Florida
February 2020
ROOFING A Publication of FRSA – Florida’s Association of Roofing Professionals
Why Florida Needs the Florida Building Code Finding Product Approvals in a Haystack Tesla Installed the Solarglass Roof on New Home Tips and Techniques for Soldering Copper Upselling to Higher Profits
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Contents
Cover and Contents photos, Sutter Roofing Co of FL Tampa International Airport
FRSA-Florida Roofing Magazine Contacts:
12 | In the Crosshairs – Why Florida Needs the Florida Building Code 16 | Finding Product Approvals in a Haystack 22 | Tips and Techniques for Soldering Copper 26 | Tesla Installed the Solarglass Roof on New Home
For advertising inquiries, contact: Kelsey O’Hearne at: kelsey@floridaroof.com (800) 767-3772 ext. 127 All feedback including Letters to the Editor and reprint permission requests (please include your full name, city and state) contact: Lisa Pate, Editor, at: lisapate@floridaroof.com (800) 767-3772 ext. 157 Florida Roofing Magazine, PO Box 4850 Winter Park, FL 32793-4850 View media kit at: www.floridaroof.com/ florida-roofing-magazine/
#RoofingProtects
30 | Upselling to Higher Profits On the iPad
Florida
ROOFING Available Online at www.floridaroof.com/florida-roofing-magazine/
www.is.gd/iroofing
February 2020
Any material submitted for publication in Florida Roofing becomes the property of the publication. Statements of fact and opinion are the responsibility of the author(s) alone and do not imply an opinion or endorsement on the part of the officers or the membership of FRSA. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without permission from the publisher. Florida Roofing (VOL. 5, NO. 02), February 2020, (ISSN 0191-4618) is published monthly by FRSA, 7071 University Boulevard, Winter Park, FL 32792. Periodicals Postage paid at Orlando, FL. POSTMASTER: Please send address corrections (form 3579) to Florida Roofing, PO Box 4850, Winter Park, FL 32793-4850.
www.floridaroof.com | FLORIDA ROOFING
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PRESIDENT’S COLUMN Brian Swope, CPRC
Ahhh, February… If there is a time to be glad you live in Florida, this is it. While things slow down to a frozen halt in most of the country, we are moving along nicely in the Sunshine State. This is the time of year that I chuckle reading some of the labels on products about cold weather applications thinking that there are maybe three days in the year for which those warnings apply. Don’t blink though, you’ll miss the two days of winter this month and it will be spring before you know it. Along with not freezing, we have quite a bit going on. I, along with members of the Executive Committee and staff, will be heading to Dallas for the NRCA convention and the International Roofing Expo (IRE). If you happen to be on the show floor, be sure to visit us at booth 5443. The Florida Building Code is moving along at its normal crawl with the expected bumps and bruises along the way. The various Technical Advisory Committees (TACs) met at the end of January to make another run at code modification proposals, which received comments, and will now move into the next phase of the code process. I would like to thank all the members of the Codes Committee and Codes Subcommittee for their continued support of their time and expertise to make sure that our industry is well represented in the state of Florida. The Florida legislative session began on January 14 and FRSA’s Legislative Counsel, Chris Dawson, has already been forwarding items of interest that will be on our radar. Most notably, making sure our certified roofing licenses stay intact and relevant and that the Florida Building Code remains the governing code. FRSA has expanded its social media presence to include LinkedIn, Instagram and Spotify, in addition to Twitter, YouTube and Facebook. Follow us by visiting the FRSA website, www.floridaroof.com, and clicking on these social media links. Florida Roofing Magazine has a new blog post hosted on our website which contains industry-specific articles and links. Also, be sure to visit the Young Professionals page and listen to their podcasts. In FRSA news: ■ Production of the annual Membership Directory is in the final stages and should be in your mailbox by the end of the month.
■ Foundation dues invoices have been mailed. If you are not a member, please consider joining the Foundation to help support industry education. We’ve just completed the winter Board of Directors and Committee meetings in Orlando and I’m pleased that there was such a great turn out. FRSA members are welFRSA President come to join committees Brian Swope, CPRC Vice President, of interest and contribute Tampa Roofing Co., Inc. their knowledge and skills to help guide FRSA in the future. If you’re interested in participating, please contact Lisa Pate at lisapate@ floridaroof.com. Coming up in April, there is an event that is engineered to support and represent our industry in Washington. Roofing Day 2020 is an industry-wide advocating event organized by NRCA. This will be my first time attending. From everything that I have heard from those who have attended in the past, it is an annual event to look forward to with great anticipation. Florida continues to have great representation at Roofing Day, so if you haven’t registered yet, please visit www.nrca.net and click on “Register for Roofing Day.” Our promo code is “FRSA2020.” Another industry event to look forward to is FRSA’s Annual Convention and the Florida Roofing & Sheet Metal Expo. This year’s convention will again be held at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center. The Expo floor is 100 percent sold out! Well done, Cheryl! Convention information will be sent out in March, along with a hotel link for reservations. Don’t procrastinate (as we all do every year) and risk having to book off-site and drive every day. I look forward to seeing many of you as I travel over the next few months. God bless!
■ Educational Foundation scholarship applications are available on the website and are due by March 31. ■ S.T.A.R. Award submissions are due by April 10 (we’ve already received several). Visit FRSA's website to submit your project and be sure to provide lots of high-resolution pictures, including photos showing project progress.
Brian Swope, CPRC
www.floridaroof.com | FLORIDA ROOFING
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FRSA LEGAL COUNSEL Cotney Construction Law
Heat Exposure and TPO Degradation Trent Cotney, FRSA General Counsel, Cotney Construction Law
Simply send your customers to www.loanapp.us
Roofing Contractor is not a design professional and has not evaluated the impact of any design elements involving reflective vertical window or wall installations. Roofing Contractor disclaims all liability arising out of or relating to reflective vertical window or wall installations that impact or affect the performance or design of the roofing work provided by Roofing Contractor. Provisions such as these may help limit your liability for TPO failures due to excessive heat exposure.
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Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation. Trent Cotney is an advocate for the roofing industry, General Counsel of FRSA and a Florida Bar Board Certified Construction Lawyer. For more information, contact the author at 866-303-5868 or go to www.cotneycl.com.
IO
ROOF LOANS made easy
If you submit a proposal for a TPO roof system, make sure you take into account vertical reflective wall systems. In addition, there are legal provisions that can be added to your agreement to minimize your company’s liability. Here is an example of a disclaimer that can be used to cut against potential liability:
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We have received several member calls recently regarding degradation of TPO roofs caused by heat exposure. The majority of these projects involved a lower-tier roof with a reflective window or metal panel wall system abutting the roof. This article will explain the issue and provide members with a provision to include in contracts where reflective vertical wall systems exist. Although the Sunshine State is both beautiful and warm year round, the constant sun affects the integrity of TPO roofs. As the sun beats down on roofs day after day, we are seeing TPO failing and warranty claims or disputes arising out of the failure. The prolonged exposure to solar rays and temperatures above the normal ranges (especially above 160°F) lead to premature aging of the membrane, causing exposure of the reinforcing scrim, thereby allowing water into the roof system and ultimately into the building. In addition to the heat exposure from direct solar rays, the majority of these projects also include a store front window wall or vertical metal panel wall system that abuts the roof. We believe the increased heat exposure to be primarily from a combination of prolonged solar ray exposure and the increased and concentrated heat from reflective surfaces. The membranes most affected are .060 white TPO. However, there has also been failures with some .045 systems in Florida. Systems that have experienced failures require warranty repairs, if water damage occurs in the building, then roofing contractors may also have to defend against insurance claims. Many of the roof failures involve TPO products manufactured more than five (5) years ago and we believe that many manufacturers implemented a formulation change in recent years to allow for increased heat exposure.
C RE D
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FRSA Credit Union (407) 657-7212 | www.frsacu.org
VISIT US AT IRE BOOTH 3621
FRSA LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL Chris Dawson
Local Government Contracting Bills on the Move! February brings forth the meat of the 2020 regular session of the Florida Legislature. Thousands of bills are vying for precious committee and floor time and the vast majority of these measures will never make it to the Governor’s desk. Typically, the passage percentages for legislative bills is in the single digits and that number is often lowest in a contentious election year. (Have you heard that there is a campaign or two going on right now in the Sunshine State?) Despite the tall odds, a trio of local government contracting bills are on the move in Tallahassee.
Public Construction (Retainage)
A public construction retainage reform package is on the move, comprised of HB 101 by Representative Alex Andrade (R- Pensacola) and SB 246 by Senator Ed Hooper (R- Palm Harbor). The measure, which passed the House last year but died in committee in the Senate,
SAVE THE DATE!
JuLy 15-17, 2020
R eGiSt E r At W w W. F l O r I d A r O oF . C o M
revises the amount of retainage that local government entities and contractors may withhold from progress payments for construction services contracts. Upon becoming law, the law would cap retainage at a flat rate of five percent for the duration of the public construction project, freeing up cash flow that is currently caught up in retainage rates as high as ten percent around the state.
Public Procurement of Services (Continuing Contracts)
An effort is underway to modernize the state’s system of “continuing contracts” for construction projects by raising the maximum dollar threshold of services permitted under such agreements. HB 441 by Representative Nick DiCeglie (R- Largo) and SB 506 by fellow roofer Senator Keith Perry (R- Gainesville) would raise the limits for continuing contracts from their current two million dollar cap. The effort is seen as a cost of living adjustment of sorts, as the Legislature has not raised the caps in many years. Local governments and contractors alike are supportive of this legislative package.
