Mike Silvers, CPRC, Owner, Silvers Systems Inc. and FRSA Technical Director
The last several weeks have been extremely busy; maybe hectic would be a better word. We’re on the frontline on many issues – some that we’ve not faced before but are working with industry partners to ensure we can keep doing what we do best. Sadly, there are those that think they know more than we do about roofing systems we install every day.
Fortunately, FRSA’s had an opportunity to influence or offer additional language to make most of these items palatable for contractors. We do our best to stay in front of issues but at times, it’s challenging. This is especially true when the state Legislature is in session, the Florida Building Commission codes modification submission process is in full swing and several pressing issues coalesce at one time.
Recently, we completed phase one of the code modification process that integrated changes made in the 2024 International Building Code (IBC) into the 2026 9th Edition Florida Building Code (FBC). Phase two is where members of the public (FRSA included) can propose modifications (mods) to be considered for incorporation into the new code. Submissions ended mid-February and, at the beginning of March, they were posted on the FBC website. I reviewed all 557 mods, looking for ones that merited our attention. FRSA proposed 39 modifications, all approved by our Codes Subcommittee and the Codes Committee. From mods proposed by other entities, I pulled 162 for review during several upcoming meetings with the Codes Subcommittee to determine whether we support or oppose each change. As time permits, we will also seek approval from the Codes Committee. In between quarterly committee meetings, FRSA’s Board of Directors has given the Codes Subcommittee the
authority to make decisions on FRSA’s behalf regarding these matters.
The group will present FRSA's positions to the Commission’s Technical Advisory Committees (TACs) during the first of two reviews scheduled for mid-to-late June. Moving forward, I will try to keep you informed on the progress of the changes – mods that we like and, just as importantly, those we don’t. This is a grueling process that takes most of the three-year code cycle to accomplish. We deeply appreciate the volunteers who devote their time and energy to make this process so successful. Often, we work with other industry partners to accomplish some of this work. Most recently, we’ve worked with the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) on many of FRSA’s and ARMA’s modifications, as well as some submitted by others, that will continue to improve the performance of roof coverings in Florida. This is a process that we can take the lead on or one that is forced on us by folks – unhindered by their lack of experience and knowledge – who propose unreasonable and ineffective modifications.
Speaking of grueling processes, the legislature is in session and the ride is fast and can get a little bumpy at times. Much like the building code, it’s about looking at everything that can help and hurt you (a big job), taking positions and suggesting improved language. It is also a time when we can move our positions forward. I’ll mention a few of those positions here that have been on our radar recently. One thing we like and have been working on is adding the evaluation of roof-to-wall connections to the roofing contractor license scope including training enhancement for contractors who want to perform such work. One of the things we don’t like is the attempt by some in the government to place their thumb on the scale, so to speak, concerning which roof coverings we or homeowners can choose.
FRSA is collaborating with ARMA and other industry groups to keep all proven roof systems competing on a level playing field. Knowledgeable roofing industry professionals understand that there isn’t enough solid data on roof system failures to eliminate any roof type. We are extremely fortunate to have Chris Dawson, GrayRobinson, as our Legislative Counsel, doing great work on our behalf in Tallahassee. Also, a personal thanks to Ralph Davis, Streamline Roofing and Construction, Tallahassee for being available to testify on our behalf before the legislature. Because Ralph lives in Tallahassee, we often call on him last minute to testify on FRSA's behalf. He does an amazing job and represents us well.
I was recently in Tallahassee to be part of a panel for the Florida House Subcommittee on Industries and Professional Activities. The topic was on licensure and regulation affecting contractors. It was very interesting to hear where other professionals and the legislators stood on several issues at the meeting. I mentioned one item that is an impediment to new contractors is the availability and cost of insurance. A topic that most of the other panelists reinforced. The appearance also gave me a chance to pitch our roof-to-wall connection issue to the subcommittee that will be hearing it. So far, so good.
In the last two issues of Florida Roofing magazine, I dedicated my column to the comments and actions on roof type selection by OIR an various House and Senate hearings mentioned above. These discussions have been the cause of the most recent roof covering issues. Since then, an attempt by OIR to rewrite the OIR-B1-1802 Adopted by Rule 69O-170.0155 wind mitigation form has been seen by many as a chance to push a self-serving agenda that would be misleading and harmful for Florida’s property owners. OIR’s attempts to make changes are clearly well intended but may be relying on slanted or incomplete information. FRSA will carefully monitor related activities and offer our opinions and relative information at every opportunity as this process moves forward.
The roof covering issue has focused a lot of attention on the roofing industry, both locally and nationally. We have presented programs on the subject to some of our local affiliates and, more recently, at the Roofing Industry Committee on Weather Issues annual meeting held in Orlando. It will continue to be a hot topic during the coming months. FRSA will continue to make our presence known in the discussions that will influence this issue and many others going forward.
Mike Silvers, CPRC is owner of Silvers Systems Inc., and is consulting with FRSA as Director of Technical Services. Mike is an FRSA Past President, Life Member and Campanella Award recipient and brings over 50 years of industry knowledge and experience to FRSA’s team.
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