The Importance of Professional Commercial Roofing Training

Today’s blog post examines why creditable training for commercial roofing is vital, especially in the face of growing trends within the construction industry as a whole.

Today’s content will be of interest to roofing contractors, as it relates directly to their services and even their roofing companies’ performance. Building owners and facility managers may also be interested in learning how these industry trends can affect how their commercial roofing needs are handled.

Growing Trends in Construction

commercial trainingIn terms of labor, the construction industry is expected to grow over the next decade or so. The U.S. Department of Labor projects that 1.6 million new jobs will be added to the construction industry between 2012 and 2022. On top of this 10-year projection, the Department of Labor forecasts the construction labor market will grow by 2.6% each year.

There are other things to consider on top of this good news, though. Two big factors are the rising demand for skilled construction laborers and how the construction industry may be facing a skilled worker shortage in due time.

During the Great Recession, the construction industry took a hit, and many skilled workers left and found jobs in other industries. A good percentage of these capable professionals did not return to construction after it began recovering. As a result, it set the stage for a gap between demand for workers with construction expertise and the amount of skilled construction workers who were available to satisfy the heightened demand for labor.

Another contributor to the growing gap between construction labor supply and demand is the simple fact that many skilled workers have retired. These decreases in the construction workforce are not being filled quickly with younger workers, either. Many young people, feeling the social pressure of going to college, have not been shown the satisfaction, financial benefits, and many other merits of a career in construction.

How Does All This Affect Commercial Roofing?

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    While these dynamics are emerging in the entire construction industry, they are definitely growing factors in the commercial roofing industry as well. There are many reasons for why this is the case.

    • Many companies provide other construction services on top of commercial roofing services for increasing the scope of their customer base.
    • Many roofing companies also have strategic relationships with larger construction companies, as these construction firms sub-contract their roofing work out to their local roofing partners.
    • Changing dynamics in the whole construction industry also have big implications for commercial roofing contractors when new construction projects roll around.

    Because of these trends, the need for professional training in best commercial roofing practices has become even greater. In the commercial space, the need for creditable, professional roofing training and instruction is even more pronounced. Commercial projects can involve tens of thousands of dollars in expenses, and there is intensive demand for precise workmanship and expert servicing as a result.

    For roofing contractors who are driven and committed to offering building owners the best workmanship and service possible, these trends provide some great opportunities for business growth.

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    • Cross-sharing of best marketing strategies
    • Breakthrough barriers holding back growth
    • See how to benefit from helping others
    • Gain tips for more efficient installation

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    For quality-minded contractors, Choice Roof Contractor Group offers a powerful solution for this growing need. We connect our members with a proven, hands-on commercial roof systems training so they are ready to handle the gamut of commercial roof repair, maintenance, restoration, and replacement needs.

    We work closely with a trusted roofing products manufacturer, Conklin, which has been in the business of innovating cutting-edge roofing products for 40+ years. Conklin was the engineering force behind the first acrylic roof coating for the commercial roofing industry, and it has continued in its record of product innovation ever since with 2 billion sq. ft. applied nationwide.

    With this close partnership, enterprising contractors receive not only endorsed professional training and complete, hands-on experience in Conklin’s commercial roofing systems, but also marketing and sales strategies to land more commercial jobs. At the training program, veteran contractors also share trade secrets and key insights on how they built up successful roofing companies in their own right.

    Afterward, training attendees are given complete commercial roofing reference materials and official status as a recognized Conklin roofing product applicators.

    What Else Does Choice Roof Contractor Group Offer?

    Among the many training and support groups out there, Choice Roof Contractor Group stands out for its exclusive lifetime mentorship program from highly-successful, veteran roofing contractors. No matter what stage of development your roofing company stands at, our experienced mentors will give you:

    • Answers to any question related to roofing work, product benefits, roof condition, or anything you need expert feedback on
    • Easily accessible support where you can communicate with them via phone, text, email, pictures, or more
    • A complete resource of expert knowledge, capability, and advice for when you need it most
    • In-depth coaching on how to land commercial roofing jobs and close them
    • Ongoing support and mentorship to help you build up your roofing business for the lifetime of its development

    Interested in learning about how our network’s support can help you get the professional training you need? Then give us a call at 800-670-5583.

    Conklin Roof Contractors – Local Free Quote

    Conklin roofingWhen selecting a Conklin roofing contractor, the building owner benefits from much more than just reliable, long-term protection. Conklin roofing systems offer tremendous energy savings, reduced long-term maintenance costs, less impact on the environmental, and non-prorated warranties spanning up to 20 years.

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    Because these roof systems offer gains in the short run as well, a building owner who selects a Conklin roof contractor can be sure that he or she is receiving first-rate service. We examine below more reasons for why this is the case.

    Conklin Roofing Contractor Expertise

    conklin roof contractorTo be able to install warrantied Conklin roofing systems, contractors are required to go to product training for in-depth classroom and hands-on instruction in proper application regardless of how much experience they have. In this training program, professionals learn the correct applications of Conklin products for all roof types and the troubleshooting of issues.

    When they emerge from roof systems training, these Conklin roof contractors are ready to properly tackle commercial roofing needs with the entire product line. Because of the quality training the roofers receive and the quality of the products they use, building owners can be sure that they will receive great support for their demands.

