The Midwest Roofing Contractors Association, Lawrence, Kan., gathered more than 1,700 roofing industry professionals and 150 exhibitors to its 53rd annual convention and trade show, held Sept. 19-20, 2002, at Navy Pier in Chicago.

The Midwest Roofing Contractors Association, Lawrence, Kan., gathered more than 1,700 roofing industry professionals and 150 exhibitors to its 53rd annual convention and trade show, held Sept. 19-20, 2002, at Navy Pier in Chicago. The Roof Consultants Institute also held regional meetings at the MRCA Convention.

The MRCA’s industry-renowned Technical and Research Committee presented several programs. The committee reviewed the controversial topic of “Reflectivity Issues in Roofing” with an update from the Chicago Roofing Contractors Association on Chicago Building Codes. MRCA technical advisor Jim Carlson of Building Envelope Technology and Research in Seattle, Wash., presented results from the “MRCA In-Situ Research Testing Protocol for Roof Coatings,” now in its third year. MRCA legal counsel Jim Whittier and technical experts presented information about what contractors may do to avoid unnecessary liability for mold.

Technical advisor Rene Dupuis of Structural Research Inc., Middleton, Wis., presented results from MRCA’ testing of aged single-ply membranes to determine if they maintain their Class “A” fire rating. Many membranes did not pass the test, and it was also concluded that use of a cover board appears to be necessary. Finally, T&R brought roofing industry professionals up-to-date on the latest industry developments.

The MRCA Business Management Committee presented new warranties, proposal forms, inspection forms and letters that are worded to protect the interests of contractors for a presentation titled “New Business Management Tools to Protect Your Business.” David Harrison of GAF Materials Corp. presented “Improving Profitability for Your Small Business,” a discussion of buying strategies and other means to improve the bottom line for small contractors. Finally, Jay Butch of CertainTeed presented “Using Good-Better-Best Selling Strategies for Roofing Contractors,” and Geoffrey Ehrman and Neil Robinson of TAMKO Roofing Products presented “Residential Accessory Products No Roof Should be Without.”

The MRCA Health and Safety Committee offered an educational session on “Fall Protection” for foremen, managers and contractors. “Implementing a Safety Program for Your Business” covered the details of how a roofing contractor should establish a comprehensive safety program that meets OSHA standards. Roof mechanics and foremen were certified to teach classes in torch-applied roofing safety by taking MRCA’s CERTA Applicator class.

The next MRCA convention and trade show will take place October 23-24, 2003, in Cincinnati. More information is available by calling 800.497.6722 or visiting the association’s web site at www.mrca.org.