By Dani Sheehan.

Deliver unmatched quality in every commercial roof restoration by partnering with a manufacturer known for exceptional technical expertise and innovation.

According to Everest Systems, every successful roof restoration hinges on three critical factors: the right products, the right specifications and the right contractor. Everest Systems has built its reputation by excelling in each of these areas, particularly through its commitment to partnering with top-tier coating restoration contractors nationwide.

Partnering with a manufacturer like Everest Systems offers numerous advantages. Their Certified Contractor program connects you with an extensive network of certified professionals who ensure every commercial roof restoration project is executed with precision and care. Rick Murphy, technical support and specifications director for Everest Systems, emphasizes, “Using a certified Everest contractor will give [your customers] peace of mind for your project, knowing that it’s done correctly from start to finish.”

From superior products to technical support and detailed project specifications, Everest equips contractors with the tools and knowledge they need to excel. This collaborative approach guarantees exceptional outcomes but also positions you as a trusted leader in the competitive commercial roofing market.  

As this network of contractors continues to expand, now is the perfect time to explore this partnership. Whether you’re looking to grow your business, enhance your knowledge or deliver exceptional value to your customers, Everest Systems offers the resources and support to help you succeed.

Want to learn more? Everest Systems will be attending the Chicago Roofing Contractors Association (CRCA) Show, January 22-24, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois. Visit them at booth 136 to discover how you can elevate your services by partnering with Everest Systems. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with industry leaders and explore the future of commercial roof restoration.

By Dani Sheehan. 

After another season of giving, Trent Cotney shared insights on the significance of industry associations and his vision for future advancements. 

Over the last several years, RCS Influencer and partner at Adams and Reese, Trent Cotney, has made it his mission to give back to the roofing industry around the holidays by matching donations to select associations. This year, he set out to match donations made to the following organizations: Roofing Alliance, Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA), Chicago Roofing Contractors Association (CRCA) and the Davis Memorial Foundation. For the Roofing Alliance and FRSA, Trent matched his highest promised donation, and he donated $5,500 in total thanks to this generous campaign. 

Trent loves giving back to the industry that has helped him provide for his family throughout his career. He shares, “I feel like it’s an obligation for us to give back to our next generation. A lot of these charities that we’re supporting give out scholarships and the goal is to leave the world a better place than what it was when you were there.”  

The holidays may be over, but there are still ways to give back, and a great way to get involved in the industry is to join an association, whether it’s state, regional or national. As Trent explains, “Associations serve as the mouthpiece of the industry. Roofing has a variety of challenges, everything from regulatory to liability to insurance issues and it’s hard to get a lot of that stuff out to legislators or wherever it needs to go without having some sort of mouthpiece to do that.” 

Additionally, these associations help to promote and conduct research to further advance our industry. The Roofing Alliance has several ongoing projects and the FRSA Education and Research Foundation has done a variety of studies dealing with hurricane impacts and how that affects the Florida roofing industry. 

It’s an exciting time to be in the roofing industry this year. Trent talks about his anticipation for 2024: “I’m always looking at risk mitigation. What does the future look like? There’s some uncertainty there. I look out into the landscape, and I don’t know what’s over the next hill, but with that I think comes opportunity. I think roofing is on that precipice where it can take the next step. Climb that next hill and start looking into technology or sustainability and see a change in how this industry is perceived.” 

Thank you to everyone who donated this year and helped Trent give back to this incredible industry. Whether it’s donating time, money or resources, the little things throughout the year go a long way. Get involved in an association this year and see if you can feel the buzz of all the exciting possibilities in roofing too.

By Dani Sheehan. 

Tradeshow events offer the perfect opportunity to build new relationships and add skills, products or services to your business. Learn more about reflective coatings and roofing repairs at one of KARNAK’s booths. 

KARNAK, a trusted name in the industry since its founding in 1932, is your one-stop shop for all things reflective coatings and roofing repairs. Specializing in a comprehensive range of products, KARNAK has become synonymous with quality and innovation.  

