Presented by CEI Group

Tag: weather

Trends that are Driving Change in the Roofing Industry

In our monthly newsletter, we have been highlighting five trends in the roofing industry that are sparking changes in how we go about roofing. The NRCA presented an article on the topic, and we decide to share with you our thoughts on the subject.

As you can see, the roofing industry is not the same as it was 50 years ago. Multiple advances have happened to the products we use, regulations for roofers, and even in the information needed for bidding. We can’t turn a blind eye to several trends that are forcing change to happen in the industry today.

Trend 1: Extreme Weather

As we experienced in 2018 and 2019, the weather is getting more unpredictable. From hurricanes and tornados to wet and rainy summers to snowy and cold winters, our weather conditions are not what they used to be. Across the broad more extreme weather is taking effect on the performance of roof systems. Hurricanes across the south boards with high winds and heavy rain are a threat. Just in Michigan, we have been experiencing tropical storms with heavy winds and shower along with the winters being below 15 degrees one day, and the next is 45 degrees and wet. High winds are the most concerning because it can pull up roof coverings and expose the roof deck to water.

These quickly changing conditions are forcing the roofing industry to take a look at the old roofing system to make the appropriate modification. The goal is to make roofs more durable and more protective to withstand the unpredictable weather.

Trend 2: Insurance Standards

With the threat from the extreme weather conditions, Insurance companies are influencing how often roof systems are replaced, the type of products that are being installed, and how they are installed on the roofs. Insurance companies are forcing building owners and contractors to install high quality performing roof systems by making better products and installation methods more attractive. Therefore there are fewer insurance claims due to damaged roofs.

“As a trend in 2020 and beyond, you can expect to see IBHS standards and others like them become more common throughout the U.S. and Canada as roofing contractors make them part of their businesses,” Jack Gottesman writes in the NRCA article.

Trend 3: Building Codes

Like insurance standards, building codes are adapting to severe weather conditions as well. State and Local governments are incentivizing more robust, weather-resistant, and efficient roof systems to protect the citizens from damage to their homes and buildings.

They are mandating roof systems that stand up to high wind, heavy rain, and snow. Along with mandating more efficient roofing materials. For example, in California, they require solar-reflective shingles to help with energy use.

Trend 4: Innovative products

With the new building code and insurance, standards come new products to meet them. The roofing materials that offer minimum protection is no longer good enough. Manufacturers are bringing forth products that provide more options. For example, products that a wind-resistant, impact-resistant, and heat-reflective shingles, helping contractors meet demands.

Beyond 2020 manufacturers are bringing new innovative products to the industry that will give contractors the ability to offer higher protection to their customers.

Trend 5: Informed Consumers

One of the most important trend that is shaping the roofing industry and other industries as well- is the fact that consumers are more informed than ever.

For multiple years we haven’t seen significant changes in the buying and selling process of roof systems. During those days, building owners had little knowledge of roofing products and even less interest in them; they simply relied on the contractors. Nowadays, consumers can’t help but be more informed on what products are higher quality and the methods used for installing the roofing systems. With media blowing up everywhere, consumers now are better educated, savvier, and more skeptical.

Back then, consumers were buying the contractors, not the material brands. But consumers are barraged with information on weather conditions, natural disasters, and how to save a few bucks. So the bottom line when it comes down to their roofs, they are going to do some research before making a purchasing decision.

This forces contractors to be informed of the trends in the industry and to make better decisions on their methods and products that are being used or that they recommend.

Despite these constant changes with the industry, one thing has stayed the same: Good looking roofs. Although these trends may be a burden on contractors at first, they are necessary to continue to keep people safe and keeping the building looking good.

Heat Safety for Roofers

The weather is going to be getting extremely hot in the upcoming month. Being informed on how to properly work in the heat is more than important. The weather in the following weeks is looking to reach record high’s. Roofers are placed out in the sun high up with often times nothing to cool them off, no shade and a hot roof. This can make for an even hotter environment. Being informed about taking care of yourself and your crew in these conditions is important for making a safe and productive job site.

