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News Archives
GE Money and Certainteed Construct New Consumer Finance Program 8/18 GE Money today announced a multi-year agreement with CertainTeed, North America’s leading manufacturer of interior and exterior building products, to provide consumer financing through select contractors nationwide. (more) Roofing Material Price Gouging? 8/18 Valley man says stores are taking advantage of hurricane victims. (more) Giant Retailers Look to Sun for Energy Savings 8/15 Retailers are typically obsessed with what to put under their roofs, not on them. Yet the nation’s biggest store chains are coming to see their immense, flat roofs as an untapped resource. (more) Companies Take Lead in Assimilation Efforts 8/14 Business leaders hope to counter criticism that immigrants steal jobs and burden public services by highlighting the contributions they make to the U.S. (more) U.S. Department of Labor’s OSHA focuses special emphasis program on construction safety in Kansas 8/14 The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) today announced the start of a local emphasis program in Kansas aimed at reducing workplace hazards on residential and commercial construction sites. (more) House passes bill to extend E-Verify 8/13 The measure, introduced in July, recognizes that the federal government must develop a mandatory system of employee identification within five years or less that operates uniformly across all 50 states. (more) Ansell Sponsors Workplace Safety-Focused Online Community for PPE Industry 8/12 The Online Safety Community is a free social network where PPE professionals can meet, share ideas and work together to pioneer new ways of making workplaces safer and more productive. (more) Follansbee Project Wins Best Metal Roofing Award 8/11 Follansbee(R) Honored by Metal Architecture Magazine - Lewis Walpole Library Receives "Best Metal Roofing" Design Award (more) 'Green' building codes sprout up across USA 8/7 As energy costs rise, more states and cities are adopting policies that encourage or require new construction to be energy-efficient. (more) Insurer FM Global Rated #1 for Overall Product and Service Quality 8/6 The findings come just a few months after Euromoney magazine released research recognizing FM Global as the “Best Property Insurer in the World.” (more) Illinois workplace safety and health day aims to protect employees 8/5 In conjunction with the safety day, OSHA will co-sponsor the 2nd Annual SHARP/VPP conference on September 17 and 18. (more) Tile Roofing Institute Launches “Go Green” Campaign 8/4 New Program Highlight’s Natural Energy-Saving Benefits of Concrete and Clay Tile Roofs (more) Missouri: CDL tests must be taken in English 8/1 As part of a crackdown on illegal immigration, new laws in the state of Missouri require that commercial driver license (CDL) tests be given in English with no translation assistance. (more) Michican Company recycles roof shingles into Roads 7/31 Crutchall one of two companies in Michigan to recycle roof shingles for roads, parking lots (more) Firestone Building Products Announces Manufacturing Personnel Changes 7/30 “We are pleased to welcome Bill, Norm, Tige and David to their new roles within Firestone, as their years of industry experience will no doubt help them excel in their responsibilities,” said Mike Gorey, president of Firestone and chairman, CEO, and president of Bridgestone Firestone Diversified Products (more) Shingle Eater, Inc. Adds New Tear-off and Demolition Tools 7/29 Shingle Eater, Inc., nationally recognized as the manufacturer of the most dependable shingle removal tools on the market, announces the addition of two new patented tools. (more) The Low-Slope Captured About Half of the US Roofing Market in 2007 7/28 Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "US Roofing Market: An Analysis" report to their offering. (more) NAHB Slams New Ergonomic Standard Over Flawed Process 7/25 Impractical Construction Methods and Lack of Safety Guidelines Cited (more) Immigration issue may stay stalled 7/24 Kansas legislators talked tough about immigration reforms before the last session started. But in the end, they couldn't agree on any. (more) New Product Release: Zero V.O.C. Interior Ceramic Paint 7/24 It is formulated with ceramic fillers,giving it excellent high insulating and soundproofing characteristics along with a uniform, easy to apply, hide latex finish. (more) Regulatory Alert: July 24 Federal Minimum Wage Increase 7/23 Effective July 24, 2008, the federal minimum wage increases from $5.85 to $6.55 per hour. (more) S-5! Clamps Used in Googleplex Solar Installation 7/23 Roofing clamps produced by Colorado Springs company S-5! were chosen for what may be the largest corporate campus solar panel installation in the United States or even in the world. (more) Talk about prices hitting the roof... 7/22 "We have to charge our customers more because the materials are costing a lot more now" (more) Green Roofs - What are They and How Do They Work? 7/21 Landscape architects have developed so-called “green roofs,” which utilize living plant matter and soil on top of a building in order to absorb, collect and reuse rainwater while preventing run-off. (more) Flexible, Durable Roof Patching From Republic’s Geogard® Seam Sealer 7/18 GEOGARD Seam Sealer works on a wide range of substrates, including metal, weathered single-ply, built-up, modified bitumen, polyurethane foam and concrete. (more) New EPA campaign encourages cell phone recycling 7/17 EPA launched the campaign because many consumers still do not know where or how they can recycle their unwanted cell phones. (more) William Buckley passed away 
7/16 William "Bill" Buckley, 1957 President of the MRCA, passed away on July 12, 2008. (more) SMRCA Announces Scholarship Winners 7/15 Applicatants were asked to submit an essay describing, “How Important is the Roofing Industry?” to the Joint Union/Contractor Scholarship Committee. (more) TAMKO Products Featured on Coastal Living Idea Cottage 7/14 Second Consecutive Year for TAMKO Products to be Featured (more) Grainger Offers Hurricane Preparedness Guide 7/11 Grainger, a leading distributor of facilities maintenance supplies, has created a 12-page Hurricane Preparedness Guide. (more) Confidence drops as economy seen as worsening 7/10 The confidence of small-business owners dropped in the past month as rising prices cut into profits, according to a new Discover survey. (more) House Passes Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments 7/9 This bill specifically rejects the erroneous Supreme Court decisions that have reduced the protections for people with disabilities under the ADA, restoring original Congressional intent. (more) U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA chief encourages safe cleanup effort 7/8 Cleanup after severe weather is