Florida Roofing Magazine - October 2022

Florida

October 2022

ROOFING A Publication of FRSA – Florida’s Association of Roofing Professionals

S.T.A.R. Awards Crafsmanship in Roofing McEnany Roofing, Inc.

The S.T.A.R. Awards First Place recipient in the Craftsmanship in Roofing category is McEnany Roofing, Inc. for the Regions Bank Building in Tampa

Contents

FRSA-Florida Roofing Magazine Contacts: For advertising inquiries, contact: Keisha Martinez at: keisha@floridaroof.com (800) 767-3772 ext. 127

12 | FRSA — 100 Years Strong 16 | If You’re Not Concerned, You May Not Be Paying Attention 20 | Proper Installation Procedures and Tools for Metal Roofing and Cladding Panels 26 | Electrical Safety 30 | Are You Prepared for an Employment Audit?

All feedback and reprint permission requests (please include your full name, city and state) contact: Lisa Pate, Editor, at: lisapate@floridaroof.com (800) 767-3772 ext. 157 Florida Roofing Magazine, PO Box 4850 Winter Park, FL 32793-4850 View media kit at: www.floridaroof.com/ florida-roofing-magazine/

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Florida

ROOFING Available Online at www.floridaroof.com/florida-roofing-magazine/

October 2022

Any material submitted for publication in Florida Roofing becomes the property of the publication. Statements of fact and opinion are the responsibility of the author(s) alone and do not imply an opinion or endorsement on the part of the officers or the membership of FRSA. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without permission from the publisher.

Florida Roofing (VOL. 7, NO. 10), October 2022, (ISSN 0191-4618) is published monthly by FRSA, 3855 N. Econlockhatchee Trl. Orlando, FL 32817. Periodicals Postage paid at Orlando, FL. POSTMASTER: Please send address corrections (form 3579) to Florida Roofing, PO Box 4850, Winter Park, FL 32793-4850.

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Industry Updates Mule-Hide Products Hires Matt Bost as Territory Manager

Matt Bost has joined roofing products and systems manufacturer Mule-Hide Products Co. Inc. as Territory Manager for West Central and Southwest Florida.

Matt will be the company’s lead contact with contractors throughout the territory, which includes Tampa, Bradenton, Clearwater, Sarasota, Fort Myers, Lakeland and surrounding communities. He will help ensure projects are completed efficiently and according to specification. He’ll also work with contractors and ABC Supply Co. Inc. branch teams to develop the best solutions to meet property owners’ roofing needs and provide ongoing product, technical and sales training for contractors and ABC Supply associates.

Matt comes to Mule-Hide Products from TRUFAST, a manufacturer of roofing fasteners, adhesives and accessories. As the company’s Regional Manager for Florida, he oversaw the technical and sales aspects of its business in the state. Prior to that, he served as District Manager for the Carolina territory at TRUFAST. “Over the past several years, Matt worked closely with our Territory Managers and the ABC Supply branch teams in Florida, becoming a valuable partner for Mule-Hide, ABC and many commercial roofing contractors across the state,” said John Pantesco, Regional Director – Southeast and Southwest regions for Mule-Hide Products Co. “That experience and the strong relationships he built will allow him to make a big impact for us and for our contractors.” Bost is a resident of Wimauma.

Mike Jost, ABC Supply’s Chief Operating Officer.

“We’re proud to have them representing ABC Supply and leading our amazing teams.” This year’s Florida Managing Partners include: ■ Jeron Mazurk, Tampa ■ Michael Money, Punta Gorda ■ Richard Boutin, Miami ■ Robert Llorens, Miami.

As Managing Partners, the managers will continue to oversee the day-to-day operations of their respective branches while taking on the additional responsibility of serving on ABC Supply’s National Branch Advisory Board. There are over 300 Branch Managers in ABC Supply’s Managing Partner Program.

Jeron Mazurk joined ABC Supply in 2005 as an Inside Sales Associate at the Tampa location. He relocated to the Chatsworth, Ca. branch as an Inside Sales Associate and eventually an Outside Sales Representative. In 2018, Jeron was promoted to Branch Manager of ABC Supply’s Bradenton location.

He returned to the Tampa location in January 2021 to manage branch operations.

Michael Money joined ABC Supply in 2017 in the Tuscaloosa, Ala. warehouse. After just a few months, he was promoted to an Inside Sales Associate of the Ft. Lauderdale location and was promoted to Branch Manager of the Punta Gorda location in 2019.

Richard Boutin joined ABC Supply in 2016 as an Inside Sales Associate in West Palm Beach and in 2018, transferred to his current Miami location, continuing in a sales capacity and was promoted to Delivery Services Manager shortly after. He became Branch Manager of the Miami location in 2019.

Robert Llorens began working at ABC Supply in 2010 as an Export Sales Manager at the Ft. Lauderdale location and was promoted to Branch Manager of the Miami location in 2015.

FRM

ABC Supply Co. Inc. Names 74 New Managing Partners

ABC Supply Co. Inc., the nation’s largest wholesale distributor of roofing, siding and other select exterior and interior building products, recently promoted 74 Branch Managers to Managing Partners.

To be selected as a Managing Partner, Branch Managers must meet rigorous requirements in associate development, customer satisfaction, branch performance, safety compliance and excellence in overall business practices.

“These individuals demonstrate exceptional leadership skills and an unwavering commitment to the success of their associates and customers,” said www.floridaroof.com | FLORIDA ROOFING

5

FRSA GENERAL COUNSEL Trent Cotney, Partner, Adams and Reese, LLP

How Changes to Globalization Are Impacting the Supply Chain If you have purchased materials or done any consumer shopping lately, you know the supply chain is being strained. The COVID-19 pandemic hit the supply chain hard, as manufacturing slowed and transportation suffered interruptions. And now, the Russia-Ukraine conflict has made matters worse. Some of these changes may never be undone. Globalization has been altered.

Understanding Slowbalization

a slower global integration rate.

It seems as though a far less global model is coming into view, it will be less interconnected and, instead, it will focus on more regional trade.

Reliance on a few worldwide economic players will shift toward multiple economic and political centers. It may be years before dramatic effects will be seen, but the process has begun.

For many years, globalization grew. In fact, between 1970 and 2008, it seemed unstoppable. As a share of GDP, worldwide exports increased from 13 to 31 percent. But that trend began to skid. Those exports as a share of GDP began to level out and then fall. Global bank loans decreased, as did foreign investments.

The global economy began to decentralize, and that occurrence became part of a trend called “slowbalThe Factors That Influence Globalization ization.” This term refers to a phenomenon involving Although slowbalization is a reality, it is fair to say

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that we are still in a globalized world. Based on international phone and internet usage, globalization is still strong. But regarding trade, it may have already peaked.

Many factors impact globalization. For example, in the mid-20th century transportation costs were reasonably low. But in recent years, those costs have soared due to increased fossil fuel prices. Also, with improved technology, manufacturing processes are becoming more automated. That means a smaller labor force, so the need to move factories offshore will be reduced. Therefore, transporting goods for such long distances may no longer be necessary.

Another factor is consumer preference. Today, consumers like variety and choice, so there are more and more variations in available goods. That incentivizes companies to move manufacturing closer to where their customers live rather than asking them to wait weeks for a custom order from halfway across the world. In addition, for those with higher incomes, services have become as important as material items.

Many are spending their disposable income on delicious meals and spa treatments. And such services do not have to be transported from anywhere.

Globalization has also been affected by higher tariffs, increasing environmental concerns and carbon taxes. All these factors make it less attractive to rely on shipments from thousands of miles away.

to its low labor costs, its location and its free-trade agreements with the United States and the European Union. India could also benefit because of its proximity to the EU and its large but low-cost labor force, although it lacks a free-trade agreement.