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    Choice Roof Contractor Group builds on top of Conklin roofing training by offering an ongoing support program. In this exclusive program, members of our network receive access to highly successful and experienced roof contractors, or “senior mentors”, for the life of their businesses’ development. These veterans extend full accessibility via picture text messaging, social media, phone contact, email, and other forms of communication so they can answer any question a new member may have. Plus, our senior mentors will fly down to a new member’s location to help him, should they deem it necessary.

    Building owners who go with a Choice Roof Contractor can therefore trust that their needs are being serviced by a top-quality contractor with around-the-clock access to quality reference and support resources.

    Long-term Roofing Needs Covered

    conklin trainingConklin’s coating systems have been shown to last for decades, a remarkable feat in the building industry, and these roof restoration systems stand out with non-prorated warranties. In addition, since the mid 1970s these products have been installed on over 2 billion square feet of roofing throughout the United States, and many of them are still performing at high standards today.

     

    Strong Quality Standards

    Once someone applies to our network, he is carefully vetted by a board of experienced roofers for professionalism and reliability. All members who join our network, in turn, agree to abide by strict quality standards for professional conduct, treatment, and all-round excellence. Because of our members’ shared commitment to these high-quality standards, our group enjoys a strong reputation for quality service and customer needs fulfillment. Roofing is a serious investment as well as a need that all of our members do not take lightly.

    For your benefit, we offer extensive coverage with our nationwide network. Should you need more information about how one of our members can be a great fit for your needs, feel free to contact us at 800-670-5583.

    The Benefits of a Fully Adhered Roof System

    Today’s blog post takes a look at the merits of installing a fully adhered roof system on a commercial building. We start by examining what a fully adhered roof system is, and then proceed to examine the benefits it provides. We conclude by looking at this system in the context of a multi-ply spray foam roof system.

    What is a Fully Adhered Roof?

    commercial roofingAccording to industry experts, “fully adhered” refers to when a roofing product, such as EPDM membrane roofing, is “glued” to a substrate with a commercial-grade adhesive. These adhesive products are carefully engineered to have strong chemical bonding capabilities so the roofing material being applied stays tightly on top. An adhesive product is applied in a continuous layer along the dimensions of the rooftop – for instance, EPDM membrane roofing requires the adhesive to be applied to its backside as well as the dimensions of the substrate’s own.

    Roofing professionals note it is best to adhere the membrane product to an insulation system. In most cases, commercial roofing contractors will use insulation cover board. When covering areas with angle changes, such as locations around rooftop units, walls, or curbs, the roof membrane is fastened and adhered for more effective long-term anchoring.

    Building product manufacturers tend to give fully adhered roof systems the highest ratings for wind resistance. However, third party testing authority Factory Mutual assigns its highest wind ratings to mechanically fastened roof systems. Factory Mutual puts a higher premium on mechanically fastened roof systems in this performance measure since they are easily secured in weak points such as areas around a roof’s corners or perimeters.

    What are the Benefits of Fully Adhered Roofing?

    Ask about our fully adhered Conklin® Flexion membrane system!

    • Strong flexibility in temperature extremes
    • Natural premium fire resistance
    • Rugged durability and tensile strength
    • Reflects 83% of sun’s heat energy
    • Works in virtually all climates
    • 20-year, non-prorated warranty

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    Despite concerns about wind uplift, a fully adhered roof has many benefits that offer value. Full adherence is particularly a regularly-used method for securing single-ply roofing systems to commercial building overheads. Here are four quick benefits that explain why this roofing system is valuable:

    • Fully adhered roof systems tend to have great aesthetic appeal.

    Performance value, longevity, and long-term costs are all driving concerns for building architects and commercial construction professionals. But aesthetics is an important point of consideration as well. Other methods of securing a roof system to the substrate can be less appealing, as they make use of fasteners or ballast to keep the roof system anchored. The sight of many fasteners can disturb a commercial roof’s uniformity in its overall appearance. Moreover, ballast does not offer the flexibility for aesthetic concerns that full adherence can present. After all, the adhesive products that keep the roof membrane secured are hidden from view beneath the roof membrane’s surface.

    • Fully adhered roofs tend to have little trouble with roof membrane fluttering.

    The popular alternative to a fully adhered roof, a mechanically fastened roof, makes use of fasteners to keep the roofing membrane secure. But these fasteners do not account for as much square footage of the commercial roofing membrane as adhesive products do. Once an insulation system has been fastened onto a roof deck, in a fully adhered roof system every square foot of the membrane is secured to the insulation system. Because of the membrane’s stronger bonds to the insulation per square foot, the installed roof membrane tends not to flutter around as much when powerful winds roll around.

    • Full roof adhesion is a time-tested roof securing method.

    Innovations in the commercial construction sector have brought about many product novelties, such as cool roof coatings and their applications. Drawing from this wave of innovation, new methods for construction work like full roof adhesion arose in the 1960s. Fully adhered roofs specifically appeared in the mid-1960s, and ever since then full adhesion has become a time-proven method in the process of roof installation. Today, millions of square feet of fully adhered single-ply roofing systems have been installed. Many commercial building owners opt to have their roofs installed to the underlying substrate with this method due to fully adhered roofs’ performance value and track record of longevity, as seen in many single-ply roofs today.

    The areas where a fully adhered system can begin peeling and then fail – namely the areas around roof perimeters, curbs, walls, and appliances—can be addressed by ensuring these areas stay strong and intact. Cutting down on opportunities for air infiltration into the roof system will also help—the seal-up of deck and wall interfaces are what is needed there.

