Briefings

Manufacturer news

GAF announces sweepstakes

GAF, Wayne, N.J., introduced its 2013 Text-For-A-Bike sweepstakes in May. The sweepstakes will end July 31. Professional roofing contractors, builders and remodelers in the U.S. can enter to win one of five custom Orange County Choppers motorcycles.

Roofing professionals can enter the sweepstakes by texting GAFBIKE to 41411 from their mobile telephones or going to www.gaftextforabike.com. A grand-prize winner will be selected from each of GAF's five sales areas.

In addition to the bikes, GAF will be awarding 10 Visa® gift cards worth $500 each and 50 Weber® Go-Anywhere® Charcoal Grills.

Also, GAF has announced the winner of its Share What You Treasure app promotion. The Facebook app features documentary videos created for GAF by photographer and filmmaker James Minchin III. The videos allow homeowners to show what is protected in their homes under their GAF roof systems. The most recent winner featured in the latest video is Dr. Dale Rice, a GAF roof system owner and veterinarian in Elizabeth, Colo.

With the app, which was introduced Feb. 14, users can share photos or links and are entered to win weekly $100 The Home Depot® gift cards and a $2,500 grand-prize shopping spree. Users who have a GAF roof system also are invited to enter to be a part of the next online webisode filmed by Minchin.

Additionally, GAF has received an American Web Design Award from Graphic Design USA magazine. The American Web Design Award celebrates well-designed websites used to attract audiences, communicate information, generate engagement and response, and market products and services. The emphasis is on visual design and aesthetics.

Sika Sarnafil opens facility

Sika Sarnafil, Canton, Mass., has opened a new 63,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution facility in Cypress, Calif. The facility and combined office space doubles Sika Sarnafil's footprint and will enable the company to increase support and enhance service to local and regional customers. The company estimates an additional 450 truckloads of its roof membranes and accessories will be transported by train rather than truck during the next five years, saving more than 1 million road miles and about 250,000 gallons of diesel fuel.

Additionally, Sika Sarnafil named NRCA member Imperial Roof Systems Co., West Union, Iowa, the Recycling Project of the Year winner for professionalism and dedication to quality during the reroofing of the Super Target retail store in Olathe, Kan.

For the Olathe store, Imperial Roof Systems removed 175,000 square feet of old vinyl roof membrane, and, as part of an ongoing collaboration between Target and Sika Sarnafil, the roofing material waste was not disposed of in landfills; it was sent to Sika Sarnafil for recycling as part of the company's industry-wide PVC Roof Membrane Recycling Program.

Firestone Building Products receives certification

Indianapolis-based Firestone Building Products Co. LLC's Salt Lake City plant has received Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Star Re-certification from the Utah Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA).

VPP promotes effective job-site-based safety and health. Through the VPP, management, labor and OSHA establish cooperative relationships at workplaces that have implemented a comprehensive safety and health management system. Approval into the VPP is OSHA's official recognition of the efforts of employers and employees who have achieved exemplary occupational safety and health.

CertainTeed Products announces qualification program

CertainTeed Products, Valley Forge, Pa., has announced its Flintlastic® Application Specialist qualification, an educational program that helps contractors learn proper application of various low-slope polymer-modified bitumen roof systems.

The Flintlastic Application Specialist qualification program uses the Flintlastic Application Handbook and provides information about how to install hot-mopped, torch-welded, cold-applied and self-adhering roof systems.

To earn the qualification, contractors must pass the open-book Flintlastic Application Specialist test after studying the Flintlastic Application Handbook. A passing grade earns the contractor a Flintlastic Application Specialist certificate and hat.

More information is available in the For Professionals section of CertainTeed Products' website, www.certainteed.com, through the Education & Credentials page.

Henry products featured on TV show

A selection of El Segundo, Calif.-based Henry Co.'s professional-grade roof system repair products were featured on an episode of "Designing Spaces," which aired April 25 and May 10 on the Lifetime Network. The segment featured a do-it-yourself roof system repair project addressing how to apply a three-course roof repair patch.

During the episode, Gerry Chavez, Henry's senior product manager, discussed the steps for patching a roof system and inspecting other areas for potential leaks.

Products featured in the episode included 209 Extreme Wet Patch® Roof Leak Repair, 208R Rubberized Wet Patch Roof Leak Repair, 212LV Clear Patch Roof Leak Repair and 183 Roof Repair Fabric.