dangerous and may create safety hazards for employees. There are ways to stay safe. (more) SRS Acquisitions Wilson Wholesale Supply Company, Inc. 7/5 SRS Acquisition Corporation (“SRS” or “the Company”) announced today that it has recently signed a letter of intent to acquire Wilson Wholesale Supply Company, Inc. (“Wilson”), a leading distributor of roofing and other building products in the Chicago market. (more) Contractors, suppliers lament spike in cost of some materials 7/4 What should be a banner year for roofing contractors is turning into a battle to keep up with rising costs of materials and building supplies. (more) SRS Announces Acquisition of Roofing Distributor, Southern Shingles, L.P. 7/4 Southern Shingles has developed a strong local brand that SRS will continue to use locally as it builds on this platform for growth in the Texas market. (more) NRCA and MCA to hold joint meeting 7/3 The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) will hold a regional meeting in conjunction with The Metal Construction Association's (MCA's) 2008 semi-annual meeting in Anchorage, Alaska, July 29-31. (more) Local construction, roofing businesses eyeing feds' immigration team cautiously 7/2 A fugitive enforcement team that will track down undocumented workers who miss court dates will call Waco home beginning in mid-August — and local employers are wondering if this seven-member squad will come knocking on their doors. (more) Construction materials costs go through roof 7/1 A combination of soaring global demand and high energy prices has caused construction material prices to explode for both commercial and residential builders. (more) Hub grows green roof study 6/30 The Boston city is commissioning a $50,000 study to determine guidelines, requirements and a cost-benefit analysis for creating green roofs on existing municipal buildings, including schools, and new construction projects. (more) Pfister Energy Leads the Way in Solar Roofing 6/27 Pfister Energy was the company that installed one of the first solar-integrated roofs in the United States five years ago (more) SPRI/ORNL begin phase-two of metal fastener corrosion study 6/26 SPRI has advanced to the second phase of a test program to determine the potential for various types of wood preservatives to cause corrosion of metal components in low-slope roofing systems. (more) GE Energy, GAF Materials Corporation Form Alliance to Bring Solar Energy to Homes and Businesses 6/25 GE Energy and GAF now offer customers one-stop shopping for new roofs and solar electric systems. (more) U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA unveils new flood and tornado cleanup and recovery Web page 6/25 Employers and employees involved in cleanup and recovery activities following the Midwest floods and tornadoes will benefit from a new Web page at www.dol.gov posted by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). (more) New Metal-Era Website Launched 6/24 New website offers resources & tools to industry professionals. (more) PSI Promotes and Hires! 6/23 Professional Service Industries, Inc. (PSI) is a leading independent engineering and testing firm and one of the largest consulting engineering firms in North America (more) ABC Supply Co. Inc. Names 11 New Managing Partners 6/19 Founded in 1982, ABC Supply is the largest wholesale distributor of roofing in the United States and one of the nation’s largest distributors of siding, windows and other select exterior building products. (more) Damar Truck Deck Introduces Workman Series 6/18 Transform Your Work Truck Bed into the Ultimate Storage System (more) CDC report: Hispanic workers at elevated risk of injury, death 6/17 Contributors to the high risk of injury death for Hispanic workers include work in riskier jobs, inadequate control of recognized safety hazards, and inadequate training and supervision of workers (more) CertainTeed Corporation Supports Habitat for Humanity’s 2008 Home Builders Blitz 6/16 As a national partner for the project, CertainTeed is donating roofing, vinyl and fiber cement siding, insulation and gypsum wallboard products. (more) The Alliance releases ergonomics report 6/13 The report focuses on ergonomics, the science of fitting workplace conditions and physical demands to a work force's physical capabilities. (more) Property Managers and Owners Now Can Use 6/12 Thermo-Gel spray-on fireproofing is easy to use on buildings and foliage And is safe for the environment (more) NAHB Releases Essential Accounting Tool for Housing Industry 6/11 This easy-to-read manual explains basic principles for processing financial data, whether builders are doing it themselves or using an outside firm. (more) Aspen Contracting to use EagleView Measurements Technology in measuring roofs 6/10 Aspen Contracting constantly strives to improve its business practices through the use of technology. (more) AIA, SFAA and NASBP Announce Revision to A312-1984 Performance Bond and Payment Bond 6/9 The revision provides an interim response to surety concerns that the Payment Bond has been incorrectly interpreted in the courts. (more) MRCA Member, D.C. Taylor, Announces Safety & Sales Awards 6/6 D.C. Taylor Co., a commercial and industrial roofing contractor, announced its 2007 Employee Safety Awards at D.C. Taylor Co.’s Annual Team Dinner (more) GAF kicks off grand opening of Texas TPO facility 6/5 Located approximately 50 miles north of Dallas, the 185,000-square-foot facility is strategically positioned to provide TPO membrane and accessory products in the western and southern TPO markets. (more) SPRI releases final report on Thermal Performance of Ballast Study 6/4 SPRI released a report on "Evaluating the Energy Performance of Ballasted Roof Systems" (more) Hurricane Season Begins - Get Serious, Be Prepared 6/3 Hurricane Season 2008 began June 1st, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) wants residents living in hurricane prone areas to get serious and be prepared now. (more) Officials: Roofers started Universal Studios fire 6/3 Workers using a blowtorch on the roof of a movie set building facade at Universal Studios accidentally set a huge fire that swept through the back lot, fire officials said Monday. (more) Custom-Bilt Metals Supports Local Character 6/2 Neoclassical edifice receives Custom-Bilt Metals Vail Majestic Copper shingles; solid copper to last through the 21st century (more) Insurer FM Global Makes Its Premium Risk Prevention Data Available at No Cost 5/30 Release of unique source of property protection information reflects changing global risk environment (more) Stevens Announces Price Increases for Roofing Membrane Products 5/29 According to Peter Kesser, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, “We are under pressure to react to feedstock price increases for our raw materials, which are rising proportionately with global crude oil & derivatives … (more) New-Home Sales Up in April Following Downward Revision in March 5/28 "We still need a great deal of help from the Administration and Capitol Hill to halt the downward trends in home sales and house prices that are producing such a drag on our nation's economy and disrupting financial markets." (more) George H. Miller, FAIA, Elected 2010 AIA President 5/27 Hainsfurther and Loeffelman elected as new vice presidents; Loos elected secretary (more) New Member Spotlight: Aspen Contracting, Inc. 5/26 Barely two years old, MRCA member Aspen Contracting, Inc. is on track to post $50 million in sales during 2008. (more) Gypsum Wallboard from CertainTeed among Building Materials Donated to St. Jude Dream Home® 5/23 The St. Jude Dream Home® in Hurricane, W. Va., is home to the first drywall ever manufactured at the new CertainTeed Gypsum Plant in nearby Moundsville, W. Va. (more) GSA Announces New Office of Federal High-Performance Green Buildings 5/22 This newly created office will work in conjunction with the Department of Energy's office that will have a similar responsibility for commercial buildings. (more) Greenest Building on the Planet Honored on Earth Day 5/21 Leopold Center's low-carbon, high-efficiency design wins national honor for Cedarburg architecture firm on Earth Day. (more) Local builder turns green to jump-start business 5/20 Sometimes, “going green” is just good for business (more) In wake of twister, Kansas town is rebuilding green 5/19 The city's rebuilding process may not only re-invent Greensburg but provide a model for "green" building everywhere. (more) A.R.E. Offers Total Truck Bed Solutions 5/16 Truck Caps, Accessories Turn Pickups into Economic Alternatives for Fleet Owners (more) OSHA schedules meeting of the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health 5/15 The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has scheduled a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health (ACCSH) for May 15-16, 2008, in Washington, D.C. (more) Commercial Products Group Receives Award of Excellence 5/14 “This is quite an honor”, said Steimle, “when you consider that Tomkins has 45 building products manufacturing locations in North America." (more) Postal Rates Go Up 5/12 On May 12, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will adjust prices for mailing services — First-Class Mail, Standard Mail, Periodicals, Package Services, and Special Services. The average increase by class of mail is at or below the rate of inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index. (more) 2008 CERTA program safety practices 5/9 NRCA and CNA Insurance Cos. have revised the NRCA/MRCA Certified Roofing Torch Applicator (CERTA) program safety practices to reflect current roofing products available and application procedures for torch-applied roofing materials. (more) Shepherd Color Introduces Black 30C933 Stir-in Pigment 5/8 Black 30933 is CI Pigment Black 26. Typical applications include liquid and powder coatings, silicate and masonry coatings and radiation cured coatings. (more) Credit Tightening on Builder Loans Threatens to Prolong Housing Downturn 5/7 The mortgage credit crunch has spilled over into the housing production loan market, threatening to prolong the current housing downturn, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) told Congress today. (more) Builders Lead the Way in Energy Efficient Housing, Congress Told 5/6 NAHB told Congress on April 24th that the best way to help small home builders promote residential energy efficiency and sustainability technology in home construction is by extending tax incentives for new energy-efficient homes. (more) Hard times for contractors soften bids, towns learn 5/5 "Because the housing market is down so bad, the residential guys are bidding the commercial work at residential pricing," (more) EPDM group champions recycling 5/2 During the past 18 months, the EPDM Roofing Association (ERA) has been conducting research into the possible recycling of its product. (more) SpectraROOF complete range of roofing 5/1 SpectraROOF has added a complete suite of system accessories to compliment its range of advanced polymeric single ply membranes. (more) SPRI Elects Hickman as President for 2008-2009 Term 4/30 Hickman is Chairman of the Board of W.P. Hickman Company, a roof accessories manufacturer headquartered in Asheville, N.C. (more) U.S. Labor Department kicks off youth job safety campaign on TODAY show 4/29 Safety and health events, activities planned nationwide (more) Home Owner Update: Choosing the Right Roofer to do the Job 4/28 Hail damage will not ruin your home overnight, but being hasty selecting a roofer can. (more) Missouri driving school owner, director guilty of CDL testing fraud 4/25 The Missouri DOR has cancelled or suspended all the CDLs issued in the case and retested all the CDL holders that were processed through the two men involved in this investigation. (more) OSHA launches alliance with Roofing Contractors Association and Roofers' Local #30 4/24 Goal is to promote safety and health for employees in local roofing industry (more) Nation now in Mild Recession, says NAHB Cheif Economist 4/23 The deepening slump in the nation's housing markets has seriously eroded consumer sentiment and pushed the economy into a mild recession. (more) Take Steps to Save Energy on Earth Day (April 22) 4/22 How will you celebrate Earth Day? Here are a few Energy Saving Steps courtesy of NAHB. (more) EPA issues new rules for lead-safe work practices 4/21 To further protect children from exposure to lead-based paint, EPA is issuing new rules for contractors who renovate or repair housing, child-care facilities, or schools built before 1978. (more) Training and safety rules reduce the risk of a job hazard in construction 4/18 "Quick is good, but being safe and accurate is better," he said. "I always tell them to slow down, get it right." (more) DHS extends training period for qualified F-1 non-immigrant students 4/17 The U.S. Department of Homeland Security released an interim final rule extending the period of Optional Practical Training (OPT) from 12 to 29 months for qualified F-1 non-immigrant students. (more) New Leadership takes helm at Performance Roof Systems, Inc. Manufacturing Company 4/16 PRS announced that Bob Seeley has been selected as President and CEO in charge of the U.S. operations, effective March 4, 2008. (more) ABC Supply Co. Inc. Repeats as Gallup Great Workplace Award Winner 4/15 For the second consecutive year, ABC Supply Co. Inc. has been honored with a Gallup Great Workplace Award. The company is one of only 20 worldwide to receive the 2008 award. (more) 2008 Regional Conference Series Heads to Kansas City The second of three regional conferences heads to the Kansas City area on May 7th. Education sessions, tabletop displays, networking and prizes will all be part of the