Having delays on your commercial roofing project can be caused by several factors, and are often inevitable even if they were anticipated. However, they can still be prevented if you take the right precautions, and one of the best ways is to work with your locally trusted roof repair contractor such as Southern Roofing Company.
With our services, we can deal with any situation that may otherwise impede your project’s completion. This includes:
The Common Types of Roofing Delays
- Excusable Delays – These are caused by another party’s actions or omissions or arise from unforeseen events beyond the hired contractor’s control or fault. Excusable delays would basically result from architectural design errors and owner-initiated changes, as well as unexpected weather.
However, weather conditions that adversely affect the contractor’s execution of the work doesn’t always mean they’re given additional time unless the unfavorable weather itself is far more intense than reliable weather records in your local area.
- Non-Excusable Delays – This includes the contractor’s failure to manage the project adequately or didn’t have the right equipment when needed. Another instance can be the late arrival of roofing materials that could have otherwise been avoided or anticipated. There are some exceptions; for instance, if a material delivery was delayed because of an unforeseen event such as an accident at the factory where the asphalt shingles you ordered are produced. This is where the delay is considered excusable in this case.
- Concurrent Delays – Having a delay that has multiple causes can be difficult because you’ll need to determine who’s entitled to recover delay damages, how much additional time should be granted, and the exact amount of delay damages. You may also get excusable and compensable delays depending on the exact cause.
A concurrent delay usually occurs when both or multiple parties have delayed or hindered contract performance, which therefore affects the outcome of the roofing project and causes a delay in its completion. It can be difficult to determine a time extension depending on the cause(s) behind this type of delay.
- Compensable Delays – A compensable delay results from a cause that entitles the roofing contractor to additional compensation to cover extra costs the contractor incurred as a result of the delay. They may be compensable or non-compensable depending on the delay’s cause and terms of your contract.
For instance, when it comes to our shingle and metal roofing services, compensable delays occur when another party’s conduct causes a delay on our end and incur extra expenses that wouldn’t occur otherwise. Getting design errors or other parties failing to perform the necessary predecessor work in time such as late material delivery are some of the common examples of such delays.
Other Causes to Look Out For
As we’ve mentioned before, some delays are unavoidable, and it can happen to any residential and commercial roofing project. A delay can happen as soon as your old roofing gets stripped down and additional problems are spotted. They’ll have to be addressed and repaired properly before installing your new roof to ensure there won’t be problems later on. Here are some other causes you need to look out for:
- Sudden Order Changes – It usually happens during the roof repair process, and more often beyond the control of the contractor. This can be due to several factors behind this such as manufacturing or supply issues, last-minute adjustments to the project, or even compatibility issues. These sudden changes will always cause delays and in turn will cost more for your project, so make sure to plan your project thoroughly to stay within budget.
- Bad Weather – This is a common reason for residential and commercial roofing delays, especially when the work is already underway. A light rain shower can easily cause delays, especially if the roof deck is being installed. This is because your exposed roof needs to be completely dry before applying the other roofing layers to avoid moisture buildup from underneath. It also takes a while for the adhesives used in starter strips to dry completely, so the weather conditions have to be favorable or else the project is delayed.
Delays are also to be expected if severe weather happens to hit your local area during the roof renovation process. It’s preferable to schedule roof repair and installation during the summer months, but then you’ll have to anticipate how contractors are busy during that season. You’ll have to finalize your plans as early as spring.
How to Avoid Delays in Your Project
It’s always best to prepare and anticipate all scenarios if you want to avoid delays in your shingle or metal roofing project as much as possible. Again, not all roofing delays can be prevented, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take the necessary precautions. Here’s how you can ensure your project stays on schedule:
- Consider the Shipping Time – Most roofing products have to be ordered from the manufacturer, and this can take time depending on the speed of delivery and demand for the material. Expect a longer shipping time if you ordered specialty items.
- Apply for Permits in Advance – Commercial roofing projects have strict guidelines on project approval. Any roof replacement of commercial buildings will likely require building inspections and the approval of construction permits, which can ultimately push back your completion date. It’s best to have it done as soon as during the initial planning stages of your project. To make sure all your documentation is in order, be sure to work with experienced roofing professionals.
- Anticipate Inclement Weather – Most contractors prefer working when weather conditions are favorable. Your local weather has to be ideal and favorable so your hired contractor is able to finish the project efficiently.
- Plan Ahead for Safety Precautions – It’s a good idea to consult with an OSHA-certified risk evaluation company so you can be aware of potential safety issues to plan ahead for. You can also secure the safety of all onsite workers and potential bystanders as well. Using proper signage and communication about risks and hazards will help minimize danger to everyone involved in your project.
When you’re looking for a specialist in seamless gutters or asphalt shingles, don’t hesitate to hire our team at Southern Roofing Company. Call us today at (470) 299-7663, or you can fill out our convenient form online.