Roofing Law
Severe Weather Season Best Practices for Roofing Contractors
In the United States, March through May is characterized as the severe weather season due to frequent occurrences of destructive thunderstorms and tornadoes. Through March of 2020, the Insurance Information Institute reported 108 tornados — including those in central Tennessee that resulted in the deaths of 25 people on March 3rd.
Alabama is expected to endure isolated tornado threats and widespread damaging winds for the remainder of the season. In this brief article, a roofing lawyer from Alabama will discuss best practices for roofing contractors in the severe weather season.
Related: Extreme Weather and Roofing
Preventative Maintenance
If you wish to ensure that you are following best business practices, including demonstrating a positive track record with clients, then you must stress the importance of preventative maintenance prior to the severe weather season. This way, the client can enjoy the true service life of their residential or commercial roof and you can enjoy the benefits of positive client testimonials in the future. You can achieve this in two steps:
- Provide a thorough inspection of the roof with a written statement of findings and photo survey of the roof conditions for future reference.
- Based on those findings, develop a plan for any necessary repairs, replacement, or other maintenance needs. This can include, among other things, minor leaks, blocked drainage areas, and deteriorated caulking.
Post-Weather Maintenance
What comes after the incident of severe weather is equally as important as the steps you take beforehand because even what looks like minor damage can lead to major financial and legal repercussions. The quicker your team’s response time is for inspections and repair, the better. Evaluation of the roof should include the following:
- Check for cracked, curled, or missing shingles
- Assess the condition of valleys, outer edges, or angles where the roof meets the walls
- Check shingles and gutters to determine if the shingles are shedding their granules
- Inspect the attic, ceiling, or walls for signs of water damage, such as stains or peeling paint
- Ensure the roof deck is not sagging due to decking or rafters becoming crooked
If a full repair is not possible, then temporary repairs should be arranged, such as covering holes in the roof or walls with plastic sheeting or bracing weak areas of the roof. This will help to minimize any damage to the interior of the home and save money. Although these repairs should be conducted efficiently, it is essential to ensure your workers are not forfeiting safety for productivity. Continue to comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards regarding personal protection equipment and documentation.
For more information on how you can prepare your business for the severe weather season, contact us a roofing lawyer from Alabama today.
If you would like to speak with an experienced roofing attorney in Alabama, 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.