event to be held at the overland park Convention Center on May 7th. Register now! New HILTI TE 2 Rotary Hammer Drills Make Quick Work of Concrete 4/14 Built to withstand harsh jobsite conditions, the powerful new Hilti TE 2 Rotary Hammer Drills efficiently transform 650 watts of motor power into superior drilling performance. (more) CSI Releases Draft of UniFormat for Public Comment 4/11 The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) has released the first draft of a revision to the 1998 version of UniFormat for public comment. The construction community is invited to comment on the draft. All comments received before June 15, 2008 will be considered by the UniFormat Task Team. (more) Birdair Offers Fabric Membrane Cool Roof Opportunities 4/10 Achieving cool roof status is becoming more desirable in the roofing industry; it has been a trend for the last five years and is even required in numerous states in order to comply with energy codes. (more) CSI to Elevate Nine Members to Fellowship 4/9 Fellows are nominated by their colleagues and selected by CSI’s Jury of Fellows in recognition of their accomplishments in advancing construction technology, improving construction specifications, educating people in the construction industry or advancing the goals of the Institute. (more) Sika Sarnafil Presents Project of the Year Awards 4/8 Twelve contractors were recognized for outstanding workmanship in completing a recent project utilizing a Sika Sarnafil thermoplastic membrane for roofing or waterproofing applications. (more) MRCA Welcomes New Members! 4/7/2008 MRCA would like to give a warm welcome to Mastercraft Exterors! Mastercraft Exteriors has offices in Illinois, North Dakota, Minnesota, Indiana, Kentucky and Wisconsin. OSHA seeks applications for $6.7 million in new safety and health training grants 4/4 OSHA awards funds to nonprofit organizations to provide training and education programs for employers and employees on safety and health topics selected by OSHA. (more) OSHA Implements RSS Feeds for its Communications Products 4/3 The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has implemented Really Simple Syndication (RSS) Feeds to provide OSHA customers a personal, direct channel for receiving the latest news and information from the OSHA Web site. (more) Worker Faces Charges in Co-Worker's Fall 4/3 (Quad City Times) An employee for a local roofing company is facing federal charges, (more) Addressing consumer concerns about climate change 4/2 Business executives are catching up with consumers in expressing concern about global warming and other environmental issues, two global surveys indicate. (more) ABC Supply Co. Inc. Repeats as Gallup Great Workplace Award Winner 4/1 For the second consecutive year, ABC Supply Co. Inc. has been honored with a Gallup Great Workplace Award. The company is one of only 20 worldwide to receive the 2008 award. (more) Seeking Quality MRCA Member Project Photos for MRCA Directory The MRCA directory is now sent to architects, consultants and others in the industry community. Expanding the circulation of the directory provides a clear value for members. We're looking for quality project photos to use in this year's directory. Email us for more information... deadline is April 18th! CertainTeed Swiftstart™ Speeds Installations for Roofing Contractors 3/31 Swiftstart exceeds the minimum 2-inch headlap requirement for metric shingles – an advantage that many competitors do not offer, and also features precision sealant for proper sealing at the eaves. (more) MRCA Foundation Scholarship The deadline is June 20th! Click for more information now! American Societ of Safety Engineers offer Key Crane Safety Info 3/28 The NCCCO certification process has been accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. (more) TAMKO Opens New Warehouse in South Carolina 3/27 The new warehouse is a full-service facility with the ability to handle customer pick-ups as well as full truckload shipments. (more) Firestone Metal Products Celebrates Grand Opening of New South Florida Plant 3/26 New Miramar facility provides room for growth and strategic location (more) CertainTeed Extends LongTerm Weather Exposure Warranty for GlasRoc® Embedded Glass Reinforced Gypsum 3/25 Designed to cut like regular gypsum board, GlasRoc is lightweight for ease of installation. (more) Jacobus Bus ATAS Founder Passes Away 3/24 Jacobus "Jack" P. Bus, founder of ATAS International Inc., died on Jan. 27, 2008. He was 80 years old (more) Englert and Soprema Announce Alliance 3/21 Englert Inc. and SOPREMA Inc. (USA) have announced a strategic alliance to cross sell each other’s product lines and to offer a single-source warranty that will cover all roofing systems sold and distributed by both companies. (more) TRI Offers Contractors Certification Programs 3/20 The TRI Certification Programs address broad-based tile roofing practices and techniques that impact estimating, planning and execution of commercial and residential projects. (more) Latest Solar Cells Look Like Regular Roof Shingles 3/19 Increasing numbers of people are putting their roofs to work generating electricity. And that does not necessarily mean installing unsightly steel-and-glass solar energy modules. (more) Mule-Hide® Adds CA Title 24-Compliant KoolCap™ to Self-Adhering Mod Bit Line 3/18 Bright White Granules Deliver Long-Lasting Cool Roof Performance (more) Step closer to single voice for roofing in UK 3/17 Following discussions between the Flat Roofing Alliance and The National Federation of Roofing Contractors, a small informal working body titled the Joint Roofing Council has been formed. (more) Industry Groups Seek to Kill Ozone Rules 3/14 Groups representing utilities, manufacturers and many other industries are making a last-minute push to persuade the Bush administration to drop proposed new air-quality standards for ozone (more) Simple Steps Can Keep Local Governments In Compliance With Fair Housing Act 3/13 Settlement in South Carolina Case Shows Need for Caution (more) Report highlights decades-long cutbacks at OSHA 3/12 OMB Watch concludes that even if a new administration chooses to make worker safety a priority and revitalize OSHA management, resource constraints will still present a challenge. (more) Few workplaces define ‘diversity’ within managing efforts 3/11 The good news from the 2007 State of Workplace Diversity Management Report is evidence of greater awareness of diversity in a general sense. (more) Firestone contributes $1 million to NRCA's new organization 3/10 The donation was made without strict limitations tied to it. A Firestone Building Products representative will serve on the center's board of directors. (more) OSHA announces new combustible dust safety and health topics Web page 3/7 Topics Web page to help employers address hazardous combustible dust and provide recommendations