There are many associations that roofing manufacturers, contractors and other industry professionals can be involved with. Some are technical and engineering-oriented; others are sales and networking associations; and some deal with each of these aspects in the roofing and construction industries.
This is the second in a series of posts that will discuss the various associations that benefit roofing manufacturers, contractors, and other industry professionals.
ASTM International
ASTM International (ASTM) is one of the largest voluntary standards development organizations in the world; a source for technical standards for materials, products, systems, and services. ASTM International standards play an important role in the information infrastructure that guides design, manufacturing, and trade in the global economy.
ASTM International, originally known as the American Society for Testing and Materials, was formed over a century ago, when a group of engineers and scientists got together to address frequent rail breaks in the burgeoning railroad industry. Their work led to standardization on the steel used in rail construction, ultimately improving railroad safety for the public. As the century progressed and new industrial, governmental, and environmental developments created new standardization requirements, ASTM implemented consensus standards that have made products and services safer, better, and more cost-effective.
Today, ASTM continues to address the standardization needs of the global marketplace, including the roofing industry. ASTM is at the forefront in the use of innovative technology to help its members do standards development work, while also increasing the accessibility of ASTM International standards to the world.
CEIR
A newly established and separately funded organization by the NRCA, the Center for Environmental Innovation in Roofing (CEIR), is dedicated to promoting the development and use of environmentally-responsible roofing systems.
The center’s core purpose is to establish a forum that will draw together the entire roofing industry into the common cause of advancing and increasing the knowledge base of environmentally-friendly, high-performance roofing systems.
The CEIR attempts to advance innovative solutions to energy and environmental challenges with the belief that the spirit of collaboration is a critical ingredient of innovation.
CFFA
The Chemical Film and Fabrics Association (CFFA) is an international trade association representing manufacturers of polymer-based fabric and film products, used in the building and construction, automotive, fashion, and many other industries.
The organization was established in 1927 to: educate consumers on the uses and benefits of chemical fabrics and film; encourage the development and adoption of product standards and specifications; conduct technical and scientific investigations; and collect and distribute industry statistics and trends to CFFA members.