Local Government Public Construction Works
Convention 98th Annual EXPO WwW.FlOrIdArOoF.CoM 8
FLORIDA ROOFING | February 2020
GaYlOrD PaLmS ReSoRt & CoNvEnTiOn CeNtEr ∙ KiSsImMeE, Fl
Local governments often weigh the option of hiring a contractor with their ability to self-perform work and it is important that all aspects of the financial costs associated with self-performance be taken into account so that a true cost comparison can be made. The Legislature is poised to take action to make sure such decisions are made with apples-to-apples comparisons. HB 279 by Representative David Smith (R- Winter Springs) and SB 504 by Senator Keith Perry (R – Gainesville) establish that the governing board of a local government considering such costs must use generally accepted cost-accounting principles that fully account for associated expenses of self-performance such as employee compensation and benefits, equipment costs and maintenance, insurance and materials costs. Further, if this legislative package becomes law, local governments will be prohibited from self-performing work if doing so would require an increase in the number of government employees or an increased capital expenditure. FRM
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Industry Updates Princing & Ewend in Saginaw, Michigan. Her extensive career includes a variety of strategic marketing, branding and communication experience, including her most Atlas Roofing is excited to announce that its StormMaster Shake shingles exceed leading competitor recent role as Marketing Director of the Michiganbased industrial manufacturing organization MERRILL brands for hail impact. The performance rating is based Technologies Group, Inc. on 2019 results from a new test standard for impact “The decision to join Duro-Last and John R. Burt resistance developed by the Insurance Institute for Enterprises was an easy one. They have the people and Business & Home Safety (IBHS). the products and they are leaders in the industry,” said Severe weather can displace families, disrupt their Andrea. “John R. Burt Enterprises is a forward-thinklives and impact finances. To prevent these avoidable issues, IBHS conducts top-tier scientific research, which ing organization and I look forward to supporting their helps manufacturers engineer better materials, ultimate- branding and marketing efforts into the next chapter of innovation and growth.” ly saving both the insurance industry and homeowners Dan earned a Bachelor of Science from San Jose significant time and money. The IBHS impact-resistance rating factors in how well State University before co-founding Envision Real Estate Software. For over 10 years, Dan helped develop and shingles hold up to damage specifically caused by hail. Out of the ten products tested, Atlas StormMaster Shake grow the footprint of this innovative software company before successfully orchestrating its sale to a large lendshingles received a good rating for dents/ridges and an ing organization. He has since served as a sales leader excellent rating for tears and granule loss. In addition, for a variety of mortgage and lending organizations, StormMaster Shake is the only product to receive an including CitiMortgage, where he established a repuexcellent overall rating. tation as a national motivational speaker through the “We’re thrilled that StormMaster Shake outranked creation of Connect Events on behalf of CitiMortgage. the competition,” says Paul Casseri, Product Manager Most recently, Dan served as Director of Franchise Sales for Atlas Roofing. “The secret is in our Core4 Enhanced for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and continues Polymer Technology, the most innovative development to travel the country as a sales and business oriented in asphalt shingle manufacturing today. StormMaster motivational speaker. shingles are unmatched by all other products currently “This opportunity was a natural fit for me because on the market.” Duro-Last is an organization that is focused on growth IBHS tests replicate real-world conditions on a and my experience has come from building and leading variety of widely purchased shingles labeled as “impact growing teams,” said Dan. “While Duro-Last has had resistant.” “Hail causes billions of dollars in property damage ev- tremendous success with their National Accounts to ery year,” explains Tanya Giammanco, Managing Director date, it’s exciting to be part of a team that is dedicated to growing and nurturing this aspect of their business.” of Research for IBHS. “Consumers deserve to have confidence that shingles labeled as impact resistant live Long-time FRSA Board Member & 30-Year up to expectations. Our research serves to empower Roofing Industry Veteran Named to Hot 100 manufacturers to develop better products.”
IBHS Ranks Atlas Roofing Products Number One for Hail Resistance
Duro-Last, Inc. Welcomes New Directors of Marketing and National Accounts
Duro-Last, Inc. is pleased to welcome Andrea Fisher as the Director of Marketing and Dan Ervin as the Director of National Accounts. In the Director of Marketing role, Andrea will oversee and execute the branding and marketing initiatives for all John R. Burt Enterprises’ companies which include Duro-Last, Inc., Oscoda Plastics, Inc., Plastatech Engineering, Ltd., Tri-City Vinyl, Tip-Top Screw Manufacturing, Inc. and Anvil Paints & Coatings. As the Director of National Accounts, Dan will oversee the continued growth and development of Duro-Last’s network of multi-location national account partners. Andrea earned a Bachelor of Arts from San Diego State University before she eventually took over ownership of the marketing and communications agency 10
FLORIDA ROOFING | February 2020
for 2020
Rob Foote has been recognized by Insurance Business America as one of the Hot 100 Insurance Professionals for 2020 and the leading Roofing Industry Insurance and Risk Management Advisor throughout the country, according to the December 2019 issue of Insurance Business America magazine. The 100 men and women included on IBA’s Annual Hot 100 list is a testament to the mentorship, vision and dedication they displayed this year to push
the industry forward,” wrote the IBA magazine. A top 10 broker in the US construction industry, Rob Foote is President of Frank H. Furman, Inc. With 30 years of roofing industry experience, Foote and his firm serve professional roofing contractors for their risk and insurance needs by tailoring innovative programs to meet their clients’ financial objectives. In 1992, Foote launched the roofing division at Frank H. Furman, Inc., which is now the leading roofing industry insurance advisor in the country. An established speaker and author, Foote remains highly involved in local, state and national roofing industry associations. Foote is also an involved mentor to emerging producers. Outside of work, he participates in hurricane relief efforts, the Boys and Girls Club, Sonrise Mission Training, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Nova Southeastern University Oceanographic Scholarship and is an American Heart Association corporate sponsor.
Geocel, Uniflex & Kool Seal Unite Under the Sherwin-Williams Building Solutions Group
The roofing brands you know and trust are combining forces to expand product offerings that deliver a onestop solution for contractors. The Sherwin-Williams Building Solutions group provides a complete selection of high-performance metal coatings, roof sealants, touchup paint and restoration coatings – including Fluropon coil coatings, Geocel roof sealants, Ready Match
Touchup, Uniflex fluid applied roofing systems, and Kool Seal roof coatings. Each brand available under the Sherwin-Williams Building Solutions group offers high-quality products that are designed to work together and last a lifetime. Sherwin-Williams takes pride in the performance of these compatible products, which are engineered to withstand the harshest conditions. Contractors can feel confident using this complete selection of products together, providing peace of mind. These brands deliver the tools necessary to advance the protection, installation, maintenance and restoration of all roof substrates. Fluropon coatings, Geocel sealants and ReadyMatch products are ideal to use together to protect, seal and touch-up metal materials throughout installation. Then during restoration, Uniflex systems, Geocel sealants and Kool Seal coatings can be utilized to efficiently restore virtually any type of roof system. Elevate your products with the Building Solutions brands that are all available through a single platform. The expertise of each individual brand is integrated with the depth of industry knowledge Sherwin-Williams offers from having more than 150 years of experience. For any questions or inquiries about the Sherwin-Williams Building Solutions group, visit www.elevateyourproducts.com or call Marisol Masferrer, Regional Account Manager, at 305-509-9077.
FRM
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In the Crosshairs – Why Florida Needs the Florida Building Code Mike Silvers, CPRC, Owner, Silvers Systems Inc. and FRSA’s Director of Technical Services A well-seasoned code professional recently told me how he ended up in the code business. He said that Hurricane Andrew completely changed the track of his life. The unprecedented damage caused by the Category 5 storm and the ensuing demand for better construction and building codes had shaped his future. In so many ways, Andrew completely changed the construction industry in Florida as well, and it has never quite been the same. On August 24, 1992 Andrew hit South Florida. Its 165 mph winds wreaked havoc with everything in its path. Many buildings were completely destroyed, while others sustained major but not catastrophic damage. Some, on the other hand, held up relatively well. Roof decks and roof coverings were hit especially hard. Even in areas where wind speeds didn’t exceed design requirements, the roof damage was widespread but, much like the structures themselves, there were some roofs that held up very well. Twenty-six lives were lost and over 250,000 people were displaced. $26 billion in damage was done (which, thanks to inflation, is equivalent to more than $100 billion today). There were serious concerns about the ability to maintain the property insurance market in the state. In the aftermath of the storm and during the subsequent rebuilding process, the disparity between well-built and sub-standard construction became obvious. The failure to use proper construction methods and materials became apparent. Poor workmanship was clearly responsible for many failures. Relatively weak building codes and even weaker enforcement was also exposed. Florida’s citizens demanded that our buildings better withstand storms like Andrew. So, in 1996 Governor Lawton Chiles created the Governor’s Building Code Study Commission to evaluate Florida’s building code 12
FLORIDA ROOFING | February 2020
system and to provide recommendations to reform and improve the building code. Those recommendations included: ■ Adopting a single building code for use statewide, The Florida Building Code. ■ Creating an independent Commission to update and maintain the code. ■ Creation of a product evaluation and approval system for applicable building materials. In 1998, most of these recommendations became law and the Florida Building Commission and The Florida Building Code (FBC) were created. The adoption of these requirements and the creation of the FBC was a very complex and sometimes contentious process. One major issue for the roofing industry was adopting a truly statewide building code. South Florida interests were determined to maintain portions of the South Florida Building Code for Miami-Dade and Broward counties. This eventually led to creation of the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) portion of the code. At the time, political pressure from South Florida to have a separate and, some thought, a stronger code was overwhelming. In many participant’s opinions this inclusion prevented a true “single building code for use statewide.” I don’t point this out to rehash old arguments, but to compare it to a recent movement to make the FBC subservient to the International Building Code (IBC), which was created after Florida adopted the FBC. More on this later. Florida has suffered through many hurricanes and tropical storms since Andrew. Opal (Panhandle) in 1995, Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne (crisscrossed Florida) in 2004. Dennis (Northeast Florida) and Wilma (Southwest Florida) both in 2005. Irma (the Keys and Southwest
Florida) in 2017 and Michael (Panhandle) in 2018. Fortunately, Dorian mostly spared Florida in 2019, but its presence just off the South Florida coast and the severe damage caused in the Bahamas reminded us again of the degree to which Florida is susceptible to these storms. Reviewing the frequency and witnessing the strength of these events makes the idea that only two counties in Florida are exposed to “High Velocity Hurricanes” seem almost quaint. To say these storms (and Andrew in particular) have had a significant influence on the way we build and the building code would be an enormous understatement. They have, in fact, been a prevalent concern during every triennial code cycle. Throughout its 98-year existence, the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA) has striven to improve the quality and performance of the roof systems installed in our state. This has never been more apparent than during the period since Andrew. FRSA has been instrumental in strengthening and improving the roofing related sections of the FBC. We have advocated for a clear, consistent, teachable and enforceable code. Our members have volunteered thousands of hours and our staff has worked diligently to make this effort possible. The impact of the improvements we’ve made have been more obvious with each storm. Post storm observations consistently confirm that buildings and roof coverings that are built in accordance with the FBC have performed very well. Improvements made in Florida have been adopted by many other jurisdictions as well as by the IBC. Changes that have improved roof performance include the product approval system, hurricane mitigation requirements (particularly re-nailing sheathing), improved underlayment and secondary water barriers, heavier metal flashing, hip and ridge improvements for tile systems, when it is or is not acceptable to re-cover an existing roof or use it for attachment of a new roof covering, and improvements in attachment of almost all roof coverings. Just as importantly, we have done all this while improving the ability of roof systems to perform their most important function: to keep the water out. This is no easy accomplishment when you consider Florida’s subtropical rainfalls that occur not only during hurricanes, but also during our nearly daily summer thunderstorms. When one considers the wind-driven rain that we deal with in Florida, it could be said the old adage that “water runs downhill” often doesn’t apply here.
