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Up on the Rooftop

What To Expect If You Have Your Roof Replaced During The COVID-19 Pandemic

5 May 2020

Lori Silva

Is your roof starting to deteriorate to the point that you're developing leaks and finding shingles in your yard? Many roofing companies are still operating in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic since keeping roofs over people's heads is an essential service. However, if you do go ahead with having your roof replaced at this time, it's important for you to know what to expect.

1. Expect Delays

Even though roofing companies are open, and many are actually hurting for business, they may not be able to get to your roof this week or even next week. Understand that this is probably not under their control. The pandemic has slowed down manufacturing and transportation in almost every industry. It may normally take your roofing company two or three days to get the shingles and other materials for a job, but now it may take them two or three weeks. If they say they can fit you in a week from now but then they call and have to delay a week, be forgiving and understanding; they want to roof your home as badly as you want a new roof — but they can't do it until their materials come in, and that could be a while.

2. Expect the Job to Take a Little Longer Than Normal

When your roofers do start working, understand that the job might take a little longer than usual. Many roofers can get a new roof on a small to mid-size home within a day under normal conditions. Now, that same job might take two or three days. There are a few reasons for this. First, the roofers are having to take extra precautions to avoid illness. They're sanitizing equipment, wearing masks and gloves, and so forth; this all takes time. Second, since revenue is down, some roofing companies are doing jobs with fewer workers. While they may normally have six workers out to replace a roof, they might now be operating with three, so things will progress more slowly. Just understand that it will get done.

3. Expect Contact-less Payment and a General Lack of Personal Contact

Don't be surprised if your roofing company wants to do all negotiations remotely and even have you pay for the job via an online app. Do not take this as a lack of personalized service. Instead, realize that they are doing all they can to protect you and their workers from potential exposure.

Hiring a roofer is a bit different during the pandemic, but it can be done. Exercise some patience and rely on your roofers to do their job. Contact a residential roofing company in your area to learn more.

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