The essential role of roofing consultants

By Dani Sheehan. 

From initial design to regular maintenance, there are several important players in building construction. Build lasting roofing solutions by cultivating relationships through stronger collaboration. 

As a leading manufacturer across the nation and with a presence in 90 countries around the world, SOPREMA believes in creating long-lasting relationships to improve the sustainability of the built environment while minimizing our impact on the natural environment. We recently sat down with Mark DeFreitas, vice president of national and strategic accounts, to discuss a unique role in the roofing industry that serves not only to enhance collaboration across the building envelope but also to ensure durable designs and lasting systems in every construction project. 

Roofing consultants play a critical role in the construction and maintenance of building enclosures, encompassing roofing, waterproofing and exterior walls. Mark elaborated on this role by highlighting the comprehensive services provided by roofing consultants. He shared, “[These professionals] offer unbiased design, repair planning, quality assurance observations and legal testimony when needed.” Essentially, they act as the building owner’s advocate, ensuring that all stakeholders, including designers, contractors and material suppliers, adhere to the same high standards. 

Mark emphasized the importance of collaboration between roofing consultants, architects, contractors and manufacturers, particularly early on in a new project. He used the analogy of a three-legged stool to illustrate this point: “You also have to have good professional contractors, applicators of the roof systems and then you also have to have good materials, long-lasting materials that are sustainable. So, it’s just like the three legs of a chair, and you need all three to give the owner what they paid for, which is a long-lasting best value.”  

The value of consultants in the field 

Roofing consultants provide invaluable on-site expertise that benefits both building owners and manufacturers. They conduct thorough inspections and observations, often identifying potential issues before they become significant problems. Mark pointed out, “Consultants are very good eyes and ears, not only for the owners they represent but also for manufacturers. If you’ve got a good relationship with the consultant, they can give you some heads-up on some of the things they are seeing in the field.” This early detection helps in addressing challenges promptly, ensuring the durability and performance of roofing systems. 

Mark further highlighted the importance of the holistic view that consultants bring to the table, saying, “They look at the roofing and the waterproofing of walls. They look at everything, and sometimes they can see whether there’s going to be issues with transitions.”  

SOPREMA’s relationship with roofing consultants 

SOPREMA maintains a strong and dynamic relationship with roofing consultants both nationally and locally through active participation in the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC), which focuses on research, education and dissemination of information in the industry. Mark has fostered a close relationship with his local chapter in North Texas helping to establish meaningful dialogue and engagement in the consulting community. He elaborated, “We try each year to do a consultant forum, where we bring contractors in to meet with a group of consultants that we work with. It’s 15 to 20% talking and 75 to 80% listening to them because you can’t provide good solutions unless you listen to your customers and understand their challenges.” 

Education and communication are key pillars of SOPREMA’s strategy in working with roofing consultants. IIBEC provides educational seminars, publications and other resources that are vital for staying updated with industry trends and innovations. Mark shared, “We always encourage our salespeople and technical teams to take part and take advantage of the educational opportunities that IIBEC presents.” 

Roofing consultants are indispensable in ensuring the quality and longevity of roofing and other building enclosure systems. Their expertise, combined with collaborative efforts of manufacturers like SOPREMA, architects and contractors, creates a comprehensive framework for building sustainable and high-performing enclosures. Through active engagement, continuous education and open communication, SOPREMA and roofing consultants work together to advance the industry.