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While it doesn’t happen often, roofing projects can get delayed by one or more causes, and therefore should be anticipated. In this blog, Empire Contractors LLC takes a look at the common types of roofing delays, and how to manage them.

Roofing Delays

There are various reasons that a roofing project can be delayed, many of which can be avoided. Others, like the following, are not as easy to avoid, and should be planned for:

1. Inclement Weather — There are many reasons  a summer-to-early-fall slot is ideal for roofing installation. Relatively clear skies is one of them. It’s never a good idea to install a roof on a rainy day, as moisture could get trapped between roofing layers and lead to premature failure. It also makes it dangerous for installers, as the roof surfaces can be slick to be walked on. If it happened to rain on installation day, the most practical way to proceed is to postpone replacement until the weather is clear.

2. Material Delivery — Whether supplied straight from the factory or through a retail depot, materials need to be transported from somewhere. Good roofing contractors will have factored in delivery time when calculating the start date. However, weather, transportation problems and material availability may cause delays. Fortunately, manufacturer-certified contractors like us have the advantage of sourcing the materials straight from the factory, with manufacturer resources helping the delivery process along.

3. Unplanned Repairs — Sometimes structural issues are found only after the old roof is removed, which means repairs need to be conducted before installation can proceed. In addition to the added cost, which may include repairs to adjacent components like gutters, this can also delay the project by a day or two.

How to Manage and Mitigate Delays

Careful planning is key to preventing delays, or at least mitigating its effects. This means vetting the contractor carefully and avoiding those who already have a history of delayed projects. You should also prepare a contingency budget of about 10% to 20% of the quoted cost, which can be bankrolled into savings or smaller projects if unused. Lastly, read the contract thoroughly. A process that deals with delays should be included. Terms vary depending on the contractor, so make sure you understand it and raise any questions before signing the dotted line.

Empire Contractors LLC is the region's leading provider of siding and roofing installation services. Give us a call at (513) 244-2200 or fill out our contact form. We serve customers in Cincinnati, OH, and nearby areas.