About NRCA | Being a member | Frequently asked questions

Q. Who belongs to NRCA?

A. Seventy-three percent of NRCA's members are roofing contractors; 10 percent are associate members, including manufacturers, distributors and suppliers of materials, equipment or services to roofing contractors. Seven percent of the membership is from outside the United States. Other membership categories include architect/consultant/engineer and industrial/institutional
(e.g., schools).

Q. I'm a small business owner who performs primarily residential (steep-slope) work; will I fit in?

A. Definitely. Sixty-one percent of NRCA's contractor members perform both residential and commercial work, and 41 percent operate with less than $1 million in sales volume annually. Our commitment to residential roofing contractors is stronger than ever and reflected in many ways:

• Residential Briefings, a bimonthly newsletter, addresses the latest developments in residential roofing
  
  
• A quarterly Pro Steep section and a monthly column geared toward residential contractors appear in Professional Roofing magazine
  
  
• A customized new member kit provides information that is primarily residential or commercial
  
  
• A public relations campaign has been undertaken and is dedicated to educating home and building owners about selecting professional roofing contractors and generating additional job leads for NRCA members through NRCA's Web site (www.nrca.net) and NRCA's USA-ROOF Contractor Referral Network
  
  
• Specific publications and videos have been developed, such as The NRCA Steep-Slope Roofing Manual, The 1999 Steep-Slope Roofing Materials Guide, Steep-Slope Roof Safety: Don't Let It Slide and Fall Protection: It's About Time (video)

NRCA's mission to serve ALL its members ALL the time was one the association made more than 110 years ago, and the fact that NRCA is growing steadily confirms that this promise is still in place today.

Q. When I join NRCA, am I automatically enrolled as a member in my local, state or regional association
(or vice versa)?

A. No. NRCA and its 103 affiliate associations are separate organizations.

Q. I already belong to my local/state/regional association. Why should I also join NRCA?

A. Your local, state and regional associations all serve valuable purposes, and NRCA is proud of the strong relationship we have with our network of 103 affiliates. Still, having a strong national association is critical to your business, especially in today's business environment.

For example, NRCA must be able to represent the roofing industry before Congress and various regulatory agencies. We must have a strong base of support to work with owners, designers, consultants and others who can affect your daily lives. And we have access to current information, because of our relationships, that is not available anywhere else. NRCA members have priority access to that information.

NRCA members also are identified as the industry's elite. The NRCA logo represents the highest level of professionalism, and we will put our logo—and your name—in front of your customers and prospects on an ongoing basis.

Q. I've been running a successful company for years without an association membership. Why would I need to join
NRCA now?

A. Although you are successful now, how will you address industry developments in the 21st century? Individually, you don't have the time or resources to test roofing materials and evaluate designs, and you don't have the time to get involved daily in government relations activities that directly affect your business. So let your NRCA membership do the work for you—your company will benefit immediately.

Q. I would like to join NRCA, but I just can't afford the dues right now. What should I do?

A. We realize there are times when business is slow. Remember, however, that your NRCA membership is not just another expense; it's a sound business investment. During tough times, this investment can yield especially high returns when you call NRCA for the personal assistance you need. You can count on your NRCA membership benefits and services to keep you ahead of the competition. And 93 percent of your dues are tax-deductible as a necessary and ordinary business expense, so you should consider joining NRCA right away.

Q. How is membership structured?

A. One individual from each company is designated as the voting representative, and this person will receive all NRCA mailings, including the new member kit. Depending on its membership category, additional people at a member company (or its branch offices) may receive Professional Roofing magazine and mailings, as well.

NRCA members' dues investments are billed annually, with a January-to-December membership year. When a new member joins, appropriate credit is given towards the following year's dues depending on the date joined.

Q. Once I join, how long will it be before I receive my new member kit and subscription to Professional Roofing magazine?

A. You will receive your new member kit in approximately seven to 10 days via UPS. Your first issue of Professional Roofing magazine should arrive in approximately four weeks.