to prevent and control these hazards. (more) Regional Conference Registration Now Open 3/7 Register Online for the St. Charles (St. Louis area) regional conference today! ICC to Develop Green Building Certification 3/6 The International Code Council will unveil a certification program to ensure that code officials understand the application of green building technologies. (more) NRCA president testifies before House committee 3/5 Robert P. Daly Jr., president of Kaw Roofing & Sheet Metal Inc., Kansas City, Kan., testified before the House Committee on Small Business regarding the growing paperwork burden imposed on small businesses by government regulation. (more) CertaSpec™ Software by CertainTeed Speeds Specification of Steep- and Low-Slope Roofing 3/4 A valuable, new spec-writing tool is available to help roofing professionals and specifiers quickly write steep- and low-slope roofing specifications for job submittal packages (more) Bradco Supply marks the end of one era as it begins a new one 3/3 Barry Segal, founder and CEO of Bradco Supply, has officially announced his retirement. (more) NRCA forms new organization 2/29 NRCA has established the Center for Environmental Innovation in Roofing. (more) LiveRoof, LLC Announces Co-Marketing Arrangement With Firestone Building Products 2/28 "We are excited to be teaming up with the Firestone sales network of independent sales representatives and expect our relationship to be mutually beneficial in a number of ways.” (more) Will Flourscent Lime Green be the New Black? 2/28 Under the new regulations, virtually all workers whose jobs take them within the right-of-way of any Federal-aid highway will be required to wear high-visibility clothes in compliance with the ANSI/ISEA 107-2004 standard for safety apparel. (more) MRCA T and R committee member Rob Therrien named as 2008-09 NRCA president 2/27 - Robert W. Therrien Jr. elected 2008-09 president of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) during NRCA's 121st Annual Convention held Feb. 19-23. (more) Rene Dupuis receives NRCA's J.A. Piper Award 
2/27 MRCA Technical Advisor Rene Dupuis was named the 61st recipient of NRCA's J. A. Piper Award during NRCA's 121st Annual Convention held Feb. 19-23. (more) Cutting Performance that outlasts HILTI WSR 1000 Reciprocating Saw 2/27 Delivering high productivity with less weight, the Hilti WSR 1000 Reciprocating Saw offers quality and productivity in a slim, lightweight package (more) Rene Dupuis receives NRCA's J.A. Piper Award
2/28 Rene Dupuis, presdient of SRI Consultants Inc., Middleton, Wisc., was named the 61st recipient of NRCA's J. A. Piper Award during NRCA's 121st Annual Convention held Feb. 19-23. Business to face higher fines for hiring illegal immigrants 2/26 The government said Friday that it will soon increase fines against employers who hire illegal immigrants by 25 percent, the first increase in almost a decade. (more) New law will spur investment in the roofing industry 2/25 The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) commends President Bush for signing into law H.R. 5140, the Recovery Rebates and Economic Stimulus for the American People Act of 2008. (more) TAMKO Introduces Elements Dockboard 2/22 Elements DockBoard brings Durability Seaside (more) Home Builders Support Project Lifeline 2/21 Project Lifeline, a new program unveiled today by the Bush Administration to help strapped home owners to avoid foreclosure, received the support of the nation's home builders. (more) Vaughn Reinvents the Framing Hammer 2/20 The S2, already receiving International recognition by winning numerous design awards, presents a revolutionary look and feel to the ordinary framing hammer. (more) "ROOF MOSS REMOVER" Roof-Shingle Moss-Removal Tool Invented 2/19 InventHelp announces that two of its clients, inventors from Springfield, Ore., have designed a roof-maintenance tool for removing dead moss from composite shingles. (more) The Flat Roofing Alliance - promoting quality and excellence in flat roofing 2/18 The Flat Roofing Alliance announce its Annual Awards Ceremony, the FRA Awards. (more) Roth's Annual Energy Summit Draws Major Retail Players 2/15 Roth Hosts Fourth Annual Conference to Educate U.S. Retailers to the Latest News and Trends in Green Business Strategies (more) HI-Perf Vented Fascia: Commercial Roof Ventilation at the Eave 2/14 Metal-Era, Inc., the national leader in commercial roof edge and roof ventilation solutions, introduces the latest addition to the Metal-Era Airflow Solutions line: Hi-Perf Vented Fascia. (more) Americans Incorrectly Feel Safer From Fire At Home 2/12 Results of New Survey Mostly Unchanged from Three Years Ago (more) Onset Computer Corp Announces Free White Paper on Monitoring Green Roof Performance 2/13 Onset Computer Corporation, the “HOBO®” data logger company, today announced a free, white paper entitled, "Monitoring Green Roof Performance with Weather Stations." (more) Outlook for employment law developments this year 2/11 Employment law is fickle, affected by election-year politics, new legislation, court decisions, societal trends, the state of the economy, and media and cultural events. (more) USCIS to streamline H-1B petition processing 2/8 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a new customer service initiative to streamline the adjudication of H-1B petitions. (more) New border crossing requirements effective January 31 2/7 U.S. citizens may begin applying in advance for the new U.S. Passport Card on February 1 in anticipation of land border travel document requirements. (more) OSHA Reminds Employers to Post Injury/Illness Summaries Beginning Feb. 1, 2008 2/6 The Occupational Safety and Health Administration today reminded employers that beginning Feb. 1, 2008, they must post a summary of the total number of job-related injuries and illnesses that occurred during 2007. Employers are required to post OSHA Form 300A (summary). The 2007 summary must be posted from Feb. 1 to April 30, 2008. (more) OSHA Establishes a New National Emphasis Program on Silica 2/5 The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) today announced a new National Emphasis Program (NEP) to target worksites where employees are at risk for developing silicosis. (more) AES Raptor Intruduces New Fall Protection System 2/4 Portable System Prevents Worker Falls and Deaths (more) Metal-Era Expands Continuing Education Program 2/1 Based on the continuing success of Metal-Era’s Understanding ANSI/SPRI ES-1 program, Metal-Era has added Principles of Commercial Ventilation to its program offerings. (more) EPDM association plans plenty after five years 1/31 The EPDM Roofing Association (ERA), after celebrating its fifth anniversary in 2007, will focus on several key research and education projects this year. (more) Polyfoam joins USGBC 1/30 As a member of USGBC, Polyfoam will have a significant