RoofersCoffeeShop https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/ Roofing Forum, Classifieds, Galleries and More! en-us Roofing Goes Green https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/roofing-goes-green-2 roofing-goes-green-2 Fri, 08 Apr 2022 09:00:00 PDT

By Cass Jacoby, RCS Reporter.  

Learn about the companies that are driving the industry towards a greener future.

It is no secret that now more than ever is the time to focus on greener roofing solutions and for companies to reduce CO2 emissions. As manufacturers innovate to provide products that work longer and use greener practices, consumers and contractors alike can do their part to make sustainable choices. We have rounded up some pioneering companies that are driving the industry towards a more sustainable future.  

Re-use and recycle 

Environmentally responsible materials are more popular than ever, which is why an endlessly recyclable metal that won’t lose its strength and durability is a key component in EXCEPTIONAL® Metals’ pledge to reduce their environmental impact. 

Malarkey adds upcycled rubber and plastic polymers from used tires and water bottles to help extend shingle life. The upcycled materials improve the shingle's resilience and strength, creating an incredibly durable material that will last through extreme weather conditions like intense wind, rain and impact. 

Often on a roof made of a thousand pieces of tile, there are only a few broken tiles. Rather than reroofing, which comes at a substantial environmental cost, All Points Tile & Slate makes it easy to simply replace the few bits of damaged tile. Completely re-doing a roof creates harmful emissions during production while unnecessarily filling landfills. This is why All Points Tile is driven to provide local, national and international customers with the ability to identify, procure, color-match, store and deliver tiles. These processes make fixing a roof and replacing tiles much greener, while also making it easier for contractors to quickly finish the job and deliver a beautiful roof. 

Certifiably sustainable 

Sika strives to be transparent about their products from a full life cycle “cradle to grave” point of view. As such, Sika products are certified sustainable and designed to meet LEED standards in order to build a brighter future for our environment. 

Sika has been publishing Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for its products since 2012 and its extensive EPD portfolio covers all of its construction target markets, from roof to basement. The only liquid-applied roofing and waterproofing systems that offer a fully disclosed cradle-to-grave EPD are Sikalastic RoofPro products. 

Duro-Last, Inc. is the first manufacturer to publish a product specific PVC environmental product declaration (EPD) for single-ply membranes, reporting the lifecycle environmental impact of each of their membrane products. Duro-Last also leads the roofing industry with the most certifications under NSF/ANSI 347, and is one of the only two manufacturers to achieve the highest-level platinum certification.  

Green technology 

Malarkey is committed to the environment and developed the industry’s first smog-reducing shingle by incorporating 3M smog-reducing granules. These granules are used in all of Malarkey’s shingles. You won’t even be able to tell the granules are there because they blend into the shingle’s color.   

Another way to reduce smog and the Urban Heat Island effect is through the use of green roofs. SOPREMA makes it easy to incorporate vegetated roofing systems into any roofing business with SOPRANATURE® green roof, which uses natural vegetation, like grasses and shrubs, to turn the roof, a usually neglected space, into a green oasis. 

The roof layers act as a soil and drainage system, compensating for the hampered ecosystems resulting from urban development, offering a multitude of economic and environmental benefits to building owners and communities. 

In addition to their innovative green roofing solutions, SOPREMA is deeply engaged in developing sustainability initiatives within their communities. For instance, they have a company recycling program and employees who have worked at SOPREMA for 20 years get a tree planted on the property in their name.

Energy efficiency 

Western Colloid's Cool Roof Systems can make a huge difference in the heating and cooling costs of your building, specifically with Fluid Applied Reinforced Roofing (FARR) systems. The cost of upgrading or restoring your roof with this system is offset by the cost savings for your building. Additionally, your roof upgrade may qualify for government rebates, tax deductions or write-offs. 

Similarly, ATAS has a variety of cool roof products designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat, bringing a new definition of “cool” to sustainability by bringing down the temperature.   

Conclusion 

These are just a few of the ways that the roofing industry is working towards ensuring a brighter, cleaner and certifiably greener future. Roofing products that extend the life of the roof, promote efficiency and save materials from landfills are smart choices for contractors and homeowners and show just how much you care about our planet and making sustainable choices to preserve it.  

Stay up to date with the latest roofing industry news when you sign up for the RCS Week in Roofing e-news. 

