85% of Roofing Industry Up and Running but Most Sites at Below Capacity

NEW DATA from the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) shows that the vast majority (85%) of members’ sites are either fully operational (61%) or partially open (24%).

However, of these, the majority (60%) are operating at less than three quarters (76%) of the capacity they were at, pre-Covid-19.

The Covid-19 Site Operating Procedures have mostly bedded in onsite for roofers, with over half of NFRC members (54%) now managing to work within the constraints of the social distancing guidelines. However, a sizeable number of roofers (44%) still have some concerns enforcing certain parts of the procedures.

Roofing site problems

Roofers had particular concerns around maintaining two metres for certain tasks, providing transport for those who can’t drive, a lack of PPE, increased costs due to providing more vans and delays, and losing productivity due to having fewer people on site. Some members are operating double shifts.

James Talman CEO NFRC

Commenting on the survey results, NFRC Chief Executive, James Talman said, “The roofing industry is, for the most part, back up-and-running again. After weeks of site closures and downed tools, this is something to celebrate.

“However, we are still not back to where we were before this crisis, and the new normal is taking its toll on productivity. With the majority of sites operating at less than 76% capacity, this will start to impact on project times, even with extended operational hours and the burden of this cost must not be unfairly loaded onto our members.

“I am pleased to see so many members have been able to implement the Site Operating Procedures without too much disruption. There are still teething problems to address, with many members reporting the impracticalities of the two-metre rule for many tasks such as handling heavy materials and installing roof lights. Travel still seems to be a big issue too, not just in cities but particularly in rural areas.

“Attention now turns to the sector’s recovery. While members are currently finishing the jobs they started before this crisis, it is not clear if there is going to be enough work generally in quarters three and four of this year. The upcoming Budget will be a crucial opportunity to help stimulate demand across the construction industry through fast-tracking public sector projects, providing tax incentives to homeowners and commercial investors and liberalising the planning system.”