    Fully Adhered, Multi-Ply Conklin® Spray Polyurethane Foam System

    spray foam roofingAs a nationwide network of commercial roofing specialists, Choice Roof Contractor Group understands the benefits and challenges that come with a fully adhered roof. That is why members of Choice Roof Contractors offer a multi-ply spray polyurethane foam system that makes up for the weaknesses to which a fully adhered roof is prone.

    Breaking it down, this multi-ply system is composed of:

    • Spray polyurethane foam insulation system
    • Base coat of roof coating product
    • Fabric-embedded coating system
    • Two layers of top-coat roof coating product

    On top of being a fully adhered system, this multi-ply roof is made up of many alternating layers of fully adhered, monolithic roof coating and spray foam products. It is completely without seams, which makes it impervious to leaks, and it therefore offers many benefits:

    • Significant tensile strength and exceptional durability
    • Performance value equivalent to that of a multi-layered built-up roofing system
    • Substantially improved wind resistance and greatly strengthened building structure provided by the multiple layers of roofing product applications
    • Roof damage is localized and repairs are easily made
    • Exceptionally long roof lifecycle—easily 40+ years or more—with proper roof maintenance and caretaking
    • Strong-performing roof system that generates huge savings on cooling and heating costs year-round
    • Completely seamless, completely waterproof, and fully adhered roof protection so leaks and other roof problems are kept at bay
    • No lateral water travel possible with a multi-ply spray polyurethane foam system
    • Easily applied on rooftops with challenging architectural designs or areas with difficult angle changes
    • Backed by non-prorated warranty guarantee covering 100% of labor and material costs

    Should you be interested in learning more about how this roofing system offers substantial protection value and energy savings over the long term, do not hesitate to contact us at 800-670-5583.

    Five Benefits Construction and Roofing Industry Professionals Gain from Niche Business Networking

    construction networkingGone are the days when professionals rely solely on cold calling or print advertising to grow successful businesses; especially in highly competitive markets such as construction and roofing. Highly profitable companies today utilize niche-networking opportunities to attract a steady flow of fresh prospective customers. Companies subject to the ebb and flow of seasonal work can especially benefit from contacts made while networking with others.

    Taking advantage of these top five benefits of niche business networking can turn off-season time into an opportunity to make the connections that will result in an expanded customer base. Those who fail to recognize the valuable benefits of niche networking lose more than future sales; they also lose out on critical positive connections that build professional character.

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      Benefit #1 VISIBILITY- Networking with other professionals offline and online allows your company to be visible, to create a buzz about your brand and to build a positive reputation. Attending events in your community or joining a niche online network allows you to share and gain knowledge, be supportive of others and can also lead to better quality referrals.

      Benefit #2 OPPORTUNITY – Social or business networking brings to mind not only the natural opportunities that present for gaining trust and referrals, but the benefit that many fail to realize is that these opportunities can materialize when you least expect them to such as when introductions are made, during conversations, or over a meal or activity. Requests for a product or service can arise, as interest is peaked when discussing a mutual topic or because a good impression has been made as a result of your professional attitude, appearance or the knowledge you expressed.

      Benefit #3 CONNECTIONS – The hidden benefit to niche networking that many professionals are unaware of as they circulate a room or participate in an online connection is that they have the unique opportunity to make critical connections and gain new exposure to other customer bases. Each business owner has a unique customer base and they know the needs of that customer base. Most of the time that company is able to meet most of the needs if not all of them but occasionally a customer has a need that is unanswered at the time you are making a connection with that professional. During conversations it may come to light that you have the solution to that need, which when realized can lead to a quick referral. Networking when done successfully is a two-way exchange that strengthens relationships between professionals and can lead to creative and beneficial business ties.

      Benefits of Joining Our Group

      • Cross-share the best marketing strategies
      • Breakthrough barriers holding back growth
      • Assistance on new or complex projects
      • Gain tips for more efficient installation

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      Benefit #4 SHARING – Those working in the construction and roofing industry can draw upon a vast array of knowledge. Sharing ideas, exchanging feedback or discussing various points of view on a topic can lead to expanding your own knowledge base or provide a chance for gaining a new perspective that can enhance your ability to meet the needs of present and future customers.

      Benefit #5 CONFIDENCE – Attending networking opportunities on a regular basis can increase your confidence in your ability to talk about your brand, your products or services. Business owners often get bogged down in the daily tasks of running the business and perhaps forget just how vital it is to talk to people and make important contacts with others in the same, similar or complimentary markets. The fear of competition is strong and should not prevent a smart professional from learning that growth is dependent on not only the skilled hand but also the ability of the mouth to accurately describe the many attributes your company has to offer. Confidence comes with increased opportunities to share, learn and be exposed to new contacts.

      Niche business networking is important to construction and roofing professionals because of the benefits of attending community and professional functions as well as taking advantage of online networking opportunities. Business owners who network gain new opportunities to expand the customer base, make unique connections that can lead to increased sales and can also experience rare opportunities to share experiences, ideas and knowledge with others as well as to increase confidence while talking about company services and while exposing the company brand.

      We invite you to talk to any of our members about how we work together as a nationwide team.

      The Latest Group of Contractors and Salespeople to Join Our Network

      Last week we had an absolute blast at the Conklin hands-on roof products training in Kansas City, MO. New people came in from Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Ohio. Sam Hostetler, a master contractor with the Conklin company and our top mentor, was there as well along with Jonathan Keim, the marketing director of Choice Roof Contractor Group.

