4 Benefits of Having a Project Manager for Your Roof Replacement

A roof replacement is a big project. From planning delivery schedules for all necessary roofing materials and equipment to guiding their team through on-site safety, a roof replacement can’t run smoothly without the help of one individual: the project manager.

The project manager is responsible for planning and controlling every stage (from pre-construction, to completion) of your roof replacement. They are there to make sure that your project is completed on time and within budget.

For over 30 years, On Tops Roofing has provided high-quality roofing services to homeowners in Raleigh and the surrounding areas. We make sure to have a project manager on-site for all of our replacements because we know our homeowners enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having an organized roofing project. 

We want you to have that same peace of mind, so we put together a list of the top four benefits that come with having a project manager on-site for your replacement. Keep reading to learn more.

1. Safety First

Ensuring on-site safety is a critical part of the project manager’s role. Roofers have a higher rate of injury than those in other industries, and the risk for injury increases without proper safety measures. 

The project manager is there to make sure their team follows all requirements set by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) for roofing safety. For example, our team has daily safety talks to reinforce these requirements and keep our crew safe. Here’s a list of some of the requirements we follow:

• Recognizing fall hazards like narrow sidewalks, tarped walking areas, and pool decks where people could fall if they’re not paying attention
• Knowing what procedures to follow to minimize these fall hazards
• Making sure the ground crew wears safety glasses and helmets
• Making sure the installation crew is harnessed and tied in with ropes to reduce the risk of falling
• When a ladder is used to access your roof, extending it three rungs, or at least three feet above the roofline

The project manager will also make sure their team is equipped with the proper apparel and gear for the task. That might include soft-soled shoes, safety uniforms, roofing jacks, and a full-body harness to ensure that they get the job done safely.

2. Project Planning

Careful project planning is essential. The project manager will estimate the time to complete your roof replacement and allocate tasks to teams with different skills such as carpentry, shingle-laying, and even clean-up. 

They’ll estimate the materials required for the project and plan delivery schedules to ensure structural timber, shingles, guttering, and fascia boards are available when needed. They also plan and order other equipment requirements for the project.

3. Assembling the Team

You’ll need a team of highly skilled roofers to complete a successful roof replacement. Part of the project manager’s job is to assemble that team. 

Some roofing companies assemble a team by hiring subcontractors who only work for the duration of your specific project. However, On Tops Roofing uses the same crew for every project, so you’ll never have to question who’s working on your roof. 

Once the team has been assembled, they can start working on your replacement. The project manager will be on-site to instruct the team on the order of work and keep everyone on schedule. 

Your project manager will be there every step of the way, inspecting the quality of work and making sure it meets standards. They’re also there to provide extra help and advice for their team if they encounter any problems during your project.

4. Property Protection

The final part of a roof replacement is clean-up, and it’s a crucial step. It’s common for the area around your home to be messy, as flashing, felt, shingles, nails, and other roofing debris can fall off the roof during the installation. You’ll want to partner with a project manager who takes all the necessary steps to keep your property safe and clean throughout your replacement:

• Before Installation - While steps like moving your vehicle and taking down wall decor will be left to your discretion, the project manager will guide you through how to protect your property before they get started on your replacement. 

As workers clear and replace your roof, debris will fall onto your patio and deck. Your project manager will remind you to protect at-risk items like patio furniture, potted plants, and grills by covering them with tarps and/or plywood before their work starts. 

They’ll also make sure you cover your landscaping with tarps and plywood to help protect against any dust or trash that accumulates during the replacement. You should also remove any hanging or potted plants that could get hit with falling debris.

• After Installation - After installation, the project manager will have their team use a powerful backpack blower to clear your roof of any debris or leftover traveler granules that might have come off the shingles during your replacement. They’ll also make sure that your gutters and window seals are either cleaned by hand or with a leaf blower to remove loose debris and nails.
  
  
• Post-Inspection - The last step of a roof replacement is post-inspection; this is when the project manager will inspect your yard and landscaping to look for any debris that was missed during the initial clean-up process. 

After the final cleanup, they’ll sweep your property with two different magnets to remove loose nails: a small, handheld magnet for your shrubbery and flower beds; and a larger magnet on wheels to make sure your yard is free of stray nails.

So, What's Next?

Every successful, high-quality roofing project requires the leadership of an organized project manager. Now that you know this, you may be wondering how to secure the best project manager for your roof replacement. 

Here’s the short answer–work with a certified roofing company! Certified roofing contractors have gone through years of training, numerous installs and repairs, and upheld a consistent record of proper material installation. If the company you hire for your replacement is certified, then so is their project manager.

If you live in Raleigh and need a certified contractor for your roof repair or replacement, consider us! On Tops Roofing is both a GAF and CertainTeed Preferred Contractor. This means that we’re in the very top tier of these manufacturers' exclusive networks due to our high standards of professionalism, consistency, reliability, and workmanship. 

If you want a free estimate or to learn more about how our project managers can benefit your roofing project, don’t hesitate to fill out the form below. We’d be happy to help.