7 Ways Roofing Projects Can Stay on Track During the Pandemic

By Lauren White, RCS Reporter.

How to practice social distancing and continue with home improvement projects.

Under normal circumstances, this time of year is when home improvement and remodeling projects take place.  The coronavirus crisis has caused many disruptions to everyone’s schedules, plans, and day-to-day lives. While many people are turning to DIY projects, there are some essential projects that can’t be delayed and are difficult for homeowners to do themselves, such as replacing or repairing a roof.  

The Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) has provided some tips to help keep home improvement projects going while supporting local professionals and the economy, which contractors can post online for their customers.

Below are seven tips to share with your customers to help keep their residential construction and improvement projects on track:

1 - Research

Encourage your customers to use their time at home to explore home improvement options that can increase their long-term investments.  It’s no secret that people are busy, so using some of this downtime to research projects and products thoroughly will help homeowners make well-informed decisions.  Direct your customers to free sources and online planning tools such as the MRA Buyer’s Guide and their eBook titled, Above All You Need a Great Roof.  Other MRA members also have free educational resources and information available online. 

2 - Utilize Online Tools

During this time of social distancing, face-to-face visits are on hold.  Utilizing technology makes it easy to “meet” customers virtually via video conferencing or online meetings.  Homeowners can utilize the free MRA virtualizer to see what a new roof will look like without needing a physical site visit.  Additionally, encourage customers to collect photos, videos, and ideas they like from Pinterest, Houzz, and Instagram to then share with you virtually so you know exactly what their vision is moving forward.

3 - Direct Homeowners to Forums

Homeowners can use online forums to ask questions about roof replacements without having to ask a contractor or tradesperson directly.  The MRA forum is supported by industry experts and MRA members who are “some of the most respected and knowledgeable manufacturers and installers in the business,” according to MRA.  The forum is highly popular and covers a variety of topics and advice about metal roofing.

4 - Prioritizing Exterior Projects 

Right now exterior projects are favored since interior projects, such as a kitchen or bathroom remodel, require multiple tradespeople to be in and out of the house.  Since roofing requires very limited access to customers’ homes, the risk of exposure to others is minimal.  

5 - Open Schedules

Spring home shows have been cancelled and commutes and onsite visits are limited, meaning many in-demand contractors and pros have openings in their schedules to take on new projects.  Some homeowners may check back with a contractor or installer they had their hearts set on to schedule their project.  

For independent businesses, feel free to ask for your customers’ support by having them write a review for a job well-done, or provide them with yard signs to display and show off a completed project.  These efforts can help increase awareness of your business and turn into more projects for you during these challenging times.

6 - Long Term Investments

According to the MRA, “Economic uncertainty makes it more important than ever to consider projects that offer stronger long-term value and can even help save money over time.”  Right now, homeowners are likely to spend more for longer-lasting, energy efficient materials to make their homes more self-reliant. Examples include energy efficient roof metals that can reduce energy costs or a rooftop solar system to become energy independent.

7 - Ways to Save

There are other ways to save besides investing in energy efficient materials, like installing a metal roof.  “Today’s quality metal roofs can often be installed right over an existing asphalt roof, saving money on labor and tear off disposal costs,” the MRA shares.  Share with your customers the benefits of having a metal roof, such as, they’re low maintenance, long lasting, and protect homes from severe weather and extreme climate conditions. 

Become an MRA member. 

Download MRA's Comprehensive Metal Roofing Buyer's Guide for Free.

About MRA

Representing metal roofing manufacturers in the United States and Canada, the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) was formed to help educate consumers about the many benefits of metal roofs. The main objective of MRA is to increase awareness of the beauty, durability and money-saving advantages of quality metal roofs among homeowners, as well as to provide support for metal roofing businesses and contractors. For more information, visit MRA.