The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association announced that its 2025 Excellence in Asphalt Roofing Awards Program is now open for submissions.

Roofing contractors across North America may submit their top low- and steep-slope asphalt roofing projects from the past three years by Dec. 1 for a chance to win.

Participation in the awards program is free, and contractors are welcome to submit multiple entries. Each submission should highlight exemplary skills in asphalt roofing and include detailed project descriptions and high-quality images.

Entries will be judged on four criteria:

• Why Asphalt — Why was asphalt the roofing solution? What circumstances existed with the building, and what benefits made it clear that asphalt was the best roofing choice?
• Project Challenges — Were there any technical, operational, or environmental challenges successfully overcome through the innovative use of asphalt roofing materials? Does the project demonstrate the reliability, durability, and overall system strength of asphalt roofing?
• Distinction — Why is this project different from its peers? Was the quality of the craftsmanship extraordinary, and were there any circumstances, pre-existing conditions, or challenges that made it stand out? Can this project be considered a step above the rest?
• Beauty — Does the project showcase an aesthetic appeal or exhibit impressive technical complexity? Does it possess visual allure or intrigue, elevating the skyline, building use, or design?

A panel of roofing industry experts will evaluate and score the submissions; the top projects will be awarded monetary prizes: $2,000 for Gold, $1,000 for Silver and $500 for Bronze.

In addition to the awards, judges may recommend projects for specific Best-in-Class categories, each recognizing one winner:

• In the Neighborhood — This category showcases homes that combine affordability with style. It focuses on how color and design choices can elevate the appearance of a typical neighborhood home.
• Commercial/Mixed Use — This category focuses on the complexities of flat roof projects. These projects are multifaceted and involve numerous components that work together to create a waterproof roofing system found in commercial, industrial, educational, data centers, hospitals, retail, and other non-pitched roof systems.
• Craftsmanship — Roofing is an art, and it takes a true craftsman to install roofing materials on complex structures such as steeples, turrets, geodesic designs or large flat roofing projects exceeding 1,000 squares. These projects blend skill and artistry, showcasing intricate designs and sheer sizes. This category is open to low- and steep-slope applications.
• Technical Difficulty — This category emphasizes operational and installation challenges, including projects involving multiple penetrations, work during nighttime, skyscraper steeples, and cold-weather applications. Contractors share the challenges of orchestrating the job, ensuring a safe environment, and addressing the various design aspects.

Winning companies will receive an official ARMA certificate, promotional materials, national and local trade media exposure, and features on ARMA’s website and social media platforms. Winners will also be recognized at the 2025 International Roofing Expo, taking place next year, Feb. 19-21, 2025, in San Antonio.

To submit a project for the 2025 Excellence in Asphalt Roofing Awards Program or view the complete guidelines, visit asphaltroofing.org/excellence.

It’s time for roofing contractors and other roofing industry professionals west of the Mississippi River to get ready for another action-packed Western Roofing Expo, Sept. 29-Oct. 1, at the Paris Las Vegas.

Registration is open, and this year’s event offers roofers a chance to take their businesses to new heights with cutting-edge products, education and plenty of networking. Here are five things about this year’s expo:

STANDING ROOM ONLY
While this may only be a metaphor – there will likely be plenty of places to sit around the Paris Convention Center – this year’s show is sold out from an exhibitor’s point of view. More than 180 companies in the roofing space will fill the show floor with interactive and engaging displays that show the latest innovations in the industry.

REAL-TIME ROOFING
In addition to the long list of exhibitors showcasing their products and services, there are live product demonstrations planned to kick-off every hour, on the hour during each day. Roofing contractors can walk the floor and attend as many demonstrations as they like for free.

GOING ONCE …
A roofing event is just not the same without the celebration! Join the Western States Roofing Contractors Association for great food, hosted bars, and socializing while bidding is underway at the annual Western Roofing Expo auction from 5:30-7:30 p.m., Sept. 29. All proceeds support the Davis Memorial Foundation Scholarship Fund, which has provided $750,000 in scholarships to college students since 1997.

LEARNING CURVE
Get ahead of the competition or learn how to catch up to them with dozens of educational sessions on all things roofing throughout the expo. More than two dozen educational sessions led by industry experts and seasoned presenters are on the agenda, including some that carry AiA and IIBEC CEU credits. Attendees can get invaluable tips and insights on products, roofing system designs, safety, best business practices, growth strategies and more.

LET THE GAMES BEGIN
Roofing is not an Olympic sport, but if it were, there likely wouldn’t be a better competition than the annual Roofing Games. Organized each year on day two of the expo, the competition — sponsored by Malarkey Roofing Products — pits the best roof installers against each other in a steep-slope nailing showdown. Participants will be judged on accuracy, speed, aesthetics and quality workmanship.

The Roofing Alliance announces the approval of several key funding projects, including the groundbreaking development of a Roofing Industry Center in partnership with Clemson University.

Alliance leadership approved funding for the creation of a Roofing Industry Center housed at Clemson University. This Roofing Industry Center is set to launch innovative workforce development programs aimed at engaging students from middle school through high school and into two-year institutions, including community colleges, technical schools, and trade programs.

The Roofing Industry Center will also focus on advancing research initiatives that improve roofing system application methodologies, with an emphasis on safety and effectiveness.

Initial funding will be directed toward the development and implementation phases of the Roofing Industry Center, laying the groundwork for a transformative impact on the roofing industry.

The Roofing Alliance also reaffirmed its ongoing partnership with Clemson University to expand its roofing curriculum, which is now available to construction management programs nationwide and as an online certificate program for industry professionals. This collaboration also includes a three-year project to document the current state of sustainability and resiliency within the roofing industry, ultimately leading to the creation of a fourth course in the roofing curriculum and the development of a Roofing Minor.

The National Roofing Contractors Association invites all industry professionals to register for “Roofing Day in D.C. 2023,” which takes place April 18-19, 2023. The event’s purpose is to bring the roofing industry together to meet with members of Congress and their staff and deliver the industry’s message with one voice.

It is crucial that members of Congress see roofing contractors, distributors, manufacturers, and other industry stakeholders from throughout the U.S. and hear about the industry’s critical issues. Information about 2023 advocacy issues will be available soon; previous years’ issues have included increased funding for career and technical education programs and immigration reform to meet the industry’s workforce needs.

“A new Congress now is in session on Capitol Hill, and it is critically important for the roofing industry to engage with lawmakers face-to-face,” said McKay Daniels, NRCA CEO. “Join us as we bring the industry’s message directly to Washington, D.C. Together, we can make a difference.”

Roofing professionals are encouraged to participate and bring one or more standout crew members to help share the industry’s story.

Registration for Roofing Day in D.C. 2023 is $95 for company representatives and $35 for field workers, students, and spouses. Registration closes on April 5, 2023.

For more information about Roofing Day in D.C. 2023, contact NRCA’s Washington, D.C., staff at 800-338-5765 or visit nrca.net/roofingday.