The third annual Roofing Contractors Association of Washington’s (RCAW) Roofing Training & Technology Expo wrapped up on March 24, 2007. The Expo allowed roofers to receive valuable training in current roofing technology and safety, and gain hands-on skills that could be immediately implemented at work. This year’s expo was not only a success but broke our records in every category!

We had previously expected to move the expo to a new location, but we were again able to utilize the warehouse building at Sand Point Magnuson Park for the third straight year. Doors opened at 7:30 a.m. allowing early participants not only the chance to walk around and see different classes, but to visit the ‘Tool Box and Equipment’ Mini Trade Show Booths; a new and exciting addition to our expo.

Expo 2007 was our biggest expo as of yet! We had 364 pre-register for classes, an increase of 108 people more than last year, and our highest pre-registered participants to-date. Thanks to additional marketing efforts, and sending an Expo pamphlet to 400 roofing companies’ state wide, we had 26 new companies pre-register who have never attended the expo. We handed out 226 certificates at the end of the day to participants who completed all four classes, 72 more than last year, and our highest number as of yet.

There were 23 different classes available, each lasting 1 hour. All participants had the option of signing up for four classes during the day. The classes covered a wide variety of roofing techniques ranging from steep slope to low slope roofing, and from problem solving and troubleshooting to complete roof systems installation and finish details. There were also classes on safety, and Foreman specific classes. 

Presenters provided free training and materials and instructed classes through both lecture and hands- on application. The RCAW would like to thank the following contributing presenters who provided training courses: Allied Building Products provided training on taper insulation; Carlisle Syntec trained roofers on fleeceback adhesives; CertainTeed taught about dimensional shingle installation; Department of Labor & Industries presented a ‘safety forum’ on the top 20 safety questions; Firestone Building Products provided training on EPDM seams & field fabrication details; GAF building Materials Corp trained on TPO: self adhering & fleeceback; Henry Company taught waterproofing; Johns Manville provided training on flashing systems; Johnson Exteriors trained on steep slope standing seam metal roofing & repairs; Lomanco provided training on airflow dynamics, the evolution of attic ventilation; Malarkey Roofing Products trained on flashing details for asphalt shingle roof systems; Meyer Brothers Roofing had two classes they provided training for ‘fundamentals for reading blueprints’ and ‘what are the responsibilities & expectations of a Foreman;’ MonierLifeTile taught total roof systems for concrete tiles; OMG provided training on labor saving fastening systems; Polyglass taught on self adhered APP/SBS for commercial and residential applications; Republic Powdered Metals provided training on coating systems for weathered single ply and metal roof restoration; Sarnafil trained on two classes ‘PVC hand welding details & adhering membrane’ and ‘scupper details & curb details;’ The Seattle Fire Department taught Seattle Fire Department’s permit conditions for roofing; Signature Safety Associates provided training on fall protection; Soprema trained on modified drains, flashing details; and Wetherholt and Associates  taught how to avoid a long punch list.

This free event for roofers even included child care complete with games and videos for the children. This area was run by energetic high school students who all volunteered their time. A one-and-a-half hour break was scheduled at the middle of the day for a barbecue lunch and some exciting competitions where roofing installers could show off their skills and speed. Winners of the base flashing, shingle, and single-ply contests received great prizes for their efforts. At the conclusion of the day a raffle was held. Hundreds of prizes donated from generous presenters and sponsors were given out, including gift certificates to various restaurants, sports tickets, hats, t-shirts, tools and much more.

This year’s Expo was funded by the RCAW Sponsorship Program and Expo sponsors, without the generous support of these sponsors the expo would not be possible. A special thanks and heartfelt gratitude goes to those who worked so hard to make this year’s Expo happen, and to all of the sponsors that made this year’s event such a great success! Thank you to all of our sponsors: Allied Building Products, Legends Roofing, The Jorve Corp., GAF Building Material Corp., Seidler Associates, Intermountain Supply, Pioneer Builders Supply, Weller Associates, CertainTeed Roofing Products, GAF / Elk, Esary Roofing and Siding, Fields Roof Service, Kemp Northwest, Legacy Roofing, Meyer Brothers Roofing, Northwest Roof Service, Snyder Roofing of Washington, Stanley Roofing, Star Roofing & Construction, Washington Cedar and Supply, Wayne’s Roofing, Western Roofing Service, Carlisle, Firestone, Malarkey Roofing Products, OMG, Polyglass, Access Services, BD Roofing, Building Envelope Technology & Research, Owens Corning, Roof Tight, United Rentals, Sarnafil, A.B.C. Supply, Soprema, Starbucks, Stoneway Building Supply, and TekTerior Systems.

The help from volunteers was an absolute necessity for the Expo to function.  This year we had volunteers pouring in from many different companies including Allied Building Products, BD Roofing, Crow Roofing & Sheet Metal, Esary Roofing and Siding, Intermountain Supply, Johnson Exteriors, The Jorve Corp., Legends Roofing, Malarkey Roofing Products, MRI, Northwest Roof Service, Owens Corning, Pioneer Builders Supply, Seidler Associates, Snyder Roofing of Washington, Wayne’s Roofing, Western Roof Service, and the RCAW Board of Directors. We’d also like to thank Sand Point Magnuson Park, Seattle Parks and Recreations for contracting out their space.

This year’s Expo was both productive and fun-filled! Participants felt they gained real skills they will be able to put to use right away on the job. Employers now feel confident that those who went know the latest technologies and best installation techniques for the classes they attended. Finally, manufacturers know that they have directly trained the local applicators on the best way to use their products. 

The RCAW, its members, and industry professionals all look forward to next year’s Training and Technology Expo! We hope to see you there!