]]> How Specialized Equipment Helps Save Time and Labor https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/how-specialized-equipment-helps-save-time-and-labor how-specialized-equipment-helps-save-time-and-labor Fri, 18 Mar 2022 09:00:00 PDT

By Cass Jacoby, RCS Reporter. 

Learn about the MINI-MACADEN, an innovation in equipment designed to help alleviate the need for manual labor. 

Finding ways to save time and labor is an important step to success in today’s industry. While one way to increase efficiency is to train employees to increase productivity, another tactic is to consider your product selection. When looking at products that can increase labor and time savings, remember to look for technologies and equipment that offer quick and easy installation methods and eliminate the need for additional equipment. 

Using specialized equipment can make the application process faster and easier and can result in a higher quality product. Investing in equipment that helps lessen manual labor can pay off in the long run. Although there will be an initial up-front cost, the return on investment of purchasing equipment designed to increase performance and production time is worth the price. 

The MINI-MACADEN®, for example, was developed to lay SOPREMA bituminous membranes more efficiently than ever before. With this machine, a four-member team can install over 15 membrane rolls per hour, making for a much quicker installation process with fewer people. This means that with a four-member team using the MINI-MACADEN, you can expect to install over 20 rolls per hour, making it easy to maximize your revenue potential. That is just one example of how the MINI-MACADEN can be used to help save time and labor. 

The MINI-MACADEN is self-propelled in nearly every sense of the word. The only thing the operator is required to do is to crank it up, load a roll on it, and get it started in the right direction. This eliminates the need for your crews to complete each step manually, and with the machine on automatic mode, the machine can make nearly hands-free membrane application a reality. 

In addition to laying the product quicker, the MINI-MACADEN can complete the job more efficiently. The MINI-MACADEN 1000 not only welds full rolls of modified bitumen — it does so using considerably less fuel. The machine’s consistent heating element and electric motors use up to 75% less propane than manual installation. This is how this machine can help you save on cost and make for a more sustainable roofing practice. 

With this one machine, you can offer a higher quality installation while decreasing the time and labor it takes to complete your projects. So the question is, why aren’t you taking advantage of these savings? 

Learn more about SOPREMA on its RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit soprema.us.

]]> The Best of for the IIBEC 2022 International Convention and Trade Show https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/the-best-of-for-the-iibec-2022-international-convention-and-trade-show the-best-of-for-the-iibec-2022-international-convention-and-trade-show Thu, 17 Mar 2022 12:00:00 PDT

By Heidi J. Ellsworth, RCS President. 

Attendees will experience networking, educational opportunities, fun events and great speakers. 

Those who are attending the 2022 IIBEC International Convention and Trade Show will experience some of the best networking, education and hospitality in the roofing industry. The conference will welcome building enclosure professionals from across North America to the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Florida March 17 – 22, 2022. 

“Our 2021 convention, which took place in September, was a success, but we’re pleased to be holding our 2022 convention at the normal time in the spring,” said Brian Pallasch, executive vice president and chief executive officer at IIBEC. “IIBEC members are looking forward to the networking, educational opportunities and great speakers that make our international convention and trade show the premier event for building enclosure consultants and industry professionals.” 

“Exhibitors are excited to be returning to in-person events like the 2022 IIBEC International Convention and Trade Show,” said Karen McElroy, vice president of events at IIBEC. “We know the strong interest we’re seeing among exhibitors will be matched by the interest in their products and services among the building enclosure professionals who will attend the trade show.” 

Several RoofersCoffeeShop partners will be at the show including: 

  1. Duro-Last 819 

  1. SOPREMA 713 

  1. EVERROOF 417 

  1. FlashCo 908 

  1. Metal-Era 332 

  1. S-5! 626 

  1. Sika 600, 601 

  1. Western Colloid 514 

  1. Leister 110 

  1. ATAS International 411 

  1. CertainTeed  821 

  1. IB Roof Systems 229 

  1. Johns Manville  201 

  1. Master Builders Solutions  518 

  1. ROCKWOOL  501 

  1. Roof Hugger 415 

  1. National Women in Roofing (NWiR)  113 

  1. Nations Roof 106 

  1. National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) 316 

  1. Single Ply Roofing Institute (SPRI) 215 

In addition, Johns Manville will be hosting a hospitality event to celebrate their 50th Bursi Anniversary on March 18, 2022, from 7:15 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. at Conway Room, Rosen Shingle Creek Resort. There will be cocktails and appetizers served during the reception. They are excited to celebrate their 50th Anniversary for the BURSI Program and would love to hear any stories attendees may have to share from attending past BURSI events. Be sure to RSVP here. 

