December 2017

When Texas A&M University's board of regents decided to invest $135 million to transform the university's Corps of Cadets' Quad in 2015, Absolute Roofing and Waterproofing, Frisco, Texas, was selected to install roof systems on 12 dorms. During the two-year project, Absolute Roofing and Waterproofing overcame material, safety and logistical challenges to successfully complete the project in June.

Made from recycled waste plastics, new synthetic additives in some asphalt and adhesive roofing products can improve roof system performance and benefit the environment. Products with the synthetic additives were tested, and results indicate the products hold their shape better, are more resilient and have higher force ductility values, as well as help decrease the amount of material sent to landfills.

For more than a decade, NRCA and the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association have worked together to improve roofing torch safety through the Certified Roofing Torch Applicator (CERTA) program. The CERTA program teaches roofing workers how to safely use roof torching equipment, proper roof system design, material selection and construction details to help reduce the number of roofing torch-related fires.

The International Code Council has published revised editions of its model codes, and many contain changes that affect roof assemblies. Roofing contractors should familiarize themselves with changes to the International Building Code,^® International Energy Conservation Code,^® International Fire Code^® and International Plumbing Code^® before local, county and state governments begin adopting the updated codes in 2018.

Since 1996, The Roofing Industry Alliance for Progress has been dedicated to helping advance the industry through initiatives such as funding relevant research and organizing awards programs to recognize industry workers' excellence. The Alliance's most recent initiatives include partnering Alliance and NRCA members with Ronald McDonald House Charities houses to complete much-needed roofing work and establishing a planned giving opportunity.