When it Comes to Roofing, You Need a Pro on Top.

WHEN IT COMES TO ROOFING, YOU NEED A PRO ON TOP A rooftop is no place for amateurs, yet each year many British Columbia building owners and even strata corporations risk money, peace of mind and safety when having roofs installed or replaced on their property.

The results of hiring the wrong roofing crew can be tragic: leaks, falls, liability claims, toothless warranties and improper installations that are costly to repair. Modern roofs are demanding and technologically advanced projects with high-performance materials and challenging details and designs. This requires qualified, professional installers with up-to-the minute knowledge.

Contemporary roof construction also demands sophisticated risk management and safety oversight. If a worker employed by a contractor without proper WorkSafe BC coverage is injured on the job, the property owner may be held liable, with crippling financial consequences.

It is easy for a property owner to be confused, since they may only hire roofing contractors once or twice in their lifetime. Promises of cutrate prices, fast labour and even no taxes can be tempting. But, when spending significant sums of money on a roofing contract, cutting corners can mean financial disaster, yet many still risk it.

For British Columbia property owners, that gamble is unnecessary. The robust B.C. roofing industry is unique in Canada because of a progressive association founded 56 years ago that provides the most advanced training, research and comprehensive roof guarantee protection in the business.

Colin Rasmussen, president of the Roofing Contractors Association of BC: “There is simply no reason for B.C. consumers to expect or accept poor roofing performance. The best roofers in Canada are right here in B.C.” - Photo Credit: Peggy Millar

The Roofing Contractors Association of BC (RCABC), set on a sprawling campus in Langley, has graduated scores of apprentices, sets the ethical standard for professional roofing and established the RoofStar Guarantee, considered North America’s top guarantee for roofing materials and workmanship.

Established in 1960, RoofStar remains the first and only roofing industry Guarantee program that is backed by both the roofing contractor and RCABC. Now specified for up to 70 per cent of the largest B.C. commercial and government construction projects, the RoofStar Guarantee is also widely requested in multi-family construction.

“It can be frustrating at times,” said Colin Rasmussen of Kamloops-based Western Master Roofers Ltd. and current president of the RCABC. “There is simply no reason for B.C. consumers to expect or accept poor roofing performance. The best roofers in Canada are right here in B.C.” When looking for a professional roofing contractor, property owners can do due diligence by asking a few questions to ensure a top quality and safe experience.

• Check that the contractor is well established and professional; make sure the contractor has a business license, track record, legitimate business address, website and employees; • Check financial information: Make sure that the contractor is a legitimate business with banking references; • Check references: Ask for names and contacts of former customers. Phone or email them and ask how the contractor performed; • Get it in writing: A professional roofing contractor will provide an itemized proposal outlining exactly what will be done, when it will be done and what it will cost.

• Ask about the contractor’s training and education as an installer; • Ask about the contractor’s safety program and certifications; and • Insist that the contractor is a member of the Roofing Contractors Association of BC (RCABC).

The Roofing Contractors Association of BC prequalifies roofing contractors and provides the RoofStar guarantee. RCABC contractors working on RoofStar projects:

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Use installers who are Red Seal journeypersons and apprentices as per current association policies;

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Carry $5 million in liability insurance and have a workplace safety program in place;

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Have mandatory safety certification (COR) from the BC Construction Safety Alliance;

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Install roofs to RCABC roofing practices manual standards;

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Use quality, pre-qualified roofing materials that are known to perform;

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Operate reputable businesses experienced management teams.

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Demonstrate a high degree of business ethics; and

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Are accountable to uphold the RCABC ethics and professionalism guidelines.

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For a full listing of RCABC professional roofing contractors visit RCABC at www.rcabc.org, email roofing@rcabc.org or phone 604-882-9734. written by Frank O’Brian for RCABC