A group that calls itself the Floridians for Safe Communities Coalition (how warm and fuzzy is that?) is working to allow changes that are made in the IBC to forgo our normal code change process before being incorporated into the FBC. The groups associated with the request include the Building Officials Association of Florida (BOAF), American Institute of Architects (AIA), National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) and the International Code Council (ICC). Interestingly, most of the groups represented by the “Florida Coalition” are not Florida organizations and the one that is (BOAF) may be being influenced by their national association. This group continues to ask the commission to reopen the standard modification process. They also want to change Florida’s system of adopting code changes for the 2023 8th Edition of the FBC. This process is currently
Threats to Florida Building Code
So, it seems Florida is on the right track with our current building code system. It isn’t perfect but it is, in many people’s opinions, the best possible real-world code. Florida is not only in mother nature’s crosshairs due to our geography, but our code system seems to be in the crosshairs of countless special interest groups. Several different current events are threatening the way Florida’s system works. www.floridaroof.com | FLORIDA ROOFING
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being reviewed by FBC staff and the Commission. Changes are going to be made. Whose concerns will be addressed – Florida's or outside interests' – remains to be seen. In the US Congress, HR 3702 – Reforming Disaster Recovery Act of 2019 – was passed by the House. This bill could interfere with Florida’s ability to receive federal funds after a disaster. Language would require that individual states adopt “the latest published editions of relevant national consensus-based codes, specifications and standards.” These funds are from the Community Development Grant Disaster Recovery funds provided by the Federal government. The Senate has yet to take up the bill, but it has bipartisan support. It is intended to expedite funding and limit those federal funds that are used for rebuilding in disaster prone areas; both admirable goals, but the potential to force Florida to adopt code provisions that may not suit our particular needs is very troubling. In particular, the ability to maintain the HVHZ would be in question. Some of its provisions haven’t changed since Andrew. Maintaining consistent requirements is an important goal. It should receive more consideration than some have been willing to provide it. Change for the sake of change, however, only causes more confusion. How can we properly train a workforce when the requirements are in constant flux? The current Florida Building Code changes are being completed. They will form the 2020 7th Edition of the
FBC. They are numerous and will have a tremendous impact on our industry. I recommend that you spend some of the coming year familiarizing yourself with the changes which will take effect on the last day of 2020. There would be many additional changes and even more potentially negative impacts if we did not take the time, as is currently required by the FBC revision process, to review and debate the need for each individual modification: whether or not there is a Florida-specific need and what is the cost impact. Florida will face future hurricanes and our state will continue to be targeted by very powerful special interests. Some of the proponents of these changes don’t seem to fully understand or appreciate the possible ramifications, but they press on oblivious to the problems their proposals may create. As it’s been since Andrew, and even before that, it will fall to those who actually perform the work to implement whatever is inserted in the code. When one considers all of this, it is only fitting that Floridian’s continue to shape the process that protects our interest. Stay involved!
FRM
Mike Silvers, CPRC is owner of Silver Systems Inc. and is consulting with FRSA as Director of Technical Services. Mike is an FRSA Past President, Life Member and Campanella Award recipient and brings over 40 years of industry knowledge and experience to FRSA’s team.
CORRECTION: ASCE 7-16 Uplift Resistance Zones on Gable and Hip Roofs
7-16 Resistance onNext Hip and Gable Roofs Last month's article “ASCE Welcoming theUplift New Year While KeepingZones an Eye on New Year’s Eve” (page 28) featured an ASCE 7-16 Uplift Resistance Zones on Hip and Gable Roofs incorrectly labeled diagram (roof types were reversed and label “2c” should have been “2e”.) Below is a corrected diagram. 3e 3e
2n 2n
3r 3r
3r 3r
2n 2n
3e 3e
3 3
2e 2e
1 1
2r 2r
2r 2r
1 1
2e 2e
2e 2e
3e 3e
2n 2n
3r 3r
3r 3r
2n 2n
3e 3e
3 3
Gable Roof Gable Roof 14
FLORIDA ROOFING | February 2020
3 3
2e 2e
1 1
2r 2r
2r 2r
2e 2e
Hip Roof Hip Roof
1 1
2e 2e
3 3
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Finding Product Approvals in a Haystack Mary Beth Reed, Commercial Territory Manager, South Florida, GAF For many roofing contractors, finding a product approval for the commercial roof assembly they intend to install can be like trying to find a needle in a haystack: overwhelming, tedious, arduous. My intention with this article is to help you find what you need quickly and efficiently. First, it is imperative to understand that the “product approval” requirements apply not only to individual roofing components but also to the roof systems themselves. So, when you are looking for a “product approval” to confirm your intended roof system complies with the Florida Building Code or to submit with your permit application, you are looking for an approval for the entire roof assembly, including the deck. Both Miami-Dade County and the State of Florida maintain web-searchable databases of tested roof assemblies approved for Florida, including the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ). These databases typically include actual test results from certified independent testing laboratories along with "Installation Instructions" that provide specifications for roof system installation. This article will focus on how to navigate the State of Florida’s website, which can be found at: https://www.floridabuilding.org/pr/pr_app_srch.aspx. Once you arrive at the “Product or Application Search Page,” you can search for your system by FL number or by any search criteria listed in the drop down menus. Each criterion selected will narrow the scope. Note that the default code version is the 2017 Florida Building Code and if you are looking for an Approved system, you will need to select “Approved” in the “Application Status” drop down. Another feature on the search page is the ability to filter for systems “Approved for use in HVHZ.” Remember, while you may be able to use HVHZ Approvals outside of the High Velocity Hurricane Zone, NON-HVHZ Approvals are not accepted in MiamiDade or Broward County.
Like Miami-Dade NOA, the roofing Product Approvals found on this website are both manufacturer and technology specific. Thus, assuming you have already determined your desired manufacturer and technology (listed in the “Subcategory” drop down), your search may look something like this:
Screenshot #1
This search resulted in two options (see screen shot #2).
Screenshot #2
Screenshot #3
Clicking on each hyperlink in the left-hand column (FL#), you will see that one is for TPO assemblies and the other is for PVC. Moving forward with the TPO system approval (the first of these two options), you will land on the “Application Detail” page. At the bottom of this page, click on the “Evaluation Report” (see screen shot #3). You are now inside the Evaluation Report, which includes approved assemblies and installation instructions (see screen shot #4).
assemblies; so, a discussion here of all the valuable and necessary information found in the initial pages of the Evaluation Reports would go beyond my intended scope. However, familiarity with the “Limitations” set forth in the Evaluation Reports is extremely important. Additionally, contractors who pull permits with MiamiDade NOA know they generally need to provide the first and last pages, along with the page(s) matching the installation details of the desired roof assembly of the NOA, with their permit application. Likewise, when using an approved system from this document, many Screenshot #4 municipalities require inclusion of the initial pages of the Evaluation Report (all the pages preceding the “Appendix” section), along with the page where your approved assembly is located, in the permit packet. Moving into the “Appendix” section of the report, the next page contains a table (basically a table of contents) that can make your search for an approval matching your desired installation much faster. Note that the table/appendix is organized – first by deck type (for example, all options over a wood deck are grouped together, followed by options over steel deck, etc). Each acceptable deck type has a section. One caveat to this: the mechanically attached options for assemblies with steel or concrete decks, are grouped together (see screen shot #5). Next, consider the “Application” column of the table. Is the project new construction, a reroof (tearoff), or a recover? While there is a separate section dedicated to “Recover” options at the end of the document, some of the systems in the earlier sections of the document can also be used for recover projects. As stated earlier, the purpose of this article is to (Generally these will involve mechanical attachment of help you learn how to locate approvals for specific roof some component in the system – see screen shot #6.)
