The Metal Construction Association (MCA) is offering a “Metal Roof Installation Manual,” with an online exam available at www.metalconstruction.org.
The manual is downloadable with 20 chapters illustrated to ensure industry best practices for installing metal roofs. It was created in collaboration with the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) and the National Roofing Contractors Association, with assistance from MBCI, Fabral, ATAS International Inc., and Metal Roof Advisory Group Ltd. The online exam was designed to confirm that installers and contractors have a grasp of the practices. Used together, the manual and exam will be of value to new and experienced metal roofing installers.
“I’ve found interest from installing contractors in using the manual as a platform to train their existing and incoming workforce,” says Jim Bush of ATAS International, who contributed to the development of the manual and exam. “As the entire construction trade is experiencing a lack of trained and qualified personnel, this manual can be used as a training program, and the option of the exam identifies an individual’s comprehension of the materials.”
The manual covers all types of panels, connectors, roof deck substrates, common roof accessories, sealants, fasteners seam joining, handling of materials, code and safety issues, and more.
“It’s an overview of the basic issues related to the proper installation of metal roofing systems,” says MCA Technical Director Scott Kriner. “Contractors and installers will find the material to be helpful to them and their crews. The completion of the MCA program and exams will prepare a contractor and/or installer for certification programs offered by metal panel manufacturers. We’re also looking into opportunities to use the manual as a curriculum in technical institutes and colleges.”
The exam is comprehensive, with 10 questions for each chapter. Each question addresses the various metal roof installation and related accessories issues pertaining to both new construction reroofing and retrofit projects. A certificate of completion is sent electronically, and participants may retake the exam at no additional charge. The exam is available from the association’s online store.