Roofing contractors face a litany of challenges. In fact, around 50% of all roofing contractor businesses will fail. One of the challenges hindering roofing companies’ success is winter work.
Key Takeaway
Roofers do work in the winter, but it is the slowest season for the industry. The good news is that roofing companies with experience can thrive during the winter months because they are willing to perform jobs that others cannot do safely.
Winter tends to be slower for many roofing companies because the weather makes some work much more difficult. As a result, some contractors even refuse winter work.
Factors for Roofers During Winter
Most roofing companies wouldn’t survive if they did not work for an entire season. The fact is that all kinds of roofing work can still be done in the winter.
For many roofers, however, winter is still a slow season. One of the reasons for this is that thoughtful home and business owners will get most of their roofing work done before the harsh winter months.
Another reason is a lack of expertise. Newer and less experienced roofing contractors may not complete a complex job in inclement winter conditions. For example, replacing a roof during winter is complicated.
On the other hand, more experienced roofers find winters lucrative because of lower competition. Roofing repair needs tend to crop up in the winter when moisture bombards homes and businesses.
Emergency roofing services are a big part of winter roofing work. In addition, leak repair is another frequently needed winter roofing service. Commercial roofs also often face problems in the cold months.
You don’t need to be scared off by winter roofing work. You will see roofers at work in all seasons. That being said, there are some challenges to winter roofing work that you need to consider and overcome if you want your business to thrive.
Here are some things to consider.
Safety
The most critical and obvious challenge to winter roofing work is safety. The rain and snow can make even simple roof repair or maintenance jobs more dangerous. Usually, you will need more protective gear when working in the winter.
You may also need to put two or more men on a one-man job in the spring or summer. You may also need different tools for working in the winter to make it safe and viable.
Remember that no matter how much work you get in the winter, it won’t mean anything if you injure yourself and cannot work in the spring.
Time-Consumption
Running a roofing business teaches you that time management is a considerable part of the job. Managing time is a skill you must acquire if you don’t already possess the trait.
The ability to complete jobs promptly, delegate the right personnel to each position, and use man-hours wisely will be pivotal to your company’s success. Be prepared to account for the efficiency of winter roofing work.
Typically, winter roofing work requires significantly more time than summer and spring jobs. Therefore, you must schedule man-hours wisely and consider the extra time that winter roofing jobs take.
Rushing a job could cause an accident, costing you thousands and losing customers. As a precaution, always account for the safe preparation time as part of your proposal.
Tool Care
No matter how raring to go on winter roofing work, you’re only as valuable as your tools. So, keep in mind that if you intend to do winter roofing work, you will need to keep your devices warm.
Compressors and nail guns can be rendered useless by cold temperatures if not cared for properly. Therefore, take extra precautions and time to store your tools appropriately to not be hindered by winter temperatures.
It also means taking extra care to keep your tools dry in rainy conditions. You may even need to purchase extra protective gear for your tools, which would be an added expense.
Job Types
Lastly, remember that some roofing jobs will simply be much more complex and time-consuming in the winter. Therefore, at the outset of any winter job, you should let your customers know that the timeframe for completion is subject to change depending on the weather.
You will simply have to wait for the right conditions to do some jobs right. For example, by installing a rubber roof system – something that can be done in the winter months – you will have to delay application if the temperature is too low.
If the temperature is below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, the adhesive may not work correctly. On the other hand, metal roofing can be installed in any condition. Depending on your situation, you may have to pick and choose what winter roofing jobs you take.
Final Thoughts
Winter is a notorious slow season for roofing companies in colder climates. However, the majority of roofers maintain work during winter.
Performing professional roofing services during the colder months requires additional preparation and precautions, both of which competent and licensed roofers can handle.
