FRSA Building Update

Lisa Pate, FRSA Executive Director We’re on the home stretch! The paint on the exterior of our building was donated by Bostik and Arkema and is a Kynar latex paint, NeverFade Façade Restoration Coatings. It’s a field-applied, water-based, low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) primer and paint that protects the building exterior for 15-plus years. The topcoat is formulated with Kynar Aquatec, a tough and industry proven PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) resin that resists thermal, chemical and ultraviolet degradation, even in Florida’s harsh sun.

The painting application process required optimal conditions – no rain or heavy humidity and a good three weeks for the stucco to cure. The painting contractor hired by the builder underwent training to become certified to apply the paint. Once the crew was ready to begin painting, Michael Roberts, Bostik, Miami was onsite to oversee the process and provide additional instruction.

Between the Kynar paint and the Kynar coating on the PAC-CLAD Copper Penny roof, FRSA’s building is not only beautiful, but well protected with generously donated industry products.

The team from Architectural Sheet Metal, Orlando, installed the gutters and downspouts while soffit, irrigation and landscaping were completed and the full-building generator was powered up and tested.

The three new brick walkways were completed; leading to the front, the Credit Union and the Training Center entrances. Bricks from FRSA’s old building were recreated and installed in the current walkways.

Inside, work continued with the installation of LVT (luxury vinyl tile) flooring, base boards, carpet in the training center and custom front doors.

By the time you read this article, we will have relocated to the new building. Our mailing address and phone numbers will stay the same: Mailing FRSA, PO Box 4850, Winter Park, FL 32793 Phone Numbers 407-671-3772 or toll-free: 800-767-3772 ext. 100 Fax Number 407-679-0010 New Physical and Shipping Address 3855 N. Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando, FL 32817

2020-2021 Charity of Choice

www.gulfcoastkidshouse.org

FRSA Self Insurers Fund Returns $6 Million in Dividends

FRSA-SIF Staff Based on another great year, the FRSA Self Insurers Fund (SIF) has returned $6 million dollars to just over 300 insured members who were insured with the SIF as of December 31, 2019. That’s an average return of 23 percent of premiums on the 2019 year!

The Fund is paying dividends during these difficult and unprecedented times and hopes that the additional money will assist and benefit your business.

Paramount concern for the safety of your employees is the key to this successful program and proper premium payment insures they receive comprehensive care if an injury does occur.

Your FRSA-SIF Safety Representatives are always ready and willing to assist your company with safety needs, so remember to keep their contact information handy.

The FRSA Self Insurers Fund is an unmatched workers’ compensation carrier exclusively serving the roofing, sheet metal and air conditioning industries. Our program is unique due to our exceptional customer service, safety and loss control expertise and, of course, the amount of dividends that have been returned to members over the last 30-plus years.

If you are a roofing, sheet metal or air conditioning contractor, you need to have your workers’ compensation insurance coverage with the FRSA Self Insurers Fund so that you too can share in the dividend returns.

Thinking about moving your workers’ compensation coverage to the FRSA Self Insurers Fund? Basic underwriting criteria include being a Florida-licensed roofing, sheet metal or air conditioning contractor, having a minimum of five full-time employees in the governing classification and providing previous work comp loss history.

Call us at 800-767-3772 ext. 206 to see if you qualify for Fund membership and a chance to share in future dividend returns. Cheers! FRM

Sustainable Living Starts At The Top with Eagle’s Ventilated Roof System

Eagle Roofing Products is committed to helping our customers reach their sustainability and carbon reduction goals.

Offering a gorgeous array of durable and energy efficient concrete roof tile profiles and colors, our tile not only enhances the curb appeal of any residential or commercial structure but also possesses significant qualities to emit heat and reflect the sun’s rays. Take it a step further and the superior performance of concrete, combined with the right roof components, can create an ideal green living space.

Introducing the Ventilated Roof System, an all-in-one concrete tile roof system designed to facilitate airflow under the tile for increased ventilation. This installation method reduces heat transfer into the structure, conserving energy and saving money on electricity bills. It also prolongs the lifespan of the underlayment, components and roof while mitigating urban heat island effects.

The Ventilated Roof System is comprised of four key elements for energy efficiency: 1. Ventilated Eave Closures for air intake at the eave. 2. Eagle’s Arched Battens, which expedites airflow across the roof deck. 3. O’Hagin Attic Vents for proper air exhaust in the upper third of the tile roof system. 4. Eagle’s Concrete Roof Tile, which provides an added layer of insulation and protection.

