If you’re seeking solutions to roofing challenges or looking to expand your professional network, joining an industry association and participating in online communities can be a game-changer. This article offers an overview of some of the most valuable resources that every roofer should know about.
Here’s what we will discuss:
- Roofing Associations
- Roofing Conferences
- Roofing Communities
- Roofing Directories
Roofing Associations
To set you on the correct course, we’ve selected the following top-tier associations due to their valuable resources, networking opportunities, and industry insights. Their reputation makes them the premier choice for professionals seeking to excel in the roofing sector.
National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)
Website: https://www.nrca.net/
The NRCA is one of the most respected and influential roofing associations in the industry, representing all segments of the roofing industry. It offers various resources, such as education, training, advocacy, insurance solutions, and discounts, to support its members.
The association has over 25,000 members, consisting of roofing and roof deck contractors, as well as industry suppliers, manufacturers, and other professionals involved in the roofing sector. If you want to join them, take a look at different membership categories and fees structures based on the member type:
Roofing Contractor Member:
If you’re a roofing contractor, your dues are calculated based on the company’s annual gross sales volume. For example, a company with less than $1 million in sales would pay $1,500, while a company with sales between $5 million and $10 million would pay $3,900.
Associate Member (Manufacturer, Distributor, or Service Provider):
Annual dues for this category are calculated based on the company’s annual sales volume. The minimum annual fees start at around $2,500.
International Member:
International roofing contractors, based outside the United States, are often charged less. Since charges for international members have regularly changed in the past, it’s always best to consult the official website for up-to-date info.
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The Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA)
Website: https://www.mrca.org/
The Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA) is a regional roofing industry association that supports roofing contractors and professionals in the Midwest of the United States.
It primarily serves roofing professionals in the Midwestern United States, which includes states such as Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
As a member, you will get help to grow your businesses, improve your skills, and stay updated on industry trends. MRCA is a great platform for roofers to access networking opportunities, receive education, attend industry-leading events, and more
Dedicated to the welfare of its members, the MRCA Foundation also awards scholarships to the children of MRCA member company employees, providing financial assistance for their higher education.
As for the membership costs, the MRCA has a tiered membership dues structure based on the member type:
Contractor Members:
The annual fee to join MRCA is between $795 and $1500 for roofing contractors.
Manufacturer, Distributor, and Service Provider Members:
As of 2023, manufacturers, distributors, and service providers involved in the roofing industry pay anywhere between $725 and $995.
Associate Members:
If your company doesn’t fit the other categories, expect to pay $195 per annum. Examples of associate members include architects, engineers, consultants, and other industry-related professionals.
The International Federation for the Roofing Trade (IFD)
Website: https://ifd-roof.com
IFD is a global organization that brings together national and regional roofers industry communities worldwide. Founded in 1952, the IFD is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland.
Its primary mission is to promote the exchange of knowledge, foster international cooperation, and support high-quality standards in the roofing trade worldwide.
The IFD organizes a range of activities to facilitate international collaboration, productivity enhancement, and knowledge sharing among its members. Some of their key initiatives and events include the IFD Congress, IFD World Championship for Young Roofers, IFD Awards, and technical collaboration.
The federation has 19 active member associations and 37 partner associations, representing countries across Europe, North America, Asia, and Oceania. Members include national and regional roofing organizations, such as the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) from the United States, the German Roofing Contractors Association (ZVDH), and the Confederation of Roofing Contractors (CRC) from the United Kingdom.
Membership Fees
For joining the IFD are typically applied to the associations themselves and not individual members of those associations.
Roofing Industry Conferences
It’s recommended to take some time off and attend roofing contractor conferences because they offer invaluable networking opportunities, roofing business support, and educational insights. If you’re a member of any of the associations listed in the previous section, you may get substantial discounts on fees and hotel stays.
International Roofing Expo (IRE)
Website: https://www.theroofingexpo.com
The IRE is one of the largest and most significant events in the roofing industry. It attracts thousands of professionals and several high-profile roofing company mentors from around the world. In addition, there are hundreds of exhibitors showcasing the latest products, services, and technologies. The event also offers educational sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities. The IRE is typically held in the United States
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The fees for attending the IRE can vary based on factors such as registration type and membership status. In the past, the cost of attending the expo ranged from free to around $65. Similarly, the fees for attending conference sessions were between $400 and $600, or more.
Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA) Conference and Expo
Website: https://www.mrca.org
This annual conference, organized by the MRCA, focuses on the needs and interests of roofing professionals in the Midwest region of the United States. It features educational sessions, roofing business mentorship, product demonstrations, and networking events, promoting collaboration and knowledge sharing among attendees.
The fees for attending the MRCA Conference and Expo can vary, with discounts available for MRCA members, specific roofers groups, and early registrants. The fees may range from $350 to 500 for the full conference package, while expo-only passes may cost around $50 to $100.
National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) Roofing Day in D.C.
Website: https://www.nrca.net/advocacy/roofingday
The annual NRCA event in the nation’s capital brings together roofing professionals to meet with lawmakers and discuss industry-related topics. The aim is to increase awareness about the roofing industry, its challenges, and opportunities at the federal level.