It is important to understand, however, that even as trade shifts, we will remain globally connected. Thanks to technology, we can still share ideas and services with other countries around the world, even if we do not travel to them.

Worldwide trade may have stopped growing, but it is still significant. Auto and steel manufacturing may always require the global supply chains currently in place. But there is definitely a push to rely less on exports from China. So do not be surprised if the next materials you order come from a country closer to home.

FRM The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.

Trent Cotney is a Partner and Construction Practice Group Leader at the law firm of Adams and Reese LLP and FRSA General Counsel. For more information on this subject, please contact the author at trent.cotney@arlaw.com.

What We Can Expect as Trade Changes

In the coming years, certain industries – such as cybersecurity, pharmaceuticals and defense – will benefit from this slowbalization trend. So will companies that capitalize on “just in time” inventory.

In addition, specific countries may do well in this new model. For example, Mexico could benefit, thanks

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FRSA LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL Chris Dawson, Attorney, GrayRobinson

Primary Election Sends Dozens of Legislators to Tallahassee Florida held a successful primary election in August, setting the stage for the November General Election.

Top of the ticket races (statewide primary contests for the U.S. Senate and Florida Cabinet) went as expected with U.S. Representative Charlie Crist (D – FL 13) besting Agriculture Commissioner (and only current statewide elected Democrat) Nikki Fried for the Democratic nomination for Governor. Governor DeSantis awaits with a sizeable war chest and strong approval ratings. Over in the U.S. Senate race, U.S. Representative Val Demings (D – FL 10) cleared the field handily for the Democratic nomination for U.S.

Senate with 84 percent of the vote. She takes on U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R – FL) in November in what promises to be one of the most expensive races in the country. If you want to know more about their positions – or, better yet, how they feel about each other – just turn on your TV.

Florida House of Representatives Representative

Party

City

District

Rep. Bobby Payne (Legislative Sponsor of the “Tool Time” Skilled Workforce Sales Tax Holiday)

R

Palatka

20

Rep. Ralph Massullo

R

Lecanto

23

Rep. Josie Tomkow

R

Polk City

51

Rep. Patricia Williams

D

Pompano Beach

98

Rep. Daryl Campbell

D

Ft. Lauderdale

99

Rep. Dotie Joseph

D

N. Miami

108

Joel Rudman

R

Navarre

3

Shane Abbott

R

DeFuniak Springs

5

Griff Griffitts

R

Panama City Beach

6

Dean Black

R

Jacksonville

15

Kiyan Michael (Received a Big Boost Endorsement from Governor DeSantis)

R

Jacksonville

16

Chase Tramont

R

Port Orange

30

Jennifer “Rita” Harri (Defeated Incumbent Rep. Daisy Morales)

D

Orlando

44

Jennifer Canady (Married to Florida Supreme Court Justice Charles Canady)

R

Lakeland

50

Brad Yeager

R

New Port Ritchie

56

Lisa Dunkley

D

Sunrise

97

Ashley Gantt (Defeated Incumbent Rep. James Bush)

D

Miami

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FLORIDA ROOFING | October 2022

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Florida Senate Senator

Party

City

Sen. Travis Hutson

R

St. Augustine

7

Rep. Geraldine Thompson (Served in the Senate from 2012 – 2016)

D

Windermere

15

Sen. Jim Boyd

R

Bradenton

20

Sen. Joe Gruters (Republican Party of Florida Chairman)

R

Sarasota

22

Sen. Shevrin Jones

R

West Park

34

Sen. Lauren Book (Senate Minority Leader)

D

Plantation

35

Legislators Elected During the Primary

Not all races move on to November, however, as dozens of Florida Legislators almost assuredly will return to Tallahassee following their victories in the August primary election. This is because they have no general election opponent or only face write-in candidates.

They are joined by the (even luckier) Legislators we discussed last month who were elected with no opposition at all. Above, you’ll find the next wave of politicos headed to Tallahassee for the next two years (or four years for some very lucky Senators).

November Challengers Drop

Two additional Florida Legislators punched their tickets back to Tallahassee recently when their General Election opposition abruptly dropped out of the race.

There’s nothing quite like an early political Halloween treat.

■ Rep. Kimberly Daniels (D – Jacksonville) – House District 14 (Returns to this Seat after a Hiatus) ■ Rep. Christopher Benjamin (D – Miami Gardens) – House District 107.

These victories represent an additional 25 members headed to Tallahassee (15.6 percent of the Florida Legislature) for the 2023-24 term. Add them to the 39 members (24.4 percent of the Legislature) that were elected or re-elected without any opposition and we are getting close to quorum before the November election arrives. Pretty wild! Rest assured, however, that the remaining 96 seats up for grabs in November will provide plenty of intrigue, drama and surprise in the weeks to come.

FRM Chris Dawson is an Attorney and professional Lobbyist for GrayRobinson’s Orlando office and is licensed to practice law in both Florida and Alabama. He primarily focuses on lobbying and government relations for public and private sector clients at the executive and legislative levels of state government. He is credentialed as a Designated Professional Lobbyist by the Florida Association of Professional Lobbyists. Chris also holds two degrees in Civil Engineering and has experience in construction litigation and design professional malpractice defense.

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FRSA – 100 Years Strong Lisa Pate, FRSA Executive Director Throughout 2022, this column will recap some of FRSA’s rich history, through accounts from meeting minutes and a published book called FRSA The First Half Century.

In January of 1970, the Board of Directors reported minor changes in the Association’s charter to bring it in line with Internal Revenue Service requirements for nonprofit corporations.

At the 48th annual Convention, Charles Raymond, Miami, was elected President. During this Convention, George Trask, Chairman of the Self-Insurers Fund Trustees, reported some $25,000 (the equivalent of $228,608 today) had been refunded to members who had overpaid their premium in 1966 when the fund was administered by the Robert F. Coleman Co. He also noted that members were now enjoying a 14 percent advance discount and would, in 1970, be granted the maximum allowed by law, 15 percent.

The Resolutions Committee presented a resolution urging manufacturers to consider using a new method of packaging asphalt and pitch that had originated in Europe. Rather than drums, the Europeans were using plastic-type bags, light enough to be handled by one person. The entire bag could be placed in the pitch kettle, melting along with the contents.

Jim Falkner reported his committee had studied a proposed contractors exam bill that would allow a contractor to take a proficiency examination and allow him to perform work statewide. The Board voted to urge state legislators to enact such a bill.

That spring, Laird Legg, former Self-Insurers Fund administrator, surrendered to Orlando police and by the end of the year, he would be in Raiford Prison, sentenced to five years for embezzlement.

In July, Charles King presented a report to the Board, a proposed certification program for contractors. This program would provide a means of self-regulation and professional recognition of members’ professional standing within the construction industry. FRSA’s Certified Professional Roofing Contractor (CPRC), Certified Professional Sheet Metal Contractor (CPSC) and Certified Professional Air 12

FLORIDA ROOFING | October 2022

Conditioning Contractor (CPAC) designations were born. The certification program would be very much like those used for Certified Public Accountants and a certified contractor would be authorized to carry initials after his name.

The fall meeting of the Board of Directors was held in Munich, Germany. The Association had arranged a tour of the roofing and sheet metal industry in Germany, with stops in London and Paris. One stop on the tour was a visit to the Vedag plant, which packaged asphalt in plastic bags. As January 1971 rolled around, Florida Forum celebrated its 10th anniversary.