Screenshot #5
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Screenshot #6
Let’s start to put all this together. Say you have a reroof project with a steel deck, the building is 30’ high with no parapet walls and you desire to go back with an insulated TPO roof system. At this point, you need to determine how you want to install the system: do you want to do a mechanically fastened TPO or adhered TPO? Will there be a single layer of insulation or will you also install a top insulation layer? If you decide on two layers of insulation, do you want to adhere the top layer or simultaneously attach both layers of insulation into the metal deck? Once you have an idea of what you may want to do, direct your attention to the “Description” column. Note that this column is organized by how each component of the system is installed. Once you find the description matching what you want to do, the last column gives you the page of the document outlining those options. Going back to our example, let’s say you have decided to mechanically attach 3.5” flat polyiso (hereafter referred to as “ISO”) to the metal deck (there’s sufficient slope in the structural deck), then adhere smooth TPO to the ISO with a solvent based adhesive. Locate that option in the “Description” column and note that these assemblies are found on pages 34-42 (see screen shot #7). Double-checking at the top of page 34, we see this is “Table 2F: Steel or Concrete Decks – New Construction, Reroof (Tear-Off), or Recovery; System Type C-1: Mechanically Attached Insulation, Bonded Roof Cover.” This matches the desired roof installation (see screen shot #8). As you scroll through this section, you will note the systems are organized by the “Roof Cover” column (which includes a further grouping by adhesive type), then by the “MDP” (maximum design pressure) column. Let’s focus first on the “Roof Cover” column. You’ve already determined you want to adhere smooth TPO to the ISO. Therefore, the first section of this table will not apply since it is for a self-adhered TPO. The second section of the table lists smooth TPO and gives two adhesive options, one of which, in this
example, is your adhesive of choice; so, you know your system is found in this section of this table (see screen shot #9). Next, you need to locate a system that allows for a single layer of 3.5” ISO. Note that many of the systems provide for an optional base layer of insulation. Scroll through the table until you find one with an “Optional” base layer and ISO as the top layer with a minimum thickness of 3.5” or less. (Remember your insulation thickness can exceed, but not be less than, the stated minimum.) The first one is S-143 (see screen shot #10). At this point, you need to know the maximum design pressure (hereafter referred to as “MDP”) required for this project (and you have to understand “roof zones” and “extrapolation”). This information may have been provided to you in a specification, by an engineer or design professional, or perhaps you referred to RAS 128. In any event, let’s assume, in this example, the MDP for Zone 1 needs to be -52.5 and you will need to extrapolate, or enhance your fastening pattern, to meet your required pressures in Zones 2 and 3. Looking at the “MDP” column for S-143, you will see the MDP is -45*. Therefore, this system will not work because it does not meet your MDP for Zone 1. Continue to scroll through the table until you find an option that meets -52.5 or greater and in this case, has NO ASTERISK (*) after the number. (I will explain why the asterisk matters in a bit – keep reading.) The first system that meets -52.5 is S-145 but that calls for a base insulation layer (min. 1.5”) and Dens Deck Prime as a top layer (min .25”). S-146 calls for a base insulation layer (min 1”) and SECUROCK (min .25”). S-147, however, does not require a base insulation layer and the specified top (only) layer is minimum 2” ISO (which will work since 3.5” exceeds the stated minimum) and the MDP of -60 exceeds the required -52.5. This may therefore be the one you choose to use (see screen shot #11). If you decide to proceed with S-147, note that column “Attach” specifies the fastening pattern at 1 fastener per 1.78 square feet. So, there’s your pattern, but, with what fastener? The “Fasten” column refers Screenshot #7
Screenshot #8
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FLORIDA ROOFING | February 2020
Screenshot #9
Screenshot #10
you to Note 2, which leads us to the next feature of this document – the “Notes” Section. Before we move to that section of the document, however, note the “Base Insulation” column which, in this particular table, mainly specifies “One or more layers, any combination.” The insulation options that can be used for those layers are also outlined in the “Notes” Section (see screen shot #12). Moving back to Page 2 of the Appendix, you will find the “Notes” Section. You need to become familiar with the notes as these provide specific guidelines for installation, as well as a measure of flexibility. For
example, Note 2 outlines which specific fasteners can be used for each deck type. Note 3 outlines insulation options that can be used when no specific insulation is otherwise noted. Note 6 provides for adhesive application rates when no application rate is otherwise noted (see screen shot #13). Now let’s talk about Note 9 and the asterisk (*). Earlier we discussed that there are Florida Product Approvals for use in the HVHZ and Approvals that are suitable for use outside the HVHZ (NON-HVHZ). When it comes to some Florida Product Approvals, the asterisk found in the “MDP” column of the systems pages Screenshot #11
Screenshot #12
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Screenshot #13
means something different depending on if you are looking at an HVHZ Approval/Report or a NON-HVHZ Approval/Report. In HVHZ Approvals/Reports for the manufacturer shown, the asterisk means that the system cannot be extrapolated/enhanced (equivalent to a Miami-Dade NOA General Limitation #9); thus, the MDP for the system chosen in the Approval must meet or exceed the maximum design pressure determined for this project in all relevant zones. Systems without an asterisk can be extrapolated (equivalent to a Miami-Dade NOA General Limitation #7); so, the MDP for the system
chosen needs to meet or exceed the MDP determined for Zone 1 of this project (see screen shot #14). In NON-HVHZ Approvals, the asterisk means that the system carries the limitations set forth in Section 2.2.10.1 of FM Loss Prevention Data Sheet 1-29 (January 2016) for extrapolation/enhancement in Zones 2 and 3 (see screen shot #15). If you are unsure which Evaluation Report you are looking at, HVHZ or the NON-HVHZ, check the bottom center of any page of the Appendix (see screen shots 14 and 15).
Screenshot #14 Screenshot #15
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A few more things to help you maneuver through the Florida Product Approvals with confidence: 1. When looking for an Approval, be familiar with the manufacturer and the names of their products. Remember both Miami-Dade NOA and the Florida Product Approvals specifically name the components that make up the approved systems. You will need to know the names of the products you want to use.
classification nor manufacturer requirements for any particular length of guarantee. As you can see, finding an approval to match the commercial roof system you want to install is a process and there was no way to cover every aspect of an Evaluation Report in this article. But, together we’ve hit the highlights and hopefully this has made your search for “the needle in the haystack” a little easier. FiFRM
2. There may be differences from manufacturer to manufacturer in the way the Evaluation Report is laid out. For example, some manufacturers list General Limitation #7 or #9 in the “MDP” column, rather than having an asterisk or no asterisk. Some manufacturers have all of their systems available in one document and note the systems that can be used (or not used) in the HVHZ in the “MDP” column.
Mary Beth Reed is a Commercial Territory Manager for GAF in South Florida. Prior to GAF she worked for a commercial roofing company in Pompano Beach where she gained her experience and understanding of the Florida Building Code specific to commercial roofing in the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone. Today she serves as the President of the South Florida Council of National Women in Roofing, is a 2019 Nominee for the National Women in Roofing World Award, was award3. Read and understand the “Limitations” section of ed the 2019 Extra Mile Award for GAF Commercial – Southeast, and provides educational support to the the Evaluation Report and the Appendix Notes! ABCI Roofing Apprenticeship Program. 4. When it comes to roofing, the systems listed in the Miami-Dade NOA and Florida Product Approvals have been tested for wind load resistance. The existence of a product approval does not mean the system meets any particular fire
What's Wrong with These Pictures?
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Tips and Techniques for Soldering Copper Joe Jenkins, Traditional Roofing Magazine
Make Your Seams Tight and Clean
Clean and tight seams are essential; solder much prefers bright copper with a very close fit. Lap seams should have a minimum one-inch overlap and no gaps larger than 1/16-inch. Install only as much copper as can be soldered by the end of the day. Sloppy or dirty seams take much longer to solder; the extra time spent making a clean seam will pay dividends when soldering. Figure 1 shows what a good lap seam looks like, Figure 2 shows a good flat-lock seam.
Riveting Made Easier
Carry self-drilling, metal lath, pan-head screws, size 8, about 1/2-inch long in pouches or rivet boxes. These will hold the sheet or panel in place, can be easily removed, drill exactly the correct size hole for standard rivets and can be reused indefinitely. Install the screws along the entire length of a lap seam working from the bottom to the top, then remove each one and replace with a rivet. You won’t get copper shavings stuck between the sheets since they’re held tightly together.
Figure 1
Figure 2
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Florida
ROOFING A Publication of the FRSA – Florida’s Association of Roofing Professionals
Media Kit 2020
Florida Roofing Magazine Reaches Florida Contractors Like No Other Publication Opportunities Abound Every month, thousands of Florida licensed roofing contractors receive Florida Roofing Magazine, including every FRSA member, who represent the premier contractors in the state. The magazine provides valuable information to this concentrated group of decision makers who use products and services like the ones your company offers – everyday. Advertising in Florida Roofing Magazine is the best value for your advertising dollar. As the industry knows, many regulations, trends and technologies for roofing begin in Florida. In addition to monthly print distribution to over 4,500 industry professionals, roofing contractors can now access Florida Roofing content online or on their iPads via the free iRoofing app (www.is.gd/iroofing). Florida Roofing offers editorial content on roofing systems and industry updates on topics including codes and technical, safety, legislation, legal, sales, human resources and business, as well as industry profiles, news and events.
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Peen Down Joints
Even the best seams always have some gaps, slightly protruding rivet heads or irregularities that require extra attention. Use the well mushroomed head of a wide brick set to gently tap lap seams and rivet heads flat, taking care not to dent the joint. The wide blade of the brick set is handy for getting corners of box gutters tight. Go over flat-lock seams first with a Nupla four pound dead blow hammer and then again with a twoto-three pound drilling hammer with a slightly convex face, hammering the leading edge of the overlying panel flush with the adjacent panel. This allows the soldering iron tip to more easily bridge the flat-lock seam.
Flux It
Purchase some Stay-Clean Liquid Flux by Harris. Don’t dip your brush into the quart container or you’ll dirty the whole quart. Pour a half-finger at a time into a small glass container (baby food jars are great) and work from that. You can find Harris Stay-Clean at a good welding supply store.
Figure 3
Keep Solder Clean
Make Sure the Iron is Hot
Good soldering is done with the solder flowing in the liquid stage, not the plastic stage. The solder should look like you’ve laid a ribbon of liquid mercury on the copper (see Figure 3). If you’re getting ridges in the finished solder, turn up your iron and slow down.
Solder bars are a bit like welding electrodes: they like to be kept clean and dry. If you let the solder roll around in your truck or gang box, you’ll get impurities on the bars which will accumulate on your iron tip and require difficult cleaning.
