Briefings

Manufacturer news

Lapolla launches energy-savings program

Lapolla Industries Inc., Houston, has launched its AirTight® division's Energy Savings Program for multifamily residential properties, a proprietary, end-to-end energy-savings program designed to reduce annual energy costs and properties' carbon footprints.

The program reportedly can save landlords about 50 percent in annual energy costs by using two components: encapsulating and insulating each property's building envelope with Lapolla Industries' spray polyurethane foam and installing a turnkey technology package consisting of wireless thermostats, apartment controls in each unit, high-efficiency hot water heaters, modern high-tech boilers and high-efficiency lighting throughout each building.

Lapolla Industries signed its first Multi-Family Energy Savings Program agreement with Rochester, N.Y.-based Home Properties Inc. to implement the energy-savings program at Jacob Ford Village Apartments, Morristown, N.J., a two-story garden apartment complex with 270 residential units. Lapolla Industries will implement and install its all-inclusive AirTight energy-savings package throughout the complex, reportedly yielding more than 55 percent in annual energy savings.

In addition, Lapolla Industries has announced Ty Pennington, host and design team lead on the television show "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," will act as the company's official spokesperson. Pennington is best known as the former lead carpenter on the television show "Trading Spaces" and has authored two books about home improvement. Pennington will promote Lapolla Industries' products in upcoming national and local campaigns, along with making appearances at international trade shows and participating in consumer events, media relations and social media activities.

Georgia-Pacific Canada expands sales presence

Georgia Pacific Canada LP, Thorold, Ontario, an affiliate of Atlanta-based Georgia-Pacific Gypsum, has expanded its sales presence in Canada to three locations: Div7 Building Systems, Surrey, British Columbia, will service British Columbia; North 49 Sales Agency Inc., Toronto, will service Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada; and Pilot Group Inc., Calgary, Alberta, will service the Prairie Provinces.

Johns Manville publishes sustainability report

Johns Manville, Denver, has published its 2013 sustainability report, "We Build Environments." The report features the company's approach to building future sustainable solutions; its progress toward accomplishing its long-term sustainability goals; information and case studies associated with energy efficiency, operations' energy and carbon intensity reduction, solid waste reduction and increased recycled materials use; and the company's social responsibility efforts concerning safety, employee practices and community investment.

The report is available on the company's website, www.jm.com/sustainability.

Metal-Era announces new representation

Metal-Era Inc., Waukesha, Wis., has announced Larkspur, Calif.-based Strategic Building Products LLC now will be representing Metal-Era in northern California and Nevada. Strategic Building Products, a representative for commercial building envelope systems manufacturers, will work with roofing contractors, architects, design professionals, and building managers and owners to assist them when choosing Metal-Era products for their projects.

Duro-Last® offers insulation stocking

Duro-Last Inc., Saginaw, Mich., has announced its 1 1/2 and 2-inch thick, 4- by 8-foot Duro-Guard® ISO insulation now is available for pickup or flatbed shipment from all Duro-Last manufacturing locations.

Carlisle SynTec Systems wins IRE award

Carlisle SynTec Systems, Carlisle, Pa., won the Best New Product award during the 2014 International Roofing Expo® Product Showcase for its Sure-Flex™ KEE HP PVC. A panel of industry experts selected Carlisle's KEE HP PVC as the roofing industry's best new product for its excellent performance characteristics.

GAF sweepstakes continues

GAF, Wayne, N.J., announced the second round of its Enter for an Experience sweepstakes, giving roofing contractors the chance to win one of three unique "life experiences" with major celebrities. The first round of the sweepstakes featured a ride-along with Paul Teutul Sr. from the television shows "American Chopper" and "Orange County Choppers."

During the second round of the sweepstakes, roofing contractors were able to enter the "Get Real" contest from May 15 to June 15. The contest prize features a day on the set of a record-breaking, popular reality television show, including airfare, two nights at a hotel and $1,000 in spending money. Five runners-up each will receive $500 gift cards.

The final round of the sweepstakes will take place this month. For more information and to enter the contest, visit www.gafexperience.com or GAF's Facebook page at facebook.com/gafroofing.

