Finders Keepers. How to Recruit & Retain Talent During a Labor Shortage

As inflation continues to rise and the pandemic persists for a third year, it’s no surprise that a record number of Americans are quitting their jobs. Labeled as “The Great Resignation,” most people are in search of better wages, benefits, and working conditions while others are retiring ahead of schedule. According to the National Center for Construction Education & Research, approximately 41 percent of the current construction workforce (including many people in management roles) will retire by the year 2031. This creates widespread opportunities for future generations but generating awareness has been a struggle for most in the industry.

At PB Roofing, we understand that Millennial and Generation Z jobseekers often perceive working in a trade is characterized by income instability. These misconceptions often begin at the high school level, where school districts are ranked by college enrollment. In addition to this, parents have always played a role in the additional pressure for students to apply to a 4-year higher education track, despite their strengths or skillsets. It’s our goal at PB Roofing to break the stereotype and shed the spotlight on career success in both labor and corporate trade positions.

When we were founded in 2007, founders John Peck and Bryan Peck made it a priority to develop and maintain a long-term plan that kept employee optimism and motivation on the rise, including a commitment to continuously invest in employee education, premium benefits, new technology, and the customer experience. We want our recruits asking themselves and their families “why wouldn’t I work here?”

We’ve broken down some of our ongoing efforts below that had led us to success with recruiting and retaining a great workforce:

Marketing Strategy

The key to the future of our labor workforce is connecting with young prospects and educating them on the benefits of a growing career in the essential industry of commercial roofing.

To increase visibility against competing industries, we invest time and money to stay ahead of cutting-edge technology. Given the current limitations on in-person events, it is more important than ever to appreciate and utilize all media channels. PB Roofing executes this through our dynamic social media and website content focusing on videos that highlight the employee and customer experience. This content helps increase our visibility among job seekers.

We also invest money in the onboarding experience. We want our employees’ first impression to validate that they’ve made the right choice, and to turn them into raving fans of our brand.

Technology

A recent survey conducted by Dell Technologies revealed that 91% of Generation Z survey participants said the technology offered by an employer would influence their job choice if faced with similar employment offers.  In addition, the “gig economy” is on an upward trend, as Generations Y and Z look to find unique situations that meet their financial and time expectations.

PB Roofing invests a great deal into innovation. We use premium Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools, along with other tech stack software systems for finance, project management, and field operations. Our leadership team is part of industry thinktanks and peer groups where executives cross-share the latest tools that not only increase productivity but introduce new ways of enhancing performance.

Continuous Education

Education has always been on the forefront of our unique values at PB Roofing. To support this, we utilize PB University, our customized online learning platform. PB University provides professional development and personal growth as we strive to lead the next generation of commercial roofers.

With engaging, friendly-competitive features like an extensive rewards program and course completion gamification, it provides our team a fun way to push each other in reaching for greater levels of success. Completion of the curriculum offers team member incentives such as career advancement paths.

The best employees are those looking to progress in their career. They require room for growth within an organization. Offering company support through career discussions, mentoring and training milestones builds loyalty amongst the ranks. We provide all the necessary tools for employees to excel in their current role and progress into a higher position.

PB Purpose & Team Bonding Events

One of the most discussed subjects during recruiting interviews is our company’s involvement in the local community. PB Purpose, our community outreach initiative, was created to make a positive impact while getting the whole company involved. Through acts of service, donations, and volunteering, we can help wonderful organizations and make a difference. As a member of these organizations, we host frequent, fun team events on their behalf throughout the year to take a breath, celebrate our victories and re-charge together.

Compensation & Benefits

Along with education and advancement, it is also PB Roofing’s integrity to provide every employee generous compensation and a safe environment that makes us a standout leader in our industry.

Safety is a key component of the roofing industry. We integrate safety into our culture and support it with extensive training and education. We are focused on our employees’ health and well-being.

PB Roofing also provides multiple bilingual advisors to help employees have equal access to all the benefits we offer. Enhancing communication and crushing language barriers is essential for employee confidence, trust, and retention.

In Conclusion

Our purpose is to create raving fans, both within and outside of our organization. Through these initiatives, we exponentially increase our chances of acquiring and keeping employees. We have also invested in a new Chief Human Resources Officer who will keep us at the forefront of various changing health and employment policies, as well as employee mental wellness.

