Roof Leaks, Repair Delays and the El Nino Influence

Thanks to the influence of El Nino, roofers and repair contractors are in top demand as home owners scramble to prepare for the wet, stormy weather. Fixing old, leaky roofing is a top priority but preparation has turned into moisture management for some as many roofing companies are already booked through the fall and winter.

But be cautious when pleading for the services of a roofing contractor because when demand for a service is this high, the scam artists smell opportunity. It is important to stick with a reputable contractor, even if you have to deal with tarps and buckets while you wait. Verify that a contractor is licensed, ask if the company is insured and always get everything in writing. While many contractors may ask for a deposit, never pay for the full amount of the repairs in advance.

The influence from El Nino is causing a surge in roofing services from coast-to-coast across the lower US states.

The Weather Network reported that El Nino is strengthening and has an 80% chance to run into spring 2016; and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports a Strong El Nino sets the stage for 2015-2016 winter weather with wetter-than-average conditions most likely in the Southern Tier of the United States, from central and southern California, across Texas, to Florida, and up the East Coast to southern New England.

California Waits for Roofing Contractors

As California residents prepare for El Nino, Bay Valley Contractors in Walnut Creek has seen business increase by about 100% over the past few months. The company now has a waiting list of up to two months for new roofs and up to three months for roof repairs.

People along the California coast remember the El Nino of 1997/98 and are doing their best to be prepared, so California roofing contractors are busier than ever. Many home owners who have procrastinated roof repairs are relying on tarps and buckets to get them through until a roofing contractor can get to them.

One roofing company in California reported they are working 6-days a week since September and are already booked into June of 2016 as reported on Channel 5 News.

Texas Roofing Contractors are in Top Demand

In Texas, KENS TV in Texas reports that record-breaking rainfall is a challenge for roofers who have been swamped since last May with a record breaking rainfall, the wettest month on record since 1895. Now, after an extremely wet October, roofers are falling further behind in the demand for roof repairs and replacements.

In Pennsylvania, high winds in late October tore the roof off of an auto about a mile south of Latrobe where wind gusts of about 40 mph reportedly blew through in the early morning hours of Oct. 28th. While trying to secure the site, wind gusts of 35 – 50 mph were impeding progress. It was also reported that a mobile home in Derry Township also had its roof tore off due to the high winds and there was even an incident of a building collapse.

Flat Roof Waterproofing

There is nothing we can do to stop Mother Nature, but we can protect our homes by using reputable contractors and quality products like Duradek vinyl membranes on our flat roof decks.

One of the great benefits of Duradek vinyl as a roofing solution for flat roofs subject to pedestrian traffic is that it can withstand extreme weather and protects your building envelope better than many other options out there. Duradek does not require any on-going maintenance to keep performing, and once installed its waterproofing performance is warrantied for 10 years.

If you have a flat roof deck that needs waterproofing attention talk to one of our experienced Duradek installers near you.

In California, Texas or all other U.S. states, contact our Duradek U.S. Head Office at duradekus@duradek.com or use our ‘find a dealer’ locator.