Preparation pays off in roof repair

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Wil-Mar Products owner Mike Bothman explains how stocking compact pipe collars can help contractors complete roof repairs efficiently and build customer trust. 

When a contractor arrives to address a roof leak, preparation can determine whether the repair is completed immediately or delayed by a trip for additional materials. In this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, host Karen Edwards spoke with Wil-Mar Products owner Mike Bothman about how carrying the right repair products can save time, reduce disruption and strengthen customer relationships. 

Mike explained that one of the biggest challenges contractors face is having to disturb additional roofing materials to repair a failed flashing. He said, “I have to pull up this flashing, I have to pull up the shingles or the tiles, so now I’m not just fixing the flashing, I have to fix that area around it.” Removing surrounding materials can increase labor, cost and risk because the contractor becomes responsible for each part of the roof affected during the repair. 

Wil-Mar Products manufactures pipe collars designed to slide over roof pipe vents and address problems around existing flashing without extensive removal. The collars are available in sizes ranging from three-quarter inch to four inches, giving contractors options for a variety of penetrations. Describing the straightforward installation, Mike noted, “Just slide it right over and right on down.” 

Keeping those products on a service truck can also support a more professional customer experience. Drawing from his previous service work, Mike recalled, “They’re like, ‘Do you have it?’ ‘Yes, I do.’ ‘Can we do it now?’ ‘Yes. I can go grab it off my truck. Here’s the price. Done. Problem solved. You’re taken care of.’” Having the necessary part readily available allows the contractor to move directly into the repair rather than leave the property, locate materials and schedule a return visit. 

The pipe collars are made with ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), which Mike described as a durable rubber that resists fading, cracking and becoming brittle over time. Their compact size also allows contractors to carry multiple options without taking up significant space. 

Wil-Mar Products offers free sample sets containing each pipe collar size, allowing contractors to test the products before adding them to their service inventory. 

Listen to the podcast or Watch the conversation to learn more about Wil-Mar Products and request a free sample set through!