Focus

The roofing industry is experiencing rapid change with the increasing prevalence of vegetative and photovoltaic roof systems and other energy-efficient roofing materials. As with any new technology, research and development continually are being conducted to determine how these new technologies will best serve the roofing industry.

So after several years, NRCA once again is hosting a roofing symposium to help fill the knowledge gap that exists among the new technologies. The 2011 International Symposium: Emerging Technologies and Roof System Performance will be held in September 2011 in Washington, D.C.

The symposium will provide a forum for presenters to share ideas that will advance the roofing industry and further the development of rooftop technologies.

"The roofing industry is changing at a more rapid rate than ever before with more attention being paid to the role roofs can play in energy conservation, environmental protection and even energy production," says Bill Good, NRCA's executive vice president. "We know a good deal of research is being conducted, and this symposium will establish a forum for this research to be presented and discussed."

Final dates for submissions are yet to be determined, but the following tentative schedule applies: Abstract submissions are due in June, and acceptance will be announced in July. The final paper submission deadline will be in December, and the paper review process will take place through spring 2011. The proceedings will be published in August 2011.

"With so much attention being paid to cool, photovoltaic and vegetative roof systems, as well as roof insulation and recycling, it's time to bring together those who are conducting the latest research," Good says. "The symposium not only will allow for the opportunity for their research to be presented but will enable researchers who may not know one another to compare notes."

NRCA encourages you to participate in the symposium, and Professional Roofing will keep you apprised of details as they emerge.

For more information, contact Jim Kirby, NRCA's associate executive director of technical communications, at (800) 323-9545, ext. 7570 or jkirby@nrca.net.

Ambika Puniani Bailey is editor of Professional Roofing and NRCA's senior director of communications.