June 2017

Jim Barr, NRCA's new chairman of the board and president of Barr Roofing Co., Abilene, Texas, embodies the core values of respect, integrity and service celebrated within the Abilene community. With his dedication to these values, drive to succeed and previous leadership experience, Barr is poised to take on the challenge of leading NRCA through many initiatives during the coming year.

As the roofing industry adopted new roofing insulation, adhesives and membranes during recent decades, moisture in concrete roof decks has emerged as a growing problem that needs to be addressed. Many existing test methods do not accurately measure moisture levels. Consequently, several industry associations and companies currently are conducting research and gathering data to determine effective solutions.

When the 620,000-square-foot EPDM membrane roof system on Romeoville, Ill.-based Magid® Glove and Safety Manufacturing Co. LLC’s facility was failing, Ridgeworth Roofing Co. Inc., Frankfort, Ill., was selected to replace it. During 2016, Ridgeworth Roofing overcame safety and logistical challenges to install a new TPO membrane roof system on the facility, successfully completing Rideworth Roofing’s largest project to date.

During the past two decades, the list of codes and certification programs requiring highly reflective roof coverings has grown; many provide reflectivity requirements based on three-year-aged reflectance ratings. Results from three recent research projects conducted by the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association and NRCA reveal reflectance values for in-service roofs typically were lower than the products’ three-year-aged reflectance ratings.

Customers expect roofing contractors to be knowledgeable about available products and systems, and some likely will need your guidance to understand thermoplastic roofing materials and roof system options. You should be prepared to explain the differences between PVC and TPO roof membranes, drawbacks and common installation methods and locations to help guide your customers through their research-gathering and decision-making processes.