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      The owner of KCI Roofing, a large residential roofing company that did as much as $12 million in annual sales with 25 salespeople before the great recession, found us online last month while researching the best way to enter the commercial roofing industry and within a few days decided to sign up himself and two of his best salespeople to go to this month’s roof systems warranty eligibility training classes.

      Although KCI Roofing has been tremendously successful growing in the residential market on their own by establishing a great reputation and highly effective marketing and sales strategies, they wanted our help to accelerate their growth the commercial roofing market while also getting membership benefits like free lead generation, specialized marketing expertise, advanced product knowledge, and compelling sales material.

      We got to know the crew very well and are tremendously excited to be partnering up with their company. They are already working on putting a commercial roofing website together with the help of Top Roof Marketing as well as designing vehicle wraps for their fleet. The owner also shared he will be contacting others in the industry who would benefit from working with us.

      Commercial Architect, Engineering and Construction Professional in Massachusetts

      Maksim Cruz, part owner of a residential and commercial construction, real estate investment and property management company, has a strong background in architectural design and engineering. He saw great value in Conklin’s roof coatings which work as a seamless, renewable roofing system without requiring tear-off of the existing roofing system.

      We have been speaking with Maksim since May. Although he loved the coating concept, no one he talked to in his area had heard of liquid applied roofing systems – even though they are extremely popular in other parts of the country. Conversations with local building owners did generate buzz though and Maksim recognized the great potential of being one of the first companies to introduce roof coating systems to the New England states.

      A strategic marketing plan is already well underway to reach out to existing customers and new prospects. We’re very pleased to be working with a professional like Maksim in the northeast.

      Wind and Solar Energy Consulting Company

      Scott Hackney, owner of Bright Spot Wind and Solar, happens to be a personal friend of Jonathan Keim. He drove over 700 miles to be part of this month’s warranty training classes.

      The ability to easily extend the life of a commercial roof before installing solar panels on top greatly appealed to him since roofs should often be replaced before installing 20+ year panels, which can add a considerable amount of expense and end up costing a sale. The other big reason he wanted to learn more about the coating systems was the tremendous energy saving benefits provided by turning typical dark roofs into white, highly reflective roofs that can cut down on air conditioning costs by up to 30%.

      The solar and wind industry is absolutely perfect for roof coatings and Scott has already partnered with two of our Choice Roof Contractors. He already has a roof coating job sold.

      National Account Manager of Spray Foam Systems

      Dave Chwalibog of Spray Foam Systems also attended. We’ve been looking forward to meeting him for months and had a great time connecting over the two-day warranty training event and a great steakhouse dinner where we shared the best ways to grow in the commercial roofing market with everyone who attended the Conklin product training event.

      Spray Foam Systems is taking advantage of our commercial roofing network in two ways. In addition to getting introduced to all contractors who join our network (as a result of providing a group discount and superior service), the company is focused on making product commissions with us now that they have met Conklin’s team of building product specialists as well as multiple contractors who have successfully used Conklin roofing systems for decades.

      We can’t wait to work with Spray Foam Systems’ contractors as Dave and his associates introduce our commercial roofing network and Conklin products to their clients.

      New and Experienced Contractors Welcome to Join Us in September

      We had a terrific week and are looking forward to bringing in another group of contractors for next month’s hands-on product training. If you would like to come on board, visit the following page to get more information and to register: Commercial Roof Training and Warranty Classes. There are a limited number of spaces available and they sell out quick in the fall season.

      4 Questions You Should Ask Before Deciding to Start a Commercial Roofing Business

      commercial roofing businessMany entrepreneurs are attracted to the prospect of starting their own roofing business. But starting and running a roofing company can be demanding, and it is probably more suitable for people who like working with their hands or enjoy the rigors of the construction industry.

      And what if someone is on the fence? Well, the opportunities are there for driven entrepreneurs. In the commercial roofing industry, contractors can add as much as $150,000-300,000 to their bottom line in due time.

      For driven individuals who are considering business opportunities in the commercial roofing industry, here is some food for thought. We offer 4 quick things to consider before deciding whether starting a commercial roofing business is the right opportunity for you.

      4 Questions to Ask Before Launching a Commercial Roofing Business

      commercial roofing businessDo you fit the profile of someone who would find the opportunity appealing?
      There are many different kinds of people who have found the commercial roofing industry engaging. But it may be helpful to consider whether you fit the profile of people who easily fit the mold for roofing business ownership.

      Here are a few people whom can do very well:

      –   People who are looking for construction jobs

      –   People who have construction industry experience and are looking for a change

      –   People who are looking to expand their construction or roofing firm

      –   People who have grown up in construction

      –   People looking for a dramatic life change and already familiar with roofing and its dynamics

      Do you have “grit” and the ability to learn things as you go along?
      It is a cornerstone of any business ownership opportunity, but it especially applies in commercial roofing. Do you have lots of “grit”, or determination and strong work ethic? The commercial roofing industry can present some lucrative opportunities, but there is competition. Having the fortitude to stand up to new challenges as they arise and overcome them is essential.

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        Of course, commercial roofing business ownership requires the ability to learn as well. Knowledge of your market is a key for ensuring any business thrives. But the roofing industry is constantly experiencing new developments and trends, and being up-to-date on these things can be a big factor in your business’ profitability. For instance, one of the biggest challenges the roofing industry, and the construction sector as a whole, is facing is the growing lack of labor expertise. There will be new job opportunities in the construction industry in the future, but having professional training is a must for being able to meet the service demands of the commercial building space. It is advisable that a roofing business owner be aware of creditable training and professional development opportunities.

