Roofing companies benefit from El Nio preparations

If the experts are right, El Nio storms could be the strongest in years and that threat has Coachella Valley homeowners worried and rushing to make repairs. In return, it’s creating a boom in business for roofing companies across the southland.

“The last storm we got ripped up some of the roof and I’m just trying to get that resolved before we get any more water,” said Palm Desert homeowner Ben Joseph.

SunTech Consulting & Roofing in Palm Desert said it’s been extra busy.

“There are a lot of really concerned homeowners out here that want to know if their roof’s in good enough condition to handle the rains that are going to come,” said owner Bill Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald said he’s seen a 50 percent increase in monthly calls, that’s 40-50 calls a month and it’s creating a backlog in clients.

“It drums up a lot of business here for the locals. It’s unfortunate it’s at the homeowners expense, but there are homeowners who think it never rains out here so they don’t worry about it, but now they worry about it,” he said.

Fitzgerald said the average life expectancy of roof in the desert is 25-30 years, but don’t wait that long to check on it. Here are some ways to prepare and protect your home from major storm damage.

Have a licensed roofing contractor evaluate your roof.
Clean out your gutters and storm drains now. Check attic for open gaps or sunlight shining through, could be result of roof issue.

“Pending El Nio, I want to make sure everything is good on the inside as well as the outside. It’s a safe feeling to know everything is tight,” said Joseph. “You end up seeing much higher costs if you don’t take care of it.”