Metal-Era is named a top business

Metal-Era Inc., Waukesha, Wis., has been named a 2013 Top 10 Business of the Year by the Waukesha County Business Alliance and BizTimes Media LLC.

The award recognizes businesses in southeastern Wisconsin that have demonstrated consistent financial growth, commitment to good business practice through employee relations, customer-focused commitment and community service involvement.

Owens Corning Roofing and Asphalt presents award

Owens Corning™ Roofing and Asphalt LLC, Toledo, Ohio, announced recipients of its 2013 Roofing Platinum Preferred Contractor Award at its Roofing Platinum Preferred Contractor Celebration held April 8-10 in Amelia Island, Fla.

Eighteen Owens Corning Roofing Platinum Preferred Contractors were recognized for sharing a strong dedication to growing and advancing the roofing industry through results-oriented approaches and sustainable business practices.

Kelly Roofing, Naples, Fla., received the Spirit Award for exceptional business practices and commitment to upholding the spirit and values of Owens Corning. NRCA member Elbert Construction LLC, Indianapolis, received the Bright Future Award for significant business growth during its first year as an Owens Corning Roofing Platinum Preferred Roofing Contractor. NRCA member Deer Park Roofing Inc., Cincinnati, received the Industry Stewardship Award for the pursuit of innovative solutions and effective expertise within the roofing industry.

Owens Corning also recognized five Platinum Preferred Contractors. BTR Construction, Charlotte, N.C.; NRCA member Lon Smith Roofing, Fort Worth, Texas; NRCA member Mastercraft Exteriors, Rockton, Ill.; Roof Roof USA, Atlanta; and Sela Roofing & Remodeling, St. Louis Park, Minn., received the Shingle Recycling Volume Award for commitment to sustainable practices.

Bob Behrends Roofing LLC, Greeley, Colo., and NRCA members Metro Construction Inc., Denver; Roof One LLC, Pontiac, Mich.; Seagate Roofing, Toledo, Ohio; and Yorkshire Roofing of Northern California Inc., Livermore, Calif., received the System Advantage™ Platinum Limited Warranty Registrations Award.

NRCA member American Dream Home Improvement Inc., Downers Grove, Ill.; NRCA member Aspen Contracting Inc., Lee's Summit, Mo.; Best Choice Roofing and Home Improvement Inc., Hendersonville, Tenn.; NRCA member Jasper Contractors Inc., Baton Rouge, La.; and Quick Roofing LLC, Kennedale, Texas, received the Owens Corning Roofing Purchase Volume Award.

Duro-Last® Roofing opens facility

Duro-Last Roofing Inc., Saginaw, Mich., and EXCEPTIONAL® Metals, Saginaw, have opened a manufacturing facility in Carrollton, Texas.

The Carrollton facility is Duro-Last Roofing's fifth manufacturing location in the U.S. and the fourth location to offer full-service production and support for roofing and edge metal products. The facility will be fully operational in the fall and will offer employment opportunities to residents of Carrollton and surrounding communities.

Contractor news

Mother of roofing contractor passes away

Beverly G. Therrien, mother of Robert Therrien, former NRCA president and president of The Melanson Co. Inc., Keene, N.H., passed away April 26. She was 78 years old.

Therrien was born May 23, 1934, in Seymour, Conn., to parents Peter and Germaine Ferron. She graduated valedictorian from St. Joseph's School for Girls, Manchester, N.H., and was a Girls State Academic Honoree. She married Robert W. Therrien Aug. 14, 1954, in Manchester. She and Robert were co-owners of The Melanson Co. and its affiliated companies throughout New Hampshire and Vermont.

Therrien served as chairwoman of the Keene Senior Citizens Center; board member of the Monadnock Center for Violence Protection; secretary and lifetime vice president of the Monadnock Humane Society's board of directors; secretary and board member of Prospect Place, Keene; and as vice chair on Gov. Steve Merrill's State Committee on Aging. She also served as den mother for the Swanzey, N.H., Boy Scouts of America; chair of the Boy Scouts of America's Pack Committee; board member for the Daniel Webster Council; and as a leader for Girl Scouts of the USA. She is a recipient of the Boy Scouts of America's Silver Beaver Award, Monadnock District Award of Merit, Rotary International's Paul Harris Award and St. George Award.

Therrien is survived by her children, Robert Jr., Clara, David and Mary; 13 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brother, Peter; and sister, Lorraine.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Therrien's name to the Monadnock Humane Society at 101 W. Swanzey Road, Swanzey, NH 03446 or New Hampshire Catholic Charities at 161 Main St., Suite 200, Keene, NH 03431.