        Are you ready to commit to a strong company service model?
        A commercial roofing company is in what we call a “service sector provider”. In plain English, it is a company that provides services to clientele. It is different from other sectors such as manufacturing (where companies produce goods and sell them to distributors) and retail (where businesses sell products directly to customers). In any service-sector business, customer service takes on a whole new level of importance.

        Of course, for the roofing industry it is an even bigger playing field. Roofing work is not something that just ends when a project has been completed. Since a roof provides a big essential for the customer—namely protecting his or her building—it is a long-term investment. If it leaks or has problems, it will require servicing. Regular roof maintenance is advisable, too. Companies that have a strong customer service model in all facets of their business—from the services they offer, to when they show up for work, to the products they use—will offer strong customer value. They are likely to be the ones that are the most profitable, as their reputation for good service becomes strong. That is why a strong company owner commitment to a good service model is needed.

        Why Contractors Join Our Network

        • Lead Generation
        • Mentorship Program
        • Complete Training
        • Discounted Pricing
        • Marketing Support
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        Will you be ready to adapt to new challenges and take efforts to even stay ahead of the curve?
        On the whole, the roofing profession is one of the oldest in human history. The focus has always stayed on making sure a roof is strong, sturdy, and correctly-installed. But technological advancements in recent years have brought new things to the fray. Nowadays in the commercial space, there is a big premium placed on energy-efficient and sustainable construction. Many companies even focus on sustainability and eco-friendly construction as a way of building their business profiles.

        The companies that are the most successful in the commercial roofing industry are those that have adapted to new industry trends, and even adopted new practices before those trends became the industry norm. Energy-efficient roofing and programs that promote it, such as the ENERGY STAR® program, are perfect examples of that. For budding entrepreneurs who are willing to be constantly educating themselves about what is new, what holds potential, and what could be a good opportunity for business, the sky truly is the limit.

        Interested in Starting Your Own Commercial Roofing Business?

        happy commercial roofing contractorsChoice Roof Contractor Group offers a powerful opportunity to get all the resources you need to build a roofing success story. Our network offers you exclusive access to many benefits, including:

        • Creditable commercial roofing training opportunities
        • Ability to offer building owners the knowledge of our entire group for the projects you do
        • Lifelong mentorship and sales coaching from a group of experienced, successful roofing veterans
        • Customized, dedicated marketing support from our partnership with Top Roof Marketing
        • Exclusive business deals, discounts, support, and so much more from our industry-leading partners and suppliers
        • Presentations, flyers, demonstrations and photo galleries to sell jobs
        • Discounted pricing on leading commercial roofing products
        • So much more

        For more information on how Choice Roof Contractor Group offers new and experienced entrepreneurs an exceptional platform for building their business, please call us at 800-670-5583.

        Franchises and Local Businesses Greatly Benefit from a Nationwide Roofing Network

        Nowadays, it can be difficult to find a reputable commercial roofing company for meeting ongoing service needs. Local building owners can struggle with locating a service provider that is qualified and likely to be around for years to take care of their roof. Large-scale corporations have to scramble to find professional roofing contractors in multiple states for all of their building assets.

        It is an ongoing challenge for all companies, no matter their scale or size.

        National Roof Support Structure Eliminates Common Issues

        roof contractor franchisesChoice Roof Contractor Group has a national roofing support structure as an answer to this need. Across the United States, our “Choice Roof Contractors” are ready to meet local and corporate needs with swift and professional service. These professionally-minded contractors have experience in working with a large number of nationwide chains and nationally recognized brands. Collectively, they understand the challenges and difficulties that local and bigger company brands face.

        All roofing contractors in Choice Roof Contractor Group have received direct factory training from a top-tier roofing products manufacturer, the Conklin® Company.

        They therefore have four things in common:

        • Are professional applicators of Conklin® roofing products
        • Gained significant commercial roofing expertise
        • And possess the same roofing product experience

        Because they have the same training, expertise, and product familiarity, when one Choice Roof Contractor is unable to service a building, another can step in and provide the same level of professional treatment. In other words, whether someone is a local building owner or a corporate maintenance director, he or she does not have to worry about finding one provider that will constantly be within access.

        With our qualified professionals at their disposal, building owners, small and medium enterprise owners, and large corporate bodies have all of the personnel and resources needed for competent caretaking of their commercial buildings.

        In short, we can be your single-point source for professional servicing of all:

        • Commercial roof repair needs
        • Commercial roof maintenance demands
        • Commercial roof restoration and replacement jobs (if needed)
        • Emergency job demands

        Top-Tier Commercial Roofing Services Professionals

        commercial roof contractorOf course, great roofing services are not limited to just easy contractor accessibility. They require competent professionalism as well.

        In the case of Choice Roof Contractor Group, each roofing contractor is vetted before they obtain membership. They have the benefit of Conklin’s complete commercial roof systems factory training program behind their belt as well. In fact, all Choice Roof Contractors have great credentials, creditable training, and professional experience in handling commercial roofing projects. On top of that, each contractor agrees to abide by narrowly tailored performance standards and a code of ethics and conduct.

        You can count on their attentiveness to detail and professionalism to get the job done right.

        Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability

        roof contractor franchisesFor bigger company brands, corporate social responsibility and environmental sustainability are constantly top-of-mind. The roofing products we use, Conklin® roofing systems, are ENERGY STAR® certified, meaning they meet tailored standards for thermal reflectivity. Because of their highly-reflective roof surfacing, Conklin® roofs make buildings use less energy and become more energy-efficient. That, in turn, reduces a building’s dependence on the electricity energy grid, and less carbon emissions are released into the air as a result.

        On top of helping companies fulfill the environmental portions of their corporate social missions, Conklin® products oftentimes do not require any old roofing material tear-off for proper application. Because they often require little-to-no roof tear-off, they can help a company in building up their business profile as an environmentally-conscious and eco-friendly brand (via their public commitment to sustainable construction).

        Cost Benefits and Customer Value

        Of course, these seamless, energy-efficient roofing systems can bring great energy savings as well. Some building owners have reported up to 30% cost savings in yearly cooling costs. Some could even see more than that!

        On top of those energy savings, members of Choice Roof Contractors offer value to small and medium business owners, building owners, facility managers, property management firms, and corporations through the non-prorated warranties backing Conklin® products. These optional non-prorated warranties from the manufacturer cover 100% material costs for up to 20 years, depending on the product and application.

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        For the reasons outlined above, nationwide chains have seen the benefits of using a national platform with trusted contractors who use the highest-quality roofing systems. Many recognizable brands have turned to our Choice Roof Contractors for their needs and continue to rely upon them for ongoing service.

        Should you be interested in learning how a Choice Roof Contractor can help you manage your building assets, enhance your company brand, and bolster your assets’ value, give us a call today at 800-670-5583. We are happy to speak with people who know of qualified contractors or may be interested in our network themselves as well.

         

        Roofing Training Program Opportunities

        commercial trainingToday’s blog post will be of interest to quality-minded contractors who want to start their own roofing business. It also has educational value for current roofing business owners, business development managers, or company employees who are looking to take their organization to the next level.

        We take a look at one of the most important parts of the commercial roofing industry and the construction sector as a whole: credible, professional training programs.

        Opportunities in Commercial Roofing

        For capable business owners and customer-minded roofing companies, there are many enterprising opportunities in commercial roofing. According to the research firm Principia, the commercial roofing industry will reach $5.3 billion in 2014. Thereafter, The Freedonia Group projects residential and commercial roofing sales will reach $27.2 billion in 2017.

        This market growth potential is reflected in projections for the larger-scale construction job market as well. The Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the construction market as a whole will grow 2.6% each year between 2012 and 2022. Because of this growth, it anticipates there will be 1.6 million new jobs created in that time.

        Along with this growth, however, there is another factor that enterprising and current roofing business owners should keep in mind. In the higher-end spaces of construction, such as commercial roofing, there will be a great need for professionally-trained workers. Because commercial work is very involved and detailed, skilled labor or craftsmanship will be more important than ever for meeting the growing demand and being able to perform at high quality standards.

        What Are Some Tangible Reasons for Professional Roofing Training?

        Free Guide: How to Switch to Commercial

        Commercial Roofing Book

          So, being well-versed in commercial roofing practices is essential for top performance. But what are some more tangible, personalized reasons for why professional training is essential? Here are a few things worthy of consideration:

          • Professional roofing training will keep you current in your roofing knowledge as well as up-to-date on any industry trends or developments. As the old saying goes, “Knowledge is power.” Being knowledgeable of what is going on in your industry, what business trends are current at play in it, and what developments may shape its future is essential for your business’ performance—and making sure you have skin in the game. Important things such as regulations, construction trends like energy efficiency, business licensing and certification, and different products available are just a few of the many factors of which you should be constantly aware. You need to keep up-to-date in your knowledge, or you will be left behind by local competitors. There is another advantage to ongoing education besides meeting minimal performance standards, too. Because the factors mentioned above can change quickly, being ahead of the educational curve means you will be ahead of the competition—and that will help you keep your competitive edge sharp.
          • Depthful product knowledge is an essential for maintaining profitability. This is an obvious benefit, but it is important to reinforce. Building product manufacturers offer training programs so contractors can become expert applicators of their product line. In them, contractors are given valuable information on the products themselves, including their key selling points. It is also advisable to remember that these training programs are not intended for only new contractors, but also industry veterans who are looking to keep their product application skills sharp, are learning the ins-and-outs of a new product line they are using, or seeking new insights of how a product line offers value. Knowing the nitty-gritty of the products you are using, their performance value and benefits, how they perform and why, and how this is of interest to customers, of course, will help in closing more sales.
          • New market opportunities can open up from new insights gained at a roofing training program. Sure, a professional training program gives your company and its workers more credibility. But what about the benefits of going through a training program multiple times? Even the most experienced roofing contractors have found value in going back to roof systems training and reacquainting themselves with best commercial roofing practices. For older hands at roofing, there is actually another plus—by becoming more familiar with a product line, you may see new market opportunities to take advantage of. You can gain new insights into the product you are using, and see more ways in which different products can be applied for greater customer value and market benefit for you. Then you can take that knowledge and put into action.
          • Attending professional roofing training programs can help in making connections and valuable business relationships. Oftentimes, roofing training programs host experienced contractors who have been using a particular product line for decades. These veteran contractors can be wellsprings of knowledge, insight, advice, and even sometimes business development opportunities. Just like in any other industry, networking is a critical part of commercial roofing, and roofing contractors who take the time to connect with others who are like them, or who are experienced professionals, can greatly benefit from those networking connections later. After all, robust professional networks are a key resource for making additional new contacts for roofing work prospects; opening up new business development ideas, strategies, or partnerships; and raising your own bullion in professional circles. Being connected to experienced professionals who can offer valuable mentorship and strategic guidance can help raise the professional capabilities of your workers or company team members, too. They can benefit from these individuals’ knowledge and expertise when needed.

