/ PRESS RELEASE / This content is not written by Creamer Media, but is a press statement provided.
The Professional Roofing/Repair and Waterproofing Association (PRAWA) is spearheading a campaign to implement minimum standards and a register of approved application products in the waterproofing and waterproofing industry. roof repairs. This will be done in collaboration with various industry manufacturers and suppliers, with PRAWA facilitating the whole process. After much deliberation regarding the rate of rapid decline in the quality of manufacturing and products used over the past few years, it was decided that this was the best course of action. While the new construction waterproofing industry has established a strong reputation for quality workmanship, there has been an influx of unscrupulous roofing repair and maintenance contractors into the country. This situation is aggravated by the widespread use of substandard roofing and waterproofing materials.
One of the significant factors that comes into play with the implementation of minimum standards in the roofing waterproofing and repair industry is that for the first time in South Africa’s history, an accredited training provider offers a formal qualification in the field. The NQF2 national watertightness certificate is accredited by the Construction Education and Training Authority. This development has been great news for PRAWA as they now have a formal qualification on which they are able to base their professional designations and ensure continuous upskilling within the sealing and sealing industry. roof repairs.
“If the industry, including contractors and value chain participants, does not act now, there may be nothing left to pass on to the next generation of professionals. Due to the high frequency of substandard work, property developers and landlords, banking institutions and insurance companies have lost trust and respect in our industry. This is despite the fact that there are many roof maintenance and repair contractors who continue to strive for excellence and set the benchmark in the industry. They are licensed applicators of quality products and they deploy them according to manufacturers’ specifications, says Leonie Adams, Roofing Academy training manager.
The Roofing Academy is PRAWA’s preferred training provider as it is the only training provider that offers qualification in roof waterproofing and repair. Many new and existing contractors have earned qualification certification through The Roofing Academy. Contractors and individual members of PRAWA can also obtain certification through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process offered by the Roofing Academy by presenting evidence of their knowledge and experience in the industry. These initiatives are helping to professionalise an industry that was not previously recognized as a formal trade, despite the important role played by roofing and waterproofing in construction.
This initiative also receives strong support from major banks and insurance companies, who also want to see the introduction of minimum standards and a register of approved materials in the industry. They, too, are concerned about the decline in roofing maintenance and repair over the years, with contractors increasingly being called back by clients to fix substandard work. At that time, the owners suffered extensive water damage from leaky roofs. According to research conducted by insurance companies, approximately 60% of all roof repairs are faulty and need to be redone. This decreases by 5% when using the services of qualified and experienced contractors.
PRAWA has already consulted extensively with industry participants. This includes during a briefing last month where leading industry bodies, including the Institute of Plumbing South Africa (IOPSA), Master Builders Association North and the Institute for Timber Construction, were asked to share initiatives that have helped them to dramatically raise the standards in the industries. that they serve.
The Roofing Academy is primarily inspired by the plumbing industry. This takes into account the immense role that IOPSA and the Plumbing Industry Registration Board (PIRB) have played in professionalizing the industry over the years. Through their Certificate of Competence (CoC) initiative, they help protect property owners and developers from improper plumbing installations. In order to issue a CoC, a plumber must be registered with the PIRB. The PIRB inspection inspects the work of these plumbers. If it does not meet minimum industry standards, PIRB will ask the plumber to correct it. In extenuating circumstances, a plumber can even be disbarred for providing poor service. Additionally, only companies that are qualified or employ qualified plumbers can be IOPSA members. A qualified plumber has completed three years of formal training or has undergone an artisanal recognition of prior learning.
Another important initiative in the plumbing industry that could be emulated in the roofing and waterproofing industry is the SA watermark. This is a register of plumbing components that conform to the relevant South African National Standard. Among other benefits it offers plumbers, architects and contractors, it is a quick and convenient way to verify that products can be used legally. Watermark SA applies a rigorous set of checks and balances to verify test reports and certification systems to protect consumers against misrepresentation of plumbing components.
It is envisaged that similar initiatives could be introduced and coordinated by the Professional Roof Repair and Sealing Association (PRAWA) on behalf of the industry. Meanwhile, PRAWA will set up a committee of contractors and suppliers where
industry participants will be able to determine the next steps to take to introduce minimum standards and a materials registry to the industry.
“We are the only trade that must provide a 10-year guarantee on our work, and this is understandable given the immense damage that a poorly repaired or poorly maintained roof can cause to the property. However, despite these very high expectations, the industry does not even have minimum standards that contractors must adhere to when repairing and maintaining roofs. Through this initiative and with the support of all stakeholders, we know we will be able to build an industry that is not only good, but also excellent at what it does,” concludes Adams.
