Restoring your historic residential or commercial property can be a large undertaking. With so many moving parts to the restoration process, it’s important to choose an experienced, knowledgeable historic restoration contractor. Vetting contractors can be a challenging task, but the good news is there are a couple of telltale signs to determine whether your historic restoration contractor demonstrates professionalism, expertise, and trustworthiness.
For example, membership to certain professional industry associations helps prove a contractor’s historic restoration experience and acumen. Membership to such organizations also demonstrates that your contractor has a proven track record of preserving historical integrity and ensuring a property will last for generations to come.
Here’s a quick overview of some common historic restoration organizations to help you evaluate whether a contractor is right for your restoration project.
National Roofing Contractors Association
Established in 1886, the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) is one of the oldest U.S. trade organizations in the construction industry. The association aims to advance the roofing industry by promoting safety, integrity, professionalism, and quality.
To achieve these goals, NRCA is an advocate for its members in dealings with federal and state governmental agencies, regulatory bodies, insurers, and more. The association also offers extensive education and certification programs through NRCA University, which aims to serve professionals in all roles within the roofing industry.
Safety in historical restoration work is essential, so the NRCA seeks to create the safest possible working environments through its educational opportunities and member resources. They also provide technical support and promote high–quality roofing system designs through industry research.
NRCA also offers a Spanish-language membership. This is just one way that the NRCA works to grow its membership inclusively, serving its diverse membership of roofing professionals in all types of roles in the roofing industry.
National Slate Association
The National Slate Association’s (NSA) primary objective is to promote excellence in slate roofing practices. The NSA develops and disseminates technical information, standards, and educational resources to supply its membership with valuable tools for slate roofing industry standards and practices to achieve this goal.
NSA’s membership includes quarriers, contractors, consultants, architects, and slate distributors for North America's roofing industry. Their community of experts provides valuable technical support and educational opportunities. The NSA develops testing protocols to ensure that buildings in hail-prone areas are protected by their slate roof and fire-resistance testing for insurance purposes.
The NSA also publishes Slate Roofs: Design and Installation Manual, a comprehensive guide for slate roofing installation standards, repair, and maintenance information, which has received recognition for its outstanding service to the industry. The NSA ensures that slate remains a respected and viable roofing material for future generations.
Tile Roofing Industry Alliance
The Tile Roofing Industry Alliance (TRI Alliance) is a nonprofit organization that was established in 1971 to promote concrete and clay tile roofing throughout the United States and Canada. It does this by raising awareness of tile roofing’s durability, aesthetic appeal, and resilience to natural hazards like fire, hail, and ice. What’s more, the organization educates consumers, architects, and builders about tile’s long-term value, sustainability, and energy efficiency.
The TRI Alliance offers its members various training and networking opportunities. Their Manual Certification course, based on the TRI Concrete and Clay Roof Tile Installation Manual, covers the full scope of tile installation techniques. They also offer networking opportunities, advocacy, and research to promote and properly use tile roofing systems.
The TRI Alliance launched the Tile Roofing Energy Cost Savings Study with the U.S. Department of Energy to study the real-world benefits of tile roofing over conventional shingles. The work of this organization ensures that tile roofs continue to stay relevant and offer consumers a sustainable and resilient option for their roofing needs.
Slate Roofing Contractors of North America
The Slate Roofing Contractors of North America (SRCA) is a nonprofit trade organization that ensures the preservation of slate roofing by advancing traditional and modern techniques. Its network of skilled professionals provides members with the opportunity for innovation, knowledge-sharing, and mentorship.
Members participate in conferences and workshops, such as the International Preservation Trades Workshops, where they volunteer labor and materials to restore historic slate roofs in various locations. The SRCA also offers training programs, several of which combine classroom instruction with hands-on experience.
Association for Preservation Technologies
The Association for Preservation Technology International (APT) is a non-profit, multi-disciplinary, membership organization dedicated to promoting the best technology for protecting historic structures. APT’s mission is to advance appropriate traditional and new technologies to care for, protect, and promote the longevity of historic sites.
The organization also facilitates publications, conferences, training courses, awards, and technical committees for those working in the historic restoration field. With members from almost 30 different countries, APT includes:
- Preservationists
- Architects
- Engineers
- Conservators
- Consultants
- Contractors
- Craftspersons
- Curators
- Developers
- Educators
- Historians
- Landscape architects
- Students
- Technicians
APT membership is made up of other professionals directly involved in the maintenance and preservation of historic structures and sites.
As a member of these organizations, Renaissance Historic Exteriors prides itself on providing the highest quality historic restoration services for commercial and residential properties. Our restoration specialists use the utmost in craftsmanship to restore a wide range of historic structures, including churches, courthouses, university buildings, private residences, and more.
Contact us today to learn more about our restoration services.
