How roofers can get ready for and handle weather disasters: An insurance perspective

RCS Influencers Ashley and Seth Pietsch say that it is key to be prepared before the storm to meet demand and help your community.

Big storms, wildfires and hurricanes leave communities in desperate need of roofing contractors. While the surge in demand can create business opportunities, it also brings challenges — material shortages, labor constraints and insurance claims complexities. The key to thriving in these situations is preparation. As an insurance agency specializing in roofing contractors, we know firsthand how critical it is to have a plan in place. Here’s how you can get ready before disaster strikes and position your business as the go-to roofing company when communities need you most.

1 - Have a game plan for scaling up safely

A clear strategy will help you mobilize quickly and keep operations smooth when disaster hits. Consider:

• Pre-storm readiness: Maintain an up-to-date contact list of employees, suppliers and insurance reps.
• Material preparedness: Stock up on essential roofing materials before storm seasons to avoid delays.
• Crew safety: Ensure your team is trained in hazard response, equipped with protective gear and follows safety protocols when working in storm-damaged areas.

2 - Strengthen relationships with suppliers and insurance carriers

Storms bring material shortages and a flood of insurance claims. Be ahead of the curve by:

• Securing supplier priority: Build strong supplier relationships to ensure you get the materials you need, even during high demand.
• Partnering with insurance professionals: Understanding the claims process helps you guide customers efficiently, ensuring faster payouts.
• Educating homeowners on coverage: Many homeowners don’t fully understand their policies — helping them navigate their claims strengthens trust and can speed up approvals.

3 - Train your team for insurance-focused disaster work

To stand out from competitors and provide the best service, invest in:

• Storm damage training: Teach your team to identify hidden damage that could impact insurance claims.
• Claims handling know-how: Understanding what adjusters look for can streamline the process for homeowners.
• Safety certification courses: Working in disaster-struck areas requires special training for handling unstable structures and debris.

4 - Make sure you’re insured before taking on storm work

Before responding to a disaster, verify that your own business is fully protected. Common policy gaps can leave roofing companies exposed to financial risk. Ensure you have:

• General liability insurance: Covers property damage and third-party injuries.
• Workers’ compensation insurance: Protects your crew in case of job-site injuries.
• Commercial auto insurance: Covers vehicles used for response efforts.
• Inland marine insurance: Covers tools and equipment that could be lost, stolen or damaged in high-risk zones.

5 - Leverage technology to streamline disaster response

When responding to weather disasters, efficiency is everything. The right tools can help:

• Drones for roof inspections: Speed up assessments and minimize safety risks.
• Project management software: Keep track of jobs, invoices and customer communication.
• Weather tracking apps: Get ahead of storms and prepare your team before they hit.

6 - Provide value to the community to build trust

When a disaster happens, homeowners are overwhelmed. Position yourself as a trusted expert by:

• Offering emergency tarping services: Help prevent further damage and earn customer trust before a full replacement.
• Working with local disaster relief groups: Build goodwill and increase brand visibility.

7 - Plan for sustainable growth after the surge

While disaster response can lead to an influx of work, it’s important to build long-term success, not just short-term gains. Ensure you:

• Follow up after the work is done: Keeping in touch with homeowners strengthens your reputation.
• Update your online presence: Make sure your website and social media highlight your disaster response experience.
• Prepare for business growth: If storms bring a surge in demand, make sure you have a plan to scale up without sacrificing quality or overextending your team.

The best time to prepare for a disaster isn’t after it happens — it’s before the storm arrives. Roofing contractors who plan ahead, build strong relationships with insurance carriers and suppliers and have the right protections in place will not only thrive in times of crisis but also become trusted partners in their communities.