This year, KARNAK is attending a few large tradeshow events across the nation. Want a chance to meet your supplier? Stop by their booth at the Chicago Roofing Contractors Association (CRCA) Tradeshow or the North/East Roofing Contractors Association (NERCA) Tradeshow for the unique opportunity to meet the minds behind these cutting-edge products. Connect with their knowledgeable team and gain insights into the latest trends, technologies and solutions in roofing and waterproofing. Whether you are an architect, specifier, contractor or distributor, KARNAK’s diverse range of products caters to your specific needs. 

But that’s not all! KARNAK will be at the 2024 International Roofing Expo (IRE) in Las Vegas, Nevada, and they have exciting things in store for attendees. Visit their booth for a chance to win a Yeti cooler through their raffle! Additionally, they will be launching a new, no-mix silicone repair sealant, further showcasing their commitment to continuous innovation and customer satisfaction. 

Tradeshows are an opportunity to elevate your business, stay ahead of industry trends and forge connections that could grow your roofing endeavors. Mark your calendar and make it a priority to visit KARNAK’s booth at one of the following events: 

• Chicago Roofing Contractors Association Tradeshow: January 17, 2024 – January 19, 2024, Booths 401 and 403 
• International Roofing Expo (IRE): February 6, 2024 – February 8, 2024, Booth 5725 
• North/East Roofing Contractors Association Tradeshow: March 12, 2024 – March 14, 2024, Booth 509

By Dani Sheehan. 

Trent Cotney will help you give back to the roofing industry by matching your donations to this incredible foundation. 

There are a number of organizations throughout the roofing industry that make it their mission to support philanthropic and humanitarian causes as well as invest in the future of roofing through research and education. This holiday season, RCS Influencer and Partner of Adams and Reese LLP, Trent Cotney wants to give back to those foundations that work so hard to make a difference. For the entire month of December, he is matching your donation to one of four foundations across the industry. Help him reach his goal of donating $10,000 ($2,500 per foundation) back to the roofing industry by giving back this season! 

One foundation on Trent’s list is the Chicago Roofing Contractors Association (CRCA) Foundation. Their mission is to advance and support the roofing, construction and waterproofing industry in the Chicago area through the funding and support of philanthropic causes, research and education. The foundation brings together leading contractors, distributors and manufacturers committed to strengthening the future of roofing. 

Since 2000, they’ve provided over $700,000 in scholarship money to assist high school students in their dreams to enter college and work toward a degree in various fields. These scholarships are awarded and renewed based on academic performance, faculty recommendation, employment or extracurricular experience and an interest in a productive career. Additionally, they’ve provided over $120,000 to research in the roofing industry and over $65,000 to philanthropic and disaster relief efforts.  

Trent stands behind this foundation and others in helping current roofing professionals further their careers and make advancements within the industry. His purpose in giving back is to give thanks to a community and profession that has taken care of him, put food on his table and continues to spark his passions. 

Double your giving all month long and support a foundation that furthers the excellence and long-term viability of the roofing industry!

By Dani Sheehan. 

Members of CRCA in Chicago, Illinois can enroll in one of two opportunities to receive three important certifications. 

Spaces are limited! You won’t want to miss these training courses offered by the Chicago Roofing Contractors Association (CRCA) Chicagoland Women in Roofing (CWIR) at the end of this month. With HERC Rentals, CRCA members can receive certifications at no cost for Mobile Elevated Work Platform, Warehouse Forklift and Rough Terrain Forklift training. Choose from training one on October 23, 2023, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., or training two on October 24, 2023, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.  

Please limit your enrollment to four individuals per company. One week before classes, CRCA will open registration to additional members and if the training fills up, there is a waitlist available. They want everyone to have a chance to attend, so please be mindful that if you are unable to attend and do not show or cancel at the last minute, there will be a fee. All three certifications are good for three years from the date of completion.  

Make sure to bring your steel toe or composite boots for the day, as well as high-visibility vests and safety glasses. Harnesses are recommended, but not required. 

These training courses are a great opportunity to increase your work portfolio and are required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) before operating machinery. You will have both written and practical training in the safe operation of scissor lift and boom lift related tasks. It’s also a great way to meet other members of CRCA and network within your community. 

Learn more about CRCA and register for training one or training two before it’s too late! 

By Karen L. Edwards, RCS Editor.  

