Articles

Fire testing of rack-mounted photovoltaic systems, water-based adhesives and a mopping asphalt ballot item present issues for the roofing industry.

Legislation to reauthorize the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006 presents an opportunity to address the roofing industry’s workforce needs.

Hazards facing roofing workers generally are readily apparent, such as fall hazards at holes and roof edges. But one hazard, radio frequency (RF) radiation, is concealed. RF radiation is energy emanating from antennae or transmitters for wireless communications that may be present on roofs. More troubling, no government regulation requires signs or barricades to warn workers of the hazard.

For more than 18 years, The Roofing Industry Alliance for Progress has been bringing together roofing contractors, manufacturers and suppliers devoted to the roofing industry. This group of roofing professionals continues to add to an already impressive list of achievements. By working together, they select and provide oversight of programs and funding for progressive research that shapes, improves and advances the roofing industry in four key areas: education and training, technology, sustainability and philanthropy.

The Dallas City Performance Hall's roof system incorporates the longest Kalzip® mechanically seamed, aluminum-plus, zinc-coated panels in North America. Installed by Castro Roofing of Texas, Dallas, workers overcame numerous logistical and installation challenges to install the first LEED® Silver-certified performance hall in Texas. For its exceptional safety efforts, Castro Roofing received a 2014 Gold Circle Safety Award.

Manufacturers often give their roofing contractor customers more asphalt-based roof system choices than they need. Choice can be a good thing, but not when it threatens to confuse customers, complicates the sales process and drives up costs. It is in customers' best interests to not offer a dozen products that provide the same features. If manufacturers can successfully produce fewer SKUs, it will improve competitiveness, cost and profits for the asphalt roofing industry.