Why Chicago roofers are so depressed this year? Roofing industry report from Illinois

[@tl_home_improve8771]

Quality- sad but true- i see that everywhere!!!!

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

Sadly it’s getting worse and worse and materials getting cheaper and thinner

[@eliteadjustinggroup]

@@RoofingInsights3.0 it’s all in my company number and JobNimbus ok…

[@DigitalRoofingInnovations]

Great video! Yes I agree, quality is absolute shit now. This is an interesting time in our industry.

[@AdamSandLTD]

Love the emphasis on builders grade products not holding up to storms. Such a huge factor that home owners don’t know about.

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

Bare minimum codes practice reminds me of three pigs story. Unfortunately we have been tricked that we are smart pig that builds with bricks, but the wolf blows it still flies away and exposes us.

[@romanhoraiskyi6370]

This year is slower but not bad overall. We feel the lack of money in people's pockets but jobs are coming in to keep us busy day to day.

[@hamstraroofing]

Chicago roofer here. Good year for me in retail. A lack of storms does over-saturate the retail market though. Its just soo competitive here.

[@DavidSummerly]

Yes! Great discussion on quality!

[@OldHomeRescue]

Thank you for calling this out! These manufacturers are just marketing companies that make building products. We must build and remodel better!

[@budmanman3998]

I was working 7/11 Champaign/Urbana up until the last day. When Indianapolis got hit 6/18 I started traveling there. Now that central Illinois 7/11 is over I’m going to continue working Indianapolis 6/18. I have my PA license in both Indiana and Illinois. I live in Kane county. Things are going good for me. You have to travel sometimes and suck it up. Gotta keep that pipeline full my man.

[@robertc4839]

If there's a will, there's a way. But, I love being around my kids and wife every day

[@dutchy1837]

I just started my Company in Illinois also from Kane County and here I am looking at this comment crazy how life works. So I’m going to ask this question before I start my journey is it hard to get Jobs without a PA license here in the state ?

[@justinsaunders5983]

Honestly its been a great year. I've been working on building a culture with our salesmen. Focus on being able to sell Retail more so we don't have to depend on the storms. Working on solar and also doing other exterior (windows,siding, and doors) to keep busy in between. Also, marketing is everything. We knock doors, focus on internet ads, and always on the road with our wrap and signs

[@robertc4839]

I agree, there's more opportunity in this business and lots of it is left behind.

[@robertc4839]

Company Culture Matters!

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

Thanks for sharing! Glad you doing well!

[@samsegal6417]

I run a company in San Diego CA and it is tough when their is no rain

[@zachanderle2597]

7:34 are my eyes failing me or is there no starter

[@robertc4839]

Starter on what?

[@jasonthomas2714]

@@robertc4839 starter shingle genius

[@jasonthomas2714]

They can't be that fuckin ignorant.🤦

[@nicturk4126]

🤷🏼‍♂️🤣🤣

[@alikhan81]

lol

[@bladerunner1458]

Had a polymer roof installed with copper work. Contacted six contractors only receive three bids. Fortunately I’m happy with the contractor I hired and he does good work. I will recommend him to all my friends

[@duck3439]

Just got my PA license and it’s going good 👍

[@pistolpete8096]

The only people struggling this year are the “local” storm chasers. I have never seen so many bs claims filed by door knockers prior to the tornado, where they are telling the ho that they have hail or wind damage. The customer calls us to get a second opinion and the roofs are in good condition relative to their age and with absolutely no storm damage. This year has been entertaining

[@robertc4839]

You're right. So many claims being filed based on a numbers game and a hope and pray mentality. That's not only unethical, but some doing this should be embarrassed.

[@deadlymig123]

Its a very competitive market. The ones who are doing good are the ones who have a good set up for retail work and or doing commercial work like flatroofing. Storm work is very competitive cause you deal with alottt of companies . When i was at Naperville the day after the tornado there was people waiting just to back cut you just to speak with the homeowner

[@ThatsNotMyNameB.]

I need your help. Been roofing 16 years, homeowner 1 year. Roof claim approved by insurance. Sales guy says I gotta use them, I did sign a thing saying I would use them, but starting to not feel comfortable. Please help

[@handsroofingllc8178]

Another record breaking your on this end minus the complications of material shortages

[@robertc4839]

Are you in Illinois?