CHEM LINK Inc. creates board of directors

CHEM LINK Inc., Schoolcraft, Mich., has formed and implemented a new six-person board of directors consisting of business professionals and experts from the construction, OEM and sealants/adhesives/coatings industries to oversee the company's environmentally conscious and strategic decisions; the board was seated May 2.

Owens Corning™ recognizes award winners

Owens Corning Roofing and Asphalt LLC, Toledo, Ohio, recognized roofing professionals during its 2014 Owens Corning Roofing Platinum Preferred Contractor Celebration, an annual event recognizing 18 Owens Corning Roofing Platinum Preferred Contractors who have demonstrated exceptional market-leading business initiatives to advance the roofing industry.

The winners of the top three award categories are NRCA member Deer Park Roofing Inc., Cincinnati, for the Industry Stewardship Award, the company's third consecutive receipt of the award; Arnold's Home Improvement LLC, Toledo, Ohio, for the Spirit Award; and Red River Roofing Co. Inc., Tulsa, Okla., for the Bright Future Award.

The award celebration also recognized winners in three additional business categories. The winners of the 2014 Shingle Recycling Volume Award, which recognizes companies with the highest volume of recycled roofing material through participation in the Owens Corning Roofing and Asphalt Shingle Recycling Program, are Dale Tadlock Roofing Inc., Tallahassee, Fla.; Findlay Roofing/Roof Roof USA, Atlanta; Mastercraft Exteriors, Rockton, Ill.; Old World Roofing, Denver; and Sela Roofing and Remodeling Inc., St. Louis Park, Minn.

The winners of the System Advantage™ Platinum Limited Warranty Registration Award, which recognizes companies for market-leading success communicating the benefits of the Owens Corning System Advantage Platinum Limited warranty, are Alan's Roofing Inc., Orlando, Fla.; Los Gatos Roofing, San Jose, Calif.; M&M Home Remodeling Services, Crete, Ill.; Metro Construction Inc., Denver; and Skywalker Roofing, Eden, N.C.

The winners of the Owens Corning Roofing Purchase Volume Award, which recognizes companies with industry-leading performance, expertise and service that drove the respective companies' substantial growth and purchase volumes of Owens Corning roofing products during the past year, are American Dream Home Improvement Inc., Downers Grove, Ill.; NRCA member Best Choice Roofing, Hendersonville, Tenn.; Bob Behrends Roofing LLC, Greeley, Colo.; Findlay Roofing/Roof Roof USA, Atlanta; and Quick Roofing LLC, Kennedale, Texas.

Contractor news

Saratoga Roofing & Construction wins award

Saratoga Roofing & Construction, Oklahoma City, was awarded the 2014 Entrepreneurial Excellence in Oklahoma Award May 2. The award recognizes Oklahoma-based entrepreneurs who have created profitable employment for their community and fostered a positive business atmosphere. Criteria for the award is based on number of employees, years in business and individual stories.

Flynn Canada enters partnership

Flynn Canada Ltd., Toronto, has entered into a letter of intent to combine operations with Kansas City, Mo.-based Sellers & Marquis/A2MGLe, a roofing, architectural metal and glass/glazing manufacturing company.

Flynn Canada made the strategic decision to expand its business to the U.S. to develop an integrated, national roofing and building envelope company across North America. As part of the arrangement, Sellers & Marquis/A2MGLe's key managers and owner and Chief Executive Officer Jerry Schaefer will become shareholders in the Flynn Group of Companies and continue in leadership roles for the long term. Flynn Canada now operates from 21 locations in North America, including its two new locations in Kansas City and Springfield, Mo.

Distributor news

ABC Supply opens new branch

ABC Supply Co. Inc., Beloit, Wis., opened a new branch in Denton, Texas, May 5. The new location features a complete line of roofing, siding and gutter products and related supplies for roofing contractors.

In addition, ABC Supply has been honored with the Gallup Great Workplace Award for the eighth consecutive year. The award recognizes the best-performing workplaces worldwide. ABC Supply is one of 36 companies to receive the 2014 award and one of three eight-time winners, receiving the award every year since its inception. The award is based on statistical research evaluated by a panel of workplace experts with criteria including response rates, overall engagement levels and evidence of performance.

