Here to help

One of NRCA’s key functions is to provide resources to our members. Between texts, social media, traditional mail and email, we try to inform members when new resources become available. But it’s a busy, noisy world, and it’s easy to tune out information.

So I wanted to take a little time to make sure you are aware of some ways NRCA can help you and your business. One of the topics we get asked about frequently has been immigration—specifically ICE arrests, audits, deportations, etc. Ensuring roofing professionals are following the law, informed and prepared for possible immigration-related activity is vitally important, and NRCA has created a webpage of resources to use.

At nrca.net/immigrantlabor you will find our Employer Immigration Resources page, which features several handouts, articles and other resources to help you and your workers.

Does your office staff know what to do if ICE comes to your door?

There are different types of warrants. Do you know how to comply with them?

Do your employees know their rights and obligations?

What are you doing to ensure you are following the law with your I-9 forms?

I-9 audits are occurring more frequently. Are you ready?

NRCA can help make sure you can answer “yes” to these and other questions. Give the website a look!

Another significant movement taking place in the industry is consolidation. I have written before about this topic because it’s so significant. Roofing is incredibly fragmented, and that fragmentation makes roofing contracting companies attractive to buyers. Buyers can consist of other roofing contracting companies or private firms, and selling a company will likely be the most important deal contractors make in their careers. After decades of work and perhaps generations of investment, they take one chance to secure their futures and ensure their goals and objectives are achieved.

NRCA wants to help companies and owners make the right decision for them. Buyers of roofing companies may make 10 or more deals per year. But sellers likely will make one deal in their lifetimes. That’s a significant information and experience imbalance, and any seller needs to treat the process with the highest level of due diligence.

In the legal world, there’s a joke that goes something like “Anyone who would represent themselves in court has a fool for a client.” One could say the same thing for those choosing to represent themselves in the sale of a business. You probably didn’t sell your last house as a “For Sale By Owner;” I would think twice about doing that with your company. Working with a lawyer, accountant or seller’s agent can give you expertise that’s otherwise missing to ensure you’re making the right deal for you.

Are your pricing expectations realistic? Or are they too lofty or low?

Are there things you can be doing today to make your company more attractive to sell in two years?

Is one buyer a more attractive partner than another even if the money is the same? Just like selling a house to a cash buyer who waives the inspection, some buyers and offers are better than others beyond just the dollar amount.

Are the equity expectations at play reasonable?

Please don’t jump into a deal that you have not fully vetted and had professional help crafting. You’ve worked too hard not to. There are companies and consultants that help contractors sell their roofing businesses, and NRCA has a list of referrals to help. We also have produced some Power Hour episodes and interviews with contractors who have recently gone through the selling process. Just reach out, and we can point you in the right direction!

Another newly released resource is the Quality Control Guidelines for the Application of Asphalt Shingle Roof Systems. NRCA partnered with the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association to update this booklet to help provide guidance for the on-site evaluation of the application of asphalt shingle roof systems. The document provides visual examination evaluation criteria for the roof substrate surface, underlayment, drip edge, fasteners, asphalt shingles and flashings. And NRCA members can access the digital copy for free at shop.nrca.net.

NRCA also created an in-depth white paper about photovoltaic-ready roof systems. The seven-page report includes key information regarding design considerations and codes and standards for steep-slope and low-slope roofs for PV solar energy installations. As solar continues to be installed on roofing products, make sure you have this guide to help you navigate what’s often called “the wild, wild west.” You can find the guide by entering “PV-ready roofs” in our website search.

And in the coming months, we will be revising The NRCA Safety Manual and publishing a new manual focused on fleet safety, as well as a number of other resources, so be sure to be on the lookout!

There are many issues facing our industry. And NRCA wants to ensure you have the information necessary to do what you do best.