According to IIBEC, the education will be off the charts, “Those looking to boost their continuing education hours (CEHs) at the show will earn 2.0 CEHs for spending up to four hours on the trade show floor and 3.0 CEHs for spending more than four hours at the trade show. The convention also includes more than 17 hours of live, in-person educational seminars. Kicking off the educational content on Friday, March 18 is an auxiliary seminar, “Florida’s High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) Product-Approval Process,” presented in three sections: the history of the Florida Building Code’s HVHZ section; Miami-Dade product-control requirements for fenestration and cladding components and systems; and Miami-Dade product-control requirements for roofing components and systems.” 

The opening general session will feature Duncan Wardle, founder of iD8 & innov8, who will share how he created magical consumer experiences while head of innovation and creativity at Disney, and how his unique Design Thinking process can help embed a culture of innovation into today’s workforce. 

Whether you are already attending or still thinking about attending, there is time to register and make a great plan for the 2022 IIBEC International Convention and Trade Show. Simply visit their website for full event details. 

Learn more about IIBEC in their RoofersCoffeeShop Directory or visit iibec.org

]]> Soprema LIVE from IRE in New Orleans! https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/soprema-live-from-ire-in-new-orleans soprema-live-from-ire-in-new-orleans Sun, 13 Mar 2022 18:00:00 PDT

Learn about how the Mini-Macaden is designed to save contractors time and money. 

Editor's note: The following is the transcript of an interview with Jim Hanson, a Technical Coordinator for SOPREMA You can read the interview below or watch the recorded livestream. 

Karen Edwards: Hello, and welcome to the Roofers Coffee Shop sound stage. We are live at the 2022 International Roofing Expo in New Orleans, and we are talking to our friends and partners, and I am so excited to welcome Jim from SOPREMA! Jim, welcome! 

Jim Hanson: Welcome. Thank you, Karen. Thank you for having us here. 

Karen Edwards: We are excited to learn about what Soprema's doing, what's new, but first of all, tell our viewers what your role with the company is, what you do there. 

Jim Hanson: In my role at Soprema, I'm the technical coordinator for the building envelope, waterproofing and deck coatings division. So I handle a lot of the technical questions, details, specs, troubleshooting for the contractor, as well as training them on some of the equipment we used to install our products. 

Karen Edwards: A little bit of everything. 

Jim Hanson: A lot of hats, but it's fun. It keeps the day interesting. And it's a great company to work for. So it's fun. 

Karen Edwards: A great company to work for and always looking for solutions that will help contractors, right? I mean we've got some trying times. We've got some challenges finding labor. How much does that drive what Soprema does? 

Jim Hanson: You're right. Labor is a pain point for our industry. Every year when the professionals get together, they try to figure out what the trends are going to be for the upcoming years. And what has been a constant concern or question or issue in the conversation is labor shortage. So what Soprema looks at is, okay, how can we as a company provide products that are high quality, but also address the pain point of labor shortages. One way of doing it is making products that require less steps to install or products that allow us to go to the next step, even quicker, lessen the turnaround time and allows the contractors to get through the job quicker with less labor, but also allow them to move on to their next job. Contractors seem to have plenty of work. It's just not enough labor to do the work. 

Karen Edwards: I'm involved with the Roofing Technology Think Tank, and one of our members is Steve Little from KPost Roofing and Waterproofing. And we did an educational panel. I think this is back in 2019. And he was talking about a machine that he got from you guys called the Mini-Macaden that allowed him to cut down on the number of guys on the roof and to save incredible amount of time and labor. 

Jim Hanson: Yeah. 

Karen Edwards: Tell us a little bit about that machine and what it does. 

Jim Hanson: Yeah. The Mini-Macaden is a game changer. Every contractor that has used it loves the machine, swears by it. It's a force multiplier for us in the industry. It's allowing the contractor to utilize the smaller teams they have up on a rooftop, to achieve up to four times the production they would've otherwise not had doing it manually.  

