The great roofing rodeo: Herding cats

RCS Influencer Wendy Marvin says every successful roofing project is driven by trust, collaboration and communication. 

After twenty-plus years of watching grown adults argue about whether a shingle is “weathered wood” or “driftwood gray” while standing on a 12/12 pitch in 90 degree heat, I’ve decided that roofing project collaboration is a lot like conducting an orchestra where some of the musicians are tone deaf, some are using different sheet music and the rest are sure they were born to be a conductor. However, with some planning somehow, we still survive.

Here’s what I’ve learned after shedding blood and recovering from multiple smack-downs: 

Plan for solutions not blame 

Discuss up front – that when, not if – someone or something goes wrong, the first question isn’t, “Who messed up,” but, “What do we fix and how do we prevent it from happening again?” Yes, financial responsibility matters but wasting weeks arguing just wreaks havoc on our customers. Projects have been saved by people just admitting they misread plans or made an honest mistake.

Plain speak

Each trade has its own language and ours in roofing varies greatly. Assure that you discuss questionable items and agree on definitions going forward. Nothing is worse than having the plumber and roofer discussing penetrations and the HVAC folks giggling in the attic. Worst case, the “person in charge” gets to be the “leader” and make determinations that everyone must follow.

Walkthroughs are not optional

Everyone should be on site before that first nail is driven. Nothing, and I’ll add, NOTHING beats having the manufacturer’s rep, distributor, GC and trade partners all physically looking at the same roof, while discussing the same plans in front of them. I’ve argued for weeks with distribution about delivery only to have them say “Whoops, I guess we can deliver” after making them join me on site.

Document or it didn’t happen

This is one of my favorite signs in our office. Many times, I’ve just looked at a PM and pointed to the sign. Emails, photos, change orders, jobsite delays from weather or the kid’s baseball that dented the vent cover, nothing is outside of the realm of documentation. Having 2 guys leaving for appointments might be a normal Wednesday for you, but when project deadlines are missed, you better explain why. Future you will thank present you when years later a customer asks “Why did you do that?” and you can show them why.

Planned meet ups

Like your initial walkthrough prior to job start, plans should be laid for additional project meet ups with intersecting trades. Problem-solving sessions like this are invaluable and while they seem like you’re wasting time, finding ways to prevent issues before they happen is always more efficient. When all else fails – impromptu meetings where you provide coffee and donuts also work well.

Truth?

Every successful roofing project is driven by trust, collaboration and communication. In projects this often occurs between people who may have never worked together before.  The strategies mentioned here are solid foundations that can make us appear (at least) like we’re consummate professionals who’ve been working together for years. There’s something profoundly beautiful about what we do. Literally protecting families from the elements and keeping their hard-earned investment dry and safe. We’re magical, even if we are tired.