role in the advancement of a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment in its production of polyurethane foam products. (more) G-P president of gypsum division retires 1/29 Georgia-Pacific LLC announced that Dave Fleiner, president-gypsum, will retire effective Feb. 29. Brent Paugh, vice president of sales for gypsum, will assume the role of president-gypsum upon Fleiner's retirement. (more) NERCA Presents 10 Hr OSHA Roofing Safety Training 1/28 The two day class will be held February 26 & 27 in Danbury, CT. Deadline for registration is Feb 15th. (more) ASSE urges OSHA to withdraw rule updating consensus standards 1/25 In a recent letter, American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) President Michael J. Thompson, CSP, urged OSHA to withdraw the Dec. 14, 2007, direct final rule updating OSHA standards based on national consensus standards. (more) OSHA Extends the Comment Period for the Confined Spaces in Construction NPRM 1/24 The Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced today in the Federal Register that they have extended the public comment period for 30 days on the Agency's Confined Spaces in Construction Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. (more) OSHA recognized for extraordinary service to small businesses 1/23 The U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Office of the National Ombudsman recognized the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for its outstanding service and responsiveness to small businesses coping with regulatory enforcement issues. (more) CertainTeed® Gypsum Plant Receives ISO 14001:2004 for Environmental Management Systems 1/21 This standard centers around environmental management systems, with requirements for organizations to operate in an environmentally sustainable manner. (more) RSI Publishes Reaction from the roofing industry: 1/18 RSI Magazine published a few reactions from the roofing industry in relation to the loss of the great Ken Hendricks. (more) Carlisle’s Sure-Flex Earns Energy Star Rating 1/17 Carlisle SynTec has received Energy Star approval for its Sure-Flex PVC white membrane. (more) NRCA staff member appointed to OSHA advisory committee 1/16 Tom Shanahan, NRCA's associate executive director of education and risk management, has been appointed to OSHA's Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health (ACCSH). (more) New lithium battery safety rule affects travelers 1/15 Passengers are no longer able to pack loose lithium batteries in checked luggage as of Jan. 1, 2008 (more) OSHA Offers Tips to Protect Employees During Cold Weather 1/14 Some areas of the nation have already experienced the harsh, sometimes damaging effects of winter. With the cold weather upon us, OSHA is encouraging employers and employees to take necessary precautions to prevent and treat cold-related health problems. (more) CertainTeed® Building Products Reach New Heights in Unique Silo Renovation Project 1/11 CertainTeed® building products reached toward the sky last year in a unique renovation of two silos on Carlton Island in the St. Lawrence River in upstate New York. (more) Housing-related industry working to survive crunch 1/10 Three manufacturing companies say their operations have been affected by the downturn in the housing industry. (more) Commercial Construction Forecasts Look Warily to 2008 1/9 “Our forecast anticipates the impact of a significant economic growth slowdown on the construction industry, but does not predict a recession.” (more) Winter warm-up can cause costly roof repairs 1/8 "You can see the results of what an ice dam can do. It curls up your shingles," said homeowner Jim Asenbrenner. (more) Study claims no shortage of U.S. science and engineering graduates 1/7 U.S. colleges graduate far more scientists and engineers than are hired each year. (more) MRCA adds MSDS links to site! Click to view them here! EPA: Fuel economy bill will effectively reduce emissions 1/4 According to EPA, new energy legislation passed by Congress and signed by President Bush last week provides a federal fuel economy standard that offers environmental benefits, energy security, and economic certainty for the nation. (more) OSHA records another successful enforcement year in FY 2007 1/3 In FY 2007, OSHA conducted 39,324 total inspections, a 4.3 percent increase over its stated goal of 37,700. (more) Ice dams pose a significant threat to your roof 1/2 Those huge glistening icicles hanging from the edge of your house or business may look pretty, but they could in fact be causing some significant damage to your home. (more) HAPPY NEW YEARS! 1/1 The MRCA office wishes everyone a safe and happy new years! Our office will be closed 1/1/08 and will be back on the 2nd. Hydro Stop Inc. acquired by Quest Specialty Chemicals Inc. 12/31 They will continue to operate under the name Hydro Stop LLC and maintain current operations based in Charleston, S.C.. (more) Metal panels ready to meet performance standards 12/28 The Metal Construction Association (MCA) has recently taken steps to make architects, architectural students, universities, and builders more aware of benefits of insulated metal panels. (more) MRCA offers condolences to family of Ken Hendricks. 12/26 Hendricks, founder, chairman and chief executive officer of ABC Supply Co. passed away after falling through his roof last Thursday. (more) Tile Roofing Institute adds certification programs 12/27 Starting in 2008 the Tile Roofing Institute (TRI) will expand its certification efforts by offering two one-day educational and professional development programs. (more) Chicago establishes grant program for green and cool roofs 12/26 "There simply is no downside when it comes to preserving and protecting the environment," said Mayor Daley at a press conference (more) Get ready to pay for PPE 12/25 The rule becomes effective on Feb. 3, 2008, and employers must implement it’s provisions by May 15, 2008. (more) OSHA revises Enhanced Enforcement Program 12/24 The revised program will have increased enforcement emphasis on those employers that have a history of violations with OSHA (more) Happy Holidays! 