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Figure 4
Dip Your Tip
Here’s how to prepare a good iron dip: combine three parts tap water with one part Ruby Fluid in a medium sized glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Quickly dip your hot soldering iron tip in this mixture after soldering each joint and watch the dross come right off, leaving the tip clean and bright. No more brushing or wiping or cleaning with sal ammoniac (Sal ammoniac is a naturally occurring mineral composed of the salt ammonium chloride. The name “ammonia” actually derives from the name of this mineral, having been known since antiquity. It can be purchased in hardware stores and often times in grocery stores in the spice aisle.) It’s also useful for cooling down your iron if it gets too hot. Figure 4 shows iron dip and flux jars.
Figure 5 24
FLORIDA ROOFING | February 2020
Figure 6
Use an Electric Iron for Vertical Joints
Use a 550-watt American Beauty soldering iron with a chisel tip for soldering your vertical joints. Hold the iron perpendicularly to the joint, press the tip into the seam and work from top to bottom. The joint can be soldered beautifully in one pass. The vertical joint in Figure 5 was soldered with an electric iron. Since these irons are engineered for shop work, they don’t get hot enough in ambient temperatures below 65ºF and, under those conditions, you may want to revert to propane fired irons.
Use Iron Correctly
Both lap and flat-lock seams should be soldered in one pass with the hot iron placed across the joint so that the most heavily massed part of the tip is on the folded or “high” side of the seam. Remember the heat is transmitted from the soldering iron tip to the seam through the puddle of molten solder bridging the joint so, as in welding, watch your puddle and work continuously.
Wash Joints
If joints are not washed properly after soldering, the flux remains active and will leave a green discoloration on the adjacent copper. Keep a pump sprayer filled with tap water and a few squirts of dish soap. Spray joints and adjacent copper copiously and scrub thoroughly. This works quite a bit better than the usual baking soda and water scrub. The sprayer acts as an emergency fire extinguisher as well. The sprayer and soldering outfit are shown in Figure 6.
FiFRM
All photos by Christopher Paulin, Paulin Slate & Copper. Reprint permission from Traditional Roofing Magazine, a division of Joe Jenkins, Inc.
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Tesla Installed the Solarglass Roof on New Home Kyle Field, Tech Writer, CleanTechnica
Tesla has completed installation of its Solarglass Roof tiles on our new home and we just turned the system on for the first time. This installation of version two of Tesla’s Solarglass Roof tiles marks one of the first new-construction homes on which they’ve installed these elusive solar roof tiles anywhere in the world. Our roof is comprised of the smaller and shortlived version two of the solar tiles, whereas version three of the Solarglass Roof tiles is significantly larger, letting Tesla’s customers harness more power per tile. Also, the larger tiles are easier for Tesla to manufacture and install. When our home burned down in 2017, I was eager to get the rebuild moving and a core part of the solution for us was the solar system that would be installed on the roof. Early in the rebuild process, we put $1,000 down to reserve a Solarglass Roof and we were elated when accepted into the pilot for Tesla’s new home program for the Solarglass Roof. Having worked through the lessons from the
installation process of homes like ours, and, having now optimized the product itself for scalability, Tesla is currently opening up the floodgates for orders of version three for new construction.
An Inside Look at the Components that Go into a Tesla Solar Roof Installation
When the first materials arrived, the team prepared to install the solar roof on our new home. Before we get into the installation, let’s talk about the components that make up Tesla’s solar roofs. Many of the components and processes used in installing a Tesla solar roof are from the traditional roofing industry, which makes sense. The solar roof still fundamentally has to perform all of the same functions of a normal roof before its ability to generate power can commence. It also includes many of the same components as a traditional bolt-on solar system, with rooftop wiring, inverters, safety devices and more.
Underlayment
A Tesla solar roof installation starts with the installation of a waterproof underlayment. Tesla uses Firestone’s CLAD-GARD SA-FR, a standard roofing underlayment for metal roofs. This product provides 26
FLORIDA ROOFING | February 2020
a waterproof foundation for any roof while also providing a skid-resistant surface for the installers to walk on while installing the more complex parts of the roof.
Metal Framing
After the underlayment goes down, Tesla’s crew frames up the roof with metal. A metal trim wraps around the entire roof edge as well as along every peak and valley in the roof structure. In the valleys of the roof, the metalwork provides the drainage for any precipitation and debris. At the peaks of the roof, it provides protection, funneling any precipitation onto the tiles or surfaces below, which ultimately direct it off the roof. Tesla makes all of its own metal products specifically for the Tesla solar roof. Word on the street is that these are all currently made in the Bay Area, but that likely won’t be the case as Tesla ramps up production after locking in the design of version three of its solar roof tiles.
Roof Tiles
The star of the show in the solar roof install is obviously Tesla’s solar roof tiles. These come in two flavors: 1. Tiles with solar cells sandwiched between two pieces of tempered glass that produce power, and 2. Glass tiles. Roof tiles with solar cells in them are called PV Tiles and are the fundamental building block of the Tesla solar roof. They arrive on site in pre-wired, pre-mounted bundles of three tiles in a row, called PV Modules.
Each PV Tile has a production capacity of just over eight watts, translating to 25 watts for a full three-tile PV Module. Assembling the tiles together into PV Modules at the factory has multiple benefits, the first and foremost being a reduction in the amount of effort and time that’s required to install a solar roof. This helps Tesla deliver a faster turnaround time, which means less time for a customer’s home sitting there without a roof and keeps labor costs down. Using PV Modules also reduces the number of on-site wiring connections that need to be made, allowing Tesla to control the quality of more potential points of failure in the roof system at the factory. PV Modules come with the joints between the three tiles pre-sealed, resulting in what is surely a higher quality, more consistent seal than could be guaranteed with a field installation. Each PV Tile comes with its own set of built-in c-clip mounts and stand-offs that hold the top of the tile off of the roof, transferring any weight from above to the roof surface below while also serving to set the correct angle to allow water to run down the roof. Tesla calls the non-producing tiles Roofing Tiles, which are simply made from a single sheet of tempered glass. These come from the factory as single tiles as well as bundled into Roofing Modules comprised of 3 glass tiles. Tesla uses these on sections of the roof that are not wide enough for a block of solar tiles and for use along the seams of the roof. To ensure a clean fit at the seams, Tesla’s team simply cuts the tiles to match the angle of the seam they will butt up against.
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too large to cram into a single 200-amp electrical Tesla has packed an impressive amount of function- sub-panel. After all the load calculations were completed, ality into each single PV Module and the mounting we opted to pull a few of the larger, less critical bricks are the other half of the system that makes loads off of the Powerwall battery backup and just it easy for Tesla’s installer to secure the PV and backup the “essential” loads in our house. The imRoofing Modules to the roof. Tesla’s mounting age on page 29 shows a single, undersized inverter bricks come in standard and drained configurations. and diminutive supporting boxes. Every single one Standard mounting blocks allow the tile below it of these boxes/devices in our system is twice as to mount to it, but also allow the panel above it to large as shown here, with the exception of the Tesla clip to it, thanks to a healthy dose of industrial grade Powerwall (though, technically, we do have two of plastic hook and loop. The trailing edge of the panel those). above the mounting brick has another strip of this The two Powerwalls provide backup power to fabric, resulting in a very secure bond. everything on our 200-amp sub-panel, while the Drained mounting bricks include a channel that remaining loads in our home — our electric oven and helps water drain in the proper direction between two of our car chargers — will be relegated to the each of the PV Modules or where they butt up 400-amp main panel. against a Roofing Tile or Roofing Module. They still The Tesla Backup Gateway provides communicaallow adjoining modules to mount to them with their tion to the Tesla Mothership and can automagically c-clips, but with the added benefit of funneling wadisconnect the home from the grid in the event of ter down the roof. a power outage. Doing so engages the Powerwalls to provide power to all of the essential loads in the The Electrical System sub-panel, while being replenished by the rooftop Each PV Module is connected to the solar roof wiring string via standard solar MC connectors that solar system when the sun is out. That’s an overview of the components in a Tesla come pre-installed from the factory. These strings solar roof system. then connect down through the roof via a series of electrical pucks mounted and sealed to the roof. New Markets Tesla is required to install a rapid shutdown device Opening up its Solarglass Roof to new construction (RSD) within five feet of every solar array, so they are typically installed up in the rafters near the roof. gives Tesla a foot in the door to California’s new housing market and that is huge. As we head into On the inside of the house, the pucks sprout bare wires that connect to one of a handful of these 2020, the California mandate that all newly built homes must have solar installed on them from day Delta rapid shutdown devices, shown as a small one goes into effect. That’s an entirely new market gray box to the right of the rooftop wiring in the image above. Outputs from the RSD are fed down to for Tesla and makes the Solarglass Roof one of the first building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) proda pair of Delta inverters that convert the DC power ucts that can be installed as part of the home rather from the roof into AC power that all the electrical than as a bolt-on product. goodies in the home want. Tesla believes its Solarglass Roof is cheaper From there, the wiring configuration varies dethan the cost of a new roof plus the cost of power pending on whether Powerwalls are being installed over 25 years, which could make it an attractive or not. We are installing two Powerwalls, so we will option for home builders (particularly in the sunnier talk through the essential loads wiring configuraareas of the country, including Florida, Texas and tion. For our house, we do not have anything running California) looking to set their homes apart with on gas, so all our appliances, cooking and heating what increasingly looks like one of the most adare electric. Add to that two electric car chargers vanced, if not the most advanced, solar roof product and a spare for guests and our loads were just in the world.
Mounting Bricks
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If all new homes have to have solar installed on them from day one, aesthetics will increasingly become an important differentiator, not just for solar companies, but for home builders looking to stand out from the pack. The clean, modern look of the Solarglass Roof stands out as a solution that does not look like a retrofit. That fact alone proved to be one of the deciding factors for my wife in selecting Tesla’s Solarglass Roof for our home, and I’m sure we’re not alone in wanting solar without having to have panels bolted onto the otherwise beautiful lines of the home.
