ROSEMONT, Ill. — The Roofing Alliance, celebrating 25 years as the foundation of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), announced its newest Governor Level member, Kelly Roofing, headquartered in Bonita Springs, Fla.

Membership in the Roofing Alliance supports the efforts of the organization to secure the future excellence of the industry.

"I’m proud to have made a career in the roofing industry. Joining the Roofing Alliance is the best way I can think of to show my gratitude and help others in the industry," said Ken Kelly, president of Kelly Roofing, RC’s 2019 Residential Roofing Contractor of the Year.

The Roofing Alliance was established within the National Roofing Foundation to create a permanent endowment fund to serve as a highly focused resource for the roofing industry. As the foundation of NRCA, its objectives are to fund research projects while also supporting and funding charitable and educational programs.

Roofing Alliance members represent the best professionals in the roofing industry and include contractors, manufacturers and distributors. Members meet twice a year to review initiatives and determine the best use of Roofing Alliance funds for the betterment of the industry overall.

"It’s because of our members that we are able to continue to support initiatives that advance the roofing industry through programs that focus on education, training, and research," said Bennett Judson, Roofing Alliance executive director. "They give back not only through their monetary support but also through volunteering their time and sharing their expertise to lead the Roofing Alliance into the future."

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) selected manufacturer DECRA Metal Roofing and roofing installer Weather Shield Metal Roofing in Gulf Breeze, Fla., as the winners of its Best Residential Metal Roofing Project competition for a stunning metal roofing project recently completed on a home in Gulf Breeze.

The owners of the award-winning, 4,500 square-foot home needed a durable but beautiful new roof strong enough to survive and last for decades, even in their hurricane-prone region. Just 20 years old, their home’s existing asphalt roof was showing wear as a result of Florida’s harsh conditions that include intense sun and salty, coastal air, but was still in decent shape structurally. For their new roof, the owners chose DECRA Shake XD stone-coated metal roofing, which delivers rustic beauty and architectural detail of hand-split wood shake, yet can endure for a lifetime given its reliability and strength that requires little to no maintenance and maintains its rich color consistently for years. The new metal roof was able to be installed right over the old roof using a synthetic underlayment that provides a great moisture barrier and a 50-year warranty. This installation method saves on tear-off and reducing waste while providing additional energy efficiency benefits.

The home’s beautiful roofline included a variety of elevations and challenging pitches, gables and hip end details, requiring great attention to detail by Weather Shield, the installer who managed to accomplish the project in less than four days. As the ultimate test, the new roof withstood Hurricane Sally and came out unscathed and looking as good as ever.

“When we first met with the homeowners, they wanted a metal roof that fit with the style of their home. They loved the look of the DECRA Shake XD with the three-dimensional wood shake aesthetic," said Rip Hanks, president of Weather Shield Metal Roofing Inc. "Living in an active hurricane zone, wind rating and durability are other major concerns, so the design and installation are very important. Thanks to the DECRA and my expert installers, this customer is thrilled with the stunning improvement to their home."

With the end of the first quarter’s competition, the search is now on for MRA’s final Best Residential Metal Roofing project the second quarter of 2021. Open to U.S. and Canada homeowners, contractors, installers and manufacturers, MRA officials will select one outstanding metal roofing project based on project appearance, performance and originality/use of materials. Interested participants may upload their project photo along with a 200-word or less description for why their metal roofing project is worthy of top honors online at metalroofing.com. Next quarter’s winner will be announced this summer, and only residential metal roofing projects in the U.S. and Canada will be considered.

For more information about how to enter MRA’s “Best Metal Roofing” competition, visit www.metalroofing.com.

ROSEMONT, Ill. — The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) announced the expansion of its ProCertification program to include clay and concrete tile system installers.

Experienced installers who demonstrate substantial skills and knowledge of clay and concrete tile roof systems can apply to become NRCA ProCertified^® Clay and Concrete Tile Systems Installers. The certification was developed with support from the Tile Roofing Industry Alliance.

NRCA ProCertification is the NRCA’s national certification initiative to create a competent, sustainable and high-performing roofing industry workforce. Certifications now available include: NRCA ProCertified Asphalt Shingle Systems Installer; NRCA ProCertified Clay and Concrete Tile Systems Installer; NRCA ProCertified EPDM Systems Installer; NRCA ProCertified Thermoplastic Systems Installer; and NRCA ProCertified Roofing Foreman.

According to the NRCA, a roofing contractor’s certified workforce strengthens customer and supplier confidence; increases productivity; improves installation consistency and safety; enhances the company’s reputation and position in local markets; and increases profitability. Additional information about NRCA ProCertification is available at nrca.net/procertification.