Click to open Official: Amended Public Health Order – Authorized Business
Click to open Official: CRA letter to Governor

March 19, 2020 Governor Jared Polis
State Capitol Building
200 E. Colfax Ave., Rm. 136
Denver, CO 80203
Governorpolis@state.co.us

Dear Governor Polis:

As Colorado and the U.S. confronts the current public health crisis related to the coronavirus pandemic, we want to speak for the roofing industry in our state and write to express our strong concerns with respect to state and local regulations governing “essential businesses” and “essential workers” during this critical time.

We are aware that states and municipalities across the nation are responding to the current crisis by issuing, and frequently revising, emergency orders and/or guidance that may conflict with the goals of containing coronavirus and protecting the health and welfare of our communities. Recent emergency orders and guidance threaten the ability of roofing contractors, manufacturers, distributors and other industry employers to operate and aid in the response to the coronavirus pandemic. Thus, we recommend your administration issue guidance that clarifies essential businesses, services and workers, and that this guidance recognize the role of the roofing industry in protecting Colorado families and employers.

The U.S. roofing industry, including manufacturers and their raw material suppliers, distributors, and roofing contractors, is an essential $100 billion plus sector, with an estimated 1.1 million employees, that provides critical materials and services to ensure home and business safety. We are integral to the infrastructure that will enable our nation to see through our current times and help our communities rebound quickly. The products we make and install protect hospitals, grocery stores, pharmacies, and other businesses actively providing critical care and resources to thousands of Americans in need of assistance during this time of crisis, as well as families who are being asked to shelter in place or otherwise take every measure to remain indoors. For example, as the role of hospitals becomes ever more critical in providing care that our fellow citizens need at this time, it will be critical that roofing companies are able to quickly fix roof leaks or provide other essential services to keep these buildings operating safely.

Also, as we head into the spring and summer months, it is vital the roofing industry be prepared and well-resourced to quickly respond to the impacts that extreme weather and natural disasters may inflict on homes and buildings. We are employing prudent measures to prevent the spread of infection at facilities, sites and projects, and most roofing work is performed outdoors where open air helps mitigate any risk to employees. We encourage federal, state, and local officials to partner with the roofing industry to address the challenges ahead in a comprehensive, coordinated manner.

The roof is the first line of defense against the elements and extreme weather, and there is nothing more important than a sound roof in protecting Colorado families and businesses as they take action to address this crisis and sustain our economy. The Colorado Roofing Association looks forward to working with your administration to provide the guidance needed to fully recognize the valuable role the roofing industry plays in responding to this crisis.

On behalf of our Board of Directors and members, we greatly appreciate your consideration and thank you for your strong leadership during these very difficult times.

Sincerely,
Jeff Johnston CRA President

Colorado Roofing Association • PO Box 740550 • Arvada, CO 80006-0550 Ph. 303-484-0549 • Fx. 720-633-9776 • www.coloradoroofing.org