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<\/p>\nCommercial roofers frequently have to perform extensive work on occupied buildings. When you\u2019re completing a lengthy roof replacement project, you likely can\u2019t schedule the work for a time when the building will be empty 24\/7. This means tenants will be on-site while you work.<\/p>\n
Most building owners and tenants understand that roofing is essential and that the work may cause some disturbances. If you prove you will do everything you can to make the reroofing process less impactful on the tenants, the building owner will likely invite you back for roof repairs or ask you to reroof additional buildings in their portfolio.<\/p>\n
Gaining a reputation as a respectful roofing company may mean more business, as property managers and tenants spread the word of your good work. Here are some ways to make your roofing project much less distracting to tenants.<\/p>\n
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Most people don\u2019t understand the level of detail involved in a commercial reroofing project, and that misunderstanding can lead to confusion. Tenants don\u2019t need to comprehend the specifics of what you\u2019re doing. However, they will want to know how the roof replacement will affect them, their customers and their daily routine. To satisfy their concerns, provide answers to a few key questions, including:<\/p>\n
As a roofing contractor, you will be communicating with the owner or with the property managers, who will be conveying the information to their tenants, as absent written permission from the owner to communicate directly with the tenants, you should not directly communicate with tenants.<\/p>\n
Ask the owner to put up signs throughout the building explaining when work will begin.<\/p>\n
For office buildings, apartment buildings, schools, churches and other buildings with regular occupants, the owner or property manager should forward an email or written notice to the tenants to explain your work.<\/p>\n
For stores or other buildings with unpredictable traffic, you should ask the owner or property manager to put up adequate signage that people can see as they enter the building. If a tenant or building manager approaches you with questions, use active listening techniques to hear their concerns.<\/p>\n
It may seem like a small thing, but if you\u2019ve blocked someone\u2019s parking spot, it could ruin their day. If possible, ensure that building tenants will have access to the parking lot while you work. Try to deliver all roofing materials at once, unloading directly to the roof if possible. This ensures you\u2019re taking as little space in the parking lot as possible, for the shortest time possible.<\/p>\n
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If you must store material or equipment in the parking lot, such as a dumpster, boom truck or other machinery, designate an area for it and mark it off with tape. Choose an area in consultation with the owner or property manager. Ideally, it will be a location that isn\u2019t unsettling to the tenants. For example, not in front of an exit or entrance, especially a fire exit.<\/p>\n
To avoid taking up space in the parking lot, you may be tempted to store your materials on the lawn or landscaping. However, that may cause long-term damage to the grass and should be avoided unless the owner specifically permits it.<\/p>\n
You can also reduce your presence in the parking lot by asking your employees to carpool to work or park in a nearby parking lot. If the building has designated parking spaces or is usually full, this is a particularly good idea. That way, building tenants won\u2019t be inconvenienced by having to walk further than normal.<\/p>\n
You want to reduce your presence in the building so that the tenants can go about their day. This means roofers should avoid using building stairwells and main elevators whenever possible. If a dedicated service elevator isn\u2019t available, use a hydraulic lift to raise materials to the rooftop.<\/p>\n
You should also try to perform the roof replacement outside of normal business hours. Certain businesses may have special peak hours that you should avoid. Asking the building owner about their peak hours also can make a good impression.<\/p>\n
Here are some examples of common business hours and how you might work around them:<\/p>\n
A certain amount of noise is unavoidable during the roofing process. Loud noises are especially disruptive for those who are trying to work or rest. Making too much noise may drive away customers in the building, which irritates property managers.<\/p>\n
Here are several ways you can reduce your noise:<\/p>\n
While rarely harmful, roofing materials that create fumes or odors can be bothersome to tenants. Some tenants are particularly sensitive to smells, and most will wonder if the odor is harmful. Such situations should be minimized where possible.<\/p>\n
However, if your installation creates fumes or dust, make sure the owner or property manager has warned tenants that they may experience an unusual odor. Provide building owners with the latest information on the health and safety issues surrounding any products you use. Show the building owner any special precautions you are taking to prevent tenants from exposure to the fumes.<\/p>\n
To reduce the impact of odors and fumes on occupants, you should:<\/p>\n
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Building tenants may not be familiar with any safety protocols. Make sure the owner or property manager has warned them about safety issues, even those that seem routine to you. For example, during the tear-off process, there may be falling debris, especially around the dumpster. You wouldn\u2019t want to compromise the safety of people outside of the building.<\/p>\n
![\"commercial](\"https:\/\/www.iko.com\/comm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2018\/12\/Roof-Replacement-04.png\" "\\"commercial")
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Make sure the owner or property manager has notified tenants that they will need to stay clear of this area until you finish the tear-off process. When you have finished, let them know.<\/p>\n
Warning tenants about potential safety issues without causing undue alarm can be challenging. While warning tenants about every single safety detail may make the work seem more dangerous than it is, it is better to err on the side of caution, and to encourage the owner or property manager to provide the tenants with the appropriate warnings.<\/p>\n
If you believe that the owner or property manager is not providing the tenants with the necessary notices, and you are unable to convince them to provide the notices that you believe are advisable, you should consult with local legal counsel prior to proceeding with the work.<\/p>\n
If the building has health and safety officers, you should meet with the officers to explain any relevant safety protocol. This is also an opportunity to hear and address any concerns the officers may want to bring to your attention.<\/p>\n
Setting and meeting project timelines are two key ways to reduce your disruption to property managers and tenants. Following a reasonable timeline will help reduce your impact on tenants and instill faith in the process you\u2019ve outlined. Here are some tips on how to best set and meet your timeline for commercial roof replacement:<\/p>\n
![\"clock,](\"https:\/\/www.iko.com\/comm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2018\/12\/Roof-Replacement-05.jpg\")
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Once your reroofing project is complete, you may be in a rush to wrap up the job. However, it\u2019s important to ensure that you\u2019ve cleaned up well, not only to make a good impression, but also to be sure the tenant can access the building as before.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s a checklist you should look over before you leave the job site:<\/p>\n
If you\u2019ve considered the tenant\u2019s needs at every step of the reroofing process, you can minimize not only the tenant\u2019s concerns during the project, but also their complaints and calls afterward. Most property managers and tenants know that your work will improve their building for years to come. When you communicate openly and do what you can to minimize the distraction a reroof causes, you\u2019ll also earn a great reputation.<\/p>\n
IKO has more valuable information about commercial roofing, including advice on\u00a0how to prioritize your workload<\/a>\u00a0and information on\u00a0the latest commercial roofing products<\/a>. If you\u2019re looking for an IKO distributor for your next reroofing project, use our\u00a0Distributor Locator Tool<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"