Consider supporting an organization that gives back to the roofing industry.  

This is the time of year that many students are receiving their acceptance letters to different colleges and trade schools. Many of them may be facing challenges securing the money for tuition – especially after the economy has been so affected by the coronavirus pandemic.  

That is why our roofing industry foundations are more important than ever. This December, your gift will be multiplied through the generosity of Trent Cotney and Cotney Construction Law.  He is matching donations to the following four industry foundations up to $2,500 total: 

• Chicago Roofing Contractors Association - CRCA Foundation 

• Florida Roofing & Sheet Metal Contractors Association - FRSA Educational & Research Foundation 

• Roofing Alliance - Melvin Kruger Endowed Scholarship Program 

• Western States Roofing Contractors Association - Davis Memorial Foundation 

Tune into the December 17 Coffee Conversations at 6 am PT/ 9 am ET as Heidi and Trent discuss this giving back initiative.  

If monetary donations are not possible this year, another way to give back is through the materials you purchase and the suppliers where you purchase those materials. Many of our manufacturers and suppliers have foundations that give back to the community or provide scholarships to help support the future of the industry.  

For example, SOPREMA is a leading manufacturer of commercial roofing, waterproofing, wall protection and civil engineering solutions and they set aside $20,000 each year to award $5,000 scholarships to students pursuing careers in construction, architecture, engineering or similar fields.  Their application period is open now through March 31.   

If you are not sure how your manufacturers or distributors support the future of the industry, be sure to ask your sales representative. It’s important that the businesses that make their profits from the roofing industry give some of those dollars back to support the future of the industry and to make our communities stronger.  

Some RCS partners who have formalized giving programs include: 

• Beacon Building Products Beacon of Hope Program 

• GAF Roofs for Troops 

• Owens Corning Roof Deployment Program 

• SRS Distribution’s Raise the Roof Foundation 

As you look ahead into 2021, it's important to think about how you can make a difference for others and for our industry.  

Stay up to date with the latest roofing industry news when you sign up for the RCS Week in Roofing e-news.  

By Karen L. Edwards, RCS Editor.

NRCA is supporting a proposal from Standard Industries for tax incentives to stimulate demand for construction.

Standard Industries, the parent company of GAF, is proposing that the federal government consider a 30 percent federal tax credit for the cost of improvements to residential and commercial buildings. National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) said they believe that the “proposal could be particularly beneficial to the roofing and construction industries to the extent that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to put pressure on homeowners and commercial building owners to delay and cancel construction projects in the medium and long-term.” 

The construction industry employs 10 million workers and generates $450 billion in wages every year. The proposed 30 percent tax credits would deliver urgently needed relief to the industry and to the workers whose livelihood is tied to the construction industry.

An overview of the issue provided by Standard Industries shares that homes represent 50 percent of total household assets in the United States and 65 percent of Americans are homeowners. Many residential projects have been delayed or stopped due to the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis. With record unemployment, owners are reluctant to undertake home improvement projects. The proposal overview states that "helping Americans make needed and valuable repairs to their homes is more important than ever.”

Businesses are also being forced to make changes in order to follow recommended Centers for Disease Control guidelines in order to open and operate safely. It’s more important than ever that Americans feel they have a safe home and a secure job that is following social distancing and has implemented to needed safety improvements.

A letter being sent to key members of Congress along with President Trump, says that “proposed tax credits serve as an opportunity to counter this devastation, improving individual prosperity and supporting the economic recovery.”

Standard Industries along with the following industry organizations have signed the letter:

• National Roofing Contractors Association

• Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association

• Atlas Roofing Corporation

• Beacon Building Products

• Building Suppliers Corporation

• Cellulose Insulation Manufacturers Association

• Chemical Fabrics & Film Association

• Chicago Roofing Contractors Association

• Colorado Roofing Association

• EPDM Roofing Association

• Firestone Building Products

• GAF

• International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants

• Johns Manville

• Kansas Roofing Association

• Kentucky Roofing Contractors Association

• Metal Construction Association

• Mid-States Asphalt

• National Insulation Association

• North Texas Roofing Contractors Association

• Owens Corning

• Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association

• Roofing Contractors Association of Hawaii

• Roofing Contractors Association of Washington

• Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association

• SPRI

• SOPREMA

• Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance

• SRS Distribution

• TAMKO Building Products LLC

• Tarco Roofing

• US GreenFiber LLC

It is our hope at RCS that our administration steps up to support this proposed legislation. If you want to make a difference, reach out to your representatives in Congress to share your concerns.