FRSA member, State Senator Lew Brantley, Brantley Sheet Metal, Jacksonville, intended to introduce a hold-harmless bill at the next session of the state legislature. Such a bill would prevent general contractors from attempting to force subcontractors to hold them “harmless” from accidents occurring on jobs. The membership endorsed state legislation to declare broad form hold-harmless clauses as being “against public policy” and to make such contracts “void and unenforceable.”

The 49th Annual Convention, held at the Playboy Plaza Hotel in Miami Beach, had the largest attendance in the history of the Association. The combined Convention and trade show had 888 registered visitors. Risk Management Services, Inc., service agent for the Self-Insurers Fund, staged a play called “My Fund Lady,” which explained to members how the SelfInsurers Fund worked. At the conclusion of the play, $40,000 was distributed in dividends to Self-Insurer Fund members. Another $50,000 had been distributed a month earlier.

President Raymond, who had climbed to the top of one of the largest roofing contracting firms in the South, Giffin Industries Inc., had predicted a year earlier that “his” convention would be the largest in history. It undoubtedly was. As a crowning touch, Raymond presented more than 300 plaques during the Convention. Every member got a plaque. All Life and Honorary members and all Past Presidents who hadn’t received plaques in the past also received them.

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The annual banquet was dedicated to Past Presidents. They were escorted into a packed Penthouse Theater by a trumpeter in medieval style, as the entire membership stood as a sign of respect. It was a banquet unequalled in the history of the Association.

Raymond had always had a reputation for wit. He found humor in every situation. When his company was losing money hand over fist during a strike, Raymond gleefully joined the picket line because, as he said later, “They were striking, so I didn’t have anything else to do.”

After having engineered one of the most successful conventions in the history of the Association, Raymond was probably more than happy to step down and St. Petersburg contractor Jack N. Hurlston was elected to succeed him as President.

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FLORIDA ROOFING | October 2022

Bill Condermann

During Hurlston’s administration, the federal government enacted a series of stringent safety regulations under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. The regulations, which targeted the roofing and sheet metal trades for enforcement, were to go into effect in late summer of 1971. Dorminy, from Risk Management Services and Dockery saw the looming impact on members of the Association.

Safety was coming out of the realm of statistics, which could boost or lower insurance rates. Violation of safety regulations would become a federal crime with stiff penalties. Dorminy and Dockery approached a Lakeland firm, Moore Public Relations, to produce a guide for compliance with the new OSHA guidelines.

With Dockery as overall advisor, Dorminy as consultant on safety, Gail Moore as writer and producer, the two-volume “Management Safety Planner” was produced. It was to become a model for the nation.

In exchange for rights to further publication, the Moores’ gave the Association free copies for every member. Later, the publication was marketed to associations nationwide. It was the first and, for at least a year, the only guide to the Act written in layman’s language.

In 1972, the Association’s work against hold-harmless contracts paid off. The legislature enacted a law generally prohibiting engineers, architects, general contractors and others from unreasonably passing on liability for their own acts to subcontractors.

Hurlston chose Marco Island as the site for the 50th annual Convention of the Florida Roofing,

Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors Association (FRSA). This convention was to be the climax of 50 years of enviable progress. At this Convention, the officers and members would pay tribute to the men of yesteryear, many now gone, who made it all possible. Coincidentally, one of the earliest Convention registration forms bore the name of one of those two men who first stood beside a church in Clearwater 50 years earlier and talked about a state trade association. Frank Tack, still active at 81, planned to be there as the membership, now 300 strong, would lay out plans for the next half-century of progress.

FRM

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If You’re Not Concerned, You May Not Be Paying Attention Mike Silvers, CPRC, Silvers Systems Inc. and FRSA Director of Technical Services

It seems lately that I cannot escape the obvious subject for this column – insurance. As much as I would like to cover something like a new roof installation method, the property insurance issue and the interaction with the roofing industry, as well as the building code, continues to be front and center, making it very hard to ignore. As those involved in the roofing industry know, there seems to be something new every day. Most of us are well aware and very concerned about what the current state of affairs has done to our trade’s reputation. With so much information and misinformation coming from so many sources, it can be hard to see the big picture. It is important to look at the issue from the industy’s perspective.

$56 billion in annual premium. By the end of 2022, the Fund balance will be approximately $12.8 billion.

This sounds like a lot of money and it certainly is. It accounts for approximately one percent of Florida’s $1.2 trillion gross domestic product. But it may not be enough when you consider that the cost of insurance claims paid out for Hurricane Andrew were $15 billion in 1992. Today, according to RMS (a highly-regarded Moody Analytics Company), the cost for the same claims would be between $80 to $90 billion. Other sources estimate a current cost between $50 to $100 billion. One needs to keep in mind that even though Andrew was a very powerful storm, its highest winds were concentrated outside of a major metropolitan area. If Andrew had been centered just 25 miles The Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund further north, you could have multiplied the amount of Has the Potential to Devastate Our State’s damage and claims many times over.

Economy Hurricane Irma occurred in 2017 and the Cat Fund The Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (FHCF) or paid approximately 43 percent of the losses. The Cat Fund was established in 1993. It is a tax-exempt common understanding is that the larger the storm, trust fund that acts as reinsurance for approximately the higher the percentage paid out by the Fund. It’s 165 of Florida’s property insurers, including Citizen’s. clearly not hard to imagine property damage claims of Recently the Fund has been asked to cover additional over $100 billion from one major storm that impacts exposure by acting as a guarantor or reinsurer to cover any of Florida’s urban coastal communities with high property insurers whose ratings have been downgrad- density population. Multiple storms could add to that ed. The administrators of the Fund have the authority already staggering number. Using the $100 billion to levy emergency assessments on all property and figure and a 50 percent ($50 billion) Cat Fund hit, you casualty insurance lines except workers’ compensacan see that the Cat Fund would be quickly depleted tion, medical and federal flood. The insurance lines in this very plausible scenario. Florida would be left that could be levied currently represent approximately covering a Cat shortfall of $38 billion in claims while at 16

FLORIDA ROOFING | October 2022

the same time trying to replenish the Fund before any additional major storms occurred.

Not only would our insurance premiums skyrocket but every business in the state would be hit with premium increases that would be passed on to consumers. It’s not a pretty picture, but there are things that can be done and, if you are so inclined, a prayer wouldn’t hurt.

How Well Could the Roofing Industry Respond to a Major Storm or Possibly More?

With our industry’s current labor and material shortages, this is a very important question. After Irma, approximately 54 percent of property claims involved roofing issues. That figure was 74 percent for Hurricane Michael in 2018. Using either figure, the amount of roofing installations needed would be staggering. Those of us who have been in the industry after major hurricanes understand how quickly both labor and material become scarce and much more expensive. Most of those experiences have been in times when inventories were, compared to today, plentiful and labor was at least available. We are all very familiar with our current situation in which neither is the case.

It is clear that we would have a serious problem trying

to respond quickly. Many homes and other buildings would be left exposed to additional post-storm water damage. For just how long is unknown. Tarps are not a very good solution, with insurers often having to repair or replace them multiple times before a permanent solution can be achieved. In the interim, more water damage will occur. Florida’s roofing contractors are far too familiar with what comes next. Contractors swarm into Florida with little understanding of our state’s roofing practices or building code. Many unscrupulous contractors would use their current techniques to sell jobs and lockdown work with worthless promises in exchange for assignment of benefits or direction to pay contracts. Many jobs would sit unstarted or unfinished.

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17

How Can the Roofing Industry Help?

One way to help provide a greater degree of temporary protection is through a Florida Building Code (FBC) mandated secondary water barrier (SWB).