The industry online

Drexel Metals Inc. has updated its website, www.drexelmetals.com. The site includes a photo gallery of Drexel Metals projects; a Roof Visualizer section that allows visitors to experiment with Drexel Metals profiles and colors; the complete Drexel Metals product library; all electronic marketing items; a complete list of product offerings; and information about the Drexel Metals Association of Regional Manufacturers Program.

GAF has introduced its GAF Pro Roof Estimator app, a streamlined, customizable estimation process; GAF Tips for Pros app to provide assistance during the in-home selling process; an Android version of its GAF Remodeler app, already available through the Apple App store; and the GAF Roofing Shingle Design & Style Guide on www.gaf.com, a web-based program incorporating popular HGTV® design celebrities' color and style advice.

Atlas Roofing Corp. has redesigned its website, www.atlasroofing.com. The site offers efficient navigation, technical updates, warranty registrations, industry resources, product details, and access to Atlas Roofing's apps and online tools.

IKO has uploaded a new video about ice dams on roofs to its YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/user/IKORoof. The video urges homeowners to be aware of ice dams that can occur because of harsh winter conditions, the various causes of ice dams and how they can lead to expensive water damage inside a home.

Other news

NRLRC announces annual seminar

The National Roofing Legal Resource Center (NRLRC) has announced its 35th annual legal seminar, Roofing Issues: Decks to Dockets, will be held Sept. 11-13 in Austin, Texas, at the Four Seasons Hotel.

Seminar topics include: What are the Greatest Risks of Major Liability Exposures for Roofing Contractors Today?; Employee Handbooks: A Review of Important Employment Policies for Every Employer and How to Avoid the Wrath of the NLRB; Over the Edge: Cost-effective Alternatives to Safety Monitoring; What Can and Should Roofing Contractors Do Better in the Field to Reduce Liability?; Your DOT Compliance Checklist; Perspectives from 40 Years in Commercial Roofing; Independent Contractor or Employee? An Overview of the Misclassification Issue; Bidding: Bid Mistakes, Bid Responsiveness, Bid Bonds and Bid Protests; What's OSHA Up to Now? Standards Affecting Roofing Contractors; Emerging Technical Issues Posing Liability Risks to Roofing Contractors; Contractors' Best Practices: Lessons Learned; and Roofing and Construction Cases and Court Decisions.

Attendee registration fees include all sessions, handout materials, a boxed lunch, two hot buffet breakfasts, breaks and an evening reception Thursday, Sept. 11. The seminar fee for members is $895 by Aug. 30 and $995 after Aug. 30; the fee for nonmembers is $995 by Aug. 30 and $1,095 after Aug. 30. More information is available on NRLRC's website, www.nrlrc.net, or by calling NRLRC at (847) 299-9092.

Engineering researcher passes away

Alumbaugh

Robert L. Alumbaugh, Ph.D., of Sequim, Wash., an engineering researcher at the Naval Civil Engineering Laboratory (NCEL) and former member of NRCA's SPF Task Force, passed away April 23. He was 85 years old.

Alumbaugh was employed at NCEL for 43 years where his studies focused on paints and protective coatings, plastics, roofing materials and roof systems, and airfield joint sealers. He was a member of the American Chemical Society, National Association of Corrosion Engineers, ASTM International, Federation of Paint Technology, Sigma Xi, Federal Roofing Committee and Oak Ridge National Laboratory Roof Advisory Committee, and he served on RCI Inc.'s Board of Regents.

Alumbaugh is survived by his wife, Elaine; two sons, David and James; a granddaughter, Ona; two grandsons, Zane and Kiran; sisters- and brother-in-law, Carol, Joyce and Silas; and three nephews. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Lung Association, 55 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 1150, Chicago, IL 60601, or www.lung.org/donate/.

Alliance welcomes new members

The Roofing Industry Alliance for Progress has announced two new members: Flynn America LP, Kirkwood, Mo., and Nations Roof, Lithia Springs, Ga. Flynn America's and Nations Roof's membership commitments entitle them to participate in project task forces established to guide the Alliance's agenda and attend semiannual meetings.

