One of the biggest threats to a new roofing project is inclement weather. Even with the latest technology at our disposal, we can’t control the weather, and mother nature can cause even the most well planned roofing project to be put on hold or even get damaged. This post will give you a few tips on how to make sure nasty weather does turn the process of installing your new roof into a nightmare.
Roofing companies have to face this fact on a daily basis. Rain, snow, heat, and a number of other factors can wreak havoc on a roof, causing delays, costly repairs, and a lot of headaches. However, as a homeowner, the more you know about your contractor’s policies regarding inclement weather, the better prepared you’ll be to overcome it.
Before you start your roofing project, ask your contractor the following questions:
What’s in the Contract?
Before you sign, go over the contract in detail to make sure all possible circumstances are covered, and be particularly on the lookout for protection against inclement weather. Before anything is in writing, you should be certain that the contract clearly states who is responsible if weather, such as rain, damages the new roof or other parts of the house during installation.
In addition, be sure that there is an explicit understanding of what happens if a worker is injured during inclement weather. Like all worker injuries, an injury due to weather should be covered by some kind of company insurance; if not, you are liable for any worker’s injuries. If a company doesn’t have an insurance plan in place, it’s best to find another company to do the job.
How Do You Prepare?
Ask your roofer how they are prepared to handle sudden inclement weather, and what steps they will take. Any reputable contractor will have a plan in place and be able to list out the numerous precautions that the team will take as they work.
If you are not comfortable with their preparations, or lack thereof, say something. The contractor should be willing to work with you, and if they are not, then it may be a red flag that they are not a company to be trusted.
What About Heat?
Although heat is not a direct threat to your roof, extreme heat can be a health risk to the roofers working on it. In cases of extreme heat, the project should be suspended to ensure the safety of workers.
Make sure to check your local weather service for the heat index, not just what the temperature outside will be. Check the contractor’s guidelines for a maximum heat index that it is safe to work in. Again, make sure there are explicit guidelines about employee safety in your contract. If there is not, you could be held responsible for any heat-related injuries or conditions.
How Might Inclement Weather Prolong the Process?
Roofers cannot work in conditions of extreme weather, prolonging the process of getting a new roof. In addition to lost man hours, repairing any damage done can lead to further delays.
For example, if it rains, your roofers need to wait for all of the moisture to dry up so that all materials can be attached and sealed correctly; otherwise, in addition to leaving your roof vulnerable to further damage, you may end up having to spend more money fixing any pieces that weren’t correctly attached.
Do not get annoyed if your roofers do not start working immediately after it stops raining. If you are using a certified, professional company, their team will have the expertise to understand exactly what they need to do in those situations.
What Is Covered in the Manufacturer’s Warranty?
If you receive a manufacturer’s warranty, be sure to check exactly what it covers. In most cases, it will solely cover the actual material, not the installation of those materials. If your roofer tries to work on your roof in the rain and ruins a tile or board, chances are that you will have to replace it unless the warranty specifies otherwise.
If material replacement costs are not covered in your manufacturer’s warranty, be sure to tell your roofer your concerns about the cost of replacement.
Knowing about inclement weather procedures before signing the contract will help you find a contractor that will fit your home with a roof built to last. Check out our blog page for more tips, guides, and strategies that can help you get the most out of your next roofing project.