This machine is an automatic machine. It's self-propelled, self-guided and it heats the membrane and applies the membrane in such an efficient manner that it allows the crews again, to utilize smaller crews to do more work. Some of the benefits to it is there's two modes that the machine operates on. One is manual mode where the operator can control the speed and the direction of the machine manually with a little joystick kind of like playing a video game. 

It's that simple. It really is. The other way is an automatic mode. And when it's in automatic mode, it uses a laser guidance system that will guide the machine down the salvage edge of the previous role. And it will provide a continuous heating process and application of the Soprema modified bitumen sheet, as well as weld in the side lap with such consistency that you can't duplicate it by doing it manually. It's just an amazing machine. I was on a job last week to see it in action in 25 degree weather. And it was just unstoppable. The contractor was floored by how quick he was able to install the base plan on his rooftop 

Karen Edwards: And how, like you said, consistent, perfect level, even. No human error. 

Jim Hanson: Yeah. It eliminates a lot of the human error. It provides for that consistency and application of the Soprema base sheet or Soprema cap sheet. And it just works nonstop from the first minute until you shut it down at the end of the day. It's just steady production all day long. And like I said, it allows the crew to install up to four times the amount of square feet in a day compared to their traditional manual application with the hand torch. So it is a true game changer. Really is. 

Karen Edwards: Wow. Yeah. I know he's an early adopter and he's been talking about this for several years and I think you encourage everybody who's doing those installs to check that out. 

Jim Hanson: Yeah, yeah. We've had it in the market, in the U.S. Market since 2014. Really didn't do a hard launch with it, but we're really taking a strong focus and emphasis on the Mini-Macon this year to get it out into the forefront, introduce it to all of our Soprema applicators and help them overcome the shortage of labor, but also help them become more profitable. Lowering their square foot cost allows them to be more competitive in a lot of situations. 

Karen Edwards: Absolutely. I mean it's nice to see manufacturers supporting and providing resources and tools to contractors to help them be successful and more profitable. 

Jim Hanson: Yes, definitely. 

Karen Edwards: Because you want them to be successful and profitable. They're installing your product. 

Jim Hanson: Yeah. We want to be successful and profitable installing our product all day long. We want them to continue to use our product day in and day out. 

Karen Edwards: Soprema, here at the show, has a nice large booth with a really awesome demo area. Can you tell me about the demonstrations that are taking place there? What can somebody see? 

Jim Hanson: Well unfortunately we had to change our approach. We have the large space and we were supposed to do hands on demo, but with COVID and everything else- 

Karen Edwards: Changes everything. 

Jim Hanson: Yeah. We had to call an audible and it was a good call. We have a strong team here. And what we decided to do was a couple weeks prior to the show, we had all hands on deck, building different mock ups of all of our systems. So where we were going to do the hands on, there's now four by four panels or four by four mockups of all the various systems that we provide to the industry, including the Mini-Macaden, which seems to be getting a lot of show stop. We get a lot of traffic because of it. 

Karen Edwards: Oh yeah. So, if you are at the show booth number 20... 

Jim Hanson: Help me out there. 

Karen Edwards: ...2209. 

Jim Hanson: 2209. 

Karen Edwards: Yeah. You want to go by, because we love to see it. See it, touch it, feel it, see that Macaden. Oh okay. 

Jim Hanson: Yeah. We have a continuous loop showing various jobs where the machine's been used so that the contractor can actually see the tool being used up on a rooftop and get an idea, how easy it is to use and how efficient and proficient it is. And then we have an actual machine there right next to the monitor. So I can walk them around, how the machine works, all the bells and whistles, how to load it and answer all their questions at that time. 

Karen Edwards: And I like that, you mentioned you were just on a project, it was 25 degrees outside because in the colder parts of the country and winter, roofing slows down. But if you've got this machine that can keep going in the cold weather even, it keeps you productive. 

Jim Hanson: On this one particular job, we worried about the cold weather, but the Mini-Macaden performed great. We were able to dial in the temperature and the speed for the weather conditions. And within the morning, by the time lunch rolled around, we already had 60 squares of the first ply down. And the contractors like " I didn't estimate to do 60 squares in a day and you've done it by lunchtime." So he was quite happy. The other benefit to the Mini-Macaden is the carbon footprint. We're using 75% less propane to put down the roofing system than by traditional means. So this particular job was about a $12,000 savings in propane alone. So it adds up. 

