The relationship between the Roofing Alliance, the philanthropic arm of the National Roofing Contractors Association, and Clemson University became even closer following an announcement that the university received a substantial grant to kickstart a center for roofing industry research.

With an initial four-year budget north of $1 million, Clemson said in a September 20 news release that the center’s mission will be to drive sustainable growth across the roofing supply chain through innovative research and educational initiatives.

Three construction science faculty members will lead the Center for Roofing Research and Workforce Development: Associate Department Chair and Associate Professor Dhaval Gajjar, Associate Professor Jason Lucas, and Assistant Professor Vivek Sharma.

Gajjar, who will serve as the center’s executive director, noted that the center's top goals are developing and training the workforce and conducting innovative research for the roofing industry.

“We will [develop] training modules for students as early as middle school. The roofing industry offers opportunities for careers with a range of skill sets and education levels,” Gajjar said. “Roofs are a basic necessity, and yet the potential for innovation in the design, materials, and construction of roofs are limitless.”

Assistant Professor Vivek Sharma at left, Associate Professor Dhaval Gajjar, center, and Associate Professor Jason Lucas, at right, will develop and lead the new Center for Roofing Research and Workforce Development. (Image: Clemson University)

In addition to creating a roofing-specific education platform for the industry, Gajjar and his colleagues will conduct innovative research in the fields of sustainability, resiliency, technology and materials.

“This center is the culmination of four years of hard work and vision by all involved. It can potentially become a model of Academic-Industry partnership backed by robust data, research, and training, paving the way for innovation and skill development,” Sharma added.

Sharma noted that the partnership is designed to attract students to the construction science and management program and the roofing industry.

“This center contributes actively to all three pillars of Clemson Elevate,” said Ece Erdogmus, founding dean of the College of Architecture, Art and Construction. 

“Through the training modules, [we] will provide experiential learning opportunities to our students… increase research activities and products by creating the necessary focus and infrastructure for new large grants,” Erdogmus added. 

“Finally, it addresses the dire national shortage for construction leaders and trade workers,” he continued. “It will be a major contributor to the future of workforce training, which in turn will transform lives in South Carolina and beyond.”

The center is in its initial planning stages, and a committee meeting will be held this fall to determine its official name and location. However, it is starting with solid industry support.

“Roofing Alliance members are excited to partner with Clemson University in the creation of the center, which we believe will be a game-changer in addressing the industry’s workforce challenges with initiatives focused on attracting, training, and retaining professionals,” said Alison L. LaValley, executive director of the Roofing Alliance. 

“Through innovative research activities, we will pave the way for groundbreaking advancements in the roofing industry that will help shape the [industry's future] across all sectors and address the immediate challenges in the roofing industry,” LaValley added.