Currently, a SWB is required in the 65 counties in Florida that are outside the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ – Miami-Dade and Broward counties only). Amazingly enough, the HVHZ code does not even allow SWBs as an option. For example, tile roof systems installed outside the HVHZ use the FRSA-TRI High Wind Concrete and Clay Tile Installation Manual (which isn’t accepted in the HVHZ). The tile manual requires better underlayment systems than those that are permitted in the HVHZ; systems that have been tested to meet the code-mandated uplift resistance specified in ASCE 7. HVHZ underlayment systems do not necessarily comply with ASCE 7. Throughout the state, contractors can choose to use the HVHZ prescriptive methods (Miami-Dade notices of acceptance (NOA) and roofing application standards (RAS)) rather than the tile manual. These Miami-Dade standards have been weaker than those used in the manual for several code cycles and, ironically, are basically the same as they were before Hurricane Andrew exposed serious and widespread shortcomings in South Florida roofing practices – and started the process that supposedly made the HVHZ code the strongest in the state.

The underlayment requirements used for steep slope roof systems other than tile in the HVHZ are also much less stringent than those required in all other areas of Florida. The best performing SWBs consist of a self-adhering underlayment (SAU) applied direct to deck, which isn’t even an option in the HVHZ where 18

FLORIDA ROOFING | October 2022

the impact from major storms is theorized to be the most likely.

That likelihood was the original justification for a separate code for the HVHZ during the creation of the FBC. Additionally, a SAU system is the only underlayment listed on the uniform mitigation form that is eligible for a wind mitigation premium discount. It seems as though the insurance companies clearly recognize their value. Unfortunately for Floridians, these HVHZ requirements have failed to keep up with changing application methods and materials. Let’s hope the time is coming when all Floridians have the option to be protected from unnecessary damage and the claims they create. Remember, when enough damage is done because of a lack of secondary water barriers in South Florida, all of us will be footing the bill.

Better SWBs aren’t the only way we can help reduce claims. More resilient primary roof systems are an obvious way to protect these buildings when the roof systems are installed to resist the wind load as required by the FBC. We can also, through changes in the FBC, continue to close some of the loopholes being used to promote the “free roof syndrome” and stop the wasted money that is being diverted from legitimate roofing practices and driving up insurance premiums.

Insurers Must Do Their Part Too

None of this works as long as insurers continue to prematurely condemn roofs with years of serviceable life remaining. Who is willing to invest in better roofs when their insurer tells them it has to be replaced after 10 years? Insurers are already dodging the Legislature’s new prohibition on non-renewal for roofs newer than 15 years of age with a number of new initiatives. One requires an existing SAU even though those underlayments were seldomly used that long ago. Other insurers are not renewing or writing new coverages on roofs with solar voltaic panels, particularly those installed on tile roofs. All this while at the same time they continue to pay for very questionable claims, thereby encouraging the very practices they later rail against. The “free roof syndrome” will not go Continued on page 38

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Proper Installation Procedures and Tools for Metal Roofing and Cladding Panels SFS Group, USA In the majority of roofing and cladding applications, metal panels are installed onto substructures.

Although seemingly trivial, the selection of the correct tools and the application of proper installation procedures is paramount for the completion of a successful job. This article will outline the necessary tools and techniques required to ensure installers successfully complete projects without damaging fasteners or application substrates.

Select the Correct Drive Bits and Metal Panel Installation Procedure

Selecting an incorrect drive bit can result in serious efficiency and performance issues. A recessed magnet should be used for external drive fasteners and the correct size and design drive bit is always used for internal drive fasteners.

It is equally important to properly tighten fasteners into the application substrate. The majority of roofing and cladding fasteners will feature some type of bonding washer to provide a water-tight seal. Care must be taken to correctly drive the fastener into metal panels. Use the image below as a guide.

Wood Applications

Source: Metal Construction Association

Which to Use for Metal Roofing or Cladding Panels: Drill Guns or Impact Drivers?

Although similar in appearance, drill guns and impact drivers have differences that will affect the performance of fasteners. During metal panel installation, drill guns provide a constant rotational torque. In contrast, impact drivers produce more torque applied in short bursts. This results in “impacts” which drive screws more effectively. In addition, impact drivers are typically more compact and tend to slip less frequently.

On the surface, impact drivers appear to be an obvious improvement over drill guns. However, the increased torque and “impact” action may result in damage to the fastener, the sealing washer and the installation substrate. Fasteners can be damaged in three different ways by impact drivers. First, for painted fasteners, chipping and damage can occur.

This will result in both an unfavorable appearance and increased corrosion risk.

Metal panel installers should also take care to select a drill gun set to the correct rotational speed (RPMs). The following tables can be used as general guides for selecting the correct installation speed.

However, it is a good idea to check with the fastener manufacturer for exact specifications.

Carbon Steel or 410 Stainless Steel

300 Series Stainless Steel

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FLORIDA ROOFING | October 2022

Second, depending on the material composition of the fastener, the internal or external drives can be damaged. For soft stainless alloys and zinc/ aluminum alloys, the use of an impact driver can permanently deform internal drives and “grinddown” external drives. In some cases, the drive will wear down prior to full installation. In addition, repair

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teams will have difficulty uninstalling the part if roof replacements are required.

panels. These burrs can compromise sealing washers and increase corrosion risk.

In wood and composite applications, RPMs above 2,500 can result in damage to the attachment substrate. This results in compromised holding strength and can sometimes lead to application failure below provided design values.

Frequently Asked Questions About Metal Panel Attachment Finally, the rotating and cutting action caused by drill points can cause fasteners to “burn up.” At increased torques, installers risk generating excessive heat that damages the fastener points. This will result in the inability to install the fastener and can cause damage to the substrate. Slower RPM screw guns tend to avoid these potential issues.

Washer Damage

The increased rotational speed and torque of impact guns can result in overdriving.

In addition to damage caused to the head of the fastener, there is an increased risk of water damage. If a fastener is overdriven into the metal panel, the assembled washer may not properly seal or may be irreversibly damaged. This may result in future leaks and water damage.

Installation Substrate

The application substrate can also be seriously damaged by using the incorrect tool for fastener installation.

For instance, increased rotational speed (RPMs) can result in the formation of burrs on metal

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FLORIDA ROOFING | October 2022

Should I use a regular drill gun or an impact gun to install metal roofing panels?

Installers should always use regular drill guns to install metal roofing and cladding panels. Impact guns apply increased rotational torque, which can damage the parts and make installation impossible.

Does it matter what speed I set my drill gun to when installing metal roofing panels?

Yes, the rotational speed or RPM should be set in accordance with the roofing application. Wood substrates and metal substrates should be installed at different speeds. Refer to the tables on page 20 to determine the correct drill speed for your application.

Do metal shavings, burrs or pigtails cause damage to the roof?

Metal shavings and pigtails cause damage to exposed fastener roof systems. It is important to avoid the “canning” or burring that occurs when installing fasteners into metal roofing applications. They can contribute to corrosion, cause leaks and potentially lead to serious damage. Always ensure the proper drill gun is used and set to the correct rotational speed.

How do I avoid damaging rubber washers in metal roofing applications?

When installing fasteners with attached rubber washers it is important to avoid squash out failures. This occurs when the fastener is over-driven into the application substrate. To avoid this type of damage, always use a standard drill gun set to the correct RPM.

Key Takeaways From Our Metal Panel Installation Tips

Contractors should always ensure their teams are fully aware of proper installation procedures and tools for metal panel applications. Refer back to this guide anytime for guidance in future projects or contact SFS for additional tips and strategies.

OSB Screws and Fasteners

Oriented strand board consists of wood flakes and strands pressed into large boards using water-resistant adhesive. The result is an affordable engineered wood stronger than plywood and practical for a variety of interior sheathing projects including roofs, floors and walls.

