Preparing today for tomorrow’s metal roofing projects

MSC Influencer Edward Montemayor says that downtime doesn't have to mean lost time. 

Training crews to properly maintain tools and equipment

In the metal roofing industry, quality craftsmanship depends highly on the tools, equipment and machines we use daily for metal roofing installation and fabrication. Rollformers, brakes, shears and gutter machines can develop wear and tear over time from heavy use. These tools process high-tensile materials as thick as 22-24 gauge steel and .032- .040 aluminum. In some custom cases and projects we even use a 16oz solid copper, so mechanical degradation is inevitable over time. Because roofing crews and subcontractors have their mindset on roofing projects and workload demand, this maintenance can be easily overlooked. The importance of training is to establish consistency, care, responsibility, routine and accountability. 

Staying productive during seasonal slowdowns or weather delays

Though these slowdowns and weather delays can prevent roofing crews from performing installations, it can shift direct attention to other important aspects of the roofing company's production and operational tasks. It can shift more attention to office needs, prepping future jobs, warehouse cleaning and maintenance, checking inventory, team building, team training, safety training and getting ahead in-house sheet metal fabrication orders. 

Winterizing metal working equipment and maintaining for performance year-round

Along the Texas coast, where winters are generally mild, sudden temperature drops, moisture, high humidity and condensation can have a negative impact on equipment performance. Our coast is exposed year round to airborne salt-air, high humidity and sodium chloride; which leaves our machinery prone to possible rusting or wear and tear. More importantly storing our equipment in our fully insulated metal warehouse to keep the electrical systems dry from moisture. By understanding the importance of keeping our equipment in top shape, we lower the chances of having on-site breakdowns, mechanics issues, standing seam panel calibration shifts and keeping production on schedule.

Using downtime for team development and strategic planning

Team development and strategic planning helps employees expand their capabilities while strengthening teamwork and boosting morale. Downtime should always be viewed as productive time for improvements and not seen as only losing production on the jobsite. There are countless items to improve one or to touch on in a roofing company.  Sometimes the list can feel endless because of the overwhelming number of responsibilities involved in operating a successful roofing company. Ultimately, these days can go off of becoming lazy days or slack off days to employees, but turn into reorganization, catch up or preparation for future project days. 

In conclusion, in the metal roofing industry there is no such thing as a day off or slow day, the tasks just shift from installing roofs to maintaining all aspects of the company to keep it running efficiently.