Tecta America Zero receives award

Tecta America Zero Co., Cincinnati, has received the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) 2013 STEP Diamond Award for consistently delivering industry-leading safety results.

The ABC Safety Training and Evaluation Process (STEP) Diamond Award recognizes the top national contractor safety programs based on management commitment, job-site safety, safety training and education.

Tecta America Zero also is being honored as an Accredited Quality Contractor (AQC) for 2013. This distinction publicly recognizes and honors construction firms that have documented their commitment to quality in six key areas of corporate responsibility, including quality, safety, management education, craft training, employee benefits, and community relations and outreach. The AQC program is an annual accreditation and members must renew each year to maintain the status.

Additionally, Vladimir Pinsky, senior sheet metal foreman for Tecta America Zero, was named a finalist for the 2013 Craft Professional of the Year, an award showcasing an individual in the industry who demonstrates a mastery of skills and whose commitment to excellence makes him or her the ultimate example of merit and success in the field.

Jasper Contractors expands to Nebraska

Jasper Contractors Inc., Baton Rouge, La., has expanded its operations to Omaha, Neb. The office opened in June.

According to Brian Wedding, Jasper Contractors' owner and chief executive officer, the company will fill 100 positions to begin local operations, including office staff, construction and installation personnel and outside sales representatives. It also will help stimulate the local economy by using small businesses for services, including advertising and the purchasing of construction materials. More information is available at www.jasperroof.com.

Royalty Roofing opens office in Georgia

Royalty Roofing Co. Inc., Seymour, Ind., has opened a branch office in Rutledge, Ga. The office will be responsible for the sale, installation and post-installation customer support of Royalty Roofing's commercial roofing projects in metropolitan Atlanta and eastern Georgia.

The Rutledge office will be managed by Jeff Maloof, previous owner of Jeff Maloof Roofing & General Carpentry, Washington, Ga.

Distributor news

ABC Supply receives award

ABC Supply Co. Inc., Beloit, Wis., has received the Gallup Great Workplace Award, which recognizes the best-performing work forces in the world. ABC Supply is one of 32 companies worldwide to receive the 2013 award and one of three to have received the award every year since its inception.

The Gallup Great Workplace Award is based on rigorous statistical research. Companies considered for the award were evaluated by a panel of workplace experts who compared each company's results to those of other companies throughout the world. The award is based on multiple criteria, including response rates, overall engagement levels and evidence of engagement's effect on performance.

SRS Distribution opens two locations

SRS Distribution, McKinney, Texas, has opened a new location in Baltimore under the Super Distribution name and one in Jackson, Miss., under the SRS Roofing Supply name.

The Baltimore branch will service the mid-Maryland markets west of the Chesapeake Bay and north of Washington, D.C., and will be led by Rachel Howell.

The Jackson branch, SRS Distribution's first branch in Mississippi, will service central Mississippi and will be led by Randle Brown.

The industry online

The Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) has redesigned its website, www.coolroofs.org. The website includes a tutorial introducing users to the website's new features, as well as a more intuitive structure to make finding relevant information easy. New features also include quick links and real-time search parameter controls to help users navigate the website.

CertainTeed Corp. has introduced Color-Coach,™ an online application that acts as a virtual swatchbook to assist users with exterior product color selection. The application, available at colorcoach.certainteed.com, provides professional color theory, including tips, trends and palettes that work well together with fence, railing and decking products. Users also can save, print or share color "swatches" through email or on Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter.

Atlas Roofing Corp. has introduced Select Your Roof, a consumer-oriented app for the iPad, available for download in the Utilities section of Apple's app store at itunes.apple.com. The app is split in two parts: My Roof Color Gauge, which allows users to take photos of their homes to help with the design process, and Shingle Visualizer, a replica of the Web page version that uses the Pristine Effect Algae Simulator.

The Garland Co. Inc. has posted a video demonstrating the proper application procedures for its Self-Adhering StressPly SA FR Mineral SBS polymer-modified bitumen membrane on its YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/user/thegarlandco. The video features installation details for the complete system, including base sheet, cap sheet and flashing details.

The EPDM Roofing Association (ERA) has introduced its website, www.epdmroofs.org, which provides a user-friendly and up-to-date reference library to help building owners, architects, contractors and specifiers choose the appropriate roofing material for a variety of climates. It provides research results and analysis of reflective roof systems.