[@whydotheathensrage]

someone needs to invent a solar shingle for roofs. The shingle can be networked as whole house solar collector. All homes can be networked into local neighborhood large battery array, etc etc

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

Elon already did thag

[@whydotheathensrage]

@@RoofingInsights3.0 he did, but competition drives a more perfect product. We need more innovations regarding solar shingles, it’s a no brainer to have house shingles collect solar energy as a second function.

[@nicturk4126]

Not to cut my own throat, but you can buy them from Amazon. Search "Uni-Solar PVL 136" $350.00 for 18' roll panel that adheres to the underlayment... CT did something with them years ago just couldn't launch it correctly. It amazes me when I see solar mounted on a roof super heating the shingles underneath them. Not one shingle manufacturer warranties the roof after they are up... you would think they would build a curb and increase the attic ventilation. But who knows.

[@ronaldsolberg6231]

It would help if Things a license be required. To get the license, proof of insurance be required, Not just some cheap policy but say $750,000 policy. In 1993 in Liberal, Kan. I had to show proof of $500,000. They also required a local company be the ones the sold the policy.. Along with this a building permit be required. Really with a permit people have proof of work done and years, contractor etc.I retired in 06 because of a wore out body. I had been in roofing over 35 years. Same location last 25 years and Even though I consider myself a storm chaser I let the storms cone to me. The only place I went past 100 miles was Liberal,Kan. (125 miles from my house. Everything went good until the last 3 years then lots of people were going around door to door. Some of these were guy who worked for me at one time. I figure the last 3 years in business I lost about $100,000 in gross sales each year to these door knockers. Also if these towns had a green river ordinance that could help with door knockers. I don't know how it is with the internet as I got out before it took hold. good luck Ron.

[@andrewward3686]

Started slow ! I retail bid my storm work ! Chicago has plenty of work, 90 percent of the guys here cant even bid a job without exactimate ! Its does this every 5 years or so, and it thins out the herd !!

[@robertc4839]

True. When will the herd 🦬 go away

[@rileylowell9839]

With the house being hit here and there I understand it's a tornado but it also shows the barn storm builders all about money and Yes it is a bad year why it wasn't last year or the before that or the year before it's obvious

[@ameribuild]

Absolutely horrible quality, life expectancy and overall design compared to most of the Europe.

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

Because we don’t have patience: we want faster, cheaper, bigger. Something have to give!

[@ameribuild]

Agreed. I would also add the technology that isn’t the best.

[@asonofAbba2]

Building a business with no retail model is a guaranteed way to no longer have a business when the slow years come. Just wait until the insurance companies put their foot down and end this gravy train! This guys comment about retail "we don't know what it actually costs or how to bid retail" is endemic with insurance-only contractors. I'm preparing my company to survive with retail-only, w-2 labor. I'll survive no matter if storms come, insurance companies play ball, etc. In the meantime, the insurance branch of my business is a gravy train. Fellas - take those profits and invest in growing your retail arm!

[@robertc4839]

I wouldn't say depressed. I'd say challenged. ;-)

[@phoenixed2718]

I’m with you too 💪

[@robertc4839]

It's mostly that people don't brand or advertise. They wait for hail. That model only works when it hails. Hail should be more of an icing on the cake.

[@robertc4839]

Some think branding is just a wrap and shirts. It's much more than that. Especially in an industry where many go out of business every 2 to 3 years.

[@phoenixed2718]

@@robertc4839 yeah I totally agree. Can’t just wait around for Mother Nature.

[@miketaiwanwalkcity6355]

interesting. No hail no business. No rain no business. Tornado = business but lots of competition.

[@DavidSummerly]

“Thiccer is better.” - Roofing Insights

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

lol

[@bertonwolfenbarger8261]

Roofing way over priced for the skill set what about the framers they probably made half what roofers make without framers I have no roofs

[@romangonzales7287]

Atlanta roofers are better

[@robertc4839]

Atlanta is bad ass but Chicago has its benefits too

[@Jesus_fto]

Both got bad roofers both got good ones

[@Jesus_fto]

I’m from Chicago tho Nd like 40 percent of the houses always got sum wrong before tear offs

[@robertc4839]

@@Jesus_fto you the man!

[@eliteadjustinggroup]

Worst year ever.

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

It’s all in your head!

[@robertc4839]

It's definitely presented the biggest challenges