How to Stay on Top of Changing Regulations in Roofing

Sometimes building regulations change due to advances in construction methods. Other times, regulations change to account for stricter environmental policies. Whatever the case, you can count on regulations in construction and roofing to keep on changing — and for the better! 

But if your roofing business is required to follow these regulations, it can feel a bit overwhelming to keep up with the requirements. And you don't want to inadvertently be penalized or have to unexpectedly push a project's deadline due to a missed regulation. 

Learn how to stay on top of these changes and keep your business compliant with helpful tips from Elevate.

Some regulation changes are like clockwork. You can predict them and plan accordingly. So, mark your calendar! The International Code Council, for instance, publishes new building codes, known as International Codes®, every three years. They recently announced an initiative to develop standards for remote virtual inspections for energy and water performance in buildings. If the results lead to changes in energy codes, the roofing industry will also see changes. 

Attend the International Roofing Expo, Polyurethanes Technical Conference, or other yearly events. It's one time in the year when roofing professionals like yourself gather to discuss strategies, share new technologies, and explore the latest products — products that meet the latest regulations. 

Explore the American Chemistry Council website, too. Council groups like the Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI) and the Spray Foam Coalition (SFC) champion the growth and promotion of North American polyurethanes and foams through education and product stewardship programs. Stay in tune with the American Chemistry Council and you'll be one of the first to know when chemistry-impacting policies come through the pipeline. 

At a minimum, attend local meetings and events hosted by your city's Codes and Building Safety Department. Many building codes are state and county-specific, so this will be the best place to learn about regulation changes that immediately impact your projects.

In early 2021, several states implemented restrictions preventing the sale of low-pressure foam adhesives with  HFC (hydrofluorocarbon) blowing agents. HFC blowing agents were widely used in Low-Rise Foam Canister Adhesives across the industry prior to the HFC regulations taking effect. However, HFC’s trap heat in the earth's atmosphere and harm the ozone layer. 

Elevate wanted to lead with an environmentally friendly, compliant solution. In response, Elevate changed the blowing agent in Twin Jet to an HFO (Hydrofluoroolefin) blowing agent that meets those needs. If you're using Elevate's newest products, you are using regulation-compliant materials like our Twin Jet insulation adhesive. 

Here at Elevate, we do more than produce high quality building materials. Your Elevate Sales Rep is your partner and resource for staying informed. Contact us today with any questions you have about roofing and building products.