Karen Edwards: Wow. 

Jim Hanson: Yeah. So it's not just labor, but the carbon footprint. 

Karen Edwards: Right. Which are all becoming more important, carbon footprint. Which, a lot of building owners that sustainability is important. 

Jim Hanson: Exactly. 

Karen Edwards: Wow. So speaking of sustainability, Soprema also, you don't always think of asphalt based products as being that sustainable, but I know Soprema offers some options for building owners who want to have that option to be good to the planet. 

Jim Hanson: Yes. 

Karen Edwards: So yeah. Go see it, go by the booth, 2209, and take a look at the mockups, take a look at the machine. 

Jim Hanson: Yep. 

Karen Edwards: And just learn about how that can help your business. I think it's important too as we do have material challenges, right? 

Jim Hanson: Yes. 

Karen Edwards: So it's good to have options. 

Jim Hanson: Definitely good to have options, but if the job was supposed to go in one way and you can't get those materials, there are other materials we can possibly substitute on that particular project. As long as we have communication between us and the contractor and the contractor and the owner, and we're all on the same page and understand that we're all in this together. I mean this is very unique for us all, this challenge we're dealing with, but there are ways to work through it if we have an open line of communication. 

We work together on addressing the concerns of the client. It might not be the product they wanted, but it's going to provide them the same solution. 

Karen Edwards: Right. At the end of the day, that's what we want. 

Jim Hanson: Exactly. 

Karen Edwards: We want the building warm, dry and protected. 

Jim Hanson: Yeah. And we protect all six sides of the building. Everything from the roofing to the building envelope to below grade waterproofing to our coatings for balconies and plaza decks, parking garages to the civil market where we're waterproofing bridge decks. 

And again, we use the Mini-Macaden on bridge decks. It's a phenomenal tool. When you're doing a mile long bridge deck, this machine lays out the product and in record time. 

Karen Edwards: Wow. Talk about a versatile machine. 

Jim Hanson: Very versatile. 

Karen Edwards: Bridge decks to rooftops. 

Jim Hanson: Yeah. That's our civil market and they do very well, but rooftops to bridge decks is a good point. Yeah. A low grade above grade and even over the water. 

Karen Edwards: Everything in between. Wow. That's fantastic. So be sure to stop by 2209, if you are here at the International Roofing Expo. If you're not able to make it, we know some of you were not for various reasons, we have a directory on Roofers Coffee Shop for Soprema that talks about all these things. We're going to double check it and make sure that information about the Mini-Macaden is up there, especially since it's growing in popularity. And we want to really get the word out about that. So we'll be broadcasting live throughout the show, bringing a little taste of the show to you. Jim, it was great to have you stop by. 

Jim Hanson: Thank you, Karen. 

Karen Edwards: Visit with us and share what's new. Thank you so much. 

Jim Hanson: You're welcome. 

Karen Edwards: Subscribe to our YouTube channel, ring that bell to get those notifications when we go live and we'll be coming back to you soon. See ya. 

Jim Hanson: Thank you. 

Learn more about SOPREMA on its RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit soprema.us.

]]> What Story Does Your Logo Tell? https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/what-story-does-your-logo-tell what-story-does-your-logo-tell Tue, 08 Mar 2022 15:00:00 PST

By Cass Jacoby, RCS Reporter.  

Why your logo is an important part of what your company tells its customers. 

While a logo might seem small in the grand scheme of everything else going on with your company, it is the single-most definitive way consumers are going to connect with your brand. Your logo, after all, appears on everything — your website, your business card, promotional items, and most importantly your customer’s mind. 

A vital part of building your company and your brand is building a logo. A good logo will illustrate everything you are as a company, as it will be reflected on everything you create. The logo is an important representation of who you are as a company, brand, and what you can offer your clientele.  

Consider ICP’s new logo for example, which communicates their guiding principles of connections that endure by using their name to complete a square. Through this rebranding ICP clearly articulates their relationships with their customers, their logo cleanly communicates the company’s future under a strong, unified visual identity. 