Our open streams of communication with employees at all levels within the company ensures that we’re doing everything we can to make our team feel connected and appreciated at work. The PB Roofing team is our most valuable tool in recruitment and retention, working together and strengthening each link of the chain along the way.

How to Remove Snow from a Flat Roof: Tips from Experts

Many people love the sight of fresh snowfall in the morning. It covers your neighborhood and home in a blanket of white that makes most people feel peaceful and cozy. Although it looks harmless, piled-up snow on a flat roof can be pretty detrimental to the health of your roof.

During the winter months, owners of flat roofs must monitor the level of snow piled up and remove it as needed. However, removing snow from a flat commercial roof isn’t as simple as taking a shovel to the snow. To help you out, we’ve put together a few tips from experts on how to remove snow from a flat roof.

Assess the Area

Before removing any snow from your flat roof, assess the area. Determine if any passerby or patrons to your building could be injured from falling snow. If so, clearly mark these areas and put out caution signs.

Don’t Use Sharp or Metal Tools

Stay away from using sharp or metal tools to remove snow and ice from the roof. Metal tools can cause damage to your roof due to their sharp edges. In addition, metal tools have the potential to conduct electricity should you come in contact with a power line on the roof.

Only Use Plastic Tools

Only use plastic shovels to clear snow from your roof. When used carefully, plastic tools won’t dig into the membrane of the roof or damage other roofing materials.

Use a Snow Rake

If you want to avoid going on your roof, opt for using a snow rake. This helps you pull snow off the roof and onto the ground. In addition, a snow rake can help reduce a load of snow on your roof until you can contact a professional.

Contact a Professional

If you’re not professionally trained in roof snow removal, it’s best to leave it to the experts. It’s easy to damage your roof, as roof appendages like skylights and vents become very brittle in the wintertime. An accumulation of snow can also lead to black ice on your roof, increasing the chances for you to slip and fall. To protect yourself and your roof, contact a trained roof snow removal company to get the job done.

PB Roofing Can Help You Remove Snow from Your Flat Roof

PB Roofing understands how important it is to remove snow buildup from your roof. A roof collapse in winter is the last thing any builder owner wants, as this can result in damage to electrical conduits, water piping, and much more. Our PB Project team is trained in the art of roof snow removal and is ready to keep your roof safe this winter. To find out more about our services, contact us online.

4 Sustainable Roofing Options for Commercial Buildings

Sustainable roofing is roofing that is energy efficient and produces clean energy. This doesn’t limit roofing to huts that partially biodegrade over time but includes all roofing materials produced from sustainable practices. These roofs come from reclaimed or recycled material that cause less stress to the environment.

Here are four sustainable roofing options for commercial buildings.

1. Solar Panels

Most solar panels are designed to operate for 20 to 25 years. A professional solar panel installation team can help your building accomplish full solar installation readiness, maximizing your roof’s lifetime and your investment.

2. Cool Roof Coatings

Cool roof coatings are designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat by providing green space. As per the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), nearly 80% of energy conservation in a single-story building can be obtained through its roof. Coatings are a great alternative to roof replacements, if possible.

3. Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is one of the most affordable forms of sustainable roofing out there. Many building owners choose metal roofing because it is long-lasting, durable, and unlike wood shingles, metal roofing doesn’t require much maintenance. Most metal roofs will last up to 50 years, which lowers the overall cost and upkeep associated with your roof.

4. Living Green Roof

A living roof is exactly what it sounds like. These are roofs covered in living materials like grass and vegetation. Commercial buildings choose this type of roof to lower heating costs and to have a more lightweight roof option. However, if you select this option, you’ll need to mow and water your roof regularly. As a result, you’ll need to make sure that the area you live in can keep a living roof alive.

PB Roofing Understands Sustainable Roofing

No matter your building type, PB Roofing is committed to installing the best roofing system in the most efficient manner. We care about the environment and are willing to use sustainable materials for your roof. To learn more about our sustainable options and roof installation, contact us online.

Commercial Roof Restoration vs. Replacement

Deciding on a commercial roof restoration or replacement is never an easy task. There are many factors to consider before making a final decision. PB Roofing can help you determine if your commercial roof can be restored or needs a replacement. Read our infographic below to get started.

Commercial Roof Projects with PB Roofing

Restoring or replacing your roof is a significant investment in your building. You want to make sure that your roofing system can handle whatever the weather throws at it and that it will last you for years to come. Let PB Roofing handle your commercial roofing project, so you can rest assured that your roof is in good hands.