Sustainable roofing at its finest, contact us today to learn more about Eagle’s Ventilated Roof System!

COVID-19 Restrictions and Heat‑Related Injuries and Illness

Trent Cotney & Travis McConnell, Attorneys, Cotney Construction Law

As Florida temperatures reach the hottest time of the year, it is important to note that 50-70 percent of heat fatalities occur during the first few days of working in hot environments (while the body acclimates). Construction workers, especially those working in the roofing industry, are particularly susceptible to heat injuries due to occupational risk factors. When combined with COVID-19 mandatory mask requirements and the elimination of communal water supplies, the heat could spell disaster for roofing crews. To date, we have already had more than 20 telephone calls from roofing contractors who have had employees suffer from heat-related injury or illness.

Under OSHA’s general duty clause, employers are responsible for providing workplaces that are free of known safety hazards, including protecting workers from heat-related illnesses. With this in mind, it is very important that contractors plan for this hazard through a comprehensive heat-illness prevention program. Additionally, contractors can take advantage of free resources, such as OSHA’s Heat Safety Smartphone App (available on iPhone and Android). At a minimum, any safety program should address the following points: Plan and Supervise in Order to Mitigate Heat-Related Hazards Heat conditions can change rapidly between and throughout workdays. Onsite and offsite management should monitor changing conditions and implement appropriate protocols to address extreme weather conditions. The individual who is responsible for implementing the heat plan should be on the site where work is occurring and be sufficiently trained to: ■ identify and control heat hazards, ■ recognize early symptoms of heat stress, ■ administer first aid for heat-related illnesses and ■ activate emergency medical services quickly when needed. Take Special Care to Protect New Workers Almost half of heat-related deaths occur on a worker’s first day. New and returning workers, as well as those exposed to rapid climate changes, should be given the opportunity to acclimate before working at ordinary

To protect new workers from heat-related illness, OSHA recommends employers take special precautions for unacclimated workers for at least one to two weeks. Use the 20% Rule: new or returning workers should only work 20 percent of their first day and an additional 20 percent each day thereafter. During work, they should take longer and more frequent breaks than acclimatized workers and should be closely monitored for symptoms of heat-related illness. Train Workers to Recognize Hazards and Heat-Related Illness All supervisors and workers should be trained to recognize hazards and heat-related illness. Factors that have a role in creating occupational heat stress include: ■ environmental conditions (such as air temperature, humidity, sunlight and air speed), ■ presence of heat sources (e.g., hot tar kettles or furnaces), ■ level of physical activity involved in the work, ■ use of clothing or protective gear that will retain heat and ■ individual/personal factors: for example, even temperatures as low as 77°F can present a hazard capacity.

to acclimatized workers if the work is strenuous.

Conveniently, OSHA provides a free heat stress calculator on its website in order to determine if conditions present a hazard.

All workers should be familiar with heat-illness prevention and first aid. This training should include: ■ the types of heat-related illness (including how to recognize symptoms), ■ the importance of immediately providing first aid, ■ the procedures for contacting emergency medical services, ■ the importance of protecting new workers, ■ job-related risk factors for heat illness, ■ fluid replacement guidelines and appropriate work/rest cycles and ■ the importance of taking rest breaks in shaded and cool areas. To accomplish this training, OSHA provides a free lesson plan for employers online. Provide Appropriate Amounts of Water, Rest and Shade OSHA recommends that employers provide cool water onsite and additional fluids that contain electrolytes for shifts exceeding two hours. Employees should be encouraged to drink 8 ounces of water every 20 minutes while working outdoors in the heat. Two of the best ways to ensure workers comply with this guideline are: 1. implementing uniform, site-wide water breaks and 2. making hydration convenient by providing water in a location that is near the work, easy to access and of sufficient quantity.

Employees working in warm climates should also be required to take breaks. The length and frequency of breaks increases with the amount of heat stress. Factors influencing this decision include the amount of environmental heat, the level of physical activity required for the work and the individual employee’s personal risk factors. For example, work/ rest schedules are often based on 1-hour cycles calling for 15-minute rest periods every hour. However, 45 minutes per hour may be more appropriate when temperature and humidity are extreme. Individual requirements will vary greatly, so each employer should use OSHA’s planning references to determine their requirements.

