How The Wildfires Have Impacted The Roofing Industry This Year And What You Need To Know

While wildfires have been a problem in CA for a long time, they appear to be worse this year than ever before. From August 16^th to August 18^th, five of the 20 largest fires in the history of CA were started and began to spread. Before long, record-breaking infernos had engulfed the state. So far, about 3.6 million acres of CA land have been scorched by these devastating fires. They have had an indelible impact on homes, public health issues, and the economy as a whole. With this in mind, it is important to take a closer look at how these wildfires have impacted roofing contractors.

Addressing the Nationwide Shortage of Roofing Contractors

Across the country, there has been a shortage of skilled labor in the construction industry. This is just as true in CA as it is in the rest of the state. Now, due to the wildfires, there is a higher demand for skilled construction labor to help people rebuild homes that have been damaged. When there is a disaster, there is usually a flock of workers from other areas who try to help out people in disaster-stricken areas. Due to the pandemic, this might be more of a challenge this year.

Furthermore, the recovery issues are going to be exacerbated by the existing CA housing crisis. Affordable housing in CA was an issue before the fires and now this issue is only going to get worse with so many people being displaced. Therefore, roofing contractors should be ready for an increased demand for their services.

What Should Roofing Contractors and Business Owners Do During the Wildfire Recovery Process?

During disasters, there is often an increase in contractor fraud, so insurance companies are going to be very wary of any costs that arise during disaster repair jobs. Therefore, some of the tips that roofing contractors should follow include:

• Licensing: While roofing contractors should only perform work they are licensed to do, it is not unusual for states to suspend some licensing requirements to help with recovery efforts. Contractors who would like to perform additional work should apply for an emergency waiver.
• Research: When contractors are looking for subs and suppliers, they should always do research on who they are working with. This includes asking about prior projects, insurance, and licensure.
• Insurance Companies: Many insurance companies will ask for additional documentation when it comes to their bills. It is important to take pictures of all damage as proof of the work that is being done. If the property owner does not have proof of the damage that has already been repaired, consider asking for pictures from social media accounts to find something that might work.
• Safety: The CA wildfires are spreading quickly. Therefore, it is critical for roofing contractors to stay up to date on the local news. It might also be a good idea to wear a respirator to prevent from inhaling toxic soot and ash from nearby. Monitor air quality levels daily.

Demand Is Increasing

Right now, the demand for skilled labor is at an all-time high. While this is great news for roofing contractors, they always have to take steps to protect themselves. Contact us or simply browse the site to place your order for new roofing supplies today. We’re always happy to help, no matter the circumstances.