May 1991 RCI Interface Newsletter

May 1991 RCI Interface Newsletter

Ifc l Interface —
President’s
Message
by Donald E. Bush Sr. CRC
What a convention! Excellent! Superb! Exciting! Outstanding! Super¬
latives were the common language at Colorado Springs. It was a unique
combination of ingredients that will make the 1991 RCI Convention a
memorable one. The location was magnificently beautiful, the hotel and
staff were wonderful, and they certainly went that extra step to make us
feel welcome. The educational forum, in my opinion, was the best
we’ve ever put together. The President’s Banquet was certainly one of
the convention highlights with a meal fit for a hungry cowboy and, of
course, terrific foot stomping, hand clapping, fun loving entertainment
that everyone enjoyed.
We owe the Convention Committee chaired by Barry Krum a special
expression of thanks for a job well done. It is hard for me to believe that
the 1992 RCI Convention could be any better orchestrated than this
year’s, but Barry tells me “we ain’t seen nothing yet.” If you attended
this year’s convention, you have to be excited about 1992. As an in¬
dicator of our growth, the RCI convention has outgrown the hotel circuit
and all future sites will have to include a convention center. The Stouffer
Hotel and the Nashville Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee, will
be the location of the 1992 RCI Convention. The convention dates are
March 15-19, 1992. Please make room on your busy schedules to attend
the Nashville Convention. You will not be disappointed.
continued on page 2
The Roof
Consultant’s
Dilemma
by Richard M. Horowitz
AIA CRC FRCI
“But I Have Committed a Completely Disinterested Murder”; George
Bernard Shaw, ’The Doctor’s Dilemma ’
According to the Law in every state, there is no such thing as a Roof
Consultant. The law recognizes Architects (state registration laws), En¬
gineers (state licensing laws), Land Surveyors (same thing), Professional
Planners (in some states), and now even Interior Designers have state
licensing.
The law recognizes Beauticians, Veterinarians, Podiatrists, Chiroprac¬
tors, Auto Mechanics, and, at least in one state, Roofing Contractors, but
nowhere are Roofing Consultants mentioned. They simply do not exist.
In some states or localities, re-roofing projects are not considered to
require building permits; in others, a permit is required. In most jurisdic¬
tions, a building permit almost always requires submission of signed and
sealed plans. Corporate seals don’t count; only Architects and Engineers
continued on page 3
Newsletter of The Roof Consultants Institute
2
President’s
Message
continued from page 1
Of course, Colorado Springs also offered an environment suitable for
good hard work. Ample time was scheduled for the all important meet¬
ings that keep the RCI functioning.
Although the Regions have been very active, plans were made to in¬
crease Regional activity and provide National support to the Regions
through RCI-sponsored seminars aimed at increasing visibility and
image. Through this program and our National Advertising Campaign,
we hope to impact both membership and future business for RCI mem¬
bers.
Decisions were also made to assist the RCI Committees in becoming
fully functional and productive. Our committees are the backbone of the
RCI and it is imperative that we begin to see the fruits of their labor. If
you have a burning desire to accept more RCI responsibilities and can
provide the time and energy necessary to become a “driving force” on
one of the committees, please contact Headquarters and we will put you
in contact with a committee that needs your help. We are expecting
some exciting work to emerge from the committees this year.
To say the 1991-1992 RCI Agenda is aggressive would be an under¬
statement. However, I believe it is doable and absolutely necessary to
propel our Institute up the proverbial success ladder. We are definitely
on the brink of becoming the recognized standard bearer and clearing
house for the roof consulting profession. The following outlines only a
few of the programs in progress:
1. Short Range and Long Range Business Planning – these business
plans will be designed and implemented this year providing a
structured program for growth and financial stability for RCI.
2. National Advertising – ads are being published in major construc¬
tion related seminars.
3. National Seminars – programs of instructions are being
developed to provide a minimum of four seminars at strategic
locations commencing in September 1991. Seminar presenters
will be volunteers from the RCI membership. Focus will be on
RCI image and visibility.
