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Newsroom » 7/9/2009

Roofing Contractors and Insurer-Sponsored Research Group Launch Roofing Educational Programs

7/9/2009

Contact:
Joseph King (813) 675-1045
 jking@ibhs.org
Twitter: disastersafety

NEWS: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Rosemont, Ill. and Tampa, Fla.—The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) today announced the launch of two online educational programs to teach roofing contractors, consumers and other interested parties about impact-resistant, steep-slope roof systems.

Proper selection and installation of impact-resistant roofing technology is a proven money-saver for home and business owners during the life of a structure. According to an IBHS insurance claims study that involved 320,000 homes in 115 ZIP codes that suffered hail damage, homes with impact-resistant roofing materials benefitted from a 55 percent reduction in losses when compared to homes that did not have impact-resistant roofs. This translated to direct homeowner savings of $200 to $300. In addition, the marginal cost increase for installation of impact-resistant material can easily be recovered by homeowners, as it increases the value of their homes.

“Roof damage from hail, tree limbs, and other types of storm debris is a very common, annoying and expensive problem for homeowners and insurers – year after year after year. Fortunately, much of this type of damage can be prevented,” notes IBHS President and Chief Executive Officer Julie Rochman. “We know that homeowners want their roofs to last and stand up to Mother Nature. That is why we are so pleased to partner with NRCA to develop and promote educational materials to help interested roofing professionals and consumers properly select and install impact-resistant roofing materials.”

"Ours is an industry that is affected almost daily by weather events," says William Good, executive vice president of NRCA, "and damage from impact is right at the top of the list. This program will help homeowners understand what steps they can take to minimize that risk. More importantly, it will help roofing contractors become more knowledgeable and share that knowledge with their customers. We are excited to partner with IBHS in this important undertaking."

The first online educational program, “Impact-resistant Roofs: Contractor Certificate Program,” is designed to help contractors and their employees better serve customers by building basic competencies for identifying, selecting, installing and selling impact-resistant roofing products. Upon program completion, participants will be able to specify appropriate impact-resistant products for a given structure; prescribe best installation practices for impact-resistant products on residential projects; and inform customers about many features and benefits of impact-resistant, steep-slope roofing products for homes, apartments, businesses, etc.

“Impact-resistant Roofs: Contractor Certificate Program” consists of five self-paced learning modules and a comprehensive final exam. Individuals who successfully complete the program and exam will receive an NRCA University Certificate of Completion. Certificated roofing contractors will be included in an online database that can serve as a resource for consumers and insurance claims adjusters. The program is $45 for NRCA members and $245 for nonmembers.

The second online educational program is titled “Impact-resistant Roofs: Smart Steps to Reduce Hailstorm Damage.” This consumer-focused program teaches benefits of installing impact-resistant residential roofing products. Upon program completion, participants will be able to describe various residential steep-slope roof system types; explain roofing issues and problems associated with hail impact; participate in informed discussions with roofing contractors regarding impact-resistant roofing products; list the reported benefits of purchasing impact-resistant roofing products; explain benefits of using NRCA University-certificated roofing contractors; and locate NRCA University-certificated roofing contractors.

“Impact-resistant Roofs: Smart Steps to Reduce Hailstorm Damage” is offered free and consists of four self-paced learning modules.

For more information or to register for either program, visit www.nrca.net/nrcauniversity or contact NRCA's Customer Service Department at (866) ASK-NRCA (275-6722) or info@nrca.net.

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IBHS is an independent, nonprofit, applied science and communications organization supported by the property insurance industry. IBHS works to reduce the social and economic effects of natural disasters and other risks to residential and commercial property by identifying, evaluating, and advocating improved construction, maintenance and preparation practices. For more information about IBHS, visit www.disastersafety.org.

NRCA is one of the construction industry's most respected trade associations and the voice and leading authority in the roofing industry for information, education, technology and advocacy. It represents all segments of the roofing industry, including contractors; manufacturers; distributors; architects; consultants; engineers; building owners; and city, state and government agencies. NRCA's mission is to inform and assist the roofing industry, act as its principal advocate and help members in serving their customers. NRCA continually strives to enhance every aspect of the roofing industry. For information about NRCA and its services and offerings, visit www.nrca.net.