While it’s hard to find fault with OSB, there are special considerations for which builders should account. Mainly, when compared to other engineered woods, it presents an increased likelihood of splitting or for causing stripped fasteners. Therefore, it’s best to use screws specifically designed for OSB to significantly lessen such risks.

What to Look for When Choosing Screws for OSB The best way to minimize the potential for stripped fasteners is by using screws with aggressive threading. This references a higher thread pitch (the distance between two threads). The lower the threads-per-inch (TPI), the deeper the ridges and greater the fastener grip. The aggressive threading ultimately leads the screws to provide greater pull out resistance strength when connecting OSB sheathing.

physical pressure needed when applying the fastener.

■ The type of fastener head. There is no one style of screw head that is objectively best for OSB construction. While a tall hex washer head provides added stability during the application, countersunk alternatives lay flush with the OSB, making it ideal for subfloor applications.

■ Rust resistance. Warping due to moisture exposure is considered the Achilles’ heel of OSB, so it’s rare for builders to use it for exterior applications. However, there are lesser-known OSB board options with high water resistance, leading to some contractors bucking tradition and featuring OSB in ways that expose it to weather.

In such cases, you will want fasteners that offer inherent rust resistance.

Other Considerations When Choosing the Best OSB Screw ■ Sharp point for self-drilling. A sharp point enables smoother piercing of the wood and less www.floridaroof.com | FLORIDA ROOFING

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Do OSB Screws Work for Other Types of Wood?

Screws intended for OSB satisfy the similar needs of other softwoods, like plywood and pine. However, they’re not the best choice for hardwoods which may be best served by fasteners with less aggressive threading.

How Do Screws Compare to Nails for OSB? Typically, screws are best for OSB and softwoods due to the heightened chance of splitting when nails are used and easier removal at a future date.

Nails result in a weaker connection and can damage the integrity of the subfloor or sheathing. Also, OSB subfloors applied with nails rather than screws are more likely to creak.

FRM Have more questions about OSB screws? We can help. You don’t have to select OSB screws alone.

The SFS team is ready to answer any additional questions and suggest which is best based on your individual needs. Call 610-376-5751 to learn more Can I Use Other Wood Screws with OSB? about fasteners, manufacturing practices and supThe short answer to this question is that, yes, you plementary services. Please visit www.sfs.com for can fasten OSB with other types of wood screws. more information. Reprinted with permission from However, you increase the chances of splitting wood and stripping screws, leading to compromised SFS Group, USA. fastening.

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FLORIDA ROOFING | October 2022

Everyone pays the same workers' comp rate, but does your workers' comp insurance carrier provide you with the potential for a yearly dividend for operating safely? If not, you need to consider the FRSA Self Insurers Fund. These members received their share of $3 million during FRSA's Convention.

For more information about joining the Self Insurers Fund, contact Alexis at 800-767-3772 ext. 206 or by email: alexis@frsasif.com

Electrical Safety Jorge Castanon, Safety Consultant, FRSA Self Insurer’s Fund Each year, in the United States, about 700 workers get injured by electricity. In 2020, 126 workers died due to exposure to electricity.

When discussing electricity, there are several terms we need to be familiar with: current, volts, amperes and watts are the most important.

Current is the intensity of electricity and is measured in amperes (amps). Most household and industrial electric wiring carries 15 to 20 amps. The thicker the wires, the more current they can usually hold. It’s important to remember that it’s amps that deliver electric shocks and it doesn’t take many amps to cause a serious injury.

Volts are another term we hear a lot. Volts measure the force behind the current that is flowing. In North America, most power tools and household appliances run on 120 volts, but some specialized heavy-duty equipment require extra power and often run on 220 or more volts. Like amps, the higher the voltage the greater the danger.­­ Watts are a third term that is frequently encountered when working with electricity. Watts can be thought of as the combination of amps and voltage. You can determine how many amps something uses by dividing its wattage rating by the voltage in the electrical system it is running on.

Let’s look at how an electrical system works.

Electricity flows when a loop or circuit is completed.

This loop is created when an uninterrupted stream of electricity passes through a piece of equipment and returns to the power source. Only when a circuit is complete will tools and machinery be powered up and ready to go. One of the most important things to remember about electricity is that if it somehow leaks or jumps from the conducting wire, it will still try and complete a circuit by finding the shortest path to the ground. Unfortunately, this can lead to a nasty shock if you’re in its path.

Controlled grounding is what helps to keep us safe.

If electricity leaks through cracked or defective wiring, a ground wire can direct the electricity back through the electrical circuit to the ground. You can see the ground wire easily in three prong plugs. It is the wire that ends in the round prong. However, for a ground wire to work, the outlet that it is plugged into must be grounded as well. Just because an outlet can take a 3-prong plug, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s grounded. The only way to be certain that the outlet is grounded is to test it. Currently, many outlets are fitted with a ground fault circuit interrupter or GFCI. 26

FLORIDA ROOFING | October 2022

This device can be a lifesaver. It immediately shuts off the flow of electricity when it senses a change in the strength of the current.

Once you know how electricity works, you need to learn how to recognize and avoid potential hazards.

Electrical hazards most often result in shocks, burns and fires. Never use power tools in flammable or explosive atmospheres. Many accidents are the result of faulty wiring, so, be sure to inspect all power cords.

Do not use electrical power equipment that has bare, cracked or broken wires or has missing insulation, missing ground prong, loose connections or frayed ends. Report any problems and have damaged cords replaced immediately. Do not run extension cords or operate electrical equipment in wet areas, standing water or when you or your clothing are wet.

Extension cords are trip hazards.

Keep them out of high traffic areas such as doorways and stairways. Do not overload electrical equipment.

Overloaded circuits, motors and wiring can cause electrical fires.

Exercise caution when selecting electrical equipment. Use double insulated tools whenever possible. They have built-in protection against shock in the event of a problem. If you do encounter an electrical problem don’t try to fix it yourself unless you’re qualified. Instead, advise your supervisor about the situation and contact a qualified repair person. OSHA states that you and any conductive objects you’re holding should not come within 10 feet of a power line carrying 50,000 volts. For higher voltage lines, you must stay even further away. These clearance distances also apply to vehicles and other equipment located near overhead lines. Don’t use metal ladders when working near power lines, use fiberglass or wooden ladders with non-conductive side rails.

Because electricity is part of so many of the things that we use, we often forget that it can be dangerous.

However, by learning to recognize potential hazards and following proper work practices, we can work safely with electricity.

FRM The FRSA Self Insurer’s Fund (FRSA-SIF) has professional safety consultants throughout the state who are willing to provide SIF members with safety training at no additional cost. To find out if you qualify for FRSA‑SIF membership, please contact us at 800-7673772, ext. 206, or email us at alexis@frsasif.com. To learn more about the FRSA Self Insurers Fund, please visit www.frsasif.com.

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COTNEY CONSULTING GROUP John Kenney, CPRC, CEO, Cotney Consulting Group

Financial Management for Your Roofing Business, Part One In simplest terms, financial management is using your company’s financial resources. Everyday decisions affect your company’s financial future, including operating cash and other assets such as equipment. Your decision to bid on a large project can significantly impact your company’s finances. As you decide whether to bid on a project, you should address the following questions: ■ Does your company have enough cash resources to perform this work or will you need outside financing?

■ Can your company get bonded for the work?

■ Do you have the employees to perform the work or should you subcontract this labor?

■ Should your company lease or purchase the additional equipment needed for this project? If you buy the equipment, how will it be financed?

■ Will this project require your company to increase staff overhead?

■ What profit and overhead markup should be added to the bid?