View the complete letter to the president here.

By Lauren White, RCS Reporter.

January 15 through 17, 2020, attend seminars, meet with over 150 manufacturers and suppliers, and learn about the latest in roofing and waterproofing products and technologies. 

Save the date for January 15-17, 2020!  The Chicago Roofing Contractors Association (CRCA) will be hosting the 37th annual CRCA Tradeshow and Seminars at Drury Lane Conference Center in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois.  Since 1983, CRCA has worked hard to help roofers and waterproofers expand their knowledge in technology, safety, product, and service enhancements.  

This three-day event provides a professional learning environment with demonstrations, educational seminars, and new products.  Whether you’re a roofing and waterproofing contractor, architect, specifier, roof consultant, or building official, everyone will find something of interest at the CRCA Tradeshow and Seminars.

The show opens Wednesday, January 15 with seminars on mentorship and marketing.  End the day with the Roofing Week in Chicago Kick-Off Welcome Reception. On Thursday you won’t want to miss the popular Roofing Industry Breakfast.  Make sure you pre-register to secure your spot!

Seminars on Thursday and Friday will touch on: steep slope safety, building envelope discussions, crisis management, safety, talent acquisition, dealing with the new cannabis laws, and roofing technical issues.  

In the exhibit hall, you’ll have access to over 150 manufacturers and suppliers that will be showcasing the newest roofing and waterproofing products and technologies.  On Thursday afternoon and Friday, the exhibit hall and seminars are all FREE!  

“The CRCA Trade Show Committee’s goal is to offer educational resources for attendees to develop top-level practices which will ultimately provide building owners and managers the best roofing, waterproofing, insulation and air barrier installation that can be found,” shared Mark Duffy, 2020 CRCA President.  

Not only does the CRCA Tradeshow and Seminars provide industry-specific education to attendees, but it also, “provides continuing education learning units for attendees to maintain professional certification,” according to Mark Duffy.

Make sure you visit our RoofersCoffeeShop® partners:

Booth 1, Lobby | National Roofers Contractors Association (NRCA) - http://www.nrca.net/ 

Booth 5, 6 | GAF - www.gaf.com 

Booth 7 | Beacon Roofing Supply, Commercial Division - www.beaconroofingsupply.com

Booth 25 | Duro-Last Roofing Inc. - duro-last.com

Booth 30 | The Estimating Edge - www.estimatingedge.com/

Booth 110 | BITEC, Inc - http://www.bi-tec.com/index2.html 

Booth 111 | Leister Technologies - https://www.leister.com/en

Booth 202 | SOPREMA - soprema.us/

Booth 209 | Geocel - https://www.geocelusa.com/

Booth 212 | USG Securock RFG Solutions - https://www.usg.com/

Booth 214 | A.C.T. Metal Deck Supply – www.metaldecksupply.com

Booth 304 | DECRA Metal Roofing - https://www.decra.com/

Booth 310 | McElroy Metal - https://www.mcelroymetal.com/

Booth 410 | TAMKO Building Products - https://www.tamko.com/ 

Booth 501, 503 | Karnak Corporation - www.karnakcorp.com/

Booth 700, 701 | Beacon Roofing Supply, Residential Division - www.beaconroofingsupply.com 

Booth 709 | Titebond - http://www.titebond.com/

Booth 718 | CertainTeed Roofing - https://www.certainteed.com/ 

Booth 802 | Cotney Construction Law, LLP - https://trentcotney.com/ 

Booth 814 | GCP Applied Technologies - https://gcpat.com/en

Three RCS partners are also sponsoring the show.  Make sure you stop by and visit with Cotney Construction Law, Beacon Roofing, and ACT Metal Deck Supply.

Don’t miss out, register now!  Check here for all the CRCA show details.