary accommodation

If it is feasible to do so, you should move out for the duration of the roof replacement project. There are a few reasons for this.

Firstly, your roofer will be able to get their work done far more quickly if they do not need to take you and your family's needs into consideration.

For example, if you choose to remain in your home throughout this process, the roofer may need to avoid doing any extremely noisy work whilst you are still asleep in the morning or when you are trying to work or study inside the house. This could lead to the roofer falling behind schedule.

Likewise, if the work is being carried out during a period of cold weather, they may also have to spend time laying insulating materials in the loft, to prevent the heat inside your home from escaping through the half-finished roof and making your house too cold to live in.

Secondly, living in a house which is having its roof replaced is generally quite unpleasant. The noise, dust and generous chaos that accompanies this type of work can create a very stressful living environment.

As such, it is best to stay in temporary accommodation during this process.