Other news

Colorado recognizes CSRP™ designation

Roof Integrated Solar Energy™ Inc.'s Certified Solar Roofing Professional™ (CSRP) designation has been recognized by the state of Colorado to fulfill the requirements set forth in Colorado Revised Statute 40-2-128, "Solar Photovoltaic Installations."

With the help of DOW Solar, a business unit of The Dow Chemical Co., Midland, Mich., the regulation was amended to include the CSRP designation as equal to the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners certification already cited within the statute. According to the statute, the CSRP designation applies only to rooftop installation of building integrated photovoltaic (PV) products, not to the installation of other rooftop PV types. An electrician still will be required to perform any below-deck conduit, wiring and connections.

The amendment was passed in the Colorado House and Senate and became effective July 1.

The center launches pilot program

The Center for Environmental Innovation in Roofing's Research Committee has launched a pilot program for RoofPoint™ Registered Professionals. The center has invited industry stakeholders, including roofing contractors, designers and manufacturer representatives, to participate in the program.

A public launch of the RoofPoint Registered Professional program is expected in early 2014.

Additionally, the RoofPoint online application now features an electronic media kit available to past and future RoofPoint Registered Projects.

More information is available by contacting RoofPoint's staff through its website, www.roofpoint.org.

GRHC is accepting contest submissions

Green Roofs for Healthy Cities' (GRHC's) The Great Community Resiliency Project Contest is accepting ideas for how living architecture can create more resilient communities despite climate change, resource shortages, natural disasters and environmental degradation.

The deadline for submitting ideas is Wednesday, Aug. 28. Submissions should be sent to Jennifer Foden Wilson, editor of Living Architecture Monitor magazine, at jfodenwilson@greenroofs.org. Ideas can be submitted in editorial, video, audio, illustration or photo formats.

Wilson's top choices will be published in the November issue of Living Architecture Monitor, as well as on GRHC's Facebook and Pinterest pages where site visitors can vote for their favorite ideas. The winner will receive a delegate pass to CitiesAlive: 11th Annual Green Roof & Wall Conference, which will be held Oct. 23-26 in San Francisco.

RCMA announces conference partner

The Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association (RCMA) has announced the Canadian Paint and Coatings Association will join Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tenn., as a partner for RCMA's 2014 International Roof Coatings Conference. The conference will be held July 14-17, 2014, in Baltimore.

For more information, go to www.roofcoatings.org or contact John Ferraro, RCMA's executive director, at jferraro@kellencompany.com or (202) 207-1121.

Up the ladder

Englert Inc. has named Steven M. Grove sales representative.

National Coatings Corp. has named Brian Villa national sales manager.

Quest Specialty Chemicals has named Rick Martin its chief financial officer, and Marjorie (Marj) Shymske has been named president of Quest Construction Products, a wholly owned subsidiary of Quest Specialty Chemicals.

Tecta America Corp. has named Nathan (Nate) Smith federal account sales manager.

Callback: In Close-up, June issue, page 13, it was incorrectly stated that Diversified Roofing Solutions Inc., Waukesha, Wis., installed the roof system. The roofing contractor was Nick Michels and Sons Inc., Nekoosa, Wis. Professional Roofing regrets the error.

Events

July

9-13
NRCA's Midyear Meetings
NRCA
Chicago
Contact: NRCA's Customer Service Department
(866) ASK-NRCA ­(275-6722)
www.nrca.net

18-20
FRSA 91st Annual Convention and the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Expo
Florida Roofing, Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractors Association (FRSA)
Orlando, Fla.
Contact: FRSA
(800) 767-3772
www.floridaroof.com

23
Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals/Hazard Communication Training Session
Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association (RCMA)
Washington, D.C.
Contact: Kelly Franklin, RCMA staff associate
(202) 591-2452
www.roofcoatings.org

24
RCMA Government Affairs Lobby Day
Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association (RCMA)
Washington, D.C.
Contact: Kelly Franklin, RCMA staff associate
(202) 591-2452
www.roofcoatings.org

August

22
CERTA Train-the-trainer Authorization
NRCA
Elk Grove Village, Ill.
Contact: NRCA's Customer Service Department
(866) ASK-NRCA (275-6722)
www.nrca.net

28-30
China Roofing & Waterproofing Expo
China National Building Waterproof Association
Beijing
Contact: Jarchine Zhou
86 10-57811542
roofexpoen.cnwb.net