A Day in the Life: Working at Paragon Roofing
The alarm goes off at 5:30 AM. For most people, this might seem painfully early, but for those of us in the roofing industry, particularly here at Paragon Roofing, it’s just another Tuesday. My name is Mike, and I’ve been with the company for over four years now. Let me walk you through what a typical day looks like for our crew as we serve homeowners throughout Hudson, Kinderhook, and the surrounding communities.
Morning Preparation: 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM
By 6:00 AM, I’m at our headquarters in Hudson. The early morning hours are crucial for preparation. We load up our trucks with all the necessary materials for the day’s jobs:
- Shingles (typically architectural asphalt for most homes in our area)
- Underlayment and moisture barriers
- Flashing materials for chimneys and roof valleys
- Safety equipment (harnesses, helmets, gloves)
- Tools and fasteners
Our project manager reviews the day’s schedule, and we discuss safety protocols specific to each job. Some days we’re handling multiple smaller repair jobs across Claverack and Ghent, while other days might be dedicated to a complete roof replacement in Catskill.
First Job of the Day: 7:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Today’s first assignment is a roof repair in Kinderhook. A homeowner reported leaking around their chimney after the heavy rains last week. These kinds of repairs are common in our area, especially in older homes where flashing may have deteriorated.
Upon arrival, we conduct a thorough inspection. I climb up to examine the problem area while my colleague speaks with the homeowner about their concerns. Communication is a huge part of what we do at Paragon Roofing – we want our customers to understand exactly what issues we’ve identified and how we plan to address them.
For this particular job, we need to replace damaged flashing and some shingles around the chimney. It takes about three hours of careful work to ensure a watertight seal that will last for years to come.
Lunch Break: 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM
Lunch is usually on the go. Sometimes we grab something quick from a local deli, other times we bring food from home. Today, we’re heading to a small sandwich shop in downtown Kinderhook before moving to our afternoon job.
Afternoon Project: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
The afternoon takes us to Lorenz Park for a consultation on a complete roof replacement. The homeowners have a 25-year-old roof that’s showing significant wear and tear. These consultations are critical – we need to thoroughly assess the current roof condition, take measurements, and discuss options with the homeowners.
I walk the homeowners through their choices:
- Material options (architectural shingles, metal roofing, or premium materials)
- Color selections to complement their home’s exterior
- Ventilation solutions to improve energy efficiency
- Warranty information
While I discuss these details with the homeowners, my colleagues inspect the attic to check for any signs of water damage or ventilation issues that need addressing during the replacement.
End of Day Wrap-Up: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Before heading home, we return to the shop to unload unused materials, clean equipment, and complete paperwork for the day’s jobs. Our project manager reviews the schedule for tomorrow – we’ll be starting a full replacement job in Ghent that’s expected to take three days.
We also check weather forecasts for the coming days. In our business, weather dictates everything. A surprise rainstorm can delay projects and potentially leave homes vulnerable if we’re mid-replacement.
What Makes It Worthwhile
Working at Paragon Roofing is physically demanding, there’s no doubt about it. We’re lifting heavy materials, climbing ladders, and working in all kinds of weather conditions. But there’s something deeply satisfying about providing such an essential service to our community.
The homes we work on in Hudson, Catskill, Claverack, and the surrounding areas represent people’s largest investments and their shelter. When we repair a leak or install a beautiful new roof, we’re protecting families and their possessions while improving the appearance and value of their homes.
Every day brings new challenges and new opportunities to demonstrate the quality workmanship that has made Paragon Roofing a trusted name throughout Columbia and Greene counties. Whether it’s a minor repair or a complete roof remodel, we approach each job with the same commitment to excellence.
As I drive home at the end of another productive day, I’m already thinking about tomorrow’s projects and the homes we’ll help protect for decades to come.