12/21 MRCA Wishes our Members a Happy Holiday Season and a Safe New Years! Our office will be closed December 24th & 25th, but will be available the rest of the week. Local Manufacturer Receives Coveted CRCA 2007 Supplier of the Year Award 12/20 The award was presented to ADVANCED Architectural Sheet Metal Inc. at the CRCA Annual Awards Dinner December 7th, 2007. (more) International travel: New document requirements beginning soon 12/19 DHS will be issuing a notice in the Federal Register soon formally announcing the change. (more) BLS report November 2007 employment statistics 12/18 The number of unemployed persons (7.2 million) saw little change in November, and the unemployment rate was 4.7 percent for the third month in a row (more) BASF announces price increase for acrylic and styrene-acrylic latex 12/17 BASF attributed the price increase to higher raw material, feedstock, freight and energy costs. (more) United States Aluminum joins PPG Certified Applicator Program 12/14 As the newest member of PPG/CAP, United States Aluminum joins an elite group of commercial coating applicators certified by PPG to apply high-performance fluoropolymer coatings to aluminum architectural components. (more) NRCA's 2007 Contractor of the Year: Commercial 12/13 MRCA's own Great Lakes Roofing Corp. Excels by Taking Care of Building Owners and Employees (more) IRS updates standard mileage rates 12/12 Effective Jan. 1, 2008, the standard mileage rates for businesses is 50.5 cents per mile. (more) OSHA's Most Cited Standards: Is Your Business At Risk? 12/11 OSHA recently published data on its most frequently cited standards and highest penalty amounts, for fiscal year 2007 (more) The Barrington roof tile 12/11 Australian made, Barrington provides a thirty year structural and colour fast guarantee. (more) CertainTeed® Insulation Honored as Supplier of the Year by Insulate America 12/10 Insulate America®, an association of independent insulation contractors, has honored CertainTeed Corporation with its Supplier of the Year Award for 2006. The award was given in recognition of CertainTeed’s outstanding and ongoing support of Insulate America. (more) NRCA Offers a new manual: Membrane Roof Systems 2007 12/7 This publication is the first of a four-part series intended to update and supercede The NRCA Roofing and Waterproofing Manual, Fifth Edition, including its 2003 and 2006 interim updates. (more) Immigration at Record Level, Analysis Finds 12/6 Immigration over the past seven years was the highest for any seven-year period in American history. (more) E.P.A. Is Sued by 12 States Over Reports on Chemicals 12/5 The suit asks the court to reverse the agency’s move and so restore all the chemical reporting requirements that were previously part of its Toxics Release Inventory program, or T.R.I. (more) White House cuts 2008 economic forecast 12/4 The White House cut its forecast for U.S. economic growth in 2008 on Thursday and acknowledged that troubles in the housing market had been "more pronounced" than expected. (more) CertainTeed’s ProRoc® Type X Gypsum Board Receives UL V450 Fire-Rated Assembly Listing 12/3 CertainTeed Gypsum, a subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, the world’s leading producer of gypsum products, announces that ProRoc® 5/8" Type X Gypsum Board was recently added to the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) V450 design. V450 is a UL-listed fire-rated, non-load bearing wall assembly. (more) Tremco to supply cool roofing for Clinton Climate Initiative 11/30 Tremco Roofing and Building Maintenance, of Beachwood, Ohio, was named a supplier of cool roof systems to the Clinton Foundation's Climate Initiative (CCI). (more) IRS extends tax filing and payment deadlines for Southern California wildfire victims 11/29 Taxpayers affected by the wildfires in a declared presidential disaster area can claim disaster-related casualty losses on their federal income tax return (more) IRS Announces 2008 Mileage Rates 11/29 - The IRS this week issued the 2008 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of driving for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. (more) OSHA's New Publications Web Page Responds to Audience Needs 11/28 OSHA today unveiled a new Publications page on its Web site at www.osha.gov that allows visitors to access OSHA's resources in an efficient and user friendly way. (more) Harness Roofing hurdles language barrier 11/27 When Harness Roofing launched an aggressive employee training program in 2006, it placed an emphasis unusual in the industry on training geared to Spanish-speaking employees and on training English-speaking employees to work with this rapidly expanding segment of the work force. (more) Firestone, GAF and Petersen Aluminum Donate to Midwest Roofing Contractors Association 11/26 Firestone Building Products Company, LLC, GAF and Petersen Aluminum donated $5,000 to the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA) Foundation during the 58th Annual MRCA Convention and Trade Show held in Nashville, Tenn. (more) PPE payment: OSHA announces final rule 11/23 The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced a final rule on employer-paid personal protective equipment (PPE). (more) OSHA Release on 2006 Occupational Injuries and Illnesses with Days Away from Work 11/22 Statement by U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao on 2006 Occupational Injuries and Illnesses with Days Away from Work (more) NRCA offers Ask the Expert webinar 11/21 NRCA will offer its final Ask the Expert webinar of 2007 on Dec. 4. (more) U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao announces new membership of OSHA advisory committee 11/20 U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao announced the appointment of seven members to the 12-person National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health (NACOSH). (more) Karnak Corporation introduces new “KANOPY” product line seal 11/19 KANOPY signifies Karnak’s commitment to develop products that protect the environment, save energy and reduce waste. (more) Nationwide Introduces PERMAPRIME™ Waterproofing Gray Adhesive Roofing Primer Sealer 11/13 PERMAPRIME™ is a gray, elastomeric waterproofing, acrylic adhesive, insulating ceramic, Roof Primer Sealer. (more) OMG introduces OlyBond 500 Green roof insulation adhesive 11/12 OMG, Inc., a leading manufacturer of fasteners and building products for the commercial and residential construction industry, has unveiled a new environmentally friendly insulation adhesive available to roofing professionals: OlyBond 500 Green. (more) CertainTeed Makes Sense of Green Clutter with New Reference Guide, Greenbuild Booth 11/9 “Sustainable construction is undoubtedly one of the biggest and noisiest topics in our industry today. In this cluttered marketing environment, we understand the challenge in ascertaining what does and does not constitute green construction, which is why we created the CertainTeed ‘Green Building Products’ reference guide,” (more) Study: Pronounced gap between Gen Y workers and co-workers 11/8 A new survey by CareerBuilder.com points to more pronounced generational gaps in communications styles and job expectations in the workplace. (more) Call for Entries: NAHB National Green Building Awards 11/7 Each year, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) recognizes individuals, companies and organizations for excellence in residential green design and construction practices and for green building program and advocacy efforts. (more) New law benefits subcontractors, puts burden on contractors 11/6 A new law in Texas has