SPRI releases technical bulletin

SPRI, Waltham, Mass., has released Industry Information Bulletin 1-14, a technical bulletin addressing potential performance issues related to surface-mounted, nonstructurally integrated rooftop support systems.

The bulletin states extra care should be taken when specifying and installing rooftop supports for piping, equipment and photovoltaic solar panels. The bulletin includes factors to consider when choosing rooftop supports, material compatibility and an extensive chart about dissimilar metal compatibility and potential galvanic reactions between different metals. A second chart, Rooftop Support Material Durability and Weathering Performance Guide, lists the effects of humidity on 10 common rooftop support materials and finishes. To view and download the free bulletin, visit www.spri.org/pdf/1-14-SPRI-Bulletin_Recommendations-for-Rooftop-Supports.pdf.

RCI presents lifetime achievement award

RCI Inc., Raleigh, N.C., presented its Lifetime Achievement Award to Richard Fricklas, FRCI, former director of the Englewood, Colo.-based Roofing Industry Educational Institute (RIEI), during its 29th International Convention and Trade Show in Anaheim, Calif., March 24. RCI's board of directors chose Fricklas for the award for his lifetime of contributions to the education of three generations of roofing professionals.

Although Fricklas retired from RIEI in 1996, he continued to lecture and publish frequently. His achievements include co-authoring the Manual of Low-Slope Roof Systems, now in its fourth edition; being a contributing columnist for RCI Interface, RSI and Buildings magazines; helping develop RCI curricula and teaching roofing seminars at the University of Wisconsin, Madison; receiving a patent for a fire-rated vapor retarder system and co-developing other patented product lines; and working with FM Global and Underwriters Laboratories on fire- and wind-rated roof systems. In addition, Fricklas also was named a Fellow of RCI's Jury of Fellows, an honorary title bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated meritorious service.

NRCA NEWS

FEI class size limited to 25

NRCA has changed the class size limit for its Future Executives Institute (FEI) class from 30 participants to 25 participants. The FEI class will take place Sept. 28-Oct. 1 at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, Chicago. Classes are taught by Northwestern University professors, industry leaders and field experts. FEI is a comprehensive learning experience focused on leading and managing thriving roofing businesses. The three-year program is based on in-depth discussions and relationship building. The deadline for applications is Aug. 1. More information about the program can be found at www.nrca.net/fei.

Up the ladder

ABC Supply Co. Inc. has named Mike Schwarz executive director of purchasing and merchandising.

Events

July

8-12
NRCA's Midyear Meetings
NRCA
Chicago
Contact: NRCA's Customer Service Department
(866) ASK-NRCA (275-6722)
www.nrca.net

10-12
FRSA's 92nd Annual Convention and the Florida Roofing & Sheet Metal Expo
FRSA
Orlando, Fla.
Contact: FRSA's Customer Service Department
(407) 671-3772, ext. 100
www.floridaroof.com/convention

14-17
International Roof Coatings Conference
Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association (RCMA)
Baltimore
Contact: Lauren Dwulet, RCMA staff associate
(202) 207-1119 or ldwulet@kellencompany.com
www.roofcoatings.org

17-19
China International Roofing and Waterproofing Expo 2014
China National Waterproof Building Materials Industry Association
Shanghai
Contact: China National Waterproof Building Materials Industry Association's Customer Service Department
+0086-10-57811542
www.roofexpoen.cnwb.net

23-25
VARP's 47th Annual Summer Convention
Virginia Association of Roofing Professionals (VARP)
Hot Springs, Va.
Contact: VARP's Customer Service Department
(804) 497-5917 or mail@varoofingprofessionals.org
www.varoofingprofessionals.org

September

7-8
Executive Management Institute
NRCA
Chicago
Contact: NRCA's Customer Service Department
(866) ASK-NRCA (275-6722)
www.nrca.net

11-13
Roofing Issues: From Decks to Dockets
National Roofing Legal Resource Center (NRLRC)
Austin, Texas
Contact: Anne Schroeder, NRLRC director
(847) 299-9092
www.nrlrc.net

28-Oct. 1
Future Executives Institute (FEI)
NRCA
Chicago
Contact: Janice Davis, FEI manager
(800) 323-9545, ext. 7505 or jdavis@nrca.net
www.nrca.net