Owens Corning convened a panel of general managers from across the country to discuss the top ten trends in roofing at IRE 2006 in Las Vegas. Here are their top ten.
1.) Mother Nature is driving code change: The catastrophic weather of 2005 is focusing new attention on building codes, and in particular, wind load ratings. The technical committee of the National Roofing Contractors Association spoke about the replacement of old wind load standards this year (UL997 and ASTMD3161). The old fan-based standards were replaced with UL2390, ASTMD6381, and ASTMD7158, new standards that measure uplift resistance, uplift force, and bond strength. 2.) Green is now more than a shingle color: Green is no longer a niche, coastal discussion. It's a mainstream American conversation that is driving codes and purchasing decisions ... and your business 3.) Shingles aren't just black anymore: The market has embraced the role shingles play in curb appeal. Competitive businesses are comfortable addressing roofing color and styles as part of the selling process. 4.) Power tools help business: A key component in up-selling is creating desire. Today's computer and web-based tools make it easier than ever to show consumers how great their building could look - and have confidence in making what is often a higher-priced purchase decision. 5.) Higher costs require selling total value: Inflation, rising fuel costs, and incredible nationwide demand for roofing materials make selling the overall value of your roofing expertise and service imperative. 6.) Hispanic workerers and your business are inseparable: The Hispanic population will continue to grow at a rate faster than any other population. Your ability to hire, train, motivate, and retain this part of the U.S. workforce is a business fundamental. 7.) Insurance practices need attention: Record storms are causing the insurance industry to tighten up-making dealing with insurance companies a daily part of the roofiing business. Your carrier relationships are essential to ensure your customers, and your own business, are treated fairly. 8.) Innovations are speeding up application: Roofing is becoming easier to store, transport, and easier to apply through a new developments in shingle design, adhesives, and fastener products. Failure to adopt new technologies gives a leg up to the competition. 9.) Customer expectations and needs are evolving: Maintaining your reputation is more critical than ever before as today's technology makes it easier to see the good, bad, ugy. Well executed business processes are ever more important to surviving, thriving, prospering. 10.) Accepting injuries is unacceptable: New OSHA funding has new regulations and new levels of enforcement on the way. Establishing best practices will help protect workers and your business. Members of the panel included:
Tom Hutchinson of Hutchinson Design Group, an architect and roof consultant based near Chicago.
Miriam Tate, president of California-based Miriam Tate Company, an exterior consulting firm. Brett Hall of Joe Hall Roofing in Arlington, Texas, the 71st largest roofing firm in the United States. Ricardo Gonzales, founder of Bilingual America a provider of Spanish language training programs. Dan Piche, general manager of Owens Corning roofing. Tom Daniel, safety director of Owens Corning Constructon Services.