4. Pursuit of State and Federal Government Acceptance of RCI’s
Certification Process -all 50 States and major Federal Govern¬
ment Departments will receive our initial communication con¬
cerning the CRC program. RCI’s intent will be to persuade the
States and Federal Government to accept our certification
process as a prerequisite and credential for all roof consulting
projects under their jurisdiction.
5. Group Insurance Availability – proposals are being solicited in an
attempt to provide comprehensive insurance coverage for all
RCI members at group rates.
Newsletter of The Roof Consultants Institute
3
6. CRC Study Guide – a new, updated study guide is being
prepared and plans are being made to conduct at least one
CRC Exam Review Program annually at Region level.
7. Other New Member Programs – a variety of new programs are
being examined for possible implementation this year. They in¬
clude a Crisis Intervention Program, an Information Central
Program to provide members with research assistance, and a
Cause and Effect Program to collect performance data on prob¬
lem jobs from the consultant’s perspective.
Space prohibits mentioning all RCI programs currently in progress.
To say the least, there is an aura of tremendous energy circulating
throughout the Roof Consultants Institute. I feel we are positioned for a
quantum leap toward our ultimate objective. Join in, plug into the ener¬
gy, and become part of a tremendous success story. ‘
are empowered to submit such signed and sealed documents to the
Building Official. In some localities, this law is honored as much by the
breach as by the observance; although the law often requires such a sub¬
mission, the local Building Department simply does not bother enforc¬
ing it. It should be noted that Roof Consultants who are either Registered
Architects (tautological; in this country, there is no such thing as an Un¬
registered Architect) or Professional (licensed) Engineers, both of which
disciplines are covered by licensing acts in every state, can locally act as
Designer of Record, and currently can qualify for professional liability
insurance (in every State, not just California and Arizona) are not recog¬
nized as Roof Consultants for purposes of this discussion (they are not
part of this Dilemma).
The Contractor who deals directly with the Owner on a re-roofing
project, advising him as to the type of system to be employed, devising
the details, and working without signed and sealed contract documents
(plans and specs) is acting as a Roof Consultant. He should be aware, as
should everyone who selects or designs a roof, that he now has exposure
to liability as a consequence. You design it, you are liable for it; not only
for its performance, Mr. Contractor, but also for its type, its suitability, its
details, its drainage (Did you leave all those ponds there?), its weight
(Does all that ballast cause a whole lot of deflection?), and its code com¬
pliance (Got enough insulation to meet the energy code?), and anything
else about it that an attorney and his disgruntled client could think of to
sue you for.
Legally, this sort of activity, the design and contract administration
(read “Supervision” a word Architects never, never use) of roofing
continued on page 4
The Roof
Consultant’s
Dilemma
continued from page 1
Newsletter of The Roof Consultants Institute
4
The Roof
Consultant’s
Dilemma
continued from page 3
projects without benefit of professional license, takes place in a sort of
no-man’s land (also perhaps in know-man’s land, but that is another sub¬
ject).
Although RCI designates persons who practice roof consulting for a
living as Professional Members, the word “Professional” doesn’t neces¬
sarily make it so. No less than the RCI “Industry” member (read “Con¬
tractor”) who designs roofs, he cannot sign or seal drawings, cannot
submit them to the Building Official or a State Agency (after all, the
state through its licensing laws and boards, determines who is a profes¬
sional in that state and also exactly what activity constitutes violations of
those laws), and does not qualify for professional liability insurance (by
what objective standard could an insurance company determine
capability of an applicant?).