We will use the initial inspection to determine what work needs to be performed on your roof and answer any questions or concerns you may have. We’ll review all of the available options together, so you can make the best-informed decision. To get started with a roofing project, contact us online.

5 Tips on How to Get into Commercial Roofing from Industry Professionals

Have you been considering the idea of a career in commercial roofing? While many think to work in the residential sector, commercial roofing can be highly lucrative as well. You’ll first need to take specific steps to create a thriving career in the industry. As an industry-leading company, we’re sharing a few tips from our professionals on how to get into commercial roofing.

1. Do Your Homework

The first thing you need to do before diving into the world of commercial roofing is to do some research. Commercial and residential roofing are very different, and you’ll need to learn new materials and systems to have a successful career. You can start by speaking with other commercial contractors in your network to find out about the current needs in your area.

2. Get the Proper Training

While there are plenty of online training videos and modules for roofers, nothing beats old-fashioned, hands-on training. Attend trade show educational training sessions to learn about techniques and tricks of the trade. You can learn about the proper tools and preparation needed to be a professional commercial roofer. Or consider an apprenticeship with an experienced worker. Most companies also offer a training period for new hires, so don’t feel you need to know everything before starting a roofing job.

3. Understand Your Audience

In residential roofing, building relationships with homeowners is essential. However, in commercial roofing, you’ll need to connect with property managers and building owners. For example, price, timelines, and efficiency are extremely valued in the industry.

4. Learn How to Read Contracts and Blueprints

Commercial roofs are typically vastly different than residential roofs, meaning their materials and systems may be unfamiliar to you. It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with commercial contracts, budgeting plans, timelines, warranties, and more. It will also be essential to read and understand blueprints of commercial roofing systems.

5. Create a Standout Resume

Commercial roofing is just as competitive as the residential sector, so it’s essential to market yourself too. Be sure your roofing resume is up to standards, including your work experience, certifications, education, and specific skills. If you’re new to the industry and have a lackluster resume, consider adding a short introduction about who you are and why you would provide value to a roofing company.

Contact PB Roofing to Get Answers About Commercial Roofing

If you’re looking to start a long-lasting and fulfilling commercial roofing career, consider PB Roofing. We offer commercial roofing services throughout the Northeast region, meaning we are always looking for the best talent to join our growing teams. We also provide new hires competitive salaries, generous benefits, and enrollment opportunities in PB University, our training program for employees.

Browse our careers page to explore our current open positions and apply to a PB Roofing career online.

Be Prepared to Answer These Roofing Interview Questions

Every building needs a roof, so it’s unlikely that roofers will never be in demand. If you’re thinking about becoming a roofer, you’ve chosen a great profession.

Due to the complex nature of commercial roofing services, aspiring roofers must prepare for an interview. Here are a few common interview questions for roofers to practice before the big day.

What precautions should roofers take when performing roofing jobs?

This question is asked during the interview process to determine if you value the safety of yourself and others. Your answer should demonstrate that you know the general safety standards and procedures a roofer should follow.

Answer: Roofers should respect the safety standards put in place. They should always wear protective gear, like goggles and a helmet, avoid checking their phones, and stay attentive to their surroundings and coworkers.

What actions should you take during an inspection?

Take this time to let your prior roofing knowledge shine. They’re asking you a technical question to see how much knowledge you have about the industry and how you work.

Answer: You can give as fundamental or as detailed of an explanation as you want. You can outline the steps you would take during an inspection, such as locating any warping, cracks, pools of water, gutter clogs, or other obvious signs of concern.

Are you afraid of heights?

Working as a roofer means that you’ll spend the majority of your day up on a roof, so a fear of heights won’t get you too far.

Answer: Explain that you aren’t afraid of heights and how you feel about them. You might also mention that a roofer afraid of heights can’t complete their job successfully.

What qualities or attributes should a roofer possess?

Share some qualities or attributes that you think a roofer should possess to do their job right.

Answer: You can either choose personality attributes or actual physical qualities. Many roofers choose things like balance, endurance, and excellent coordination, as you’ll most certainly need these after a long day on the job.

Can you handle and work under stressful working conditions?

Working in the Tri-State, Mid-Atlantic, and New England areas means that you’ll be exposed to the elements. Will you be able to handle working in less than desirable conditions if the weather is quite cold or scorching?