The answers to these questions will affect your company’s finances and how you answer one question may limit your options when answering another question. To expand on this, suppose you decide to hire additional employees to perform the work on a project. In that case, it could require more financial resources than if you hired subcontractors to perform the labor. It may leave your company with insufficient cash to purchase additional equipment needed, leaving leasing as the only option.

Why is Financial Management in Construction Different?

Our industry has unique challenges and problems not faced by other industries. Although our industry produces a finished product, installing roofs differs from manufacturing in most other sectors. Because of these unique characteristics, the principles of financial management applied in roofing companies are modified from the standards used in other businesses.

Let’s look at the attributes of roofing that are unique to construction.

Decentralized Production

Project Oriented

For many roofing contractors, their work consists of long-term contracts for individual projects with monthly progress payments made by the general contractor or building owner. Retention is commonly

It is common for a roofing company to work on multiple projects. You could be working on a tenant finish in a shopping center, reroofing a residence and installing 28

a new school roof simultaneously. Even when a roofing company works on similar projects, they are different due to site condition and location, affecting labor and material availability. Roofing companies furnish fixed prices to clients for products that your company may have never previously installed or with project owners your company has never worked for.

For the most part, as a roofing contractor, you are selling labor. Unlike a manufacturer that carries inventory in slow times to be available to utilize during peak selling seasons, you cannot store up your labor in anticipation of use on future projects. So, a roofing company must constantly bid on new work to keep their workforce fully utilized. No other industry is as project-based as the construction and roofing industry. Almost everything we do is a project. Because of this, we must keep accurate construction costs for every project we install. Not only do you need to track the overall cost of your projects, but you must also keep track of the individual components that make up the project’s costs. This data is necessary to control the current project’s costs and to maintain accurate historical information for future projects. Each project may require a different mix of labor, materials and equipment, so knowing the cost of the components of a project is necessary in order to successfully bid on future projects.

FLORIDA ROOFING | October 2022

Most industries, like manufacturing and retail, perform their work at a centralized area where employees come to the same location day after day. Conversely, contractor employees and equipment move from job to job on a regular basis. For this reason, employees and equipment must be tracked accurately and their costs associated with the correct job.

Payment Terms

withheld on each payment application that defers a portion of your progress payment. As a result, roofing companies must anticipate and modify accounting and other financial procedures to handle retention.

Use of Subcontractors

The use of subcontractors can have a great impact on the finances of a roofing company. It allows a roofing company to tap into a subcontractor’s financial assets during construction. Because of these unique characteristics, a roofing company’s owner and the project manager must have a sound understanding of financial management and how management principles are applied in our industry. The way most financial managers are taught in business schools must be modified to account for our industry’s unique characteristics to manage roofing companies’ finances successfully.

increased profitability through sound construction financial management.

What Does a Financial Manager Do?

If not the owner, a controller or CFO is usually designated as the financial manager. They are responsible for seeing that your company uses its financial resources wisely. Their responsibilities can be broken down into four extensive areas: accounting for financial resources, managing costs and profits, managing cash flows and making financial decisions.

Next month in part two, we will discuss these four areas of responsibility in detail.

FRM

John Kenney, CPRC has over 45 years of experience in the roofing industry. He started his career by working as a roofing apprentice at a family business in the Northeast and worked his way up to operating Who is Responsible for Financial multiple Top 100 Roofing Contractors. As CEO, John Management? is intimately familiar with all aspects of roofing proFor our discussion and your overall company’s financial duction, estimating and operations. During his tenure success, superintendents, project managers, estimain the industry, John ran business units associated tors, general managers and owners are responsible with delivering excellent workmanship and unparalfor all or part of the financial management of a roofing leled customer service while ensuring his company’s company. The person ultimately responsible for the strong net profits before joining Cotney Consulting roofing company’s financial management and ensurGroup. If you would like any further information on ing the rest of the team understands their part in the this or another subject, you can contact John at process is the owner. When your team understands jkenney@cotneyconsulting.com. the principles of financial success and the project-specific tasks, it will fast-track your company toward

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Are You Prepared for an Employment Audit?

Sandy Seay, CEO, Seay Management Consultants Your employee handbook is your fundamental employment document because it describes how you will handle work issues that arise with your employees.

To meet that goal, it should be comprehensive and detailed. Some of the policies you need to include are listed below and will help to ensure that you are up to date and in compliance with employment regulations enforced by state and federal agencies. Be sure you are implementing HR best practices in terms of policies, procedures, manuals and documents to hire and retain good employees and motivate them to superior performance. We consider these 24 items key HR flash points and should be included in your handbook.

Employee Handbook

EEO policy – this should include the protected category of “genetic information.” Some states have additional protected categories. Check your state regulations to make sure you have them all covered.

Dress Code – address extreme hair color, potentially

offensive tattoos, scents and aromas that bother other employees and body piercings in places that could be distracting. Be sure to include a provision for accommodating employee dress code based on the religious beliefs of an employee or candidate.

Cell Phone Use Policy – talking or texting at work, even if set on vibrate, taking pictures and safety issues involved while driving on employer business.

Social Relationships at Work – a supervisor dating an employee is trouble waiting to happen.

Email/Internet Use at Work – employees should be trained on how to compose emails and what Internet

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sites should be avoided. Inform them that the email system is the property of the employer and that all emails are subject to being retrieved.

COVID – while we hope never to have a COVID event again, it is a good idea to have a policy covering the employer’s response to pandemic situations.

Working Remotely – More and more employees are working remotely so a remote work policy should be included in your employee handbook that covers working time, accidents at home and accountability.

instructing employees about what they can and cannot post on Facebook or other social networking sites.

Harassment Awareness and Prevention Training

Conduct harassment awareness training annually for all managers and employees, to build a wall of protection around your company. This training should include all forms of unlawful harassment including harassment based on race, religion, age, ethnicity, etc.

Social Networking

Technology is racing forward at warp speed. Employers should develop a policy on the use of social networking at work, taking into consideration sites like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, etc. Here are some items to consider: ■ Employers should prohibit or restrict access to social networking sites during working time and should be aware that some material that employees post may be protected content, even if it is critical of management.

■ Supervisors and managers should be required to stay off the personal social media pages or sites of their employees.

■ On the basis of National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) regulations, employers should refrain from

Bullying in the Workplace

I have often said that “the workplace mirrors society” and that whatever behavior is occurring in society will ultimately find its way into the workplace. Today, we are seeing the emergence of bullying behavior in schools and in other parts of society and this can often lead to violence at work.

Bullying can be physical, emotional or relational and often occurs in cyberspace. To prevent, eliminate or reduce bullying at work, we recommend that you develop strong anti-bullying and zero tolerance for violence policies and make absolutely sure you have a way for employees to report abuses, in a confidential and anonymous way.

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basis of merit and ability without regard to race, color, To help resolve potential drug issues at work and lower religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran’s status or other factors which your workers’ compensation premium. Your policy cannot lawfully be the basis for employment actions. should cover synthetic drugs as well.

Implement a Drug Free Workplace Program

EEO-1 Reports

DISC Profile

To make sure you hire the best employees that are the best “fit” for the job and the work culture, consider administering the DISC profile, which is a measure of working style: ■ Hard Driving Type A

Employers are required to complete this report each year if they have a workforce of 100 or more employees or if they serve as a government contractor with 50 or more employees.

Vets 4212 Reports

■ People Oriented ■ Multi-Tasker ■ Detail Oriented The DISC profile offers an opportunity to select diverse personality types to work together.

Affirmative Action Plan

Complete the annual update of your affirmative action plan according to the regulations if you are a covered employer. To be covered, you must have 50 employees and federal government contracts of $50,000 or more.

An AAP is a tool: a written program in which an employer details the steps it has taken and will take to ensure the right of all persons to advance on the

Save the Dates!