Successful branding is about telling a story that your customers can emotionally tap into. Consider Wil-Mar's logo, which is made up of a combination of the owner's first initials; their history and legacy of the business is told through this logo. W.R. “Bill” Merrin started Wil-Mar Products in 1990, named after the first half of his name combined with the first half of his wife's. Sadly, in 1995, Bill passed away as his products were beginning to take off. His wife Marianne took over the business and continues to run it today. Their logo embodies their story and drives home their commitment to being a family run business built on providing a unique product solution.  

Another great example is SOPREMA’s logo of the mammoth, which not only reminds customers of the strength and longevity of their products but harkens to the history of the company. The name of the first membrane created by their founder, Charles Geisen, was the MAMMOUTH. 

A logo can also represent commitment to the customer. It says that you plan to be around a long time. Companies like Sherwin-Williams have used the same logo for over a hundred years. In doing so, they invite customers to remember their history of reliability and quality. 

Conclusion 

Fantastic logos create a staying impression from their very first interaction with potential customers. It not only provides the brand with a distinguished identity, it evokes positive emotions, tells a story, and depicts the core values of the company at a glance.  

A logo is important because it tells your customers everything they need to know about your company without you saying a word. A logo establishes a connection formed  between the customer and the company, becoming a symbol of success that customers will look for in the future, augmenting brand loyalty and overall helping grow a business. 

Stay up to date with the latest roofing industry news when you sign up for the RCS Week in Roofing e-news.

]]> Meet the Winners of the 2021 SOPREMA Scholarship https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/meet-the-winners-of-the-2021-soprema-scholarship meet-the-winners-of-the-2021-soprema-scholarship Mon, 14 Feb 2022 06:00:00 PST

By Evelyn Witterholt, RCS Reporter. 

The innovative roofing solutions company awarded $20,000 in scholarships to these four deserving students. 

For over 100 years, SOPREMA has been offering advanced solutions with their roofing, waterproofing, wall protection and civil engineering systems and products. In an effort to maintain industry growth, they have been offering four students a $5,000 scholarship to pursue degrees in the building envelope field. 

The scholarship is awarded to students who want to study engineering, architecture, construction management or a similar building envelope field. Winners are selected based on academic record, honors, work experience and demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities. They also submitted an essay and an online recommendation. Financial need is not considered when awarding scholarships. 

Congratulations to these students receiving the 2021 SOPREMA scholarship: 

Bridger Cole 

Bridger Cole of Corvallis, Montana is pursuing an engineering degree at Montana State University. He is set to graduate in 2025. Bridger currently participates in varsity track and field at his high school as well as their Interact Club and National Honor Society. He has also received an AP Scholar award from College Board.  

“I am graduating as valedictorian of my class,” Bridger said. “The STEM field is interesting to me and I will study mechanical engineering next year.” 

William Dierking 

William Dierking of New Albany, Indiana will be attending Purdue University for his degree in engineering. He is on his high school’s golf team and was named salutatorian in his class. William has also received an award from the local Kiwanis Club and the Art Alliance of Southern Indiana. 

“I am excited to finish up my senior year, and I plan to intern at a local engineering firm this summer,” said William.  

Robert Mirabello 

Robert Mirabello of Washington DC will be going to Swarthmore College for his degree in civil and environmental engineering. He is the founder of his school’s underwater robotics club and the rhythm section leader in the school jazz band. Robert was a finalist for the National Merit Scholarship and a nominee for the Presidential Scholars Program. In college, he plans to study engineering, classics and Chinese. 

Faith Nguyen 

Faith Nguyen of Purcellville, Virginia will be attending Northeastern University for her degree in architecture. In high school she participated in a variety of activities such as varsity volleyball and track and field. For her senior project, she set up a fundraiser for domestic violence prevention. Faith also ranked first in her graduating class. 

Congratulations to these students for earning this well-deserved scholarship! We can’t wait to see what their future brings. 

Learn more about SOPREMA on their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit soprema.us.

]]> DERBIGUM Americas, Inc. Unveils Name Change to Performance Roof Systems, Inc., A SOPREMA Group Company https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/derbigum-americas-inc-unveils-name-change-to-performance-roof-systems-inc-a-soprema-group-company derbigum-americas-inc-unveils-name-change-to-performance-roof-systems-inc-a-soprema-group-company Tue, 18 Jan 2022 12:00:00 PST

The company's ownership and innovative product line will not change

DERBIGUM Americas, Inc., a leading producer of high-quality APP modified-bitumen roofing systems and accessories for the low-slope commercial roofing market, has announced it has changed its name to Performance Roof Systems, Inc., A SOPREMA Group Company; hereafter "Performance Roof Systems."

