UPDATE

During the last 20 years there has been a literal explosion of new roofing products and installation procedures in the market place. This phenomenon has saturated the market with new roof systems and has increased the level of expertise required for those individuals working in the roofing industry. This technology explosion has resulted in the creation of a roofing specialist called - the Roof Consultant.

Roof Consultants have varied backgrounds and credentials. As you might suspect, not all acting in the capacity of a consultant meet the criteria of a "qualified" roof consultant. It is important to investigate a consultants background and check his qualifications and affiliations. It takes a concerted effort and full time commitment to maintain proficiency in the ever changing technology of roofing.

Roof consultants should be individuals or firms of established competence and professional qualifications as roofing consultants, who are engaged in the field of roofing technology. The roof consultant should be knowledgeable in: field investigations; sampling procedures; laboratory analysis and testing; design counseling and review; be able to complete contract documents, to include specifications, drawings and details for roofing systems; observe roof construction work for compliance with the contract; and life-cycle costing services for roofing systems.

The Institute of Roofing and Waterproofing Consultants (IRWA), as well as the Roof Consultants Institute (RCI), are two nationally recognized associations of roof consultants. These organizations have similar definitions of a qualified roof consultant, and that criteria must be met in order to become a member of those organizations.

The RCI stresses the importance of roof consultants being qualified and competent to practice as a technical consultant in the roofing field. The RCI has established a program to provide for qualification and certification of roof consultants. A building owner/manager can therefore feel confident that a "certified" roof consultant is technically competent and qualified to act in that capacity.

"Professional" roofing contractors, as well as "qualified" roof consultants, work at maintaining proficiency in the art of quality roof installations. This is accomplished through attendance of technical conferences and seminars, membership in numerous trade associations, as well as field experience.

A competent Consultant is in a position to know the "professional" roofing contractors in his market area, and is not biased by a product affiliation. A "qualified" Consultant provides technical roofing expertise which can be beneficial to both the building owner as well as the roofing contractor.

Roof consultant benefits to a building owner includes:

Unbiased consultations on roofing matters.
Design counseling and review.
Expert surveys and field investigations.
Infrared scanning or other non-destructive method roof investigations.
Laboratory analysis and testing.
Preparation of new and/or re-roof specifications.
Life-cycle costing information of roof systems.
On-site inspection and quality control during roof installation.

Roof consultant benefits to a roofing contractor include:

A properly designed roof "system".
Roof edge detail planning and design.
Quality control manager on the roof.
"Informed" mediator on roofing questions.
Unbiased mediator for consideration of additional work requirements.

The "qualified" roof consultant and the "professional" roofing contractor working together can provide an owner with better value and a quality trouble free roof installation. This can be accomplished by specifying a recognized roofing system, utilizing quality compatible materials, and combining it with a professional approach to the roof installation. SMRCA member "professional" roofing contractors strive through education, use of good roofing practices, and school trained journeymen to receive professional results.