This report should be filed if a business has a current federal government contract or subcontract worth $150,000 or more, regardless of the number of employees. This is due by September 30 each year.

New Hire Reports

Regularly submit your new hire reports to the state employment agency database. Effective October 1, 2021, all Florida employers (regardless of size) are required to report new hires and rehires to the State Directory of New Hires within 20 days of hire.

Job Descriptions

Ensure that you have detailed job descriptions for every job, in compliance with ADA, EEOC and generally accepted principles of human resources management.

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FLORIDA ROOFING | October 2022

In addition to helping employers manage employee responsibilities, job descriptions are often a first line of defense in the event of an EEOC or DOL investigation.

Employers who are covered by the Affirmative Action regulations are required to have job descriptions.

but are of a personal, private or medical nature or have an EEO component. For these documents, have an administrative or confidential file, separate from the regular employee file.

Management Training

Employers should have clear and frequent employee communications programs such as:

Consider conducting several management training sessions this year on important subjects like: ■ How to counsel and dismiss employees (when necessary)

Communications with Employees ■ Open door policy ■ Employee complaint procedure

■ How to conduct performance appraisals ■ How to handle difficult employees ■ How to motivate employees to superior performance ■ Ethics in the workplace ■ How to harness the power of a type A manager: a workshop that can help produce motivation and understanding among employees and management.

Employment Labor Posters

Check that you have all current required employment posters, placed in prominent locations. Federal regulations require six posters and Florida requires an additional four posters. FRSA members can access these posters by visiting the members login section of the website, www.floridaroof.com.

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I-9 Forms

Review your I-9 forms for completion and keep them on file for all employees. Verification requires employers to: ■ Examine and record documents under Columns A or B and C. ■ Make copies of the verification documents and staple them to the I-9 form.

■ File the I-9 forms in a separate location, not the regular employee file.

■ The E-Verify program is required for some government contractors; however, we recommend it even if you are not a government contractor because it is an efficient and inexpensive way of checking a candidate’s eligibility for employment.

Employee Files

Make sure employee files are complete and that they include all the documents you need (such as an application, disciplinary notices, commendations, performance appraisals, etc.) but none of the documents that are problematic (such as polygraph records, drug test records, private and personal documents).

Some employee documents are necessary for recordkeeping and reporting and are perfectly proper,

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■ Bulletin boards ■ Printed or electronic employee newsletter It is our experience that most employee problems have poor communications at the foundation.

Documentation

Make sure all of your human resource decisions and actions are fully and comprehensively documented and that you have developed and implemented a system of progressive discipline for which all of your supervisors and managers have been fully trained.

Unemployment

Remember that the unemployment office is giving away unemployment benefits like chiclets. Keep in mind: ■ In Florida, if you dismiss an employee within the 90 day probationary period, whatever benefits may be awarded should not be charged to your account.

■ Former employees should not be eligible for benefits if they are dismissed for misconduct or if they leave with “no good cause attributable to the employer.”

■ Employees who are dismissed for performance reasons will almost always be awarded benefits.

■ Check your unemployment claims report to make sure there are no fraudulent claims. Fraudulent claims are skyrocketing, particularly in the age of COVID.

National Labor Relations Board

This agency covers both union and non-union employees and enforces the “unfair labor practices” requirements. In addition, union membership is at a historic low and union organizing campaigns are increasing, so it’s critical to train your supervisors and managers in the landscape of what they can and can’t do. Most managers and supervisors are surprised to learn that they can do more than they think they can. A one-half day supervisory training program will resolve this issue. This is an emerging flash point that we must continually monitor.

If an employee is working, the employer is responsible for paying for this time, even if you didn’t authorize it and even if you didn’t know about it. This could include travel time, meal periods, time before and after regular work hours, homework and other time.

Employers should have a clear policy on the use of smartphones and other devices at home and during other non-scheduled work hours to conduct company related business. Make sure all employees are recording all of their work time accurately and that you know when employees are working.

Exempt Classification

Verify that all of your exempt employees are properly classified and receive at least the minimum salary for exemption. The federal minimum level is $684 per week but some states and municipalities have a higher requirement. Remember, that one of the requirements for exemption is that employees must receive a guaranteed salary, not subject to deduction, in any week in which they perform any work at all.

Online Application and Job Postings

Consider having employees complete the application form online, through your website, rather than in person. This can be a more efficient and less expensive process and may more quickly identify those applicants who might be good candidates for the positions you have open. You might also want to list your open positions on your website. Candidates should complete the application prior to the initial interview.

Human Resources Management Compliance Audit Review

This will help you reduce or eliminate any potential liability or exposure, provide you with the comfort and assurance that you are in compliance with all of the employment regulations that cover you and check to see that you have the best practices you need to hire and retain good employees.

FRM

Seay Management Consultants is a nationally known Human Resources Management Consulting firm that has been in operation since 1966 and has more than 400 clients throughout the country. FRSA members have access to an employment hotline service to Employee Opinion Survey answer your questions about employment and huConsider conducting an employee opinion survey man resources issues, such as compensation, wage every 18-24 months to find out what your employees and hour, hiring, dismissal, personnel policy and more. think and how they feel about their work and jobs.

As an FRSA member, you are entitled to call Seay Many a serious employee problem has been prevented Management at 888-245-6272 and talk with our by an employee opinion survey. consultants whenever you have a human resources question or issue. FRSA provides this service to memTime Records bers at no cost.

The Wage and Hour Division of the Department of Labor is targeting the question of “working time,” which the regulations define as whenever an employee is “suffered or permitted to work.”

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FLORIDA ROOFING | October 2022

INSURANCE OFFICE OF AMERICA

Voluntary Benefits for FRSA Members and Their Employees Are you or your employees among the 57% of Americans who’ve had to pay for an unexpected medical bill?1 How about an unexpected dental issue? Did you say to yourself, “But, I have health insurance. I should be covered.”?

That’s why the FRSA has endorsed a voluntary benefits program created by Insurance Office of America (IOA) for the roofing industry. Ameritas has affordable PPO Dental and EyeMed Vision plans to cover you and your family. Aflac can pay you cash directly2 to help cover that medical bill or any other expenses you may have. The FRSA Voluntary Benefits program helps provide you with peace of mind when you need it most.

THESE AMERITAS PLANS ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU Dental (PPO). Keep a bright, healthy smile with an Ameritas dental insurance policy. Our policy provides benefits for dental care in or out of network.

Vision. Don’t take your vision for granted. The Ameritas vision insurance policy is administered by EyeMed to help with the costs of vision treatment.

THESE AFLAC SUPPLEMENTAL PLANS ARE NOW AVAILABLE TO YOU Dental (DHMO). Keep a bright, healthy smile with Aflac’s dental insurance policy. Our policy provides pre-negotiated copays for dental care at select in-network providers.

Hospital Confinement Indemnity. Hospital stays are expensive. An Aflac hospital confinement indemnity insurance policy can help ease the financial burden of hospital stays by providing cash benefits.

Accident. Accidents happen. When a covered accident happens to you, our accident insurance policy pays you cash benefits to help with the unexpected medical and everyday expenses that begin to add up almost immediately.

Short-Term Disability. How would you pay your bills if you’re disabled and can’t work? An Aflac short-term disability insurance policy can help provide you with a source of income while you concentrate on getting better.

Cancer/Specified-Disease with Plus Rider. Aflac’s cancer/ specified-disease insurance policy can help you and your family better cope financially if a positive diagnosis of cancer ever occurs. The Plus Rider pays a lump sum benefit amount along with additional benefits when you are diagnosed with a covered health event.

