January 2015

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that by 2020, Latinos will account for 74 percent of all new labor force growth in the U.S. In light of this projection, roofing industry owners and leaders must recognize much of their present and certainly much of their future workforces will be Latino. Roofing professionals should consider how to lead Latinos with cultural and language relevancy and how to properly develop Latino leadership for the future prosperity of the industry.

Roof coating manufacturers must realize environmental pressures will persist, and they will be expected to reduce base volatile organic compound (VOC) levels in their products. The ever-changing regulatory landscape tests the abilities of roof coatings formulators to recreate and often reinvent products to meet regulations, forcing them to adapt to change, slowly move to other offerings or go out of business. Those that are successful will survive, but they will again be expected to reduce base VOC levels in their products.

Grove Roofing Services Inc., Buffalo, N.Y., completed a two-year, multiphase reroofing project for Buffalo’s Erie Community College. The project included asphalt shingle, Spanish-barrel clay tile and polymer-modified bitumen roof system installations while overcoming several challenges such as the beginning of the college's fall semester and the rapidly approaching winter. For its work, Grove Roofing Services received an NRCA Gold Circle Awards honorable mention and a Preservation Award from Preservation Buffalo Niagara.

The primary delivery methods for new construction projects in the U.S. include design-bid-build, design-build and construction manager at risk, but these methods may not always be the best choice. Integrated product delivery (IPD) has been touted by its promoters as an industry-changing method of construction delivery that reduces costs, cuts waste, increases efficiency, promotes innovation and eliminates costly disputes between primary construction participants. All construction industry participants should become familiar with the IPD process.

Although several hazards common to many roof system installations are equally common with spray polyurethane foam (SPF) roof system installations, roofing contractors face unique challenges when implementing controls to minimize SPF hazards because of the unconventional nature of SPF materials. The reality of SPF roof system installations means greater emphasis must be placed on fall-protection options and safety products, such as disposable coveralls, gloves and full-face respirators, for workers installing these systems.