Construction Law

Extreme Weather and Roofing Part 4 featured image

Extreme Weather and Roofing Part 4

From massive natural disasters to gradual damage from sun and precipitation, the weather has a major impact on roofs.

This four-part article went over extreme storms in Part 1 and Part 2, while Part 3 covered signs of more long-term weathering. Today in Part 4, our roofing attorneys in Alabama will conclude with a few additional signs of weathering and provide some valuable tips for avoiding post-storm OSHA violations.

Signs of Wear and Aging

Briefly educating your customers on signs of aging can help them realize when minor repairs are needed. These signs can typically be seen from the ground; avoid encouraging customers to climb onto their roofs.

Missing Shingles and Granule Loss

Missing shingles are typically a sign that your customer’s roof has been exposed to the elements. This is an easy fix that should not be overlooked.

Granule loss can be a result of natural weathering, but it can also occur if someone has recently had work done to their roof. As a roofing professional, you know that the foot traffic can unfortunately cause some minor wear and tear.

Algae and the Appearance of Dirt

If the airborne fungus Gloeocapsa has made an appearance, you will see it by the telltale dark streaks or stains that have appeared on your customer’s roof. The fungus thrives in the high humidity areas of the United States, and any roofing professional or roofing lawyer in Alabama knows this definitely includes our state.

This buildup is harder to prevent on older shingles, but if your customer can’t afford replacing them, cleaning solutions can provide a quick (albeit somewhat temporary) fix.

How Extreme Weather Affects Your Business

Natural disasters, extreme weather, and even normal weather over time all generate customers for your roofing business.

Though you might have lots of business after a major storm or natural disaster, any experienced roofing attorney in Alabama can tell you that there are few things to look out for. We recommend being careful of the following:

  • Don’t rush through toolbox talks or any safety-related instructions
  • Ensure your workers are still wearing their PPE all day, every day
  • Don’t allow your workers to rush tasks or operate machinery at unsafe speeds, even if they think they are being more productive
  • Make sure your crew has enough time to take breaks, eat, and hydrate
  • Continue to document everything thoroughly

Rushing to take on more customers after an extreme weather event can backfire, leading to an unsafe workplace, incomplete documentation, worker injuries, and potentially a consequent OSHA violation.

If you have received an OSHA citation or would like to speak with a roofing lawyer in Alabama for any other reason, please contact us today.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.