Founded in 1886, the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) is the oldest national association in the construction industry. NRCA currently has 4,100 members and a full-time staff of 60, working at their headquarters in Rosemont, Ill., as well as in Washington, D.C.

Founded in 1886, the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) is the oldest national association in the construction industry. NRCA currently has 4,100 members and a full-time staff of 60, working at their headquarters in Rosemont, Ill., as well as in Washington, D.C.

NRCA’s purpose is to help its members operate successfully. This assistance takes many forms and includes providing technical support, offering education and training opportunities and serving as the industry’s advocate before the Congress and government agencies.

NRCA’s many programs and services include the following:

• The NRCA Roofing and Waterproofing Manual, a four-volume document that is updated continually.
• Professional Roofing magazine, published monthly.
• NRCA University, encompassing a host of education and training programs.
• Technical assistance and representation before such organizations as ASTM and FM Global.
• A Web site that attracts an average of 230,000 users each month, many of whom are consumers looking for contractors.

In addition, NRCA manages the Roofing Industry Alliance for Progress, a foundation dedicated to providing education, training and research for the industry. NRCA was also instrumental in the recent establishment of the Center for Environmental Innovation in Roofing.

Here are just a few examples of some recent NRCA successes:

• NRCA was one of the plaintiffs in litigation that was initiated to block implementation of the so-called “no-match” rules promulgated by the Department of Homeland Security.
• NRCA recently developed a new bill that was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives called the Roofing Energy Efficiency Tax Act; it would reduce the depreciation schedule for nonresidential roofs meeting ASHRAE requirements from 39 years to 20.
• NRCA published a Manual of Green Roof Systems, which includes details and specifications for vegetated roofs.
• NRCA was awarded two grants from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which will provide for safety training programs around the country in both English and Spanish.

NRCA is also a primary sponsor of the International Roofing Expo, held each year in conjunction with the NRCA Annual Convention. Next year, that event will be held in Las Vegas, Feb. 21-23. For more information, visit www.nrca.net.