November 2017

Most of the more than 8 million tons of roofing waste generated annually in the U.S. is sent to landfills. As landfill tipping fees rise, roofing contractors are recognizing the benefits of restoring roof systems or recycling roofing waste. Roof system restoration and recycling helps contractors please environmentally conscious customers and comply with mandatory landfill diversion requirements in some cities.

Building owners who desire the addition of sustainable attributes for their buildings often select vegetative roof systems. The most recent edition of The NRCA Vegetative Roof Systems Manual—Third Edition contains important updates for roofing professionals who install vegetative roof systems, including revised waterproofing membrane recommendations, expansion of structural roof deck information, and updated standards and codes references.

The new Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha aims to transform the way cancer is diagnosed and treated. Tasked with installing types of six roof systems on 14 roof areas atop the center, Scott Enterprises Inc., Omaha, overcame inclement weather and challenging material staging conditions to help complete the revolutionary cancer treatment facility.

The environment in which a roof system will be exposed is an important consideration in roof system design. Built-up roofing, or a polymer-modified bitumen or single-ply roof membrane can prematurely age when there is not chemical compatibility with its surroundings. Rooftop exhaust, prior roof systems and the rooftop activities of other trades all can affect whether a roof system functions properly.

Indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts with the federal government present a revenue opportunity for roofing contractors. An IDIQ contract is used for multiple projects--the quantity, cost and other details are not specified at the time of the contract award, but beyond a specified minimum and maximum amount for services and supplies, the government can reward quality contractors with additional projects.