Roofing companies worldwide are seeking ways to remain productive in these unsettling times while keeping employees healthy. Roofers are at the forefront of finding options to continue working, even for tasks that previously required humans at the job site. Those options include the use of drones, 3D modeling and aerial imaging systems.
It is difficult and dangerous to climb on damaged roofs to assess needed repairs even when there is no global pandemic. Damaged or rotting roof decks, broken materials and downed electrical wires make this hazardous work. By using drones, roofers can get a safe, close-up view of rooftop surfaces.
Use camera-equipped drones to inspect the roof, chimneys and vents and decide which materials are necessary for roof repairs without workers ever leaving the ground. This can save hours on a project. There are restrictions on drone use in some areas, so check with your local government offices.
Use aerial imaging to review roof repairs safely. Roofing contractors can use aerial imaging systems to estimate roof repairs while sitting in their car or at their office. The software takes existing aerial and satellite images and enhances them, allowing contractors to quickly provide measurements over a wide area, for example, after a hurricane or tornado blows through.
As aerial photographers continue to refine their work, roofers can purchase photographs of properties and buildings to use for estimates and measurements. These high-quality photos account for gables and eaves and other features in calculating the total roof area.
A more recent innovation is 3D modeling, already being adopted by roofers. Use it to measure the total area of a roof needing repairs, to order only the necessary amount of materials for the job and to show the homeowner what certain roof systems would look like on his or her house before making a final decision.
And then, of course, there is the smartphone. Probably 99.9 percent of roofing contractors carry one, so why not use it to improve job site productivity? Mobile technology allows you to connect with your crew in the field to ensure you make timely decisions.
This reduces the margin of error, which can otherwise cost your company significantly.
On-the-go technology, like phones and tablets, can also help you attract and retain new customers. For example, many customers want to see what their finished roof will look like before deciding whether to hire a roofing company. By having a tablet or laptop handy, you can show them material options, design and cost. This allows customers to make quick decisions. This can be especially useful when selling residential roofing. The ability to show a client what their roof will look like is a big win.
Building information models (BIM) is another handy tool to help you increase productivity. It creates a digital image of a structure before roofing work begins. The digital programming allows the building’s owner to make smart decisions during the construction
project by providing scheduling information and it helps ensure the project stays on target. Once a roof is complete, BIM provides notices and schedules for maintenance and repair. It can also provide projections on maintenance costs. This is an essential tool for roofers working with other contractors to erect new buildings.
These processes all allow roofing contractors to streamline their work for tasks that are otherwise manual and time consuming.
As you add new technology and software programs, measure your level of productivity. Using this data, your management team can pinpoint flaws in a crew’s workflow and streamline processes. A performance-based incentive program can also be used
by rewarding your crew and supervisors who meet or beat budget benchmarks, encouraging efficient project workflow.
There is also software to help keep you organized when you have multiple client projects going at once. It can help improve your teams’ project visibility and allow customers to track their projects in real-time while you track your labor.
More than 60 percent of roofing companies lag behind in the use of technology to improve productivity. They continue to rely on manual and paper processes that do not help increase productivity. Technology gives you and your company a competitive edge,
so leverage available technology to improve your business.
Yes, a vaccine is finally rolling out to prevent the further spread of the sometimes-deadly COVID-19 virus. But the process will be slow going and you must continue to keep your crew safe and healthy during this taxing time. Doing so is not only the right thing to do, but it will also help you keep your company productive.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued guidelines for safe working in April 2020 and companies should continue to follow them.
■ If workers are sick, encourage them to stay home.
■ Ensure your workers know how to properly wear face masks over their noses and to mask-up when working within six feet of each other.
■ Use personal protective equipment on job sites to protect workers from hazards.
■ Advise workers to avoid physical contact with other crew members, contractors or visitors, staying at least six feet apart.
■ Promote personal hygiene. Encourage employees to wash their hands regularly or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
■ Use Environmental Protection Agency-approved cleaning chemicals.
■ Encourage workers to report any health concerns.
These tips are all designed to keep workers healthy during the pandemic. Keeping workers healthy will allow your business to continue at a productive pace.
In conclusion, by improving communication and processes, adopting new technologies and following guidelines to keep workers safe, roofing companies can continually find new ways to improve productivity. These combined effects can help increase your bottom line even in these challenging times.
John Kenney has over 45-plus years of experience in the roofing industry. He started his career by working as a roofing apprentice at a family business in the Northeast and worked his way up to operating multiple Top 100 Roofing Contractors. As CEO, John is intimately familiar with all aspects of roofing production, estimating and operations. During his tenure in the industry, John ran business units associated with delivering excellent workmanship and unparalleled customer service while ensuring his company’s
strong net profits before joining Cotney Consulting Group. If you would like any further information on this or another subject, you can contact John at jkenney@cotneyconsulting.com.
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