Roofing Law

3 Tips for Dealing with the Labor Shortage in the Roofing Industry featured image

3 Tips for Dealing with the Labor Shortage in the Roofing Industry

In Texas and throughout the United States the demand for residential construction is growing at a rapid pace. Unfortunately, the labor force, especially in the roofing industry, is failing to meet the demand. Some experts believe that it may ultimately hurt the roofing industry. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, 86 percent of construction firms face challenges when hiring skilled workers. When this happens, projects don’t get started. The ones that do start are woefully understaffed or staffed by workers that are scarcely qualified. As any roofing lawyer in Texas will tell you, the former will cost you money and the latter is a recipe for a claim.

How Did We Get to This Point?

There are a number of factors that have contributed to the current labor shortage in the construction industry. This includes:

  • A mass exodus from the construction industry following the recession of 2008.
  • Negative perceptions of both the construction and roofing industries.
  • A cultural shift away from trades as a viable career option for young adults entering the workforce.

What Can Be Done?

The demand for homes is not going away. Therefore solutions have to be created in order to move the roofing industry into a position where they can garner capable workers to meet this demand. Here are three ways to combat the labor shortage:

Change the Perception of the Roofing Industry

Roofing is often considered “dirty work.” Other trades are more revered, but a roof is a fundamental aspect of any structure. Improper work can put people at great risk. Adding to the roofing industry’s perception problems is that a simple Google search of the roofing industry will provide several links to articles about fraudulent roofers. To combat this, the National Roofing Contractors Association is working to create a professional certification program for the industry.

Training Programs

To get workers to the roofing industry, you have to teach them how to be roofers. That’s why a number of companies are teaming up with local high schools and colleges to not only recruit new people to the roofing industry but to provide formalized training as well.

Tapping Into New Areas

There are a number of areas where the roofing industry can go to find a new workforce. Our veterans have the skills, work ethic, physical fitness, and fearlessness to achieve great success in the roofing industry, both as contractors and company owners. Roofing companies everywhere would be wise to tap into this talent pool.

If you would like to speak with a roofing attorney in Texas, please contact us at 1-866-303-5868, or submit our contact request form.

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.