The decision to change the corporate name reflects the company's legacy and strengthens the strategy to focus on Performance Roof Systems' industry-leading roofing solutions. It will also formally align the relationship as "A SOPREMA Group Company."

SOPREMA, Inc., a leading manufacturer of commercial roofing, building envelope waterproofing, wall protection and civil engineering waterproofing solutions, acquired DERBIGUM Americas in August 2018.

"Performance Roof Systems will continue to provide the U.S. marketplace with highly protective, resilient and sustainable APP modified-bitumen roofing systems and accessories, just as it has for 40 years," said Tim Kersey, CEO – U.S. Operations at SOPREMA. "With this new/legacy company name, our valued customers can continue to expect exceptional products and services from our team of dedicated collaborators."

About Performance Roof Systems, Inc., A SOPREMA Group Company

With over 40 years of proven performance, Performance Roof Systems takes an aggressive and proactive approach to sustainable roofing through production, system design, relationships and innovations. Performance Roof Systems offers APP modified-bitumen roofing systems, focusing on long-term solutions for the environmentally-conscious building owner. In August 2018, SOPREMA, Inc. acquired DERBIGUM Americas, Inc., which name was changed to Performance Roof Systems, Inc., A SOPREMA Group Company in January 2022.

About SOPREMA, Inc. 

SOPREMA offers a comprehensive line of roofing, waterproofing, wall protection and civil engineering solutions, combining superior products and systems with decades of proven performance. Our solutions include industry-leading SBS-modified bitumen membranes, polymeric PMMA/PMA liquid-applied membranes and synthetic single-ply PVC membranes. For applications as diverse as roofing, below-grade waterproofing, plaza deck and balcony waterproofing, air and vapor barriers, and bridge and parking structures, SOPREMA has the solution. SOPREMA's relentless pursuit of technological advancement, sustainability and product quality has been known and respected worldwide for over 100 years. Visit www.soprema.us for a complete product offering, environmentally intelligent systems, technical information and the latest innovations delivering sustainable solutions.

]]> RoofersCoffeeShop® Will Be at IRE 2022, Will You? https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/rooferscoffeeshop-will-be-at-ire-2022-will-you rooferscoffeeshop-will-be-at-ire-2022-will-you Mon, 17 Jan 2022 18:00:00 PST

By Cass Jacoby, RCS Reporter.  

IRE promises to be one of the biggest events of the year, check out who will be at the expo! 

This year’s International Roofing Expo (IRE) promises many exciting events, products, classes and more. The expo will take place February 1-3 in New Orleans at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.  

RoofersCoffeeShop® will be on the beat, sharing information and broadcasting live on YouTube. Additionally, you will find President Heidi J. Ellsworth moderating a panel on how to work with young people who are interested in roofing. The session takes place Tuesday at 7:45 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. CT 

The Coffee Shop will join many great manufacturers, distributors and associations as they share new ideas with roofing contractors. Make sure you stop by our booth, number 249, and visit our RoofersCoffeeShop partners too:  

Don’t miss out, register today for IRE 2022!

]]> SOPREMA Scholarship Program Applications are Open https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/soprema-scholarship-program-applications-are-open soprema-scholarship-program-applications-are-open Tue, 07 Dec 2021 12:00:00 PST

By Cass Jacoby, RCS Reporter. 

SOPREMA invests in the future of the building envelope industry by awarding up to four students $5,000 scholarships. 

The SOPREMA Scholarship Program offers undergraduate and graduate students a bright future by investing in their higher education. Offered by SOPREMA, the scholarship assists students pursuing degrees in architecture, engineering, construction management, or a similar field at an accredited four-year college or university.  

As an international manufacturer of building envelope and civil engineering construction materials, SOPREMA has a vested interest in contributing to the development of the next generation of the building envelope industry. This national scholarship awards $5,000 to each recipient, and up to four awards are granted each year. Although the awards are not renewable, students are encouraged to reapply each year of their studies for a chance to earn the scholarship again. 

