Articles by Rick Damato

Something new may be learned from nearly every retrofit roofing project. Every roofing project is completed with different materials in different places on different structures and often with different clients. The renovation of the roof and parapet of the Green-Meldrim House in historic downtown Savannah, Ga., is one project that provided more than its share of lessons. 

Most people who lead and attend the nation’s many houses of worship will tell you that their ministries are defined by their people and their missions. But when you read the history of congregations, particularly the ones with long histories, the buildings that house the ministries tend to be featured prominently. 

The question as to who is going to be the prime contractor furnishing and installing rooftop-mounted solar system seems to becoming clearer. Or is it? 

You will not find anything about roofing in this blog posting. For nearly 30 years my contributions to Roofing Contractor have been on the topics of roofing equipment, systems, contractors, suppliers, products, manufacturers, accessories, business, etc., etc. 

GAF’s recent announcement elevating their upscale asphalt shingle products to “Limited Lifetime Warranty” status is nothing short of a game changer in the steep-slope roofing business. 

OSHA recently thumbed its nose at the roofing industry over the issue of continuing to use slide guards (in some cases) in residential construction. 

Happy New Year! These three words always bring on thoughts of new beginnings and new challenges. I like that the beginning of the calendar year is the time when we look forward instead of back. It is the time when we resolve to do new things or to do old things better.

As we approach the end of another year it is time to give thanks and for many to “give back”. It is unfortunate that many of us do not have as much to give back as in years past, but it is important that we do the best we can. 

The first column of this year had me looking forward with an optimistic point of view. I must tell you that compared to some other years my numbers have actually been off in 2010, but the outlook has really worked for me. Not only with my business, but on a personal level as well. I am not a born optimist so I have to work at it.

So what does China have to do with American business, and especially what does China have to do with the roofing business in the USA? A few things in the news lately have me thinking.