A case now pending before the New Jersey State Board of Architects
points up this situation. A Roof Consultant has been informed by that
Board that he is under investigation for practicing Architecture without a
license. Although the Consultant’s contract documents were signed and
sealed by a Registered Architect, the Board cites State Statutes (the socalled
Title Block Law) to the effect that such signing and sealing on be¬
half of the Roof Consultant’s company (using that Consultant’s – not the
Architect’s – title block on the drawings) is not legal since the Architect
was not a majority stockholder in the Company of Record. The Board
contends that this constitutes the illegal practice of Architecture. The
Consultant contends otherwise, citing that a branch of that State’s
Government, the Division of Building and Construction (DBC) hires ex¬
perts in roof design from a pre-qualified list; most of the firms on that
list are not Architects or Engineers. The Consultant further quotes from a
1986 issue of “Memo”, the A.I.A. Newsletter, which advises Architects
who find themselves beyond their depth on roofing projects to consult a
Roof Consultant (note that if a Consultant prepares contract documents
for an Architect and that Architect signs and seals them using his own
title block, thus making the Architect Designer of Record, that is legal.
The Consultant avers that this case is but the first in an orchestrated
campaign to put consultants (and contractors) out of the re-roofing
design business, citing the possible penalties, including thousands of dol¬
lars per infraction plus the additional possibility of having to return all
fees received as a result of illegal acts. The State Attorney General
responds that this is a specific case, triggered by a complaint from
another Architect/Roof Consultant, involving a small number of specific
alleged violations.
The Consultant has obtained a restraining order against the Board,
blocking them from taking his sworn deposition and effectively block¬
ing any action against him. The Board has taken the matter to court; at a
hearing on February 5, arguments were heard as to whether to remove
Newsletter of The Roof Consultants Institute
5
the restraining order; the Court has yet to render a decision. At that hear¬
ing, the Court, discussing the issues to be considered at this time, took
note of the Dilemma herein discussed, and (twice) said of the possible
registration of Roof Consultants, “That issue is not yet ripe.”
Shortly after this hearing, an amendment to the New Jersey Statutes
(which define what an Architect is and does) was offered by a State As¬
semblyman; this Amendment specifically exempts the practice of Roof
Consulting from being covered by the Statutes governing the practice of
Architecture, allowing a Roof Consultant the right (among others) to be¬
come “Designer of Record” and to design structural roof decks.
RCI was not consulted about the content or wording of this proposed
legislation prior to the filing of this Amendment. It is not necessary to
speculate about the reaction by the Engineering Society (NSPE) or by
the American Institute of Architects (which has just seen the province of
interior design become a separate, licensed discipline after a protracted
struggle) when their legislative agents discover this piece of pending
legislation.
There are several concerns here. The Contractors have an obvious
stake here and the NRCA has been in contact with several of the inter¬
ested parties. RCI has been following the matter closely but has taken no
active role. Some unlicensed Roof Consultants are concerned that they
will be next in line for the State Board’s scrutiny (as the defendant Con¬
sultant alleges; according to a conversation reported by him, next will be
firms who supply design services – Tremco, Garland, Hickman and, after
them, the roofing contractors). The State responds that this is an inves¬
tigation of a complaint (filed two years ago) against a specific firm for
specific acts on specific projects.
It is no secret that most Architects and Engineers are not well-versed
in roofing; they get very little instruction on the subject in school and
show little interest (or expertise) in their practice. Since there are over
360 different roofing systems on the market today, this is not entirely
surprising; they cannot be expected to keep up with such an expanding
and ever-changing field. Allowing the licensing of another separate dis¬
cipline may be another matter (even allowing for grandfathering for
themselves) since they might feel that this would further erode their
sphere of activities. Further, the position of the Roofing Contractor in
such a proposed licensing system would have to be determined as would
that of employees of Roofing Manufacturers.
It would appear that the resolution of this dilemma will be a
protracted one; many people involved have a vested interest in the status
quo and there undoubtedly will be pressures to severely curtail the
design activities of Roof Consultants (including those of Roofing Con¬
tractors). However, unless Architects and Engineers show more of a
continued on page 6
Newsletter of The Roof Consultants Institute
6
The Roof
Consultant’s
Dilemma
continued from page 5
willingness to involve themselves more deeply in roofing technology
and to acquaint themselves with the State-of-the-Art than they have
heretofore displayed, the ever-increasing technological expansion and
evolution of the roofing art will ultimately make the creation of a
separate discipline (licensed Roof Consultant) inevitable. At that point,
in order to determine exactly what qualifications a Roof Consultant
should have, RCI’s certification program may receive the prominence
and attention it deserves.
