Can you get a new roof or roof repair during COVID-19? In most cases, the answer is yes – although it depends on where you live because the coronavirus restrictions and orders vary by state and may even vary at the county level.
COVID-19 and the resulting social restrictions have closed some industries and changed the way others operate. Roofing falls within the construction category and therefore is considered an essential business. Roofs are critical to keeping residential and commercial buildings weathertight and safe, including single-family homes.
To best serve their customers, roofing contractors have transitioned to digital or online technology to manage the upfront aspects of roof installation and repair.
Find out more about how you can get a new roof or roof repair during the coronavirus pandemic while following social distancing rules and local, state, and federal guidelines.
Why You Shouldn’t Delay Roof Repair or Replacement
Your roof plays a critical role in helping to protect your home from the elements. If you need a new roof or roof repair, it is important to get that work done as soon as possible to help prevent other issues or severe damage to your home, such as:
- Persistent leaks
- Water damage, either seen or unseen
- Mold
Ask your roofing contractor about their financing options and safety protocols, including how they are disinfecting tools, vehicles, work attire, and other equipment.
While individual roofing contractors are likely to have their own protocol, in general, contractors should be following safety measures outlined by the following governmental organizations:
Safety measures may vary depending on the roofing contractor you choose, but they could include all or some of the following recommendations:
- Compliance with Recommendations from Health and Safety Organizations: Both the CDC and WHO have recommended people stay home from work if they’re not feeling well, and the contractor you hire should be abiding by these recommendations as well.
- Social Distancing: The CDC recommends keeping a minimum distance of six feet between yourself and another person when out in public or while working on the job. And for roofing repairs or replacements, nearly all the work is done outside of your home, so you don’t have to worry about running into a crew member while work is being completed. If interior access is needed to inspect the attic ventilation or the roof deck, you can draw up guidelines with your roofing contractor to avoid the roofers coming into contact with household members.
- Digital transactions: Paying for your roofing contractor’s services using digital transactions and receipts minimizes person-to-person contact during estimates, roofing work, and other inspections.
7 Steps to Hire a Roofing Contractor Without Meeting In-Person
At My Town Roofing, the entire process of hiring a contractor, getting an estimate for a roof repair or replacement, and even picking out roofing shingles can all be done online, over the telephone, and with a contactless on-site inspection. Here’s how you can find, hire, and work with a roofing contractor remotely:
1. Verify and research a roofing contractor online.
Independent roofing contractors in the Owens Corning Roofing Contractor Network (OCCN) with the “No-Contact Service” badge on their listing indicates that they can work with you remotely for some or all services.
In addition, you can verify a Memphis area roofing contractors with a quick search to ensure you’re using a contractor with an actual license.
2. Contact a roofing contractor online and schedule a virtual appointment or contactless onsite appointment.
3. During your appointment, ask the right questions.
You should feel confident that your questions are being answered. So, be sure you ask questions about estimates, costs, the repair or replacement process, references, etc. We suggest you also ask to see their credentials such as a their contractors license.
PRO TIP: During your appointment, watch out for red flags such as: no logo or representation of the roofing company, a hurried project manager, lack of details, pressure to sign a contract on the spot, and a lack of clear and straightforward answers to your questions. Also, if the project manager seems unclear or irritated that you asked to see their contractors license, chances are they either don’t have one or it’s expired.
You can always ask for additional info via email, text, phone, or video chat sessions. Use this checklist to help guide your decision-making process on which roofing contractor to hire.
4. To provide an estimate, a roofer needs to know the dimensions of your roof.
My Town Roofing uses satellite technology to take your roof measurements so a lot of the time, there is no need for anyone to come out to your home.
5. Document and share everything with your contractor.
Take the time to document what caused your roofing problem. Keep a log of every communication you have with a potential contractor. Also, provide the potential roofing contractor with photos or videos of roof damage or areas that need repair via email, chat, or text.
Please only take pictures or videos from the ground or a convenient window. For the safety of the homeowner, a direct roof inspection is never recommended.
6. Thoroughly review each item on the estimate.
Once we have everything we need to provide an estimate, we will email it to you and even give you a call to review it with you.
7. Ask the contractor about their digital platforms to simplify the process.
Finally, all paperwork, project scheduling, and even payment can be completed easily and securely through our easy to use digital platforms.
So, even during COVID-19, a much-needed roof replacement or roof repair can still be completed which will bring you more peace of mind.
