Set up weather-based WhatsApp alerts for roofing jobs: wind and rain thresholds, rescheduling and client updates featured image
Tools, Materials & Tech

Set up weather-based WhatsApp alerts for roofing jobs: wind and rain thresholds, rescheduling and client updates

TrainAR Team 1 month ago 6 min read

Set up weather-based WhatsApp alerts for roofing jobs: wind and rain thresholds, rescheduling and client updates

Category: Tools, Materials & Tech • Niche: AI automations, WhatsApp workflows, weather-aware scheduling, roofing

Contents

Quick answer

You can slash aborted visits and last‑minute scrambles by sending automatic WhatsApp alerts to dispatch and crews when the forecast breaches site thresholds (for example, mean wind ≥ 23 mph, gusts ≥ 35 mph, or heavy rain in the next 6 hours). Use a weather API, check thresholds at postcode or site coordinates, then trigger a WhatsApp message with three buttons: Reschedule, Keep and Monitor, Notify Client. If wind or rain stays amber or red, your scheduler gets a follow‑up prompt to rebook and update the client.

  • Typical thresholds drawn from UK trade guidance: mean wind 23 mph and above stop handling sheets and felt; extreme care from 17 mph; heavy rain pauses roofing installs. See NFRC guide and Hastings Council Beaufort scale PDF.
  • Automate with Zapier (no‑code) or n8n (self‑hostable). Use OpenWeather or Met Office DataHub for forecasts; WhatsApp Business Platform for messaging.

Why this matters for UK roofing and cladding

  • Weather is the number one cause of aborted roofing days. A 2024 survey reported over 70 percent of UK site managers had weather‑related delays in the last year, with wind the top issue for safe work at height. See coverage in New Civil Engineer.
  • Proactive alerts keep crews off unsafe roofs, protect quality where adhesives and membranes are involved, and cut wasted travel.
  • WhatsApp is already where your team chats. Automations mean fewer missed calls, faster decisions and a clear record of who decided what, and when.

Set your safe thresholds

Use these starting points and adapt for your materials and method statements:

  • 17 mph mean wind and above: extreme care, especially for felt rolls and lightweight sheets.
  • 23 mph mean wind (gusting ≈ 35 mph): stop handling slates, tiles, battens, felt and single‑ply membranes at roof level. Reference: NFRC windy conditions guidance.
  • Heavy rain: pause installs that rely on dry substrates or adhesion; use tarps to protect exposed areas. See trade advice collated in MyBuilder and contractor guidance like SHS Roofing.

Tip: Measure on site with a handheld anemometer at roof level. Forecasts trigger planning alerts, but final go/no‑go is your RAMS and on‑site reading.

Build the automation (Zapier or n8n)

What you need:

  • A weather source: OpenWeather One Call or Met Office DataHub (UK‑grade). Query by postcode or lat/long.
  • Scheduler: Google Calendar or your job system. Fetch next 48 hours of jobs tagged roofing or cladding.
  • Logic: If forecast mean wind ≥ 23 mph or gusts ≥ 35 mph in job window, or rain probability ≥ 70 percent with heavy precipitation, flag as amber; if worse, flag red.
  • Messaging: WhatsApp Business Platform via a provider such as Twilio, MessageBird or 360dialog. Small teams can start with the WhatsApp Business app plus a bridge, but templates are easier via the API.

Simple Zapier sketch:

  1. Schedule: every weekday at 15:00, search tomorrow’s roofing jobs in Google Calendar.
  2. For each job, call OpenWeather for the site postcode.
  3. Code step: compare wind and rain to thresholds; set status amber or red.
  4. WhatsApp action: send a templated message to the crew lead and dispatcher with three buttons.
  5. If Reschedule is clicked: auto‑propose the next calm window and move the calendar event; post a client update template.

n8n self‑hosted sketch:

  • Cron node → HTTP Request (Met Office DataHub) → Function (threshold check) → WhatsApp node (buttons) → Google Calendar node (update) → Google Sheets or database log for audit.

Message templates for WhatsApp

Engineer alert (amber):

  • Title: Tomorrow’s wind looks high at {{site_postcode}}
  • Body: Forecast {{mean_wind}} mph, gusts {{gust}} mph between {{start}} and {{end}}. RAMS requires extreme care. Choose an action.
  • Buttons: Reschedule, Keep and Monitor, Notify Client

Client update (if rescheduling):

  • Title: Weather delay for tomorrow
  • Body: We are moving your roof works to the next safe slot due to high winds and rain. This protects safety and quality. New date: {{new_date}}. Reply 1 to confirm or 2 to request a call.

Site diary note (auto‑generated):

  • “Weather alert triggered at {{time}}. Threshold breached: {{rule}}. Decision: {{action}} by {{name}}.”

On-the-day playbook

  • Check at 06:30: quick forecast refresh and anemometer reading on site.
  • If amber: supervisor performs dynamic risk assessment, limits sheet handling, secures loose materials, and confirms or reschedules by 07:00.
  • If red: stand down roofing tasks. Move crew to ground works or internal tasks. Update client by 08:30 with the WhatsApp template.
  • Keep photos of anemometer readings and conditions in the site diary. See our guide on AI site diaries.

Compliance, records and contracts

  • Working at height: follow HSE guidance and your RAMS. See HSE notes on storms and bad weather from HSENI.
  • JCT/NEC delays: For Extension of Time you need evidence. The Met Office Downtime Report is designed for claims; your WhatsApp and calendar logs support the story.
  • Data protection: WhatsApp Business templates and UK/EU data hosting. Keep weather and decision logs for at least the project duration.

Troubleshooting

  • False positives: tighten your window to job hours and use gusts and mean wind together. Use on‑site readings before standing down.
  • Messages not delivering: ensure contacts opted in and templates are approved in WhatsApp Business Platform.
  • Too many alerts: add a rule “send once per job per day unless status changes.”
  • Gusts vs mean: decide which triggers reschedule for your methods; membranes are more sensitive than tile repairs.

FAQ

What wind speed should stop roof work?

Trade sources commonly cite stopping handling at mean winds of around 23 mph with gusts to 35 mph. Always check your material supplier and NFRC guidance and apply your RAMS on the day.

Can roofers work in light rain?

Yes, some minor tasks can proceed in light rain with protections, but installs relying on dry adhesion should pause. Protect exposed areas with tarps and reassess when dry.

Which weather API is best for the UK?

Met Office DataHub is UK‑grade and reliable. OpenWeather is easy and widely supported in Zapier. Many firms start with OpenWeather and add Met Office for accuracy.

Can this work for other trades?

Yes. Cladding, external painting, scaffolding and crane lifts benefit from the same logic with different thresholds.

Any videos to follow along?

This general Zapier tutorial on sending WhatsApp alerts is a good primer: Automate Your Notifications with Zapier.

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