Therefore, what looked possible for a 30 percent refundable tax credit in July, now looks doubtful in January as the demands on spending increase and the available funding grows increasingly scarce. This is not because the members of the COVID-19 task force are short-sighted or unfamiliar with the ways of Capitol Hill. 2020 was so unpredictable and extraordinary that seasoned Congressional savants have been taken aback by election results and skyrocketing budget deficits. If the 30 percent reimbursable tax credit survives, it will almost surely be contingent on reaching some kind of energy-efficiency goal or threshold to ensure Democratic passage. In that case, it could mean other energy-efficiency tax credits will be included in the bill, creating a sort of universal tax incentive.
Ultimately, if the gridlock on Capitol Hill continues, it may be the private sector that leads infrastructure investment. Justin Koscher, president of the Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association and convener of the COVID-19 task force, sees “a change in corporate America to be more responsive to public concerns from social issues all the way to climate issues. Regardless of what the federal government does, you’re going to see a corporate track record much more responsive to their customers’ demands, which translates into significant private-sector investments that would benefit the construction industry.”
The COVID-19 task force will continue to work together for the duration of the pandemic and beyond, marshaling the momentum built from its joint action. For example, the annual Roofing Day will take place online March 23 and 24, and thousands are expected to advocate virtually for workforce development, immigration reform and incorporating a strong build- ings component in infrastructure legislation. More than ever, roofing professionals have discovered that there is strength in numbers. More than ever, they are working together for the good of the industry as a whole.
Members of the COVID-19 Task Force
In spring 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic threatened the health of workers and shutdowns devastated the economy, a group of roofing construction association leaders joined forces, committed to working together to help keep their employees safe and keep companies in business. The task force includes the following organizations:
- ASPHALT ROOFING MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION
- CHEMICAL FABRICS AND FILM ASSOCIATION
- EPDM ROOFING ASSOCIATION
- INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF BUILDING ENCLOSURE CONSULTANTS
- METAL CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION
- NATIONAL ROOFING CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION
- NATIONAL WOMEN IN ROOFING
- POLYISOCYANURATE INSULATION MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION
- ROOF COATINGS MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION
- SINGLE PLY ROOFING INDUSTRY
- SLATE ROOFING CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION
- SPRAY POLYURETHANE FOAM ALLIANCE
- TILE ROOFING INDUSTRY ALLIANCE
NRCA’s PROCertification Program
Three years ago, Reid Ribble, in one of his first landmark statements as the newly appointed CEO of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), spoke to the EPDM Roofing Association (ERA) and laid out his vision for the roofing industry, focusing on plans to establish a certification program for experienced workers in specific roof system installations. The program he envisioned would be designed to create a career path for industry field workers and “elevate the roofing industry to be on par with other trade professions that currently offer national certifications.”
NRCA offers PROCertification in three roof systems:
- Thermoplastic Systems
- EPDM Systems
- Asphalt Shingles
It also offers a Roofing Foreman PROCertification.
The program is designed to certify experienced installers by testing their knowledge and skills on three levels. There’s an initial eligibility requirement: Every installer who applies has to include verification signed by his or her employer that he or she has at least 24-months system-specific installation experience. In other words, someone applying for EPDM Systems certification needs to have 24 months of not just roofing experience but experience specific to EPDM systems.
Once applicants are accepted for further testing, they take an online test. This is designed to validate that they understand general roofing knowledge, general roofing processes and safety procedures.
The final step requires applicants to perform critical tasks on standard mock-ups designed and supplied by NRCA. These tests can be administered at a variety of locations, such as a manufacturer’s training facility or a contractor’s office. An NRCA-certified assessor must be present to observe the applicant performing the tasks and installation steps of the specific system and scores him or her based on those steps. Successful applicants not only know the steps and understand the process, but can actually get on the roof and do it.
Currently, many applicants to the PROCertification program are individuals who are stepping forward to be tested. However, increasingly contractors are putting their crews through the process. An NRCA spokesperson says the association anticipates “a pretty healthy mix” of contractors putting their employees through the process, as well as individuals pursuing
roofing careers to apply for certification.
David Martiny, the EPDM Roofing Association’s chairman and director of Product Management at Firestone Building Products, points out, “At a time when we are all challenged to deliver excellence in the roofing marketplace, this is an important step forward to deliver certified quality to our customers and provide career prestige for our labor force. PROCertification provides an excellent opportunity for seasoned installers to add to their credentials. And for those who are early in their work as installers but have experienced the ease of EPDM installation, for example, it can provide a jumpstart into a respected and rewarding profession.”