The fees for attending Roofing Day in D.C. can also vary depending on factors such as registration type and membership status. The costs for this event may range from $35 to $95.
Western Roofing Expo
Website: https://www.wsrca.com/western-roofing
Organized by the Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA), this expo focuses on the roofing industry in the Western United States. The event includes a trade show, educational sessions, workshops, and networking events, providing attendees with valuable insights into the latest products and trends in the industry.
Fees for the Western Roofing Expo can differ based on registration type and membership in the Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA). Full conference passes may cost between $200 to $400.
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Besides these roofing contractor conferences, you can also attend popular events that take place outside the United States. Following is a look at some of the well-known roofing events:
BAU Munich:
BAU is the world’s leading trade fair for architecture, materials, and systems, including the roofing sector. Held in Munich, Germany, BAU attracts thousands of visitors from around the globe and features exhibitors showcasing the latest products to improve productivity.
Website: https://www.bau-muenchen.com/
The UK Roofing Awards:
Organized by the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), the UK Roofing Awards is an annual event that celebrates the best in roofing projects, products, and craftsmanship across the United Kingdom. The event includes a gala dinner and awards ceremony.
Website: https://www.nfrc.co.uk/roofing-awards
The International Roofing and Waterproofing Expo (IRWE):
This event, which takes place in China, focuses on the roofing and waterproofing industry. The expo features exhibitors from around the world, showcasing products, services, and technologies in roofing materials, waterproofing systems, and insulation.
Website: http://en.irwe.cn/
The BIG 5:
The BIG 5 is the largest construction event in the Middle East, which also covers the roofing industry. Held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the event attracts thousands of visitors and exhibitors from around the world, offering networking opportunities, roofing business support, and product demonstrations.
Website: https://www.thebig5.ae/
Roofing Communities
Participation in online roofing communities will let you connect with like-minded professionals, seek advice on specific projects, ask questions, and gain insights from the collective wisdom of experienced peers. Following are some of the most active online resources to consider.
Roofing- Roofers Contractors and Subcontractors
Created in 2014, it’s one of the most active Facebook roofers groups dedicated to the roofing industry. You can join more than 56,000 members who discuss, network, and share important information related to the existing trends in the market.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1457699077810780/
RoofersCoffeeShop Forum
The RoofersCoffeeShop Forum is an online community where roofing professionals can discuss industry topics, share experiences, and seek advice. You’re likely to see new posts every day. The forum’s official website also offers classifieds and an industry news section.
https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/forum
Roofing Talk – Professional Roofing Contractors Forum
Professional Roofing Contractors Forum is an online forum dedicated to professional roofing contractors, roofing company mentors, and professionals within the industry. The forum provides a platform for members to discuss various topics related to roofing, share experiences, ask questions, and seek advice from fellow professionals.
Roofing – Reddit
This subreddit has more than 20,000 members, and it’s open to roofing professionals, homeowners, and anyone interested in the topic of roofing. Besides offering networking opportunities and education, users can ask questions, seek advice, and engage in discussions on various roofing-related topics.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Roofing/
Contractor Talk
A sister site of roofingtalk, this forum is dedicated to roofing contractors. Contractors can share experiences, ask questions, discuss issues, and offer advice. Since its inception, the forum has garnered more than 32 million views, covering a wide range of topics related to roofing, such as materials, installation techniques, tools, and safety.
https://www.contractortalk.com/forums/roofing.15/
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DIY Chatroom Roofing/Siding
As part of the larger DIY Chatroom roofers industry communities, this forum provides a space for homeowners, DIY enthusiasts, and professionals to discuss a wide range of topics related to roofing and siding projects, with a focus on DIY approaches, materials, installation techniques, and profitability tools. The platform typically sees around two new posts daily and has accumulated approximately 83,000 posts to date.
https://www.diychatroom.com/forums/roofing-siding.9/
Roofing Directories
Whereas attending seminars and actively participating in forums will help you grow, you still need an affordable medium to market your business. Here are three high-traffic and extremely valuable resources you can join to advertise to people looking for roofers:
Roofing Contractor Magazine:
This online magazine covers the roofing industry and provides a wealth of information, including articles, roofing business mentorship, and a directory of roofing contractors and suppliers.
Website: https://www.roofingcontractor.com/
The Blue Book Building & Construction Network:
The Blue Book is a comprehensive directory of contractors, suppliers, and manufacturers in the construction industry, including the roofing sector. You should definitely add your profile here.
Website: https://www.thebluebook.com/
GuildQuality:
GuildQuality is a customer satisfaction surveying service for building professionals that also provides a directory of roofing contractors with customer reviews and ratings.
Website: https://www.guildquality.com/find/roofing
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Taking your roofing business to the next level requires hard work, not to mention the support, mentorship, and knowledge of others in the field. Roofing companies can benefit tremendously from tapping into the multitude of online communities, and offline opportunities to connect with other experienced pros. Never underestimate how much you can learn from those who’ve already achieved goals you want to accomplish for your business, so try joining some of these groups and attend events to give you the knowledge to grow your business faster with the help of others.