Whether getting new roof construction, repairs, or replacement down onto your home, there will be roof waste after the work is completed. Roof waste is an environmental concern that both you, as the homeowner, and the Cincinnati roofing contractor have a responsibility for and to manage correctly to keep everyone safe. Learn more about roof waste and how to properly dispose of it.
What is Roof Waste?
Roof waste is any waste that is created when installing or repairing a roof. This waste includes all the old and damaged roofing materials taken off that will be replaced, and scrap material during the installation and repair process that will not be used elsewhere. Roof waste can consist of shingles, underlayment, tiles, metal sheeting, plywood, installation, and basic other materials that will be disposed of in a dumpster and taken to the landfill.
Environmental Responsibility for Roof Waste
Roof waste can cause several environmental concerns when left at any construction site. It can lead to water contamination, soil contamination, and general pollution. Depending on the materials and age of the house, some materials may contain harmful asbestos, such as old tiles and piping, which need to be carefully and professionally removed.
While homeowners and Cincinnati roofers go to great lengths to discuss the installation and repair of roofs, they do not take the same considerations when it comes to how much roof waste will be generated and what to do with it at the worksite. Both parties need to sit down and meticulously plan out ways to minimize waste as well as how to remove the waste after the work is completed.
Tips to Minimize Waste
The best ways to minimize roof waste are to prevent how much is created, and then recycle or reuse the rest. Creating the right materials estimates during the planning stage can prevent overbuying of products that will not be used later. When there are scrap or excess materials, find ways to reuse the materials in other building projects or take the items to a recycling center.
Lowering Roof Waste is a Team Effort
Both the homeowner and the contractor have this responsibility. The homeowner can limit how many materials will be purchased and prevent scope creep in their construction project. Contractors can ensure that all measurements are down accurately to ensure that most of the roof materials are used toward the roof construction, repair, and replacement process. For more information, reach out to us here at Brandstetter’s KangaRoof.