Answer: They want to know about your attitude and viewpoint about working under stressful conditions. If this doesn’t bother you, then answer truthfully and positively.

Prepare for Roofing Interview Questions in Advance

While you’ll be required to answer several questions during your roofing interview, don’t forget that you can also ask them questions. To show your seriousness of the role, prepare a few questions of your own.

Before your interview, prepare your answers from this article, dress well, and be confident. We’re sure you’ll walk out of your next interview as a new roofer!

If you’re interested in starting a roofing career with an industry-leading company, consider PB Roofing. We are always looking for talented field and management workers on our team. Browse our open positions and apply online.

How to Fix Roof Leaks in Commercial Buildings

We’ve all been there. You didn’t even realize your building had a leak – that is – until it started raining. So now there’s a bucket in the middle of the floor to catch leaks. Not only is this an eyesore, but it’s also a safety hazard.

Roof leaks are one of the most expensive and frustrating problems for a commercial building, no matter the size. If you’re not sure how to go about repairing your roof leak, we’ve put together a guide on how to fix roof leaks in a commercial building.

Identify the Cause of the Roof Leak

When you first notice a leak in your commercial building, the first thing you need to do is identify the cause of the leak. If the water is leaking into your building in a busy area, try to clear the area of people and furniture to avoid damage.

You should also mark the point of entry from the inside on the ceiling tiles. Marking the location of your roof leak makes it easier for you to return to the source of the leak or help a contractor identity the site of the leak.

After identifying the source of the leak, examine your ceiling for any other problem areas. Unfortunately, when a roof starts leaking in one place, it could be that there are multiple leaks in the building. If your building has more than one floor, a leak could be seeping through multiple levels.

Possible Causes of Roof Leaks

• Pooled Water on Roof: Water can accumulate on the roof in specific locations. An item may need to be removed that is causing water to pool and leak into the building.
• Damaged Flashing: If the flashings are damaged, it could be that the sealant used to join the valleys of your roof has cracked, allowing water to flow into your commercial building.
• Broken Caulk: If any areas on your roof are sealed with caulk, breaks in the caulking could cause a leak. It can be fixed by covering any cracks or gaps in the caulking.
• Gutters: Are your gutters properly draining water away from your roof? At times, leaves and other debris blocking the gutter flow can cause the water to back up on the roof. To fix this, gutters should be cleared of any dead leaves and debris to restore the proper flow of water.

Hire a Professional to Fix Roof Leaks

While you can take matters into your own hands and try to fix the roof leak yourself, you always run the risk of fixing the problem incorrectly. Or, you could make the leak worse. To save yourself a financial headache, contact PB Roofing to fix your roof leak. We’ve got years of roofing experience under our belts to get the job done right every time. To get started, contact us online.

3 Options for Roof Ventilation in Commercial Buildings

Commercial flat roof ventilation is essential to any building, whether in a warm or cool location. Without proper ventilation, humidity and hot air rises to the highest part of a building, without anywhere to go. Similarly, ventilation prevents unwanted cold air from entering a building. Functioning roof vents ensure temperature control is properly maintained in buildings and help to prevent common issues like ice dams and mold growth from occurring. Further, it can help reduce energy costs and increase a roof’s lifespan.

However, property owners may struggle choosing the right vents for their building, as there are many more options than a residential home. Here are the top three roof ventilation options for commercial buildings.

1. Mechanical Ventilation

Many modern buildings are using mechanical ventilation with single-point or multi-point fans. Multi-point fans are best for larger buildings while single-point fans are used for smaller portions of a building or exclusively for small buildings. Mechanical ventilation removes stale air within a building; however, it can come with high energy costs to operate the vents.

2. Static Vents

Static vents are extremely popular among flat and metal commercial roofs. They are essentially holes in a roof that are placed in an even line to prevent and regulate air leakage. The benefit of static vents is that they come in many different styles, making it easy to match the building’s architectural design.

3. Ridge and Eave Vents

Ridge and eave vents are a very efficient solution for ventilation. Ridge vents prevent heat and moisture buildup while eave vents intake fresh air into the building. Together, they create excellent air quality throughout a building. Ridge and eave vents can also be covered to blend into a roof, making them a popular option among building owners.

Choosing the Right Ventilation System

With many options to consider, choosing the right ventilation system can become complicated. Beyond cost, upkeep, and maintenance, property owners must also understand that their building’s location, environment, size, and layout affect the type of ventilation needed. In some cases, multiple types of vents are necessary. While it’s beneficial to understand how commercial ventilation works and the different types of options, contact a professional roofing company for more information.