The Process
On the construction side of things, we worked with Tesla directly to scope out the size of the system. We sent them the roof plan and some of the blueprints for the house. From there, they determined what size system they could install on the roof and asked us how much output we wanted from it. They were able to scale the system to a fixed maximum power output based on the layout of the roof or scale it down by replacing roof tiles with photovoltaic cells in them with non-producing glass tiles. Since we did not run any gas to the house and will run everything on electricity, we wanted the maximum output from the system that Tesla could provide. That meant installing solar tiles on all roof
faces, north, south, east and west. It is not ideal to maximize solar production from each tile, but it made sense for our situation to maximize the output from the system. We signed the contract and put down an additional $2,500 for a site survey. At that point, Tesla’s project leader for our installation connected with our general contractor, Kenny Kuhnhofer of Kuhnhofer Builders, to coordinate the timing of the installation and to communicate what they needed from the builder on the electrical side. This was our first time building a home, so I can’t compare to typical roof installations, but Kenny was great at working directly with Tesla’s team on the installation and schedule.
FRM
Kyle Field, writer for CleanTechnica is a self-professed tech geek passionately in search of actionable ways to reduce the negative impact his life has on the planet, save money and reduce stress. His goals are to live intentionally, make conscious decisions, love more, act responsibly and play. The more you know, the less you need. TSLA investor. You can find out more about Kyle by visiting his website, www.kyleafield.com. The article was originally published on CleanTechnica.
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Upselling to Higher Profits John DeRosa, Director of Contractor Training, SRS Distribution Giving your clients options is an excellent way to differentiate yourself and get your clients emotionally invested in their project. Rather than offering a “one-size fits all” type of roofing system, I would strongly suggest contractors educate their prospects on the different options available to them and let the client choose those that best support their vision for the project. Doing this provides a few powerful advantages to the contractor:
which is exactly what they wanted to sell it for, and the client believes they got a $1,000 value for free.
Positioning Your Options
The most effective way ■ Offering options increases the perceived value of the to upsell is to bundle options within a “good, better, project and that of the contractor. best” product offering. It’s ■ The more the prospect adds to their project, the my recommendation that more they expect they will be asked to pay. you identify five system ■ Offering options gives the contractor something upgrades you can offer to negotiate or take away in the event of a price and discuss those options objection. during the product presentation stage. We’re not Free is Bad going to offer shingle options at this point. It’s our goal I know many contractors who’ve made the decision to to get the client sold on upgrading different elements of offer “free upgrades” with the hopes that it will positheir system and then bundling those upgrades into our tion them as a better value to the homeowner. Rather “better” and “best” options, increasing the value of those than upselling the client to better options, the contracpackages. tor makes those options his “standard” – and that is a When discussing system upgrades, I’d suggest you mistake. start by showing the client a picture of their home. Use As much as I appreciate their desire and commitment the picture to highlight the critical areas such as skyto delivering a high-quality project, they must recognize lights, chimneys, vents, dormers, valleys and low slope that there’s no value in “free.” The perceived value of areas. Highlighting these areas gives you the ability to those included options is directly proportionate to what discuss their susceptibility to leaks, your plans to ensure the client is willing to pay to obtain those options. In other a successful outcome and the recommended upgrades words, those options don’t mean anything to the client the client may want to consider to increase their peace unless they say they want them and they’re willing to pay of mind. Use the weather to create urgency that prompts more to obtain them. the client to make the best decision for their home. I’d By offering the better options for an upcharge, the suggest you say, “Mr. and Mrs. Homeowner, when you contractor also gives the client something to negotiate – consider the type of weather we get here in Florida, which also works to the contractor’s advantage. Here’s an which of these two options do you think is the better example using synthetic felt as the upsell option. choice for your project?” In this example, we’re going to assume the contractor I suggested earlier that you offer five system uphas decided to offer synthetic felt as a standard part of grades and it should be your goal to sell them on at least their $12,000 roof system. Rather than offering the client three of them. If successful, you can then bundle those a $12,000 synthetic felt roof, it’s my recommendation the chosen options within your “good, better, best” packages contractor offer the standard for $12,000 and then sell and increase the perceived value of those packages. the client on the availability of a better “synthetic” underlayment for only $1,000 more. The client’s willingness to “Good, Better, Best” pay the extra $1,000 is a reflection of them believing the Before I show you how this works, I want to talk about product has a value of $1,000 or more. the power and the importance of offering a three-option With this approach, you also set the table for the “good, better, best.” When you offer only two options, the prospect to negotiate, telling you they want the better client has nothing to compare them to, which often finds synthetic felt roof but don’t want to pay the extra $1,000 them settling with the standard. When you introduce a for it. If this happens, the contractor has the ability to third option, the client will also compare the two that are make that a condition of sale by saying, “If I was able to most comparable, choosing the option that represents to make that happen for you, would we be able to get your best value for them. project started today?” Assuming the client says, “Yes,” This method is incredibly effective and the vast majorthe contractor agrees and sells the project for $12,000, ity of clients will go for the middle “silver” type option, 30
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because it plays on our desire to avoid extremes. In a typical person’s thought process, they see the “gold” option as too expensive and excessive, a luxury which would be nice to have, but not necessary. In contrast, they perceive the standard “bronze” option as risky. The lower price and limited options suggest that the quality may be less than what they’d like for their home. This leads to what seems like a completely logical conclusion: the “silver” option is the best of both worlds. Good quality, improved performance and affordable; it is the perfect choice. The other magic element of this strategy is that it doesn’t just prime the user into buying a particular option; it renders them more likely to make a purchase in the first place. This comes from our inherent need for choice. Choice makes us feel empowered. When given a few options, our natural impulse is to choose one of them, rather than to just walk away and not choose at all. There are many everyday examples of this. If you are a parent, you may well go through the struggle of getting your child to eat fruit and vegetables. However, you may have noticed how your child is more likely to eat healthier when you frame it in terms of a choice: “do you want to eat a banana or an apple?” You are priming them to act within the bounds of the options you have given them. When building your “better” and “best” shingle-style options, you’re going to want to make sure the shingle upgrades are good architectural fit for the home. Choose
a reasonably priced, aesthetically pleasing style for the middle “silver” option and then choose a high-end, luxury product for the top-of-the-line “gold” option. The previously discussed system upgrades should be bundled as “included,” letting the customer know that if they choose the “better” or “best” package they get to choose three of the five system upgrades at no additional cost. I suggest offering only three of the five because it gives the homeowner something to negotiate letting you establish that request as a condition of sale. If the homeowner states they want “all five options,” as before you can ask, “If I was able to make that happen for you, would we be able to get your project started today?” The pricing should be based on the package you want to sell. If you want to sell the middle “silver” option, you should price that package as it needs to be priced for you to hit your target margin. Then price the standard “bronze” slightly lower and the top-of-the-line “gold” option significantly higher than the middle “silver” option. When presented this way, the client is likely to remove the higher-end option as being frivolous and then choose the middle option as being a better value, because it’s a better shingle style and includes the chosen systems upgrades. Differentiation is critical to the success of every contractor. Your ability to win the sale and protect your profits is directly proportionate to the degree to which Continued on page 37
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Helping Sales Success Through Innovation Scott DeBerry, Marketing Manager, Tri County Metals
With a background in managing business development and marketing in the manufacturing industry, there is one constant I’ve noted for sales success – the need for qualified leads. Finding new lead sources can be daunting. With paid referral sights, contractors can pay upwards of $150 per qualified lead. The quality of the leads combined with the skill of your sales team will ultimately determine your close ratio. From there it becomes a numbers game, calculating how many leads are needed to achieve the desired revenue rate. Looking at these numbers will help you to determine your cost of sales and also help to project where your sales are going. But what if you could both reduce the cost of each lead and also increase your close ratio? Wouldn’t that be an attractive consideration? This is where innovation takes over. If you look at the demographics of social media platforms and overlap them with individuals and families who own homes and need roofing, Facebook is an obvious choice to pursue as far as advertising.
When it comes to Facebook, there are several ways to advertise. You can simply boost a post – maybe a drone film of a recent high-profile project or some gorgeous project photos. You can also promote your business page on Facebook to attract a larger fan base. Or, you could set up a more sophisticated campaign of ads within Facebook, targeting a demographic that will coincide with who your customer actually is. And there are more technical approaches to advertise on Facebook as well. If you are new to Facebook, of course the first step is to set up a business page on Facebook. This will require that you also have a personal Facebook account, or someone on your team will need to have a personal Facebook account. This will allow you
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to monitor the activity on your Facebook business page and respond to opportunities as they occur. If you are reading this and interested, but don’t yet have a Facebook business page, don’t fret. I’ve met many contractors who have been successful in business for a long time, but are completely new to Facebook. What these contractors realize is that they have to innovate. They don’t want to be like Sears or Toys-R-Us or others who refused to change with the times and are no longer in business. Once you have an established Facebook business page, you need to first start by promoting your page. You can post all the photos and videos and updates you like, but if you don’t have an audience to consume what you are sharing, your efforts may be misplaced. Have a goal of 100 fans, then 500, then 1000 and onward from there. The larger your audience, the more valuable the data that Facebook tracks will be. This data can help your marketing efforts to help identify what your potential customer demographics are. What their age, sex, location and hobbies are. This is very valuable information. From there, once you have an active audience, the next step will be to post regularly and watch what your audience responds to. You should coordinate posting updates and advertising so that they coincide. If you post a video that gains a lot of traction with people visiting your page, you could boost that post and get even more engagement and potential
lead opportunities. Be sure to include a call to action in your posts and ads. Maybe you want to steer them to your website, or a specific page on your website, or to a specific Facebook post. Also, use Facebook ads to answer audience questions and to overcome objections before your sales team even sits down with generated leads. Facebook, like other media platforms, is continually evolving. A newer feature uses artificial intelligence with Facebook’s Messenger system to answer customer inquiries. Wielding this as a successful tool is, for sure, a higher-level marketing endeavor, but with the right team, you can also secure leads through Messenger while automating more – or even all – of the Messenger conversation. The most important take away is the need to innovate your marketing model. Just as any good salesman understands the need for ongoing development and training, your marketing approach should be continually evaluated and improved. FRM Scott DeBerry is the Marketing Manager at Tri County Metals, based in Trenton, Florida. Scott has a BS in Business from Jacksonville University and is an award-winning marketer. At Tri County Metals he leads a team of online marketing experts and leads management.
