A new survey from the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) shows that the majority (52%) of roofing contractors said the coronavirus-fueled economic shutdown has already had a "significant" or "very significant" effect on their businesses.
The biggest negative impact reported was a slowdown in normal bid activity (58.9%), followed by reduced customer demand for low-slope roofing work (48.0%). Nearly half of respondents (45.2%) had suffered job cancellations.
NRCA survey: COVID-19 effect on roofing contractor businesses, especially for low-slope roofing.
As of April 7, 2020, one in six respondents (16.8%) had had to lay off workers. A small group (6.4%) said their firms had been forced to close shop. The majority (55.6%) had taken no action in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
MOST ROOFING CONTRACTORS HAD TROUBLE GETTING ACCESS TO CONSTRUCTION SITES
About one-fifth (22.2%) of respondents said their business was experiencing trouble with material delivery, trucking, or other material sourcing interruptions. Nearly two out of three (65.3%) said building owners had limited contractor access to construction sites or buildings as part of their (the owners') coronavirus response plans.
Roofing contractors also reported other restrictions by local jurisdictions, notably service delays for inspections and permits (56.5%). More than one-third (36.5%) said local jurisdictions had stopped accepting applications for new permits.
NRDC: Actions taken by local jurisdictions as a result of COVID-19 pandemic.
MOST ROOFERS SAID THEY WERE STILL OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE FUTURE
Despite all the negatives associated with the COVID-19, a strong majority of roofer respondents (61.9%) said they could be back in business "as usual" in less than a month once the all-clear was issued. The majority (56.3%) said they were "somewhat confident" about the future of their businesses, and 37.2% were "very confident."
NRCA survey: Most roofers expect to be back in business soon after the pandemic ends.
Related Stories
Coronavirus | Jun 14, 2020
A new report on how campus buildings can reopen safely
Leo A Daly white paper suggests dividing students into smaller “cohorts,” and assigning bathroom spaces.
Coronavirus | Jun 12, 2020
BD+C launches 'The Weekly,' a streaming program for the design and construction industry
The first episode, now available on demand, features experts from Robins & Morton, Gensler, and FMI on the current state of the AEC market.
Coronavirus | Jun 9, 2020
Going viral: How the coronavirus pandemic could change the built environment
Architecture and construction firms—and their clients—are asking new questions about infection control as it pertains to people assembly, building wellness, and technology.
Fire and Life Safety | Jun 9, 2020
NFPA develops business reopening checklist for fire and life safety measures
The new checklist helps building owners and facility managers ensure fire and life safety as businesses prepare to re-open amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Coronavirus | Jun 9, 2020
CannonDesign unveils COVID Shield
As the world evolves its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, one clear reality is testing for the virus will be part of our daily lives for the foreseeable future.
Coronavirus | Jun 5, 2020
3 strategies to improve the wellness of building systems and gain tenant trust
Three operational issues that must be prioritized for every building in order to achieve tenant trust are air quality/ventilation, relative humidity, and building commissioning.
Coronavirus | Jun 2, 2020
5 ways to improve hand washing and minimize germs in public restrooms
Bradley Corp. offers five upgrades to make public restrooms more sanitary.
Coronavirus | Jun 2, 2020
Perkins and Will, Healthy Building Network advise against the use of antimicrobial building products
Even during a pandemic, antimicrobial building products may do more harm than good.
Coronavirus | May 30, 2020
A welcoming entry-point for wellness screening anywhere
Modular WorkWell™ ecosystem can process up to 40 people per minute.
Coronavirus | May 29, 2020
Black & Veatch, DPR, Haskell, McCarthy launch COVID-19 construction safety coalition
The NEXT Coalition will challenge engineering and construction firms to enhance health and safety amid the Coronavirus pandemic.
