Certification builds skills, trust and opportunity

By Jesse Sanchez.

Contractor certification can strengthen installation knowledge, support customer confidence and help roofing professionals differentiate their businesses in a changing market.

For roofing contractors, certification can be more than a technical credential. The right training can help crews reduce installation mistakes, demonstrate expertise to customers and expand their ability to offer different roofing solutions. James Keneally with American Standard Coatings Building Materials (ASC Building Materials) emphasized the connection between contractor education and quality assurance, explaining, “Even the highest quality product will fail if installed incorrectly.” Certification helps contractors understand not only how coating systems should be installed but also how to identify roofs that are appropriate candidates before work begins.

ASC’s certification training combines about five hours of classroom instruction with hands-on experience. Contractors learn about acrylic and silicone coating chemistries, preparation requirements, substrate specifications and installation practices. During the hands-on portion, attendees practice three-coursing around penetrations and transitions and learn how to perform adhesion tests. Training also covers practical application techniques, such as gridding a roof, calculating material needs and using a mill gauge to check coating thickness.

That foundation becomes increasingly valuable as roofing products and installation methods continue to evolve. Even experienced contractors can encounter unfamiliar conditions or previous repairs in the field. Reflecting on that reality, James observed, “The best classroom is up on these roofs.” ASC supplements its formal certification program with ongoing field support, allowing contractors to continue learning as new situations arise.

Certification can also provide a business advantage by giving property owners another reason to feel confident in a contractor’s expertise. Describing that connection, James explained, “These property owners are going to have more trust because there's an affiliation between the two businesses.” For contractors competing for projects, demonstrating specialized training can reinforce professionalism while helping distinguish their services from companies without the same credentials.

Learn more about how contractor certification can strengthen installation skills, build customer trust and create new business opportunities through ASC Building Materials’ education and training program!