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How to Start or Grow a True Service Department Part 2 Greg Hayne, Owner, Hayne Coaching Group
“10 Easy Steps”…NOT!
When contractors approach us to talk about how to grow their service departments, we usually start by reviewing the information we presented in this article series (January 2020, Part I). If you don’t get that right, most of the other stuff won’t work either. But just how do you grow your department? Think of it this way, everybody starts with just one truck. (Actually, everybody starts with no trucks, but until you have a dedicated service truck you really don’t have a department). With one truck you can’t afford a full-blown service staff. So what can you do? First, the Service Superintendent and the Service Coordinator roles we talked about in the previous article are going to need to be adopted by someone already in the company. Perhaps your receptionist catches the calls, your accountant handles the billing and your production superintendent handles the scheduling and technical support for the repair crew(s). Then you can work through the following three steps:
Step 1: Understand that Everything Starts with a Sale
has been around for a few years, you have people that have the necessarily skills to do the work. Have them go do it!
Step 3: Go Sell More Work, Rinse and Repeat
If Steps 1-3 are working well, then at some point it will make sense to bring somebody in to formally manage your growing service department. Based on Part 1, who should that be? My point in all of this is for you to begin to clearly understand that building a service department requires “selling” services, being customer focused and staffing organically. What works for you will not work for your competitor down the street and vice versa. There is no magic bullet. (Well, actually there kind of is a magic bullet and it was explained very clearly in paragraphs 4 and 5 of Part 1.)
I am not suggesting that you have to go out and hire a Just What Is “Great Service?” service sales person, but somebody in your organization is going to have to fill the sales role as part of what We have been talking about some of the mistakes we see contractors make when they are trying to grow they do or your growth will be at a crawl at best and their service departments, mistakes that hold them more likely you won’t grow at all. Go sell something! back. We are going to shift a bit now and talk about what “Great Service” actually looks like. Step 2: Figure Out Who is Going to Install There are no great service departments in this What You Sold country who are not outstanding communicators. If you are a viable commercial roofing contractor who There are no service departments in this country who are great at communicating but not great service departments. Service is all about communication. We have already discussed the need for talented, customer-oriented employees to be in the key roles within your service department. These individuals need to be responsive and empathetic. “Service” is about doing what is in the best interest of your customer, not what is most convenient, efficient or easy for you. This is a mindset that is the opposite of what you normally bring to production work. Think about that. The skills and talents you have that make you really good at production work will be liabilities and limitations in the service department. Let me give you a true story of how a contractor did something that was convenient, efficient and A Division of Children's Home Society easy for him and got him fired. A few years ago, in
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my role as roofing consultant, we had a client that had five shopping centers within this contractor’s geographic service area. We reported a leak right before Christmas and heard nothing. We left voice mails, sent emails, nothing. By a fluke, we discovered that the contractor had decided to give everybody a week off for the holidays. Nobody was “on call.” There was no notification. They just took a week off! So, we found somebody else to take care of the leak and they became our new contractor for repairs for all five shopping centers. If they had notified us the week before that this was going to happen, it would have saved my client (and me) a bunch of hassle. Let me be clear, it wasn’t only their decision to take a week off that got them fired, it was because they did not understand the value of communicating that decision to us. That they also did not have in place any kind of emergency leak response plan indicated that they put their company’s convenience ahead of serving their customers.
else?” “I might as well call another company too, because…”
FRM
Greg Hayne, owner of Roof Management Roof Consultants and Hayne Coaching Group, is a Consultant, Executive Coach, Trainer, Thought Leader and Innovator in the Construction Industry. A graduate of Purdue University, Greg’s training technique is teaching people how to work smarter, not harder and to think out of the box. For more information on Greg Hayne, visit www.creatinggreatservice.com or by email at greg@managingroofs.com.
Simple Steps
Let me give you a couple of simple communication steps that will make a huge difference and you can start implementing them today. (By the way, this applies to everybody in your company, including you). When you get an email, reply to it immediately. If you have time to read it, you have time to reply. “Got it.” “Will get back to you about this by the end of the day.” “You will have it by the end of the week.” Nothing elaborate, just let your customer know they were heard. Return all phone calls by the end of the day, before you leave the office. Even if it means leaving a voice mail. “Hi, just wanted to let you know I got your message and we are on it.” “Hi, sorry I missed you. I did get your message and will try and reach you again tomorrow morning.” Both of these practices are the essence of good communication and will actually save you time in the long run by letting the person who reached out to you know that you did get their message. Silence causes confusion. “Did he get my message?” “I wonder if he is on vacation and I need to call somebody
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Fire Prevention and Preparedness Tips at the Office and on the Jobsite Kevin Lindley, Safety Consultant, FRSA Self Insurer’s Fund If there was a fire while you were present at work, do you and your fellow workers know what to do? Where is the closest fire extinguisher? Do the fire alarms and emergency lighting work? Where is the closest emergency exit? Where does everyone go once they get out of the building? It’s that time of year to take a step back and look at work safety in terms of fire preparedness. It is a good practice to annually review these steps with all employees in the workplace.
Have a Plan
Per the International Fire Code (IFC) section 404.2, a fire safety and evacuation plan is required for only certain types of structures; however, it is highly recommended that a plan be developed, maintained and displayed in every workplace. The plan should include not only the routes to be taken and locations of the building emergency exits, but it should also clearly identify the location of fire extinguishers and the designated meeting place employees are to congregate during an actual emergency. List one employee who will act as the safety officer in the event of an emergency.
Verify Equipment is Present and Working
Most commercial buildings are required to have, at minimum, smoke alarms, fire extinguisher(s) and a clear means of egress out of the building. Additional emergency supplies may also include emergency lighting, emergency signage, first aid kit, flashlights and even bottles of water. Project sites shall have a fire extinguisher present where there are flammable or combustible materials, tools or equipment present or in use. Fire extinguishers on project sites shall be readily available and within 20 feet of the heat source or fire hazard present, placed no closer to the hazard than 10 feet away. Smoke alarms, fire extinguishers and emergency lighting shall be tested monthly to verify proper operation/condition. Smoke alarms and emergency lighting typically have a test button easily accessible on the unit that, when pressed, will cause the lights to illuminate or the alarm to briefly sound. Testing emergency alarms is recommended when no other employees are present, or once everyone has been properly notified of the testing prior to the test being conducted. Emergency exit signs shall be posted at all exterior doors. Exit signs which are equipped with emergency illumination shall also be tested by pushing the test button located on the unit. First Aid kits are often depleted without notification. 36
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Check the contents of the first aid kit regularly to verify all intended items are present.
Fire Classifications
There are five primary fire classifications: ■ Type A fires are wood, cardboard, paper, textiles and rubbish ■ Type B fires are chemicals and flammable liquids ■ Type C fires are electrical ■ Type D fires are combustible or flammable metals ■ Type K fires are combustible and flammable cooking/kitchen media The most common type of fire extinguisher for an office and on the job is an ABC-rated fire extinguisher, which is designed to be used on types A, B and C fires. Every fire extinguisher shall be inspected once a month. Completing a monthly fire extinguisher inspection requires several small steps. The monthly inspection steps are as follows: ■ Check the date of the annual inspection on the exterior tag, sticker or collar band. Fire extinguishers are required to be inspected annually by the manufacturer, supplier, or fire extinguisher inspection company. The company will typically provide a tag, sticker or collar band around the neck of the extinguisher which indicates the month and year of the last inspection. ■ Check the condition of the fire extinguisher. Ensure the container is free of defects, the handles have proper separation, the hose is fully screwed onto the tank and free of cracks and the end of the hose is free of blockage. Fire extinguishers shall be secured to prevent damage while being transported. Blockages should be cleared with a pen or screw; do not use a finger (spiders bite). ■ Verify the fire extinguisher has proper pressure. Pressure gauge on the front of the extinguisher should be in the green indicating area; when in the red it is either over pressurized or under pressurized. Even a slight release of pressure will continue to leak if the seal has been broken resulting in an improperly pressurized tank. Tanks not properly pressurized should be exchanged or re-certified immediately. ■ Confirm the fire extinguisher has a safety pin and tamper seal band. Safety pins located in the neck of the fire
extinguisher keep the handles from being compressed and engaging the striker. The tamper seal band is present to hold the pin in place. DO NOT REPLACE THE TAMPER SEAL BAND WITH A ZIP TIE, CORD, STRING or anything else which will be required to be cut, untangled or removed before the pin can be pulled out by hand. ■ Vigorously shake the fire extinguisher. Contents inside a fire extinguisher are under pressure. When a fire extinguisher is stored in locations where exterior temperatures change, the pressure of the tank either increases (hot temperatures) or decreases (cool temperatures). During fluctuations, the powder contents are condensed and harden. Aggressively shaking the fire extinguisher will break up the compacted contents, thus allowing it to travel through the hose as designed when needed. ■ Sign off on the monthly inspection. The individual who conducts the monthly fire extinguisher inspection shall place their initials and date of inspection on either the rear side of the inspection tag, on the exterior of the fire extinguisher or on a written log. If the inspection is not documented, it is as though it was never completed.
