When you hear the term “essential workers,” what comes to mind? For many of us, we tend to envision healthcare workers, providing critical care for sick patients – especially those with the novel coronavirus, otherwise known as COVID-19. Other first responders like police and firemen may also come to mind.
Not surprisingly, the essential work our healthcare workers provide is truly essential and life saving during these unprecedented times. Meanwhile, “non-essential” workers must stay home. If they can work remotely, that is an option, too.
But what about essential workers in the roofing industry during COVID-19 – who aren’t first responders? What is considered essential – and what’s not?
Building & Construction Industry: Essential or Not?
There are many workers who are reporting to work each day, ready to provide essential services. And one such sector is in the building and construction industry. At Mid-Atlantic Remodeling Company, we provide essential work for our customers, including roof replacement services.
Although the general public may not be aware of this, certain roof replacement services we provide are considered truly essential – and Governor Larry Hogan has provided numerous updates to define exactly what is (and is not) considered “essential.”
Other essential work during COVID-19
In addition to the more obvious types of work (like the first responders), there are other categories that are not so neatly defined but are still essential. The Maryland Building Industry Organization has provided additional details through its curated list of relevant information from the Governor’s office. That list includes the following excerpted interpretive guidance:
“The following is a non-exhaustive list of businesses, organizations, and facilities that are included in the federal critical infrastructure sectors: Building and property maintenance companies, including without limitation: plumbers, electricians, HVAC service companies, roofers [bold type added for emphasis], environmental services companies, exterminators, arborists, and landscapers.”
Source: Governor’s Order from March 23, 2020 (Interpretive Guidance Memo)
There is additional guidance that gives us even more detail about the nature of these essential services:
“The Order requires businesses, organizations, and facilities to close to the general public. This does not prohibit staff from being on-site as reasonably necessary for the purposes listed below, if this can be accomplished in a manner consistent with all applicable guidance from the . . . CDC . . . MDH and . . .OSHA: Maintaining essential property . . . [and] Preventing loss of, or damage to property” [bold type added for emphasis].
Source: Governor’s Order from March 23, 2020 (Interpretive Guidance Memo)
Why Mid-Atlantic Remodeling Company’s Roof Replacement Services are essential:
Not surprisingly, if you have a roof that needs to be replaced – or even certain shingles that are in a state of disrepair, this is an instance of “maintaining essential property” and “preventing loss of, or damage to property.” Leaving dilapidated shingles to rot, or leaving an entire roof to deteriorate, can create a damaging and even dangerous situation for the homeowner.
Think about it: aged and rotting roofs and/or roofing shingles can lead to structural damage and interior leaks. If sections of the roof deteriorate past repair, consider the devastating ramifications. You want to keep the project a simple re-roof and not delay the project allowing further damage to occur. Once a roof has been compromised and has penetration points you could have created an easy entrance for bats, birds, and other small animals to cause even more damage.
What’s more, leaks and pooling water will lead to mold and mildew. Anyone with allergies and asthma knows that mold can be a complete disaster for your respiratory system and overall health. Even people without preexisting conditions can develop respiratory problems from serious mold exposure. And of course, developing any medical conditions during this time creates a host of complications, from overcrowded hospitals, to inaccessibility to a doctor, in-person, when you may need it most.
Hopefully, you are beginning to understand why something as seemingly innocent as a roof repair is not just something you “should” do. It’s certainly not something you should put off until another time. In certain instances, it’s absolutely essential that you address the problem sooner rather than later.
Mid-Atlantic Remodeling Company: Roof Replacements . . . and More
Even during COVID-19, Mid-Atlantic Remodeling Company can help you with your roof replacement needs. Simply call us and we can discuss your roof’s age, any current problems you are facing, and more. Even if you don’t need a full roof replacement, we can discuss replacements for shingles as well. And if you have other remodeling needs in addition to roofing, rest assured that we can handle both interior and exterior projects, including:
- Home siding
- Window and glass repair
- Insurance restoration projects, including water & fire damage
- Gutter installation and repair
Of course, no matter what you’re looking for us to complete. We will be sure to adhere to all regulations and mandates from the state and federal levels, including social-distancing measures.
When it comes to our contractors and materials, we only hire and use the best. That means ethical, reliable professionals who put customers first. And the most high-quality materials on the market, complete with a 30-year guarantee. In an industry known for horror stories of inferior materials and unskilled labor, Mid-Atlantic Remodeling Company works tirelessly to ensure your job is done right, every time.
Contact us today
If you’re ready for roof replacement services, please contact us today at (410) 918-0563. Or, if you’re interested in learning more about roof replacement in general and other remodeling services we offer, visit our website at https://www.midatlanticremodelingco.com/. We look forward to hearing from you!
