July 2017

The roofing industry is known as a high-risk segment of the construction market because of its associated fall risks, potential for fire-related injuries and other hazards, but suicide annually kills nearly three times as many roofing workers as falls. Employers can help protect employees by incorporating mental health awareness and suicide prevention into daily safety practices.

NRCA's fourth annual Children's Art Contest received 30 submissions from children in grades 1-8 who are related to NRCA members and their employees. Co-sponsored by A.C.T. Metal Deck Supply, Aurora, Ill., the contest was conducted as part of NRCA's National Roofing Week held June 4-10. More than 900 votes were cast online in May to determine the three contest winners.

During Groton School's multiyear renovation project, Mahan Slate Roofing Co. Inc., Agawam, Mass., was tasked with restoring the school’s bell tower. During the renovation process, Mahan Slate Roofing faced challenges staging the bell tower, replicating copper work and restoring the clockworks and bell while ensuring historical accuracy. Mahan Slate Roofing successfully overcame all difficulties to complete the project on time and on budget.

A roofing contractor's commercial general liability insurance policy applies to a claim alleging defective workmanship if the claim includes property damage other than the roof but does not apply when a claim only seeks replacement or repairs to the roof. Roofing contractors may benefit from CNA's errors and omissions liability coverage, which covers repairs or replacement of roofs caused by the contractor's defective workmanship.

Every roofing company spends time measuring, estimating and ordering materials. Integrating technology into everyday practices can help save time, reduce costs, obtain more business and gain a competitive edge. Aerial imagery, material ordering systems and drones are among the technological advances available to roofing contractors.