Our recent power disaster got us thinking about all the crews who are working overtime to repair all the downed lines.
Another group of workers getting extra work because of the storm are roofers. Even on a cool day, the job looks painful, but picture yourself working all day in this heat wave.
"It's brutal" admits Dennis Chandler, foreman for Vinton Roofing. "It takes a certain kind of insanity to do this for a living."
On the day we visited, the crew was repairing a roof on a home in Huddleston, damaged by a hail storm.
The forecast called for highs near 100 degrees. "We start around 6:30 and go until 3, this way we get our eight hours in."
The roofers started the day by taking off all the damaged shingles. By 9AM, temperatures were already in the mid 80s and climbing. The heat is starting to take a toll on the roofers, even just a few hours into the work day.
"The shingles can hit 160 degrees. That's like putting your hand on a dark car in the parking lot, " says Chandler.
It takes experience, and gut instinct to know when it's time to throw in the towel.
George Andrews has been working with Vinton Roofing for years and knows the signs. "If you stop sweating, you gotta pay attention and if you start getting cold chills. that's the second stage."
"One little thing like heat can mess with your balance," comments one of the workers, sipping water from his large bottle. "Then you risk the chance of falling off the roof."
When asked what creative things they've done to stay cool, several commented they love working near the lake (Smith Mtn. Lake).
"If we're working at the lake, we'll go jump in it at lunch. Anything you can do to stay cool." commented Chandler.
If you have a suggestion about a HOT JOB, email news@wdbj7.com with your suggestions.