For more information, contact: Jared Mongold

Program Administator Cell: 727.565.7073 Email: aflac@floridaroof.com

FRSA Benefits Overview | www.ioausa.com BIJM0621 - 430

Critical Illness (Specified Health Event). An Aflac specified health event insurance policy is designed to help with the costs of treatment if you experience a covered health event.

1 NORC AmeriSpeak Omnibus Survey: Surprise Medical Bills. August 16-20, 2018. https://www.norc.org/PDFs/Health%20Care%20Surveys/Surprise%20 Bills%20Survey%20August%202018%20Topline.pdf – accessed March 30, 2020.

Unless otherwise assigned.

2

This is a brief product overview only. Benefits/premium rates may vary based on plan selected. Optional riders may be available at an additional cost. The policy/certificate has limitations and exclusions that may affect benefits payable. Refer to the specified policy/certificate for complete details, benefits, limitations, and exclusions. For availability and costs, please, contact your Insurance Office of America broker. © 2021 INSURANCE OFFICE OF AMERICA

Giving Back

FRSA Members Giving Back to the Community

Roofing Contractors Partner with Owens Corning to Give Back

In the continental United States, the average low temperature for the lower 48 states in July was 63.6 degrees Fahrenheit, breaking the hottest nightly average in 128 years and providing no relief from scorching hot days. In other words, it’s been a tough time to be up working on a roof.

That isn’t stopping roofing contractors from providing much-needed relief to those who served in the military.

Over the summer, Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractors thanked veterans for their service through the Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project.

The Roof Deployment Project thanks military members across the nation for their hard work and dedication in serving our country. Owens Corning provides the supplies while local roofing contractors donate the labor to install a new roof. More than 350 military members have received roofs through the program since it began in 2016. Two FRSA contractor members assisted in the recent installations that made headlines.

Central Florida Veteran Receives Free Roof Thanks to Universal Roof and Contracting

Earlier this month, Universal Roof and Contracting, Orlando, teamed up with Owens Corning to give Air Force veteran, William Lee Turner, a new roof over his head. Rebuilding Together Central Florida also assisted with the project. Turner was thankful, as it saved him from having to go back onto his roof. “That’s why I was climbing the roof. I don’t have that kind of income to spend $20,000 on a roof,” stated Turner.

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FLORIDA ROOFING | October 2022

Mighty Dog Roofing Gives Disabled Florida Veteran New Roof

A crew from Mighty Dog Roofing, Bradenton, headed to the home of Air Force veteran Richard Eaton to install a new roof free of charge. Eaton served in the Air Force during Operation Desert Storm and Operation Desert Shield and has PTSD as well as light sensitivity. He praised Purple Heart Homes, a nonprofit that works with companies like Owens Corning to help qualified veterans who need assistance. “They are such a godsend to people, I can’t begin to tell you,” Eaton stated. “They are so professional; they are so polite.”

“We’ve helped around 300 veterans and it’s our way of saying ‘thank you for your service,’” commented Doug Drodge, Senior Sales Manager, Owens Corning.

FRM FRSA is proud of the volunteer work completed by members in the industry and would like to share those projects as often as possible. If you have a community service project you’ve completed, please send it to Lisa Pate at lisapate@floridaroof.com.

PROUDLYREPRESENTING THE

ROOFING INDUSTRY

ADAMSANDREESE.COM // TRENT.COTNEY@ARLAW.COM // 866.303.5868 MAIN OFFICE: TAMPA

Codes and Insurance, continued from page 18

away until insurers push back on questionable claims by separating real storm damages from the supposed damages that are being used by far too many to take advantage of the system.

Can All the Stakeholders Work Together to Find a Solution to Our Current Predicament?

Knee jerk reactions are far too common. The Legislature’s changes to the 25% rule are a good example. Some are now suggesting we tap the Cat Fund for temporary relief from ever increasing premiums. Even a cursory review of the current Cat Fund condition would tell you that would be extremely risky, like placing a band aid on a festering wound. Unless consumers are willing to accept the incredible risk of forgoing insurance, they will, in most cases, have to live with increasing premiums for the time being.

Insurers can’t expect consumers to take it on the chin while at the same time wasting money through lax claims handling and misguided underwriting policies.

They also have to stop condemning good roofs with substantial remaining life. The roofing industry has to continue to do its part by producing more resilient roof systems and better secondary water barriers to help reduce claims. We have to continue to train contractors to help them better understand the proper roofing techniques and code requirements. We can also, with

the cooperation of those involved in modifying the code, make changes in the building codes that offer readily available ways to accomplish this. The legislature must be cautious in their approach. Too often, they are developing legislation with little input from the industry they too often blame for the problem. If you want to address roofing issues, avail yourself of those with the expertise to provide practical solutions.

The same approach should also be used for the insurance industry. Finding those solutions is a tall order, but if we all work to address these very real concerns, we can help stabilize the property insurance markets and begin attracting insurers back to Florida and start reducing premiums through regular market forces.

FRSA has proven to be a strong partner in finding and implementing real solutions. We are here to help while also working to restore our industry’s good reputation.

FRM Mike Silvers, CPRC is owner of Silvers Systems Inc., and is consulting with FRSA as Director of Technical Services. Mike is an FRSA Past President, Life Member and Campanella Award recipient and brings 50 years of industry knowledge and experience to FRSA’s team.

U.S. POSTAL SERVICE STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT, AND CIRCULATION (Required by USC 3685) Publication title: Florida Roofing Magazine; 2. Publication No. 0191-4615; 3. Filling Date 10/1/2022; 4. Issue Frequency: monthly; 5. Number of Issues: 12; 6. Annual Subscription Price: $0; 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: 3855 N. Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando, FL 32817; 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: 3855 N. Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando, FL 32817; 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Address of Publisher, Editor and Managing Editor: Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association Inc., 3855 N. Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando, FL 32817; Publisher: Lisa Pate, Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association Inc., 3855 N. Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando, FL 32817; Editor: Lisa Pate, 3855 N. Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando, FL 32817; Managing Editor: Lisa Pate, 3855 N. Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando, FL 32817; 10. Owner: Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association Inc, 3855 N. Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando, FL 32817; 11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders: None; 12. Tax Status-The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes: Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months; 13.

Publication Title: Florida Roofing Magazine; 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: October 1, 2022; 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation: 15a. Total Numbers of Copies: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 5,000; 15a. Number of copies of Single Issue Published Nearest Filing Date: 5,000; 15b. Legitimate Paid and/or Requested Distribution: b.1. Outside-County Paid/Requested Mail Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541: None; b.2. In-County Paid/Requested Mail Subscription Stated on PS Form 3541: None; b.3. Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid or Requested Distribution Outside USPS: None; b.4. Requested Copies Distributed by Other Classes of Mail Through the USPS: None; c. Total Paid and/ or Requested Circulation: 5,000; 15d. Nonrequested Distribution; d.1. Outside-County Nonrequested Copies included on PS Form 3541: None; d.2. In-County Nonrequested Copies Included on PS Form 3541: None; d.3.

Nonrequested Copies Distributed Through the USPS by Other Classes of Mail: None; d.4. Nonrequested Copies Distributed Outside the Mail: None; e. Total Nonrequested Distribution: None; f. Total Distribution: 5,000; g.

Copies Not Distributed: None; h. Total: 4 None; i. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation: 100%; 16. Electronic Copy Circulation; a. Requested and Paid Electronic Copies: None; b. Total Requested and Paid Print Copies + Requested/Paid Electronic Copies: None; c. Total Requested Copy Distribution + Requested/Paid Electronic Copies: None; d. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation: None; 17. Publication of Statement of Ownership for a Requestor Publication is required and will be printed in the October 2022 issue of this publication.

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FLORIDA ROOFING | October 2022

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