Breaks should occur in shady areas and, ideally, ones which are cooler than the outdoor working environment. For example, break areas could include air-conditioned vehicles, nearby buildings or tents or areas with fans and misting devices. Navigating COVID-19 Restrictions Many cities and counties in Florida have enacted mandatory mask rules. It should be noted that cloth masks are not the same as N95 masks or other forms of PPE such as respirators. However, many crew members continue to wear masks when more robust PPE is not required. Mandatory mask rules are useful for stopping the transmission of COVID-19. However, a crew leader should be mindful of the ambient heat created by wearing masks and enforce mandatory water breaks to ensure that overheating does not occur. In addition, many crews have eliminated communal water stations and moved to water bottles. Again, it is imperative that your crew remain hydrated and are forced to take water breaks. Always defer to both CDC and OSHA guidelines when it comes to safety.

Please stay safe – heat exposure is a known killer in our industry. Navigating COVID restrictions in addition to normal safety requirements can be difficult, but train, educate and enforce hydration and safety during the summer heat. FRM Authors Note: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.

Trent Cotney, CEO of Cotney Construction Law is an advocate for the roofing industry, Board Certified in Construction Law in Florida and General Counsel of FRSA. For more information, contact the author at 866-303-5868 or go to www.cotneycl.com.

Industry Updates

Weber Named Vice President of Lifetime Tool & Building Products Lifetime Tool, a manufacturer of roof system components, announced that Ben Weber has joined the Lifetime Tool Team as its new Vice President. Ben brings years of experience in both sales and marketing having worked with and for international manufacturers, financial institutions and media outlets. “Having founded three independent newspapers and a leading Marketing/PR firm, Ben’s experience in management will be invaluable to Lifetime Tool as it continues to grow,” said Roger Cline, Founder and Managing Partner of Lifetime Tool. Cline went on to say, “Ben’s financial real estate experience in the banking and building industry gives us a great advantage with regards to planning for the future.” 4C’s Spray Equipment Launches New and Improved Website 4C’s Spray Equipment, inventor and manufacturer of the HULK (Heated, Urethane, Low-rise Adhesive, Kart) Spray Rig, announced the launch of its new website. The easy-to-navigate website is optimized for viewing on mobile devices with pages that load quickly, as more contractors are seeking information and answers while in the field using their phones and tablets.

“Our customers want immediate access to the information they need to keep their jobs moving,” said Mike Calaman, Founder and Owner of 4C’s Spray Equipment. “We’ve added frequently asked questions and how-to videos to assist them in quickly finding answers.”

The new website provides contractors with an easy way to order parts for most of the machines, spray guns and carts on the market today. Web visitors simply choose their equipment, reference the convenient parts diagrams and indicate the quantity desired on the order form. The form offers the ability to either place the order immediately or request a quote. For more information, visit www.4cssprayequipmentrental.com. CertainTeed Builds Modular COVID Hospitals The fight against Coronavirus is ongoing across the country as well as in the state of Georgia – where over 34,000 confirmed cases and nearly 1,500 deaths have been recorded so far, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health.

With this in mind, the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA) remains diligent to proactively combat the virus, demonstrated through its recent partnership with BMarko Structures and CertainTeed. Together these organizations have engineered a 24-unit modular hospital to serve as an external wing of Navicent Health in Macon, Ga. A similar structure was assembled and is in current use at Phoebe Putney Memorial North, a hospital in Albany, Ga.

As part of the project, CertainTeed donated 17,000 square feet of R13 Kraft-faced batt insulation along with 14,175 square feet of Vinylrock Ceiling Tile and Aluminum-capped Ceiling Grid to be installed in patient rooms, bathrooms and hospital staffing stations. These specially-made modular units: shipping containers outfitted with cleanroom quality, cleanable ceilings and sustainable insulation along with plumbing and HVAC, will be available to treat intensive care patients afflicted with COVID-19.

By joining together on these efforts, GEMA and its partners are providing the support local hospitals and staff need to care for those battling the Coronavirus now and in the possible future. National Women in Roofing and RoofersCoffeeShop Launch Industry Recruitment Opportunity National Women in Roofing (NWiR) and RoofersCoffeeShop have partnered to launch a recruiting campaign for the roofing industry. The campaign allows companies to submit job postings for RoofersCoffeeShop to share. By publishing a wide variety of company job offerings, the partnership will attract new talent and allow companies to increase the visibility of their job postings. Any company in roofing can submit job opportunities to bit.ly/roofingcareers.