Practice the Plan
Think back to school days: we reviewed various plans with fire drills and lock-down drills, as well as other safety drills the facility deemed necessary so that there would be order and structure in the event of an actual emergency. Do not wait until there is an actual event to tell everyone where to go and what to do. Review it with everyone annually, at a minimum. During an actual event, it can be very confusing, hectic, disorienting and scary. Decisions must be made on the spot. Practicing and discussing the plan with everyone can be very beneficial. Also, including emergency response (the fire department) in the drill can be helpful for everyone. They become familiar with your facility and it makes the situation that much more memorable to everyone participating. Follow all steps of the plan. If the plan includes shut down of important equipment, do it in real time during the drill and don’t forget to do a head count of everyone present. While there, you can request the fire department to review fire extinguisher use with everyone or conduct an office fire safety evaluation.
Review Office Prevention
Periodic site evaluations are a great idea; one individual can be responsible to perform them, or do a blast email to all employees for them to do a self-evaluation of their space. ■ Do not overload power outlets. Do not plug multiple power extension devices into one outlet or into one another. Do not plug power extension devices into an extension cord. ■ Replace frayed power cords, cords which have
become detached from the outlet end, or if the end is missing a ground pin. ■ Unplug unnecessary equipment when not in use or at the end of the day such as a microwave or coffeemaker. ■ Do not run extension cords under carpet or rugs, through walls, or in pinch-points of doorway openings. ■ Replace appliances that feel warm or hot to touch. ■ Store hazardous materials according to manufacturers’ instructions and per OSHA regulations. All chemical containers shall be properly labeled and a common area is recommended to be identified with signage. ■ Do not block emergency exits. ■ Do not block the Power Breaker Box. ■ Do not allow waste to accumulate outside of receptacles and never store trash near hot equipment, electrical outlets or smoking areas. ■ Do not permit employees to burn candles, scented oils, etc., even in their personal work space. Following the steps above is the best way to protect your business, investment and employees. It is crucial that we take safety seriously; if we fail to do so, our employees will follow. It’s a lot easier to prepare for an emergency than to explain why you didn’t. This information is provided as a service and should not be substituted for a professional consultation by a fire marshal, insurance agent or any other safety professional. Always consult with the fire marshal or your insurer should you have specific questions about any fire safety matter.
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Higher Profits... continued from page 31
you are seen as different, and better, than your competition. Educating the client on the different product options available and giving them the power to choose is a great way to differentiate yourself and further position you as the contractor of choice for the project. Happy Selling!
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John DeRosa is the Director of Contractor Training at SRS Distribution. John has a wealth of experience in contractor training, assisting customers to maximize their sales opportunities. Over the course of his career, John has facilitated more than 2,000 seminars throughout the United States and Canada. In his nineteen years’ experience he has authored several educational programs including The Contractor Survival Program, How Gross Is Your Net? and Sales Dynamics for Contractors. He guarantees captivating, high energy presentations that will make an immediate and enduring impact on your organization. www.floridaroof.com | FLORIDA ROOFING
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Giving Back
FRSA Members Giving Back to the Community
“Boots On The Roof” Project Gives New Roof to Disabled Veteran
The North Central Florida Roofing Association (NCFRSA) made sure one veteran and his family were covered this Christmas.
“Boots On The Roof” is the North Central Florida Roofing Association’s community service project. For the 2019 holiday season, members chose to give back to a disabled veteran who lives in High Springs. After serving in Vietnam, Charles Brewington received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. The roof he and his wife were living under was about twenty years old and in need of a reroof. “We love using the resources that we have with our roofing skills, to come and help somebody who really needs a new roof; this will make a big difference in the comfort of their lives,” NCFRSA President Christopher Tenney said. Crews began working on the new roof on a Monday morning and finished by 5:00 pm that same afternoon. The “Boots On The Roof” program began eight years ago and has provided 17 new roofs for families in need.
WCRCA Donates Roof for American Hero
The West Coast Roofing Contractors Association (WCRCA) was able to help Jim Collins, an American hero who served in World War II and with Merrill’s Marauders. WCRCA thanked Jim for his service to the nation and were honored to be able to provide and install a new roof for him. The participating companies who helped make the WCRCA charity roof a success were ABC Supply Co. Inc., Aderhold Roofing, Cotney Construction Law, Dockside Roofing, RAMCON, Service Works Roofing, Gideons & Greco Plumbing Co. Inc., Sutter Roofing 38
FLORIDA ROOFING | February 2020
and all the hard working roofers who made this project possible.
Luviano Roofing Donates New Roof to Widow
When Wanda Horner’s roof was damaged during Hurricane Irma, she didn’t know what to do. She had no insurance to pay for it and, as a widow, could not afford to pay for it out of pocket. Someone came by and put a blue roof on it, but that actually caused more leaks. When they put the tarp on, she had to sign a waiver releasing them from liability. She was at her wits’ end. Osiel Luviano, owner of Luviano Roofing Company Inc., believes it is his responsibility to give back to the community he loves so much. He was getting calls from people in town who were concerned about Wanda’s plight. “This is a small town and I believe we should help
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each other,” Luviano stated. Four other times he has put roofs on homes for people who needed help. He especially has a heart for widows. A crew of 10 installed a beautiful new metal roof that Luviano says will last Wanda 25 years. They had to replace a lot of wood and W&W Lumber donated all the plywood for the job, and the City of Okeechobee waived the permit fee when they discovered the job was being done free of charge. Wanda is so excited about her new roof. She said she told her sister this year she will feel safe staying home if there is a hurricane and believes Osiel Luviano is truly an angel. “Everybody I talk to says he is the best,” she said. In addition to donating free roofs, Luviano Roofing gives scholarships to seniors at the local high school every year and this past year, they were able to give out 16 scholarships.
Sheridan House Single Mom’s Triplex
The Roofing Contractors Association of South Florida (RCASF) completed phase two of their most recent charity project, providing the roof and installation for the Sheridan House, a triplex for single mothers.
This triplex provides temporary housing solutions for single moms. Sheridan House serves single moms by offering intensive group training in areas such as finances, parenting, resume preparation and interviewing skills, as well as meal planning on a budget and more. The goal of this training is to equip these moms with the knowledge necessary for them to succeed in life. Rather than simply supplying a “hand out,” they strive to offer a “hand up.” RCASF thanks the many companies who contributed to the project: ABC Supply Co. Inc., Advanced Roofing Inc., Beacon Roofing Supply, Bob Hilson and Company, Certified Contracting Group, Empire Roofing, Englert, Inc., GAF, Gulfeagle Supply, Latite Roofing and Sheet Metal, Munsie Enterprises Inc., Perkins Roofing Corporation, PSI Roofing, SPEC Building Material and Weather-Tech Roofing & Waterproofing, Inc.
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FRSA is proud of the volunteer work completed by members in the industry and would like to share those projects as often as possible. If you have a community service project you’ve completed, please send the information to Lisa Pate at lisapate@floridaroof.com.
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Florida Roofing.indd 1
FLORIDA ROOFING | February 2020
12/18/2019 5:21:21 PM
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Luis F. Quevedo, Owner, Revildor Quality Roofing How did you get started in the roofing industry? I have worked in construction since I was a young man and always enjoyed roofing. As home inspectors, my wife and I performed over 1,500 roof inspections during the hurricanes of 2005-2006. We also became expert witnesses in court for hurricane related claims. At the end of 2006 (Yup! Right in the downturn of the economy!), I decided to take the certification exam and become a roofing contractor. What’s your favorite part of the job? I enjoy being part of the solution for homeowners. Unfortunately, in our industry there are plenty of fly-bynight unlicensed roofers who take advantage of people’s distress or misfortunes. I like the fact that we are an honest company that treats each customer's home as if it was our home. I also love the fact that I get to work with my wife, Diana. We work well together. What’s the most unusual roofing project that you’ve been a part of? Wow, this is a hard one. Most of our roof work is repetitive and routine, yet there are some odd jobs that leave you scratching your head. I’ve seen plenty of rodents, snakes, bee hives, overgrown trees on top of the roof and never-ending layers of roofing material. What do you consider a waste of time? Retail shopping. What’s your favorite vacation? I love to travel and see new countries, experiencing new cultures and trying different foods. While I love a do-nothing beach vacation, I also enjoy walking cities, museums and looking at the different architecture. I love history and learning about other countries. I have especially enjoyed Argentina and Spain. What’s your dream job? If I could do anything in the world, I would love to be a musician. I would be a pianist, guitarist or drummer. If you could spend time with three people (living or not), who would they be and why? I would want to meet Jesus and spend time with him. I have so many questions to ask him. I’d want to better understand my purpose on this earth. I would also like 42
FLORIDA ROOFING | February 2020
to meet Nikola Tesla. I recently watched a documentary about him. It was fascinating. I want to know more about his inventions and how his mind worked. I like to put things together and pull them apart. I think I would very much enjoy time with him. Last but not least, I would want some time with Simon Bolivar, who is the liberator of the Americas. He liberated five countries: Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador and Venezuela. All five were known as the “Gran Colombia.” He was a visionary and a stubborn man with a big dream. He lived life with purpose and conviction. I also have many questions for him, but more importantly, I would want to travel the Americas with him. What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the roofing industry? I believe the roofing industry is really tough. It is a very difficult business. I would recommend high ethical standards. Do not compromise your integrity to get a job. It is highly competitive and I would recommend someone do their homework on the business side of it, with all its implications, before opening a roofing company. It can be very rewarding, but it comes with challenges. What’s your favorite pastime activity? Listening to music. I very much enjoy quiet time with a good dose of classical music to help me relax. I enjoy all types of music with exceptions from today’s genres! What would be your ideal place to live and why? My ideal place to live would have beach and mountains surrounding my home. I would want a simple home with nature surrounding it. That sounds like heaven to me! What other activities and organizations are you involved with? I enjoy riding my Harley, soccer and spending time with my granddaughter, Penelope. I am involved with Rebuilding Together Orlando and RISE, Orange Co. What would surprise others to learn about you? I was born in Cali, Colombia. During my youth, I was enrolled in a private arts school in Cali where I studied ballet. It is one of the most difficult artistic specialties to learn and it helped shaped who I am and taught me much about discipline and perseverance.
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