Roofing Frustrations & Opportunities

Roofing projects are one of the most requested and the hardest projects to get done at NeighborLink. They can also be one of the funnest, easiest projects we have. I know that statement is hard to imagine, but if you have the right mix of ingredients, they’re really go smoothly.

It’s too bad we can’t get more of these types of projects done. Here are some stats over the past few years of how many projects get done vs being posted. 

2010 to Date

• Posted - 39
• Completed - 5 (replacements & repairs)

2009 

• Posted - 39
• Completed - 4

That mix of ingredients revolves around having a licensed professional available to lead the project. We always try to have at least one guy who does roofing for a living there to lead and oversee the work being done by our volunteers. Fortunately, we have lots of volunteers who have experience doing roofing, but few feel comfortable leading others in doing the work. Using the air tools can also be fun if you’re a “tool person."

The mix also includes a the right type of house, which is usually a 1-story house with a pretty flat roof. I’ve found out of the past couple of years that I’m a pretty good gauge of whether or not a roof is suitable for volunteers to get up on. I’m not a big fan of heights and have an average tolerance for risky adventures. Roofing is definitely a risky adventure for most of us. 

If you can choose the right house and have the right people in leadership, it’s a gratifying task to take on because of the transformation that happens on that roof. Being able to strip the old layers of shingles down to the frame, cleaning and repairing that frame and then covering it up again with a new skin is rewarding in itself. 

Each roof can take you on a personal and spiritual journey as well if you let it. If you commit to the entire project, you can’t make it through without feeling an internal transformation because of all the phases. Everything from hearing the story of the recipient, to the long, strenuous days of moving shingles to crawling around on a roof to seeing the completed project knowing you’ve worked really hard to bless someone. 

I fully understand why we don’t get many roofing projects done each year. It’s a monumental task to take on and many of us aren’t up for committing the time or resources to helping in this way. It’s a full-weekend long commitment for at least 5 people and it’s a big financial investment. Average roofing projects cost $1800 in materials and dumpster fees based on the ones we’ve done in the past.

Regardless of the challenges, it’s still frustrating not seeing people in need finding the help they need and knowing they’re roofs are leaking into their homes. It’s a battle I’m afraid we’ll always fight at NeighborLink. 

Here’s How You Can Help Immediately

We have two projects happening this week!. 

1. Garage Roof Replacement & Training - A team of leaders are turning a garage roof replacement into a NeighborLink Training opportunity. This Saturday morning, you can show up and learn how to roof with a great group of folks. 

Contact Jack Desjardins if you’re interested - jdesjar2@verizon.net

2. Roof Replacement - This Friday and Saturday, St Michael Lutheran Church is going to be replacing a roof for a NeighborLink recipient and we need additional financial support. We could use an additional $300 to cover material expenses on this project. 

100% of your financial contribution would go to providing materials for this project and be tax deductible.  

There is a link at the top of the page that will allow you to donate via PAYPAL