Professional Roofing Services on the East Coast

For the best roofing services on the Northeast, rely on PB Roofing. We can perform an evaluation of your current roofing system to know if the ventilation needs to be repaired or replaced. We can also assist with new construction projects to determine cost and energy-efficient venting options. To get started, contact us online.

On-The-Job Roofing Education and Training

Many roofing field jobs do not have education requirements above a high school degree, and most training is done on-the-job. However, that can leave some uncertainty for new roofers about what training and field work will be like. While it’s beneficial to do research about roofing systems, damages, repairs, and terminology, all of this can be learned from job training.

At PB Roofing, we’re committed to providing excellent roofing education through our industry-leading roofing training program. Every employee is eligible to enroll in classes led by senior leadership. Our integrated classroom and hands-on learning model allows new hires to become prepared to work on job sites and knowledgeable on all safety and industry regulations.

How Long Does It Take to Learn Roofing?

We believe that there is always something new to learn, which is why PB University offers classes for employees of all levels. At each level in the curriculum, there are requirements and expectations that will strongly benefit each field associate and their team.

PB University’s levels include:

• Helper
• Apprentice
• Technician
• Lead Technician
• Foreman
• Master Foreman

What Are the Types of Roof Training?

Field workers will train on how to repair, replace, and install roofing systems. Other roofing services to learn are roof coatings and snow removal. Outside of hands-on work, site safety, project management, and field supervision are additional job and training opportunities.

How to Advance a Roofing Career

It may seem like a challenge to start a roofing career as a field worker with little to no experience. However, we make it easy for our employees to further their career with us through competitive salaries, benefits, and advancement opportunities. We believe in breaking industry standards by offering professional and personal development programs to help better the careers and lives of our employees.

How to Apply for a Roofing Job

PB Roofing is always looking for talented individuals to join our east coast team. To browse our open positions and apply for a roofing job online, visit our careers page.

5 Things to Include in Your Professional Roofer Resume

From entry level candidates to industry veterans, updating a resume is always a dreaded task. There’s layout, formatting, and content to consider. Not to mention, every industry has its own best practices. If you’re interested in a roofer position, here’s what you should include in your resume.

What Does a Roofer Do?

A roofer is a hands-on job. They work on the roofs of new buildings and repair or re-roof existing roofing systems. They need to be skilled in using various materials and tools. Read our guide here for more information on a roofer’s role, responsibilities, and requirements.

What a Roofer Should Put on a Resume

There are five sections that should be included on a roofing resume:

1. Contact Information
2. Professional Summary
3. Work History
4. Skills
5. Education

1. Contact Information

This should be a given, but always include your contact information at the top of the page under the header. Include your full name, phone number, email, and area location. You don’t have to include your entire address, but it’s helpful for employers to know the city or state you live in.

2. Professional Summary

A professional summary should follow your contact information. This is two to three sentences describing who you are, what you can do, and what you’re looking for. For example, “I am currently a roofing technician skilled in completing re-roof and tear-off replacements looking for my next career opportunity.”

3. Work History

The work history is the most important section to include in your resume. Here, include your former company’s name, location, and start and end dates. What many candidates do not include are bulleted list of their responsibilities in the position. You’ll want to be as specific as possible and highlight key projects and results. This way, a potential employer can better understand what you can do. Some responsibilities to include would be:

• Completed roof inspections
• Detected problems within a roofing system
• Selected the best materials for repairs
• Applied insulation
• Replaced shingles

4. Skills

The skills section of your resume should highlight key attributes that will contribute to or improve the company. It should also speak to how you will perform and execute as a roofing laborer. Example roofing skills include:

• Excellent physical strength and stamina
• An ability to work at heights
• Incredible safety measures and knowledge
• Extreme attention to details
• Works well in a team

5. Education

Required education may vary depending on the seniority of the position. For example, some entry-level roles only look for a high school diploma while senior positions may want a completed apprenticeship program or continuing roofing education. This section should also include any certifications you may have and when they expire.

How to Get Hired as a Roofing Laborer

To get hired as a roofer, you must perfect your resume and sharpen your interview skills. For those that lack experience, make up for it with knowledge. At PB Roofing, a leading commercial roofing company, we are always looking for talented field workers with varying experience and education. View our open positions online or call us today to learn more.