Local roofing companies face backlog – KOLO

RENO, Nev. (KOLO) The beginning of the year is generally a busy time for ABC Roofing. Barbara Hauan, office manager for the Reno-based company, says this is the time of year people like to use their tax refunds to make needed repairs on their homes. But since January, the phones have been ringing non-stop and repair jobs are stacking up. And this is not a problem unique to ABC Roofing.

"Unfortunately a lot of the roofing companies are way behind," Hauan said.

The explanation is simple- the extremely wet winter. The unending string of storms has cause thousands of roof leaks across the area, putting a strain on roofing companies.

"We've been overwhelmed with leak repairs," Hauan said. "We're actually 4 to 5 weeks out from repairs."

That means some people won't be getting their repairs made until early spring- later if the winter weather continues. That's because the uptick in demand isn't the only reason for the backlog. Safety concerns are also delaying repairs.

"We're a family-owned business, so we try to accommodate the customer to the best of our ability and we never say no," Hauan said. 'But the weather is a huge risk. We want to make sure it's not too wet. We can't open a roof if it's going to rain. We can't just run out anytime and just get up there, and I think a lot of people don't understand that. You know, safety's a big issue."

Enrique Juarez Delariva, project manager with ABC Roofing, says crews are trying to find any break in the weather they can to make repairs.

"We try to beat it," he said. "When we get a little bit of sunshine, a couple hours, as much as we can get done with a day or two, then we're back to square one with waiting and waiting."

He said if you do find yourself waiting, poke a small hole in the affected area to minimize the damage.

"Nothing too drastic, but at least to alleviate pressure and allow draining," Juarez Delariva said.

At this point, with the end of winter still several weeks away, Hauan says she hopes people have patience, and understand crews are hoping to get caught up soon.

"Just be patient and keep your fingers crossed that we have some sunshine pretty soon," she said.

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Local roofing companies face backlog - KOLO