  • Stay Hydrated- This means drinking lots of water (even if you are not thirsty) and avoiding sugary or caffeinated beverages because they speed up dehydration. According to NERI, 1 quart of water per employee per hour is ideal.
  • Sun Protection- Wear sunscreen and light-colored, loose-fitting clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
  • Get out of the sun- during breaks sit in the shade or someplace with air conditioning. Those not accustomed to the heat should take more frequent breaks or limit the amount of physically demanding work.
  • Sunglasses- make sure you are protecting your eyes from the sun with a proper pair of sunglasses.
  • Know the sign and symptoms of heat sicknesses- Watch out for your fellow crew members and help them if they show any signs or symptoms of heat exhaustion.
Signs and Symptoms of Heat Illness (From NERI Insurance Group) 
Heat Rash:
Heat rash occurs when the skin’s sweat glands are blocked and the
sweat cannot get to the surface of the skin to evaporate. This causes
inflammation which results in a rash, which appears as reddened skin
with tiny blisters. It often occurs in skin creases or areas where your
clothing is tight against your skin restricting air circulation.
Common symptoms of heat rash included; red bumps on the skin
and an itchy or prickly feeling to the skin, also known as prickly heat.
Heat rash will usually fade away when the skin is allowed to cool.
Medical treatment is only necessary if the area becomes infected.
To avoid heat rash, try and avoid or minimize the duration of time spent in hot and/or humid
conditions, wearing loose-fitting clothing and use air conditioning or fans to allow air to circulate
over your skin.
Heat Cramps:
Heat cramps are an intermittent, involuntary spasm of larger muscles which occur in individuals
who are physically active in hot weather conditions. While heat cramps are the least serious
form of the heat-related illnesses they still may be very painful and also serve as the first
a warning sign or symptom that you are suffering from heat exposure.
The primary symptom of heat cramps is profuse sweating with involuntary spasms of the large
muscles in the body and could also be the first sign that you’re suffering from heat exhaustion.
Heat cramps most often affect the lower extremities and abdominal cavity.
The treatment for
heat cramps include; rest, cooling the body, hydration and stretching the muscles that are
cramping.
To prevent against heat cramps, try and avoid or minimize the duration of time spent
performing physical activities in the heat, drink plenty of water and rest in a cool or shaded
area.
Heat Exhaustion:
Heat exhaustion is often caused by ignoring the signs of heat cramps and can quickly
progress to heat stroke. This occurs when the body’s temperature regulation fails. The person
often exhibits a change in their mental status, becomes confused, lethargic and may even suffer
a seizure. When experiencing the effects of heat exhaustion, the skin stops producing sweat
and their body temperature significantly rises. This is a life-threatening condition and
immediate emergency medical attention is required. Additional signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include; profuse sweating (at its earliest stage), weakness, nausea, vomiting, headaches, lightheadedness, and muscle cramps.
Treatment for heat exhaustion starts with being able to recognize the signs and symptoms, stopping the activity you were performing, moving to a cooler environment and rehydration with water or a sports drink which is high in electrolytes. Rehydrating yourself is the most crucial treatment procedure for heat exhaustion.
Heat Stroke:
Heat stroke is a form of hyperthermia, in which the body temperature is elevated dramatically.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency and can be fatal if not promptly and properly treated.
Heat stroke is caused by an elevation in body temperature, often accompanied by dehydration.
The signs and symptoms of heat stroke are; confusion, agitation, disorientation, the absence of
sweating and coma. The most effective way to prevent against heat stroke is to stay hydrated
and be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat cramps to avoid reaching
the level where heat stroke will come into play. If anyone is exhibiting the signs of heat stroke
911 MUST be called immediately, as it’s a matter of life and death.

© 2024 Roofer Madness

Theme by Anders NorenUp ↑