Until then, we shall have the continuation of a clouded situation
wherein non-knowledgeable professionals, puzzled building officials,
and self-proclaimed roofing experts commit upon a large segment of
building roofs, purely disinterested murders.
A Welcomed
Visitor
by Richard Horowitz AIA
CRC FRCI
New Certified Roof
Consultant (CRC)
A WELCOMED VISITOR
Richard Horowitz AIA CRC FRCI
The State of Oklahoma, researching the possibility of establishing a
process to certify roof consultants, contacted RCI in March to ask if the
Institute could furnish it with information on this subject.
In addition to providing material describing the Certification Pro¬
gram, the Board invited Buddy Sutton, Roofing Manager for the Office
of Public Affairs, to participate in our 1991 Convention.
Buddy attended all technical sessions, took the Certification Examina¬
tion (his grade remains a closely-guarded secret despite the efforts of cer¬
tain unnamed neighboring states to find out), sat in on meetings of the
Board, Executive Committee and Consultant Credentials Committee,
and participated in all Convention events. He got to know us pretty well.
Near the conclusion of the Convention, Buddy met with the Execu¬
tive Committee for an in-depth discussion of questions about RCI which
he had amassed during his visit.
The meeting concluded with the understanding that RCI would be
pleased to work with the State of Oklahoma and provide whatever infor¬
mation would be required by it in pursuit of Roof Consultant Certifica¬
tion.
NEW CERTIFIED ROOF CONSULTANT (CRC)
Richard M. Horowitz, AIA, CRC, FRCI
Horowitz & Edwards
2025 Princeton Pike
Lawrenceville NJ 08648
Newsletter of The’Roof Consultants Institute
7
A resounding success was the unanimous opinion voiced about the
recent Sixth National Convention of the Roof Consultants Institute.
Colorado Spring’s stately Antlers Doubletree Hotel provided a lovely
gathering place for both educational presentations and relaxed dialogue
on the myriad of issues facing consultants today. Consistent with the
goals of RCI, the 1991 National Convention emphasized five major
programs: Certification, Technical, Exhibit, Committee Activity, and a
special full-day RIEI seminar addressing “Hot Topics in Roofing”.
Despite a recession, distance, and a later date then normal, over 100
registrants took the time to fully participate.
The annual convention officially opened on Sunday, April 28, with
the RCI certification examination. The eight-hour examination has been
considered by many to be one of the most comprehensive in the roofing
industry. Successful completion of this stringent examination is a re¬
quirement for consultants striving to achieve the RCI designation “Cer¬
tified Roof Consultant”.
This year’s well-planned technical program provided insight into a
variety of technological and operational concerns. It included the follow¬
ing presentations:
• The PVC Issue; James P. Sheahan, CRC, James P. Sheahan &
Assoc.
• When Wet is Too Wet; Lee Ann Lankton, PE, Firestone Build¬
ing Products Co.
• Professional Insurance—Are You Protected?; Thomas A. De-
Omellas, Victor O. Schinnerer & Co.
• Document Creation & Protection; Kenneth D. Isley Esq., The
Dow Chemical Co.
• Construction Litigation; Tom Alan Cunningham, Esq. and Deb¬
bie C. Darlow, Esq., Fulbright and Jaworski, Houston, TX.
• Understanding Your Clients; A panel discussion with Dave
Bailie, Firestone; Terry LaVelle, Arapahoe Roofing & Sheet
Metal; Raoul Meekcoms, Firestone; Clark Rheem, Clark
Rheem & Associates; and Patrick Ziuchkovski, The LKA
Partners.
