If you serve communities in the paths of hurricanes and tornadoes, consider the following roof restoration tips from the PTR Pros to help build your business after a storm. After a damaging storm, your focus shifts from routine jobs to storm restoration and remediation. We’ve written a lot about roofing nailers, roofing cutters, and even choosing the right roofing material. Storms simply change the application for these tools and tips—into something that can help you put a community back on its feet.
Quick Article Summary
- Don’t be Caught off Guard on Weather Conditions
- Collect Inventory in Advance if Possible
- Market Yourself BEFORE a Storm
- Communicate with Compassion
- Ask to Pitch Your Sign During the Job
Weather Patterns Affect the Roof Restoration Business
What time of year are damaging storms most likely in your area? Prepare your roof restoration sales team and your marketing materials for that time of year. Use creative marketing throughout the year so customers will recognize your company when they hear about your storm restoration services. You can help—they just need to know how to get in contact with you.
Have Inventory On Hand and Beat the Crowd
It’s no good reaching customers if you don’t have access to roofing supplies and tools. Build up at least some inventory or secure access to it in advance of storm season. You can’t always have enough supplies to cover the largest storms, but you can get a good head start on the competition if you make some early preparations.
Canvass Your Area (Who You Gonna Call?)
Most contractors will canvass (solicit) a storm-damaged neighborhood after a storm. When it comes to roof restoration, why not get ahead of the game? Canvass before storm season or, better yet, as a storm forms that could come ashore. Let neighborhoods know about your storm restoration services and that you’d be happy to serve if the time comes. Be sure to know local solicitation codes.
Let Your Compassion Show
Remember, your customers are probably scared, stressed, and suspicious of roofing contractors on the scene immediately following a storm. More than a few unscrupulous or illegitimate contractors have taken advantage of unsuspecting clients in these situations. Storm restoration can generate solid revenues for your business, but remember that homes and lives have been destabilized. Showing real concern for your potential customers makes a huge difference.
Be more than just nice, however. Be patient with roof restoration clients. Walk them through the process of restoring the roof and dealing with the insurance claims carefully. Answer any questions your client might have, and be sure they know you’re licensed and insured if your state requires it.
Work With Adjusters
When possible, work with the insurance adjuster in good faith for all parties. This not only saves you time and energy—it makes it easier for the homeowner to manage the process. In this scenario, the adjuster can be an ally in getting the work approved quickly.
Here’s Your (Roof Restoration) Sign
Advertising really works—especially if you do great work. Ask the homeowner’s permission to put your sign in the yard during the restoration process. During a storm, people want to pick a “winner” when it comes to getting a new roof replaced or having remediation work done on their home.
Pitch Weatherization
Let your potential customers know about the weatherization services you offer. Show them how weatherization adds value and peace of mind. We’re referring to insulation, radiant heat barriers, and similar products.
Plan on Working Long Days
Post-storm cleanup and repair start immediately and can last weeks or months. Clients take note of Pros that go out of their way to make the process easier. They also notice who gets started and finishes up sooner. When you leave the job with a professional result and get the homeowner back to the flow of life more quickly, you’ll win some outstanding word of mouth advertising.
We hope you’ve benefited from these roof restoration tips that can help build your business. If you’re a Pro and you have storm restoration tips, add them in the comments below or hit us up on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!
