If you need to repair or replace your roof this spring, you might be wondering what to do now that people are being told to stay at home. In many cases, it's still possible to get necessary roof repairs and replacements done, while respecting social distancing guidelines. Before starting any roofing project, check your state and local government websites to be sure that there are no restrictions on roofing that may impact your project.
Thanks to technology, you can stay safe inside your home during the entire process—from sales and consultation to the end of installation—and still get high-quality work done to keep your family safe and dry. Here's how to handle a necessary roof repair or replacement during this time.
Use Technology to Communicate Remotely
There are plenty of no-contact ways to communicate with potential contractors, whether via phone, email, or text. You can have your initial consultation over a video call, or view materials and color choices with the help of digital tools.
If there's visible damage inside your house that a contractor should be aware of, such as water damage, you can email or text them photos or videos. This will help the contractor understand the extent of the damage without having to enter your home.
When reaching out to potential contractors, ask them how they'll keep lines of communication open without in-person meetings.
Get Your Estimates from a Distance
With the help of your photographs or videos, your contractor can begin creating a comprehensive estimate from a distance. While you're safely inside your home, they can go up on your roof to examine it. There are plenty of apps that allow them to show you their findings and communicate their expectations for the project.
For example, the app CompanyCam lets contractors take and share annotated pictures of your roof as well as create project timelines. This helps them complete accurate estimates and keeps you in the loop about the state of your roof.
There are also tools that will help them make 3D models of your roof and create mock-ups of the final product. On top of helping contractors with their estimates, a 3D model can let you visualize what the finished product could look like, which in turn could help you decide on colors or materials.
Once your contractor has carefully analyzed your roof and provided an estimate, they can discuss your home's requirements with you using a video conferencing tool like Zoom. Finally, contracts can be signed with electronic signatures on apps like DocuSign to avoid any physical contact.
Ensure Onsite Work Is Conducted While You're Indoors
Contractors typically do not need to enter your home to complete a roof repair. Mobile picture and video sharing means you do not need to have any face-to-face contact with the roofing crew while they are working on your property. Your contractor can simply send you annotated pictures of your roof to keep you updated on how work is progressing. If there are interior repairs that need to be made, such as replacing sections of the ceiling impacted by water damage, you can have that work done at a later time.
Should your roof need total replacement, you can still be at home throughout the work. In most cases, contractors won't need to enter your home during installation. It can get noisy once work begins, but a good pair of earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can make it bearable. A roof replacement usually takes only a day or two and is done entirely during daytime hours, so the noise should be manageable for a short time.
By using virtual methods that eliminate the need for in-person contact while allowing you and your contractor to stay connected and share important information, you can forge ahead with your necessary roof repair or replacement while respecting social distancing guidelines. Peace of mind and great customer service can be safely enjoyed from inside your home.
Need a contractor to complete a needed repair or replacement? Browse GAF Factory-Certified Contractors in your area.*
*Contractors enrolled in GAF certification programs are not employees or agents of GAF, and GAF does not control or otherwise supervise these independent businesses. Contractors may receive benefits, such as loyalty rewards points and discounts on marketing tools from GAF for participating in the program and offering GAF enhanced warranties, which require the use of a minimum amount of GAF products.