RCI’s Exhibitor Program has grown in popularity each year. It
provides an excellent opportunity for both consultants, material and roof
system component suppliers to discuss problems, learn about new
products and obtain updated literature. Fifty-two exhibitors, including
the National Roofing Contractors Association, the Society of Plastics In¬
dustry, material manufacturers and suppliers participated in the exhibitor
trade show.
Lucky winners of the attendees drawing were: David H. Siple CRC,
$1,000; Arthur O. Sark, $500; Roger E. Galliher AIA CRC, $250.
RCI 1991
National
Convention
by Thomas A. Ewing
RoofT.E.C., Inc.
Technical Program
Exhibitor Program
Newsletter of The Roof Consultants Institute
8
Winners
President’s Banquet
RCI Project Manual
Competition
Annual Meeting
RIEI Seminar
David H. Siple CRC, Ribble & Associates, was the winner of the
“What’s Your Solution?” contest published in the January 1991 INTER¬
FACE. George F. Kanz PE CRC and James H. Shaw were co-winners
of the “Add a New Member” contest.
The President’s Banquet provided a first class opportunity to recog¬
nize the achievements and contributions made by so many consultants
over the past year. John L. Willers PE CRC, Chairman of the Credentials
Committee, presented certificates to twenty-seven consultants who com¬
pleted the requirements and achieved the “Certified Roof Consultant”
designation. The many contributions of RCI leader James Magowan
were acknowledged as he was elevated to Fellow of the Institute status.
Robert W. Phillips, Jr. CRC was acknowledged for his years of dedi¬
cated service to RCI. Don Bush, President Elect, assumed the office of
the Presidency.
Tremendous participation in the RCI Project Manual Competition
was recognized, and D. B. (Ben) Hales announced the winners as fol¬
lows:
1st place Best Technical Merit – Richard P. Canon PE CRC
1st place Best Presentation – Richard P. Canon PE CRC
2nd place Technical Merit – Roger E. Galliher AIA CRC
2nd place Presentation – Douglas A. Fisher PE
After the presentations, Timothy P. & Rural Route Three entertained
with song and humor.
On Wednesday, May 1 the annual meeting of RCI was held. The
primary purpose of the meeting was to review the activities of the
numerous RCI committees and regions and to elect officers for 1991.
1991-1992 RCI OFFICERS
Donald E. Bush Sr CRC President
Richard M. Horowitz AIA CRC FRCI First Vice President
Joe F. Hale Second Vice President
Sam W. Huff CRC Secretary
Arthur O. Sark Treasurer
A full day seminar was conducted by the Roofing Industry Education¬
al Institute following the close of the convention. Richard Fricklas, RIEI
Technical Director, discussed current influences and trends in roofing
systems, current issues in roofing specifications, and recent develop¬
ments in the roofing industry as presented at the Third International
Symposium held last month in Montreal. Back by popular demand was
the topic of Metal Roofing. Rob Haddock of the Metal Advisory Group
Newsletter of The Roof Consultants Institute
9
and a RIEI instructor discussed “How to Trouble Shoot Metal Roofs”.
These presentations led to much lively conversation and debate, as the
annual convention drew to a close.
All who contributed and participated are to be congratulated on an
outstanding job.
Mark your calendars now – We’ll see you next March 15—19, 1992
in Nashville, Tennessee.
RCI thanks all exhibitors who participated in the 1991 trade show, all
companies that provided speaker sponsorship, and the companies that
sponsored RCI events.
AGEMA Infrared Systems USA
Atlas Energy Products
Auto Foam Sales & Services
Barrett Company
Bond Cote Roofing Systems
Butler Roof Systems
C.I.M. Industries Inc
Carlisle SynTec Systems
Construction Fasteners
Cooley Roofing Systems
Creative Construction Components
Dibiten USA
Dow USA
Duro-Last Roofing
Envirospec Inc
Firestone Building Products
GAF Corporation
GenFlex Roofing Systems
W.P. Hickman Company
Huis America
R.K. Hydrovac
ITW Buildex
JPS Elasteromerics
G.M. Kassem Roofing Systems
Knudson Manufacturing Inc
Manville
Metal-Era Inc
Mulehide
NRCA
NTB Fastening Systems
1991 Exhibitors
Newsletter of The Roof Consultants Institute
10
1991 Exhibitors
continued
Speaker Sponsors
Events Sponsors
National Coatings
Nord Bitumi
North American Roofing
Olympic Fasteners
Owens-Coming Fiberglas
Pittsburgh Coming
Rawlplug Company Inc
REVS Software
SPVPFCD
Samafil
Seal-Dry Inc
Seaman Corp.