“Despite the pain we have seen on social media regarding people losing their jobs, the roofing industry has been fortunate in a large part of the country to still be hiring people,” said Brenna Driver, NWiR Board Member and Chair of the Industry Recruitment Committee. “This is a fantastic opportunity to draw in talent from the hospitality and travel industries, who work with consumers every day. This talent could fit well with positions ranging from customer service to technicians to salespeople in roofing.”

National commercial manufacturers, small-town contractors and everyone in between are publishing their open positions, which include installers,

Asphalt as a Sustainable Roofing Option

Karen L. Edwards When thinking of sustainability in roofing, it may not be often that asphalt comes to mind. Most people think of reflective coatings or membranes such as TPO that deliver environmental benefits and reduce cooling loads. With the recyclability of asphalt and the development of cool roofing granules, it is time to rethink asphalt as a sustainable roofing solution.

Recycling Benefits

Reed Hitchcock, Executive Vice President of the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA), shared at the 2020 International Roofing Expo that they expect to see a strong focus on sustainability and recycling in the coming years. “[Asphalt] actually has a lot of uses even after its regular life on a roof,” said Hitchcock. “The challenge that the industry has right now is getting that material from the roofs to the facilities that can process it.”

When recycled properly, asphalt can be used in the manufacture of other new products like pavement, specialty mulch or even new roofing materials. The

challenge, according to Hitchcock, is that there is no monetary incentive for contractors to practice asphalt shingle recycling. “What we really need is the state departments of transportation and other government agencies, when they’re looking at financial incentives for the environment, to consider [asphalt recycling].”

Recycling can be a way that contractors can differentiate their businesses and appeal to homeowners who are interested in doing what is best for the environment. Dale Tadlock of Tadlock Roofing in Tallahassee, Fla. shared with ARMA why they recycle shingles, saying, “We have used recycling shingles as a launching point in green roofing. It was the first step

that we took to adding green products and services.”

Tadlock says that implementing recycling has given his business a competitive advantage. “We have found that there are homeowners that may not be interested in the fact that we are recycling, but for those homeowners that do care about recycling, it gives us a distinct advantage in the marketplace.”

More information on how to recycle shingles and how to find a legitimate recycling facility can be found at asphaltroofing.org or shinglerecycling.org. New Technologies for Recycling Asphalt Roofing Technology Think Tank member Mycocycle is a startup company that is taking on the issue of diverting roofing waste from landfills through the science of mushrooms or mycology. Founded by construction and roofing industry veteran Joanne Rodriguez, LEED, AP, CDT, Mycocycle uses an engineered ecosystem to remediate the toxins out of asphalt and turn it into a usable raw material that can go back into the manufacturing stream. Simply put, they are using mushrooms to eat the asphalt waste and output a valuable raw material.

The company was recently named a finalist in Fast Company’s 2020 World Changing Ideas Award that recognizes “concepts, prototypes and just-launched ideas that may not have clear impact but have the potential to change how we think about an issue.” Asphalt-eating mushrooms have the potential to change how we think about roofing waste disposal. The potential benefits are very exciting. Making Low-slope Asphalt Systems Eco-friendly Manufacturers of low-slope asphaltic roofing systems are increasingly looking for ways to make their membranes more environmentally friendly. Innovations in roofing granule technology have led to some extremely sustainable choices for building owners and contractors. 3M is a leading supplier of roofing granules and has developed several sustainable choices, including a highly reflective granule that meets ENERGY STAR, Title 24 and other green building standards. They have also developed an innovative smog-reducing granule that helps remove smog pollutants that come in contact with the roof.

Some manufacturers are offering cap sheets with these environmentally friendly granule options. By choosing the eco-friendly cap sheets, you can deliver to your customers the durability of an asphalt roofing system plus the added benefit of a system that is not detrimental to the environment. FRM Karen L. Edwards is a Marketing Consultant for the roofing industry and Director at the Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3).

Keeping the House & Attic BREATHING, No Matter the FL Weather

OFF RIDGE VENTS

Millennium Metals, Inc. offers a variety of ventilation products for any roo ng application. Our vents provide superior wind performance, with TAS100 water-tested baf es available.

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Proud Member of the FRSA!

Call 877-358-7663 for a list of distributors in your area.

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