How to Survive: Roofing Post COVID-19

By Greta Bajrami; CEO and Founder of Golden Group Roofing, NERCA Treasurer, NWIR MA Council Leader.

What is the future of roofing? Who is the face of the roofing contractor and the roofing client? This is a complex question that many roofing experts have had to face.

In the last 8 weeks, that image has been placed into the perspective of many roofing contractors and clients across the United States. Why? During COVID-19, the roofing industry received a reality check, especially the residential roofing contractor.  In particular, the residential roofing  contractor that ran their businesses the “old school way,” with little to no assistance from technology. How? Their old school way could no longer keep them in business. During COVID-19 they could no longer do business the usual way, no longer meet face to face with their clients, present proposals, and no longer generate leads from canvassing neighborhoods. The residential roofing contractors were left confused and struggling to adapt and survive.

Many roofing contractors realized that they had not invested time in maintaining their websites through out the years or refreshing their social media accounts to gain business, thus sadly falling behind. These roofing contractors were left seeking guidance from their manufacturers, their supply houses, and mentors. Guidance on how to survive and what steps to take to make it another day. The need to learn how to build a platform and convert their business 100% virtually.

On the flip side, the roofing client, the one that would previously had demand the roofing contractor to meet in person, inspect the roof by going on top for a full inspection, asking for no ipad presentation or no apps, but instead the old school presentations; they were left begging for no contact and virtual appointments. The same roofing clients that were so adamant about their old school ways, insisted in virtual approach

Now this is where the learning curve happens. It makes me think; has the roofing industry always been 3 steps behind due to lack of contractors adapting, lack of customer accepting, or is it a combination of both.

My opinion? A combination of both. The old school roofing contractor along with the old school roofing client always preferred estimates provided on “paper and pen” with tape measurements. This was the preferred way as many thought and still think, you get the best experience, and craftsmanship this way.

I do agree, it is one of the best ways, but, what if that’s not the only way? What if the new face of roofing contractors and new face of roofing clients are proving to others that there is another way? There is a way to service clients digitally, with the use of technology and apps. A way to elevate the buying and construction experiences, while still maintaining craftsmanship and value. A virtual roofing way.

COVID-19 has proven that roofing is essential. It has also proven that roofing can be handled virtually.

Roofing contractors with the help of companies such as Eagleview Technologies, Hover, and Zoom, can survive even in COVID-19. Roofing contractors can offer expertise, assistance and project details virtually with the use of technology.

The roofing contractor has to adapt and has to do it now. The industry may never be the same post COVID-19. To adapt, the roofing contract must realize the power that comes with digital virtual experiences. They have to find a voice and a message that can be digitally authentic for their clients, they have to develop a process and flow that can be easily receptive for their client to understand virtually. They have to train themselves on how to present the sales experience digitally to provide value to the client. Most importantly; they have to adapt to survive. This is the future, a digital and virtual future. However; it is not only for roofing, but for many other industries. It’s time that roofers accept that, and embrace this new way of doing business. Accept the new way of providing the same value to our clients. And clients, now  is the time you accept that technology is a part of our lives, and roofing is no exception.

See more of the industry COVID-19 news on our Coronavirus page.