subcontractors cheering, but general contractors are not as thrilled. Under the law, if a project owner defaults, the general contractor is responsible for paying all subcontractors, or if payment is withheld due to a construction-related problem, all subcontractors who are not directly responsible for the problem must still be paid. (more) Innovative lightweight canopy to cover city block in Kansas City 11/5 The transparent canopy is made of ethylene tetrafluoro ethylene, which is being used for the first time in the United States. (more) NAHB Research Center Awarded OSHA Safety Training Grant 11/2 The Research Center and NAHB will use the $241,248 grant to conduct safety training sessions in home building markets across the United States. (more) 'Nothing Scary' in Today's Nonresidential Construction Numbers 11/1 Investment in Structures Is Still Treating Economy Well, Economist Simonson Reports (more) Saint-Gobain Plants Honored for Safety 10/31 Twenty-two CertainTeed and Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics manufacturing sites in the United States recently received awards for safety performance in 2006. (more) New Interactive Map Provides Worker Fatality Details 10/30 A new interactive online map is available that enables people to learn about many of the workplace fatalities that have occurred in their own communities. (more) CertainTeed Updates Applicator’s Manual 10/29 CertainTeed Corp. introduced its all-new eighth edition of the Shingle Applicator’s Manual (SAM). (more) Green Building Web Site Launched 10/26 Grace Construction Products has expanded its green building initiative with the launch of a dedicated section on its Web site (more) DOT, DHS agencies to begin using FDMS 10/25 FDMS is a full-featured electronic docket management system that gives federal personnel and docket managers the ability to better manage their rulemakings, adjudications, and other docketed program activities. (more) Judge issues preliminary injunction preventing implementation of new DHS rule 10/24 The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California on Oct. 10 barred the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Social Security Administration (SSA) from implementing a controversial new rule that could cause U.S. citizens and other authorized workers to lose their jobs. (more) OSHA Renews Alliance with the National Safety Council 10/23 The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) renewed its alliance with the National Safety Council (NSC) to continue providing health and safety information to the construction and general industries. (more) Energy Efficiency is Best Investment for Countering Heating Fuel Costs 10/22 Consumers facing higher winter heating costs of 4 to 22 percent – depending on which fuel powers their home – can use energy efficiency to keep those costs in check while remaining comfortable, advises the Alliance to Save Energy. (more) Nonresidential construction markets remain strong 10/19 The Oct. 5, 2007, payroll employment report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that nonresidential construction is still boosting the economy, despite the homebuilding meltdown (more) Dow Announces Polyisocyanurate Asset Reconfiguration 10/18 Driven by a strategy to invest for sustainable growth in the building and construction industry, Dow Building Solutions announced today the decision to reconfigure its polyisocyanurate (polyiso) assets in North America. (more) AGC Members Unanumously Vote Against A201 Endorsement 10/17 General Terms and Conditions Document Fails to Provide Balance (more) Applications available for NRCA scholarship program 10/16 Informational brochures and official applications for The Roofing Industry Alliance for Progress' scholarship program are now available. Applications are for the 2008-09 academic year. (more) CBP reaches 2007 container security goal 10/15 Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced that it recently reached its goal of initiating Container Security Initiative (CSI) operations at 58 oversees ports in fiscal year 2007. (more) AGC Economist Suggest Materials Cost Calm Ending Soon 10/12 AGC released its fifth Construction Inflation Alert, warning owners, budget setters and contractors to expect larger materials and labor cost increases in 2008 than they have experienced in the past 12 months. (more) Jobs Report Understates Nonresidential Construction's Vigor, AGC Says 10/11 Housing Even Weaker than Total Shows, Economist Simonson Asserts (more) Architects Cite Top Priorities When Specifying Coatings for Metal Roofs and Walls 10/10 Kynar 500® PVDF ranked #1 in brand preference in national survey of architects (more) CertainTeed Introduces Award-Winning Commercial Building Science DVD for Building Professionals 10/9 Commercial Building Science Concepts and Practices illustrates how natural forces affect a building and outline strategies for achieving energy efficient buildings, identifying trouble spots in construction, and planning for safety, comfort and convenience. (more) Some Do's and Don'ts in Picking Green Products 10/8 Sorting through green claims is important to anyone dedicated to positive environmental change. (more) Two Relatively Optimistic Housing Market Forecasts 10/5 Two relatively optimistic housing market forecasts factored heavily in an active day of presentations were held last week. (more) Immigration Work Permit Tracking Tool 10/4 Businesses, facing a government crackdown on hiring illegal immigrants, now have one more tool to help them verify a worker's status. (more) The Benefits of Record-Keeping 10/3 In recent Buildings.com Roofing News e-newsletters, we have been following (and receiving updates to) the U.S. Corps of Engineers’ Commentary on Roofing Systems. This issue will focus on aspects of control, especially keeping accurate roofing files. (more) OSHA lookback review concludes Lead in Construction Standard is still needed 10/2 The Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced the outcome of its Lead in Construction Standard lookback review in today's Federal Register. (more) Beacon Roofing Supply Reports Third-Quarter and Nine-Month Fiscal 2007 Results 10/1 Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc. ("Beacon" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: BECN - News) announced results today for its fiscal 2007 third quarter and nine months ended June 30, 2007. (more) New support for the Green Roof Campaign 9/28 The Flat Roof Alliance and The Mastic Asphalt Council have pledged their formal support for the Green Roof Campaign (more) Study finds that construction and contracting companies lag in Internet use 9/27 A study co-sponsored by the Small Business Research Board (SBRB) and Business Today Magazine found that 57 percent of small businesses in the construction and contracting industry do not have Web sites. ( |