5 Tips to Stay on Schedule During a Roofing Project

Installing a roof on a building is a big job with many various and sometimes changing components. Effective coordination and communication between the crew needs to happen, but unfortunately schedules can get derailed in the process. 

Here are some ways you can be better prepared for the unexpected and ensure your company’s project runs on time:

1. Plan around the weather. Use a satellite weather monitoring system to get the forecast in real-time. This will eliminate scheduling conflicts and help to avoid costly delays.
   
2. Make sure your materials are on site. Some products are easily purchased, but others may need to be specially ordered in advance. If the latter is the case, you will need extra time to ensure everything has been delivered in time to begin your project.
   
3. Designate a foreman/manager/site supervisor. This person will direct and supervise the roofing process, plan the work to be done for the days ahead, make sure the installation is done to standard, and secure materials, equipment, manpower, and subcontractors (if needed) to keep the project moving smoothly. Preferably, this person will not be installing, but rather spends his/her time supervising and coordinating.
   
4. Use scheduling software. Every project should have a plan and schedule set in place before ground breaking day. It should be allotted into manageable phases with completion targets clearly determined. The schedule should be updated daily and distributed to all parties involved in the project. Making your trades and employees aware of the timelines will make meeting deadlines a breeze.
   
5. Get a dedicated delivery vehicle. To prevent unforeseen shortages, breakdowns, or to replace broken tools, have a vehicle and dedicated "runner" available to handle these problems as they arise. You want the foreman and contractors to be on the roof working and coordinating, not dealing with equipment or material errors.

All of these steps will help ensure that your roof is completed on schedule. And remember: preventing problems takes planning!

3 Tips to Keep Your Roofing Company Busy During The Winter Season

With each changing season comes changing, and sometimes unpredictable, weather conditions. The building and contracting industries can both tend to feel the effects of the long cold winter season -- if there are any major fluctuations in temperature from extreme cold to above the freezing mark, any concrete pouring or foundation work must come to a halt if the project is to be completed properly, putting a serious delay on obtaining revenue. 

Extreme snowfall is also a huge factor for business in the industry as it is the number one cause of ice damming and roof leaks. Here are our tips for keeping the busy season alive when changing seasons slow or halt your building or contracting service:

1) Plan Ahead. Planning your bigger projects that provide more wiggle room with scheduling and timelines around the winter season can be a huge savior for your business. During the slow season is also when you can take the time to:

• Help your clients that have booked projects for the spring/summer season to select long-lead items such as custom windows, siding, or shingles - that way the project is set to begin without delay once the snow melts.
  
• Shift your focus to interior work. Old Man Winter will inevitably bring ice damming and roof leaks, so indoor roofing, insulation, ventilation, and attic repairs will spike in demand. Keep your outdoor work climate specific, it can not only be damaging for your businesses reputation but also for the health of your employees if outdoor work is completed in harsh below-freezing conditions.
  
• Offer cleanup and snow removal for flat roof, residential, industrial, and commercial clients. Not only will the service be called for and appreciated, but it can secure the integrity of your product.

2) Develop Your Marketing and Sales Strategies. The winter season can generally bring you and your employees indoors, use this down time to:

• Educate yourself and your employees on the latest building and design trends to maintain a competitive edge during the summer season.
  
• Offer value pricing on maintenance inspections for the Spring season.
  
• Offer Winter specials on smaller installations and repairs

3) Damage Control. With winter comes heavy wet precipitation and varying temperatures which can lead to ice damming and even structural damage. This misfortune tends to be more popular on older flat roof homes, however, with the right amount of snowfall - any roof can be susceptible to damage. This is a headache for homeowners, but a rejoice for the roofing and building industry as these small and even large repairs can get us through the slow season.

Homeowners should note that venturing on to the roof of your home after extreme weather conditions to inspect damage is not recommended, you are always better off calling a pro for your safety and the integrity of your home. Trudel and Sons Roofing offers comprehensive roof inspections and is always here during any season for your roofing and repair needs!