It’s a little secret that Canada’s construction employers are in the grips of a talent crunch. Industry veterans are retiring at record numbers, and there aren’t enough young professionals willing and trained to fill the gaps. And while the Canadian government has taken steps to move foreign skilled talent into our borders, mobility barriers and global competition pose significant hurdles.
So what’s an employer to do? The solutions vary, but there is a growing recognition among construction players that any steps to reduce the amount of time and labour on a project can relieve labour pressures. For the roofing industry, that means using materials that are easier (and, therefore, faster) to install.
“The quickest way to address problems caused by a shortage of available labour is to find ways to expedite processes without ‘cutting corners,’ and there is undoubtedly an opportunity for growth in this regard,” says Frédéric Déom, Product Manager, Roofing, with SOPREMA Canada. “A good place to start improving productivity is by being more discerning about the products and processes used every day. Using more efficient and effective products and processes can mean needing less manpower and less time to complete jobs, helping contractors stay profitable despite talent shortages.”
A material advantage
Certainly, working with materials that facilitate faster and more efficient installations is one way to off-set labour demands. To that end, products such as SOPREMA’s line of SOPRASMART 3-in-1 and 2-in-1 laminated panels are designed to be easier to work with on-site thanks to their thin and light-weight design, adhesive properties, flameless installation requirements, and incorporated waterproofing elements.
Several attributes give the SOPRASMART family of laminated boards an edge in the field, particularly among contractors seeking quicker, more streamlined installations. Its 2-in-1 selections, for example, are high-performance base sheet panels comprised of an SBS-modified bitumen membrane laminated on a support panel made of a selection of asphaltic board, high-density polyiso, or fibreboard. SOPREMA’s 3-in-1 alternatives also feature the base sheet and support panel but include a polysio insulation.
No matter the selection, each board in the SOPRASMART line is tested to the highest industry standards and made to last – all while contributing to a faster, durable, and efficient final outcome.
The proof, however, is in the field. Recently, SOPREMA tasked a three-person team to complete a 720-square foot project using both a traditional system and a 3-in-1laminated panel system. The team using the former finished the job in 21 minutes, while the team working with a conventional system required 52 minutes to get the same job done.
All told, says Déom: “When we take these various time-saving factors into account, we find that there are a variety of ways in which job timelines can be cut down, counteracting some of the negative impacts of having fewer labourers available than contractors might like. These products are just a few of many that could be better choices than what has traditionally been employed, showcasing how simple shifts can mitigate the effects of the labour shortage on contractors’ job timelines and overall profitability.”
Talent shortages are taking their toll on the construction community, but there are options to help employers overcome their labour pains. In roofing, those options include working with products and materials that will facilitate quicker outcomes, but never without sacrificing quality.
Learn more about SOPREMA Canada’s factory laminated panels for commercial roofs
