| News for the roofing industry |  |
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- Cantilevered roofs pose hazards to firefighters
Cantilevered roofs can pose dangers to firefighters because some of the cantilever parts can lack support or stability, writes Gregory Havel, a fire instructor and former deputy fire chief. These roofs have portions that go beyond the building walls and have no other support, whether the roof is built with rafters or trusses. Fire Engineering
(2/20)     
| News & Trends | | |
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- Starts increase for single-family houses
U.S. housing starts declined 8.5% last month, but builders broke ground on the most single-family homes since July 2008, the Commerce Department says. A sharp drop in multifamily construction, traditionally a volatile indicator, drove the overall decline, the department says. Permit issuance, an indicator of future construction, reached its highest level since June 2008. Reuters
(2/20)
- Hailstorm test reveals resilient roofing materials in S.C.
The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety in South Carolina conducted a hailstorm test to see how well various building materials weathered the volley of artificial hailstones. Architectural shingles fared better than three-tab asphalt shingles, said Julie Rochman, CEO and president of the institute. A part of the standing-seam metal roof installed over sheathing also showed better performance than the part over asphalt shingles, Rochman added. The Herald (Rock Hill, S.C.)
(2/20)
- Fiberglass shingles recommended for Pa. county courthouse
High-performance fiberglass shingles could help recapture the look of the original roof of the Luzerne County Courthouse in Pennsylvania, and also prevent leaks, said county Chief Engineer Joe Gibbons. The historic facility initially had a Spanish barrel terra cotta tile roof, but that was replaced when ice falling from the domes began to affect it. The engineer said he recommends fiberglass shingles because they are more resistant to damage caused by falling ice. Times Leader (Wilkes-Barre, Pa.)
(2/20)
| Energy & the Environment | | |
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- Chicago kicks off third round of Green Office Challenge
The competition that seeks to reduce waste and the consumption of energy and water by 10% in the Chicago area will kick off its third round this year. The program is part of Mayor Rahm Emanuel's Sustainable Chicago 2015, and this year the initiative aims to double its impact and the number of participants. ICLEI developed the model in 2008. Since then 11 U.S. cities have adopted it. Environmental Leader
(2/19)
| In the Office | | |
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- Attributes of an automatic leader
There are certain actions that leaders make automatically, almost instinctively, Glenn Llopis writes. A good leader makes others feel safe to speak up, challenges people to speak and properly allocates talent. Llopis lists 15 skills that come automatically to a great leader. Forbes
(2/18)
| Government & Regulatory | | |
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- How employers should prepare for the Affordable Care Act
March means employers will need to send workers written notices that explain state and federal health care exchanges and that offer the option of purchasing health coverage from an exchange. Some employers may find that most workers want to stick with the coverage they have, lawyer David Barron writes. Employers should plan for the worst-case scenario, Barron writes. TalentMgt.com
(2/19)
| NRCA News | | |
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Community Service Day was a success
On Feb. 4, the 2013 International Roofing Expo held Community Service Day in San Antonio. The IRE partnered with NRCA's Disaster Relief Committee and Rebuilding Together San Antonio to host the home renovation and revitalization project. More than 50 volunteers helped renovate the homes of Concepción and Enrique Merendon and Maria Luna. Work performed included roofing, painting, flooring and carpentry. Learn more.
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NRCA safety publication is available
NRCA offers NRCA Pocket Guide to Safety, which is a 125-page, pocket-sized, spiral-bound guide intended for use by laborers, mechanics, foremen and others on job sites. The guide addresses fall protection, first aid and emergency treatment, weather, personal protective equipment, and Occupational Health and Safety Administration standards. A Spanish-language version also is available. The member price for NRCA Pocket Guide to Safety is $9, and the retail price is $18. Learn more, and purchase the guide.
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