NRCA Resources

NRCA posts insurance document

NRCA has posted a new document on its Web site, www.nrca.net, about Chicago-based CNA Insurance Cos. claim services, which are available to NRCA members through the NRCA-sponsored CNA Roofing Contractor Business Insurance Program. The document details the top three benefits of CNA Insurance claim services, outlines the advantages of carrying insurance through CNA Insurance and explains how the claim services can help the carrier manage the cost of loss.

For more information about the CNA Roofing Contractor Business Insurance Program, contact Leslie Kazmierowski, NRCA's manager of insurance programs, at (800) 323-9545, ext. 7508 or lkazmierowski@nrca.net.

Free safety programs available

NRCA is offering two free safety training programs—a fall-protection training program and a caught in/caught between training program—which were established with grant funds from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The programs are designed to assist roofing contractors in training their field workers in-house and at their convenience.

The fall-protection training program contains information about fall protection that is necessary to comply with OSHA's federal standards for low- and steep-slope roofing. The caught in/caught between training program focuses on proper work practices and safety equipment to use to avoid injury.

Each program includes a downloadable instructors guide and video training program. The programs are available in English and Spanish.

Additionally, NRCA offers a trainer's program, which is a self-study program that helps participants develop skills and techniques needed to become an effective trainer.

For more information or to request a free training program, contact Michele Biesiada, NRCA's manager of education programs, at (800) 323-9545, ext. 7534 or mbiesiada@nrca.net.

Upcoming NRCA events

Additional information about upcoming NRCA events can be viewed at NRCA's Web site, www.nrca.net.

February

1
NRCA/MRCA CERTA Train-the-trainer Reauthorization
Chicago
Contact: Shelly Najera
(800) 323-9545, ext. 7544
Authorized CERTA trainers can renew their accreditations; renewal is required every three years.

5
OSHA 10-hour Roofing Safety Course (English and Spanish)
Chicago
Contact: Michele Biesiada
(800) 323-9545, ext. 7534
The only 10-hour construction program specifically designed to help roofing workers and supervisors comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

19-23
NRCA's 121st Annual Convention
Las Vegas
Contact: Bennett Judson
(800) 323-9545, ext. 7513
Network with roofing professionals from around the world; see the newest industry products, equipment and services; and learn from the industry's leading experts.

20
Roofing Industry Fall Protection from A to Z (English and Spanish)
Las Vegas
Contact: Michele Biesiada
(800) 323-9545, ext. 7534
Increase your awareness of fall-protection hazards and become familiar with the specific equipment to use and work practices to employ to avoid these hazards.

SpecRight Program training session
Las Vegas
Contact: Janice Davis
(800) 323-9545, ext. 7505
Learn how to use NRCA's EnergyWise Roof Calculator Online, and help your customers save money by lowering their energy costs.

NRCA/MRCA CERTA Train-the-trainer Authorization
Las Vegas
Contact: Shelly Najera
(800) 323-9545, ext. 7544
Learn new industry best practices for torch-applied polymer-modified bitumen roof systems and become an NRCA-authorized CERTA trainer.

NRCA/MRCA CERTA Train-the-trainer Reauthorization
Las Vegas
Contact: Shelly Najera
(800) 323-9545, ext. 7544
Authorized CERTA trainers can renew their accreditations; renewal is required every three years.

March

5
OSHA 10-hour Roofing Safety Course (English and Spanish)
Salt Lake City
Contact: Michele Biesiada
(800) 323-9545, ext. 7534
The only 10-hour construction program specifically designed to help roofing workers and supervisors comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

14
NRCA/MRCA CERTA Train-the-trainer Reauthorization
Chicago
Contact: Shelly Najera
(800) 323-9545, ext. 7544
Authorized CERTA trainers can renew their accreditations; renewal is required every three years.

18
OSHA 10-hour Roofing Safety Course (English and Spanish)
Dallas
Contact: Michelle Biesiada
(800) 323-9545, ext. 7534
The only 10-hour construction program specifically designed to help roofing workers and supervisors comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Metal and SPF manual released

NRCA recently released The NRCA Roofing Manual: Metal Panel and SPF Roof Systems—2008, which provides in-depth, comprehensive information about the design, materials and installation applicable to metal panel and spray polyurethane foam (SPF) roof systems commonly used for low- and steep-slope roof system applications.

The 440-page manual is divided into two parts: Metal Panel Roof Systems and SPF Roof Systems. Metal Panel Roof Systems features 93 construction details and includes guidelines applicable to metal and metal panel roof systems. SPF Roof Systems includes application and design guidelines and 100 construction details, including new SPF reroofing construction details.

The NRCA Roofing Manual: Metal Panel and SPF Roof Systems—2008 is the second in a four-part series intended to update and supersede The NRCA Roofing and Waterproofing Manual, Fifth Edition. The first volume in the series, Membrane Roof Systems—2007, was released in January 2007. The series also will include Steep-slope Roof Systems—2009, and Reroofing, Architectural Sheet Metal and Moisture Control—2010.

Members who have paid their 2008 dues and new members who join NRCA during 2008 will receive the manual free of charge.

NRCA offers retirement program

The NRCA Retirement Program allows NRCA members to provide retirement benefits for their employees and themselves. The program offers flexibility with a package of administrative and investment management services at a cost that may be significantly less than an individually managed plan.

Administrative services provided by the retirement program include a quarterly management report; updated balance for the current quarter; summary annual report; 5500 tax-return preparation; updated census information; and annual participant statements.

The NRCA Retirement Program's development is overseen by an advisory committee consisting of NRCA members who have experience managing retirement plans. Participating companies receive quarterly newsletters updating them on fund performance, as well as monthly and quarterly performance evaluation reports.

For more information about the NRCA Retirement Program, contact Harry Ryder, NRCA's associate executive director of finance, at (800) 323-9545, ext. 7545, or e-mail hryder@nrca.net.

NRLRC seminar was a success

The National Roofing Legal Resource Center (NRLRC) held its 28th annual educational seminar, Roofing Issues: Decks to Dockets, Nov. 1-3, 2007, in Tucson, Ariz. The seminar was attended by a record 131 roofing professionals.

During the conference, attendees interacted in a hands-on format and shared ideas and best practices for improving their businesses. The seminar's classes offered in-depth information about a variety of important business-related topics, including crisis management, bid mistakes, building codes, safety and technical issues.

During the seminar, Bill Good, NRCA's executive vice president, spoke to attendees about NRCA's position on immigration reform. Good also presented an NRCA update, during which he discussed how NRCA will respond to the upcoming elections; roofing industry's aging work force; and growing green building movement.

Next year's NRLRC seminar will be held in Hilton Head, S.C. Nov. 6-8. For more information, visit NRLRC's Web site, www.nrlrc.net, or contact Alison LaValley, NRLRC's executive director, at (800) 323-9545, ext. 7573 or alavalley@nrca.net.

Kickoff to Rebuild 2008

Washington, D.C.-based Rebuilding Together,® NRCA's national charity partner, will hold its 13th annual pre-Super Bowl event, Kickoff to Rebuild, in Phoenix Feb. 1. National Football League players and officials, as well as community members, will volunteer their services to help rebuild the Valley Christian Center.

The Valley Christian Center is a nonprofit social services agency that provides food, clothing, utility payment support, education assistance for young mothers and their babies, and a fall-prevention program for seniors. The building's repairs will include new ceilings and floors, a new roof system with insulation and numerous interior renovations.

In addition to the community center, volunteers will rehabilitate the home of Ella Hennis, a Phoenix resident. Repairs to the home will include an interior and exterior makeover, as well as a new roof system.