          Choice Roof Contractor Group and Conklin Roof Systems Training

          At Choice Roof Contractor Group, we believe in giving every quality-minded contractor all of the resources he needs for success. So, if you are a current roofing business owner looking to add more to your bottom line, or a business development manager or worker wanting to strengthen your company’s performance, there may be something here for you.

          Our nationwide network provides roofing companies with a full suite of exclusive benefits for their success, including:

          • Conklin’s comprehensive roof systems training, which gives a roofing company everything it needs to enter into commercial roofing
          • Lifetime mentorship, coaching, and support from experienced, successful contractors in our network
          • Commercial roofing leads after becoming an endorsed member
          • Marketing and business development strategies that members are using with great success
          • Credible professional reputation provided by our nationwide organization’s record of excellence and customer-minded service
          • Shared expertise and resources among members and supported contractors
          • Valuable business suppliers and partners committed to your success and unique needs, such as full-service marketing support from Top Roof Marketing
          • So much more

          Should you be interested in learning more about how going through Conklin’s factory training program with us can help your company, please do not hesitate to contact us. We can help, whether you are an experienced commercial roofing company or just those critical first steps. You can quickly reach us at 800-670-5583. We will be happy to give you more information on how our members empower people for success as well.

          Commercial Roof Repair Cost

          Today’s post builds on top of previous analysis on commercial roof replacement costs. This time around, we examine what is involved with commercial roof repair costs.

          roof-repair-jobGenerally speaking, repair costs can be difficult to estimate because they often vary according to roof system type. Factors such as how many appliances are on top of a building, a roof’s configuration, and a roof’s age, are also reasons for why roof repair costs differ on each building.

          Some building owners have turned to an increasingly popular roof repair option, roof restoration, as a way to shore up their roof’s damage and seal up the damaged area from outdoor extremes. Commercial roof restoration makes use of liquid-applied roofing products called coatings and can range from $2.00-3.00 per square foot. In a number of cases, many building owners opt to have their entire commercial roof coated because of the energy-saving benefits a coated roof brings. Many roof coatings form a white, reflective membrane over the old commercial roof and can generate anywhere from 20-50% in cooling cost savings while taking care of common leaks.

          When it comes to putting an estimate on repair needs, there are more important things to consider than what the cost will be per square foot. It is more important to keep in mind the following:

          • The biggest determinant of roofing repair costs is the extent of the damage or neglect a commercial roof has suffered. Costs will fluctuate heavily from roof to roof depending on the magnitude of the damage itself on each roof.
          • It is advisable to think of roof repair costs in terms of roof lifecycle costs. Other expense burdens, including roof maintenance and roof replacement, are other important things to monitor.
          • Most commercial roofs are replaced before their service life expires or they actually need complete replacement, as most roof failure is localized around tears or damaged areas around features like appliances, flashings, or construction joints. In fact, some studies have found as many as 70-80% of commercial roofs are replaced prematurely.
          • Using an average roof repair cost per square foot is not ideal for estimating only a single project. In general, using an average cost for anything per square foot of roofing is more preferable for budgeting related to a portfolio of many building assets.

          Commercial Roof Repair Costs over Time

          bad-commercial-roofA study of buildings owned by Carnegie Mellon University provides insights into how much roof repairs can cost on multiple buildings over time. In the study, data gathered over nine years on 38 buildings in Carnegie Mellon University’s asset portfolio was used.

          The commercial roofing on these buildings totaled almost 100,000 square meters (or 1.08 million square feet). The data was taken from Carnegie Mellon’s maintenance database, which had information on the buildings’ roof repair costs, roof maintenance costs, and roof replacement costs, among other variables. Many types of roofing systems were represented and ranged in age from being new to 50-plus years old.

          Other important factors in the study included:

          • All of the buildings were located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and had enough closed-foam insulation under them to deal with local climate conditions.
          • The data was drawn from over nine years, which took place between July 1998 and December 2006.
          • The researchers did not provide any information on how many square meters, or how much square footage, of commercial roofing was repaired over the nine years.
          • The study focused on low slope roofing systems since they were the most likely to have problems with leaks.

          Results from the Carnegie Mellon Roof Lifecycle Costs Study

          From July 1998 to December 2006, Carnegie Mellon University’s maintenance database recorded 1,781 maintenance and work repair records related to roofing leaks. That, in turn, equals an average of 200 leaks per year or 5.2 leaks per building per year.

          • Roof repair costs over the nine years ranged from $15,416-$200,338.
          • Total roof repair costs over the nine years came to $961,891.
          • We do not know the square footage of roofing that was repaired. However, when averaged out across the 38 buildings, the average repair cost comes out to $25,313 per building over all nine years.
          • When total roof repair and maintenance costs were added together and adjusted for inflation in 2006 dollars, total roof replacements costs (also in 2006 dollars) were 3.6 times greater than they were.

          roof-repair-costs-per-year-for-carnegie-mellon-buildings

          In other words, the study showed just how more expensive roof replacement can be over time than roof repairs or maintenance.