The program is administered by Scholarship America, the nation’s largest designer and manager of scholarship, tuition assistance and other education support programs for corporations, foundations, associations and individuals. Awards are granted without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, age, gender, disability or national origin. Scholarship America processes scholarship payments on behalf of SOPREMA. Payments are made in one installment in early August. 

You are eligible for this program if you are: 

  • A high school senior or graduate or current postsecondary undergraduate or graduate student pursuing a degree in architecture, engineering, construction management or a similar field* 
    *Similar field must be applicable to those seeking a career related to the building envelope (i.e., roofing, wall systems, below grade waterproofing, etc.).  

  • Planning to enroll in full-time undergraduate or graduate study at an accredited four-year college or university for the entire 2022-23 academic year 

SOPREMA employees and their family members are ineligible. 

The deadline to apply is March 30, 2022 at 3:00 CT. As part of your application the following documents must be uploaded: 

  • A current, complete transcript of grades. Grade reports are not accepted. Unofficial or online transcripts must display student name, school name, grades and credit hours for each course and term in which each course was taken. 

  • If you are uploading a high school transcript, you must also upload a copy of your official SAT or ACT test scores if the test scores are not available on your high school transcript. 

Scholarship recipients are selected on the basis of academic record, demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities, work experience, essay and an online recommendation. Financial need is not considered. 

Applicants will be notified mid-May. Not all applicants to the program will be selected as recipients. Students may reapply to the program each year they meet eligibility requirements. 

Apply for this scholarship today and begin working towards your future.

Learn more about SOPREMA on its RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit soprema.us/.

]]> Make Vegetated Roofing Easy With SOPREMA https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/make-vegetated-roofing-easywith-soprema make-vegetated-roofing-easywith-soprema Wed, 20 Oct 2021 06:00:00 PDT

By Colin Sheehan, RCS Reporter. 

What you need to know about green roofing and why all contractors should consider adding it to their list of services. 

In a recent RLW, Heidi J. Ellsworth is joined by Roxanne Miller, Tom Stuewe and Greg Raymond to discuss the multitude of economic and environmental benefits green roofs offer to building owners and communities. Together, this highly knowledgeable panel will help contractors understand how to position their company to do more vegetative roofing and why SOPREMA vegetated roofing systems can fit into any roofing business. 

Roxanne Miller is a landscape architect, horticulturist and a green roof specialist. She works with SOPRANATURE Business Development and has been at the forefront of many of SOPREMA’s sustainability initiatives. 

With more than 15 years of experience working with SOPREMA’s products, senior product manager Tom Stuewe provides the details behind green roofing products offered by SOPREMA. Joined by Greg Raymond who works with Ecogardens to design and install green roofs, you’ll get green roofing information from all angles.  

"More and more [green roofing is] being talked about, it's being discussed, it's being installed,” said Roxanne.  

In addition to its aesthetic appeal and energy-saving properties, green roofing also helps when used as a solution for mitigating storm water in urban environments. Most urban infrastructure is not designed to process all the rainwater it collects, especially when everything is an impermeable surface. 

“Storm water is only getting worse in terms of storm water management, and it's being required more and more by not only major urban cities, but even secondary urban cities as well,” said Greg. “So, don't shy away from [green roofing]. Embrace it. I tell a lot of roofing colleagues or contractors that if they can waterproof a building or install a roofing membrane, then they can definitely handle the intricacies of installing a green roof. It's not rocket science, it definitely requires some skill and some new learning, but I think it's an opportunity to expand their business and really looking at a market segment that's not going away.” 

In addition to their innovative green roofing solutions, SOPREMA is deeply engaged in developing sustainability initiatives within their communities. For instance, they have a company recycling program and employees who work at SOPREMA for 20 years get a tree planted on the property in their name.  

“It's an ongoing commitment, it's not just something that we take lightly, and we take it all the way through all of our processes,” said Tom. “Then in our manufacturing process, we're actually an ISO14001 certified manufacturer, which means that we incorporate sustainable and recycled projects into our manufacturing process. We not only recycle, but we repurpose materials as much as possible in our processes.” 

Read, Listen or Watch the entire conversation to learn more about SOPREMA’s vegetated roofing products and how you can incorporate them into your business. 

Learn more about SOPREMA in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.soprema.us.

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