Roofing During COVID-19
When we posted our first blog about roof repair and replacement during COVID-19 restrictions in May, we hoped the pandemic would soon diminish. That hasn’t happened and roofs still need work. After area wildfires, active rebuilding is also underway. So how do crews work safely and efficiently during COVID to repair or replace your roof? By following the code, health and safety regulations.
Getting a New Roof in the Bay Area
Certainly, having a roofing crew of strangers working on your home can cause an undercurrent of concern. If you are wondering how much interaction you need to have, here are some things to consider.
To get an estimate on a roof replacement you don’t need to meet the estimator in person.
Darren Little, of Booth and Little explains, “For a roof replacement estimate, a homeowner can simply call and make an appointment. When I arrive, I often knock on the door, or phone, just to let them know I’m there, but I don’t need to enter the house and they don’t need to come outside.
In fact, the homeowner does not need to be at home for the appointment. Once at the property, I can determine accessibility to the roof and take measurements. We can discuss roofing materials over the phone and I can email or mail an estimate.”
Estimates for roof damage and repair will require access to the home.
Determining the extent of the repairs needed for roof damage is a different thing. A leak may appear to be coming from one place in your ceiling but it could simply be where the water is pooling in your attic or crawl space, not the origin of the leak. An estimator would need access to the inside of the home to accurately determine the origin of the leak and to inspect any damage that already incurred.
Choose a roofer who is ensuring his crew adheres to the health and safety codes.
Businesses are struggling to keep up with guidelines to protect both their customers and their own teams. Some have a designated team member to help keep their teams on track with the regulations. Others have implemented common sense guidelines like mask-wearing in vehicles when they commute to the job site together.
Don’t be afraid to ask a prospective roofing contractor more than the usual set of questions. Find out what steps the company is taking to protect workers. Keep in mind, when working outside on a roof, in some jurisdictions masks are not mandatory. Also, when crews are having lunch, because they can’t wear masks, social distancing is the only option.
Marin, Sonoma, and Napa Counties Construction Rules and Regulations
The County of Marin offers a page, detailing an order that went into effect on May 4, 2020. If that order is updated, the page will reflect any changes. Contractors want to keep their crews safe and to respect the health guidelines that will keep their customers safe, as well. An article in the North Bay Business Journal details challenges and solutions.
As a homeowner, you don’t need to have any direct interaction with roofers and can leave or enter your home without in-person contact. Cell phones and email communications can go a long way in promoting courteous interactions that keep both parties apprised of timing and schedules. Even most billing can be done digitally, too.
Booth and Little stays up-to-date on current health orders in Marin, Sonoma and Napa Counties, where we do business.
For Marin County, go to www.marinhhs.org; and www.sonomacounty.ca.gov/healthservices for Sonoma County and for Napa County (www.countyofnapa.org/publichealth).
Other key information can be found through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov); Cal-OSHA (www.dir.ca.gov) for publications; the Marin Builder’s Exchange (www.marinbuilders.com) and the North Coast Builders Exchange (www.ncbeonline.com) for industry guidance.
If you’d like to know more about how Booth and Little is ensuring that our teams and customers are staying safe, contact us today.