          Closing Thoughts on Commercial Roof Repair Costs

          Roofing Services

          Our professional commercial roof contractors provide:

          • Roof maintenance & repair
          • Inspections & leak detection
          • Energy efficient roof systems
          • Complete roof replacement
          • Roof life-extending solutions
          Request Free Estimate
          All commercial roofs will have problems at some point. However, the damage they experience and their cost for repair can be determined by three things. These factors are:

          • How often a commercial roof has been inspected and maintenanced by a qualified roofing professional
          • The quality of the roofing products that make up the roof, and how those products hold up in an area’s climate and other outdoor conditions
          • The current age and condition of the roofing system itself

          For our customers’ roofing repair needs, as well as on other commercial jobs, we use Conklin roofing products. These products have been a top choice for many commercial roofing contractors, building owners and facility managers, architects, and other professionals for over 40+ years. Plus, they have been installed on over 2 billion square feet of roofing in the United States, and they are backed by renewable non-prorated warranty coverage on all labor and materials. These non-prorated warranties are some of the most comprehensive warranties in commercial roofing and last for up to 20 years, depending on the product used.

          Conklin products also offer many other benefits:

          • Can extend an old roof’s life for another 20-25 years
          • Building owners can save up to 30% on annual cooling costs with the roofing products’ white, reflective surfaces
          • Are fully adhered to the old roof, completely seamless, and completely waterproof
          • Are flexible and elastomeric, meaning they expand and contract well in hot and cold weather conditions
          • Able to hold up against hurricane-force winds, hail storms, leaks, ongoing solar radiation, and other causes of roofing trouble
          • Strengthen a building’s structural support for the long haul
          • Can save up to 50% on avoided roof replacement costs

          Should you be interested in learning more about our Choice Roof Contractors’ professional services, do not hesitate. Give us a call today at 800-670-5583 to schedule a free local roof estimate.

          Why Conklin Contractors Sell Product to Roofers Instead of a Sales Team

          It may surprise you, but Conklin has no sales team and does very little marketing for themselves outside of attending tradeshows. Unlike most companies in the building products industry, Conklin uses a direct sales model (where contractors refer other contractors) to grow its business and it’s been a highly successful strategy.

          Main Benefits of Conklin’s Sales Model

          • Controls costs with lower overhead, making more funds available for higher quality ingredients
          • Customers who actually use and depend on the product are the ones selling the product
          • Contractors are incentivized to share trade secrets and go out of their way to ensure maximum success

          True Accountability

          Unlike the typical salesperson, contractors have tremendous liability when choosing a product. In addition to their reputation, they can lose their homes and businesses by selecting a bad product. But when approached about Conklin products, contractors know the person sharing has real-life experience with the product’s reliability and knows others who have used them first-hand for decades.

          Unparalleled Support

          In addition to trade secrets, marketing support, business strategy, and sales material, Choice Roof Contractors get a bunch of other great benefits like free lead generation. These leads can be generated from national chains who work with any one of our group members and want referrals in other states, or through our website as it shows up for hundreds of keywords on the first page of Google and other search engines. We gladly share these valuable leads at zero-cost because we only make money if roofs are being sold and we want our members to sell as many as possible. Our revenue directly depends on the number of roofs you do, so you can always trust we’re doing everything possible to help you.

          Conklin Isn’t the Only One Who Comes Out Ahead

          Many contractors have discovered the lifetime commissions received by referring others are a great 2nd income as well as a significant stream of revenue while in retirement. As an $80 million company with roots dating back to 1927, Conklin can be trusted to remain financially strong and maintain its commitment to delivering top-shelf quality products for years to come.

          Conservative Commissions Don’t Break the Bank

          It’s also important to note that the commissions are given at a small percentage. No one gets ripped off or taken advantage of like in many direct sales companies. Because just one 50,000 sq. ft. roof can easily mean a $56,000 product order, commissions don’t have to be large to make sure contractors have enough incentive to be there for those who have countless questions or need on-site help more than once. There is big money in commercial roofing and only a tiny fraction of it is a big deal; especially when it’s residual.

          Why Some People Still Oppose the Direct Sales Model

          No matter how wonderful these benefits are, almost everyone hesitates when they hear the news that the contractor telling them about Conklin roofing products is getting a small commission (even though the sales personnel at a different company is too). But this is completely understandable. Over the years, many companies have used direct sales to manipulate people to go after their friends and family to sell their products. People trust those closest to them and businesses know it. Because so many have been burned by direct sales (or know others who have), they have trouble accepting the fact that Conklin customers are the main ones selling.

          While it can be difficult trust in a model that has been heavily abused, Conklin has proven themselves and their products for decades; plus has undergone rigorous testing to secure UL fire classification, ICC code approval, FM approval, CRRC approval, Energy Star Rating, compliance with California title 27, SBCC, ICBO, and ICC code approval. If there is any doubt, try to find a bad review online. It won’t be easy, but you will if you’re persistent. Just keep in mind that any company that has been around as long as Conklin will have a bad review here and there, regardless of how great they are. If you really want to be thorough, choose any competing manufacturer and see what contractors and building owners are saying about its products. You will be surprised at how clean Conklin’s track record has been, even with over 2+ billion square feet featuring their product.

          To talk to successful contractors who are willing to share their experience working with us and the Conklin roofing systems, reach out to our group via the contact page.