Proven expertise

As with all roof system types, certain skills are needed to install tile roof systems correctly and according to building codes. Recognizing the roofing industry's need for a program to educate its professionals about the finer details of tile roof system installation, the Tile Roofing Institute (TRI) launched the first training program to convey the correct, code-approved methodology for installing tile roof systems throughout the U.S.

About 14 months before the certification program's launch in April 2006, TRI held several focus groups to introduce the program to roofing contractors and obtain feedback about its content and structure. During the 2005 International Roofing Expo® in Las Vegas, roofing contractor members from Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA), TRI and NRCA were invited to be part of one such focus group; about 60 contractors attended.

After receiving feedback from the focus groups regarding the program's content and exams, TRI officially launched its certification program, which is based on TRI's and WSRCA's Concrete and Clay Tile Installation Manual for Moderate Climate Regions.

During its first year, the certification program attracted roofing contractors, roofing workers, consultants and inspectors from tile roofing's traditional Sun Belt markets, including Arizona, California, Florida and Nevada. Contractors viewed the program as a way to keep up to speed with codes and regulations, train employees and ensure quality tile roof system installations.

Currently, there are thousands of TRI-certified contractors in 36 states, and TRI Certification programs are held throughout the U.S. based on contractor demand. Courses are led by certified trainers who have completed and been trained to conduct the program.

Program structure

TRI's certification program offers three certifications: Installer, Specialist and Florida High Wind.

TRI's Installer Certification is targeted toward entry-level roofing workers, as well as roofing workers who may have experience with other roofing materials such as asphalt and want to expand their skills to include tile installation. The daylong course also can be used as a refresher course for consultants, inspectors and roofing workers who want to stay up-to-date on codes and proper procedures.

Installer Certification is the most popular certification level obtained. The course curriculum includes an introduction to Concrete and Clay Tile Installation Manual for Moderate Climate Regions and addresses material specifications and general information; roof preparation—deck, underlayment, base flashing and roof layout; and tile installation—roof loading, field tile installation, eave options, pan flashings, step flashings, valleys, hips and ridges, and vents. Depending where a class is held, it may address specialty conditions such as slope changes, repairs, pre-engineered systems and high winds.

Completion of TRI's Installer Certification is required to pursue the program's Specialist Certification.

TRI's Specialist Certification is a one-day course targeted toward roofing contractors, team leaders, estimators, inspectors, consultants, designers and any building professional interested in expanding into the tile roofing market. The course is designed to provide broader, more detailed knowledge of tile, including tile markets, tile's design features and benefits, materials specifications, code regulations, estimating, ordering and improved management of tile roofing jobs. A general overview of safety requirements and roof tile classifications, as well as criteria used for determining tile's physical properties such as weight and mass, quantities of tile needed and materials used to install tile, is included. This year, TRI is transitioning its Specialist Certification course to a half-day program.

TRI's Florida High Wind Certification trains professionals based on information contained in TRI's and the Florida Roofing, Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractors Association's Concrete and Clay Roof Tile Installation Manual designed for projects performed in Florida.

Florida High Wind Certification courses are taught by John Campbell, president of Roof Component Solutions LLC, Orlando, Fla., a tile roofing component supplier, as well as several manufacturers who were heavily involved with creating the certification program.

All certifications last two years. Courses are $199 for TRI members and $299 for nonmembers.

A $75 renewal program for Installer and Specialist Certifications, which updates certificate holders about new codes and procedures since they completed certification, is administered online. Certificate holders can log in with a user ID and password TRI provides them, review a short presentation and take a test to update their certifications immediately. After completing the renewal program, certificate holders receive a two-year renewal of their certifications.

So far

TRI's certification program has been well-received in the roofing industry by not only contractors but builders, inspectors and consultants. TRI members are not required to be certified, but if they are, their listings on TRI's website are expanded to include full contact information. About 30 percent of those who complete TRI's Installer Certification are TRI members; however, TRI has received much outside interest in the program, as well.

The program is being marketed to building owners and homeowners through public relations, TRI Forum promotion, newsletters, TRI members and tradeshows. The courses and renewal program are being updated to reflect the new code-approved Concrete and Clay Tile Installation Manual for Moderate Climate Regions' 2010 edition.

TRI's training committee meets regularly to review market demands and enhance the certification program. For more information about the program and a course schedule, visit www.tileroofing.org.

Jeanne Sheehy is the Tile Roofing Institute's managing director.