Mastering risk in roofing

By John Kenney, Cotney Consulting Group.

Why risk management isn’t just an option — it’s a necessity in roofing.

Roofing projects are high-stakes operations where a single misstep can cost thousands, delay timelines and strain client relationships. Yet, many contractors approach risk management as an afterthought rather than a core pillar of their business strategy. At Cotney Consulting Group, we understand that in an industry where weather, supply chain disruptions and human error are everyday realities, proactive risk management isn’t just a safeguard — it’s the key to profitability and long-term success. Whether you're a seasoned contractor or new to the trade, understanding and mitigating risks will determine whether your business thrives or barely survives.

Understanding the complexity of roofing projects

Whether commercial or residential, roofing projects involve multiple stakeholders — owners, suppliers, subcontractors and crew members, the relationships among these parties are often fraught with risks, from misaligned expectations to miscommunications that can cause project delays or cost overruns.

A successful roofing project manager acknowledges this complexity and proactively addresses potential issues. Risk management begins by creating systems that ensure tasks are completed correctly and on time while anticipating the inevitable challenges of managing such projects. In the roofing industry, things don't just "fall through the cracks;" if left unmanaged, they can disappear into large crevices that can swallow an entire project's timeline and budget.

To mitigate risk, roofing contractors must develop procedures and accountability systems that keep everything on track. Regular follow-up, documentation and accountability mechanisms ensure that tasks aren't overlooked and potential risks are addressed before they become problems.

Planning for the realities of roofing projects

One common mistake in roofing management is planning as if projects will go perfectly without any hitches. While it's tempting to envision a flawless project where everything runs according to plan, this is rarely the case. Roofing contractors must accept that problems such as delays, material shortages or unexpected structural issues are inevitable.

Risk management in roofing means planning for these issues before they occur. Creating a system that accounts for routine misfires and disruptions is essential. This involves building safety nets into your operations, such as allocating extra time for unexpected delays or having a backup supplier in case of material shortages.

Rather than stressing over potential problems, effective risk management allows you to prepare for them calmly and efficiently. Anticipating challenges reduces the stress of surprises and allows you to handle setbacks more easily. By expecting miscommunications, delays and mistakes as part of the roofing process, your management systems will automatically be more resilient, reducing the impact of these disruptions.

Risk management is about more than just procedures

Roofing project managers often fall into the trap of relying solely on manuals and procedures to manage their projects. While documented processes are critical, risk management requires more than just following procedures. It requires a deep understanding of human nature, and the diverse motivations and skill levels of the individuals involved in the project.

For example, subcontractors may have different approaches to completing tasks and not all team members have the same experience or efficiency. Roofing project managers must recognize this variability and approach their projects with the understanding that human factors play a significant role in the success of a project.

This is not a call for cynicism but rather an acknowledgment that every roofing project involves working with individuals who may have varying levels of competence and motives. By accepting this reality, you can see potential problems coming and take steps to mitigate them before they escalate. In short, an effective roofing project manager combines technical procedures with an understanding of human behavior to create a well-rounded approach to risk management.

The role of judgment and experience in roofing management

As a roofing project manager, much of your role involves applying judgment and experience to deal with exceptions to the "ideal" process. Early in your career, many tasks may follow a routine process—reviewing submittals, maintaining logs or inspecting materials. However, as you gain experience and move up the ladder, you will spend more time handling unexpected issues, requiring a greater reliance on judgment.

This reliance on experience and judgment is where risk management becomes critical. The higher you climb in the roofing industry, the more you'll need to deal with issues that fall outside the standard process. Your experience helps you navigate these challenges, resolve conflicts and make informed decisions that keep the project on track.

This is why it's so essential for roofing managers to have accurate and timely reporting systems in place. Field information must be reported quickly, administrative activities must be monitored and adjusted, and any mistakes must be addressed immediately. The success or failure of a project often hinges on how well these exceptions are managed.

Efficient operations and risk management go hand in hand

The roofing industry faces increasing pressures from rising costs and intensifying competition. To remain profitable, roofing contractors must streamline their operations for maximum efficiency while strongly focusing on risk management. Administrative overhead can spiral out of control if duplicated efforts and inefficiencies aren't addressed.

To achieve this efficiency, roofing project managers should focus on:

1. Creating streamlined processes: Minimize the duplication of effort and ensure that every team member understands their role and responsibilities.
2. Regular communication: Keep open lines of communication between contractors, suppliers and workers to avoid miscommunications.
3. Timely reporting: Ensure that field information is reported accurately and quickly to address any issues immediately.
4. Risk mitigation strategies: Build contingency plans for common issues such as weather delays, material shortages or labor inefficiencies.
5. Training and mentorship: Ensure that all team members, particularly newer project managers, receive ongoing training to develop the skills and judgment required to handle the complexities of roofing projects.

Risk management is a crucial element of any roofing project. By anticipating and addressing the challenges of complex relationships, miscommunications and human error, roofing project managers can deliver projects on time and within budget while maintaining quality standards.

The key to success in the roofing industry is accepting that challenges will arise and developing management systems that prepare for these realities. Whether through streamlined operations, regular reporting or effective communication, risk management helps you stay ahead of potential issues, ensuring your roofing business's long-term success and profitability.

By embracing these strategies and focusing on practical solutions, roofing contractors can confidently navigate their industry's complexities and deliver outstanding results for their clients.

Original article and photo source: Cotney Consulting Group