Siplast Inc
Tarmac Roofing Systems
Thermo Materials
Topcoat
Tramex Inc
U.C. Industries
U-Flow Roof Drain Systems
U.S. Intec Inc
United Coatings Inc
Westile
Fulbright & Jaworski
Victor O. Schinnerer & Co. Inc.
Firestone Building Products
Dow Plastics
Carlisle SynTec Systems
Dow Plastics
Firestone Building Products
Fulbright & Jaworski
JPS/Stevens Roofing Systems
U-Flow Roof Drain Systems Inc
Newsletter of The Roof Consultants Institute
11
Newsletter of The Roof Consultants Institute
12
New Region VII
Director
NEW REGION VII DIRECTOR
Alan Loftesness
A-Tech/Northwest Inc
22180 S.W Mt. Home Rd
Sherwood OR 97140
Manville
Sponsors May
Issue
This issue of Interface is possible through the sponsorship of the
Manville Sales Corporation, Roofing Systems Division, 717 Seven¬
teenth Street, Denver, Colorado 80202.
Manville is a single source supplier of all roofing systems-Build-Up,
Single-Ply, Modified Bitumen and Residential, along with a wide range
of high and low thermal roof insulations and accessories. Plus, the most
comprehensive Systems Guarantee Program in the industry.
Above Text Supplied by Sponsor
Classified
RCI OFFICERS
Donald E. Bush Sr CRC, President
Richard M. Horowitz AI A CRC FRCl, First
Vice President
Joe F. Hale, Second Vice President
Sam W Huff CRC, Secretary
Arthur O. Sark, Treasurer
CHAIRMAN, RCI PUBLICATIONS
COMMITTEE
Lyle D. Hogan PE CRC
RCI STAFF
Paula J. Baker, Executive Manager
Tammie S. Mullen, Administrative Assistant
Roof Consultant
Taylor Associates, Inc., a national roof consulting company, is seeking a
qualified roofing consultant to join our team. The successful candidate
will the have capabilities to:
• Investigate roof systems on commercial/industrial structures
• Prepare bid documents
• Oversee quality control efforts
The candidate must have the following qualifications:
• Solid writing skills
• Technical knowledge and familiarity with a variety of roof sys¬
tems
• Willingness to travel
• Commitment to quality
Reply in confidence to:
Mr. Kevin Emster, CRC
Taylor Associates, Inc.
RO. Box 1211
Cedar Rapids, IA 52406
319-365-8083
The “Interface Newsletter” is published by the Roof Consultants Institute. Copyright ©
1988 Roof Consultants Institute. All rights reserved. Please address all submittals, subscription
requests, advertising, etc. to the Roof Consultants Institute, 7424 Chapel Hill Road, Raleigh, NC
27607. Telephone 919/859-0742. The RCI logo, the name ‘Interface Newsletter” and the title
‘RCI Certified Roof Consultant” abbreviated “CRC” are the property of the Roof Consultants
Institute and must not be used without permission.
Disclaimer: The articles contained in this publication have been prepared for, and are
intended to provide information that may be useful to members of the Roof Consultants Institute.
RCI does not necessarily warrant this information. The reader must evaluate this information in
light of the unique circumstances of any particular situation and must determine independently
the applicability of this information thereto.
Advertising in RCI publications does not constitute endorsement of any product or system by
RCI or any of its roof consultant members.
Newsletter of The Roof Consultants Institute