Mike Silvers, CPRC, Owner, Silvers Systems Inc. and FRSA Technical Director - June 2026
Occassionally, I hear from one of our long-time contractor members about the rapid pace of changes in our industry and why they don’t like a particular change that has been made in the code or other regulations. I understand, change is hard. Interestingly, those few that are most upset with a particular change are in an age group commonly referred to as “boomers.” Before anyone is offended by my use of this overused term, please understand that I am one, though I prefer to think of myself as mid-century modern. Younger folks may still be bothered by some of these changes but are more open to change overall. They have grown up in a world that changes at the speed of light and have learned to expect it. As a seasoned construction veteran, I understand why many others like me are overwhelmed but then I reflect on my own experiences and remind myself of just how much our industry has changed in the 60 years that I’ve been involved.
As an example, one of my earliest jobs (late 60s and early 70s) was maintaining the wide variety of equipment used to perform commercial roofing. Every good roofer had kettles for heating bitumen (asphalt or coal tar). To heat them, we used kerosene tanks bolted to the side of these heating vessels. Yes, they occasionally caught fire. Kerosene tanks are not naturally pressurized like those containing liquid petroleum gas (LPG) but still need to feed the combustible liquid to the burners. This was accomplished by a pump inserted into the tank powered by a manually operated “T” handle to pressurize the tank (picture a large bicycle tire pump) until a siphon was established by preheating coils in the burners. The seals used at the end of the pump piston were made from leather. Hot bitumen was transported to the roof in buckets by rope hoists often attached to the top of a ladder, leaving the hoist operator on the ground, almost directly under open containers of hot bitumen. On the roof, asphalt was most often applied with mops and pouring cans. They were used to install three, four and five plies of organic felt and often surfaced with aggregate or coating.
Technology quickly brought improvements to these systems. LPG fueled burners, pumper kettles and asphalt dispensers took the place of the old equipment. Reinforcing membranes changed from organic to fiberglass and polyester. Cap sheets became more prominent with many not requiring hot asphalt to apply. Eventually single-ply membranes became the prominent low-slope system with – in many cases – robots performing much of the seam sealing. This is an example of a just few of the many changes in just low-slope roof systems. I could use similar examples for any type of roof system.
So, why is it that those who have been doing this work for so long and have witnessed and adapted to so many past changes are having difficulty understanding that change continues to occur? If we can reflect with an open mind, some of it comes down to “I’ve been doing it this way for a long time and it worked, why do I have to change now?” That is often the sentiment expressed but is it realistic?
The forces influencing change in the roofing industries are numerous and varied. Materials, technology, workforce, insurance, safety, laws and building codes are just a few factors that impact change. The building commission will make changes with each cycle and the legislature will meet and pass laws that lead to new regulations with each session. Both will be influenced by a host of stakeholders. It is imperative that FRSA remains vigilant by being involved in these processes to influence the eventual outcome. We must be proactive. This is being accomplished through the efforts of our volunteer members, legislative counsels, legal counsel and FRSA staff.
The technical services staff are deeply involved in the development of roofing-related changes in the building code. We also assist with technical issues that arise during the legislative session. With all the attention on construction, codes and resiliency, this has been a continually active area. Through our collective efforts, we have and will continue to have a significant impact on these developments but there are many competing interests that are trying to do the same. We will prevail in moving our positions forward on most of the issues but we don’t win them all. I can assure you that it’s not for lack of trying.
One thing we can’t do is stop change from occurring. To quote the Greek philosopher Heraclitus, who lived 2,500 years ago, “There is nothing permanent in life except change.” So, if we understand that change is constant, how can we help overcome our resistance to change and make it less troubling? Most importantly,
we can let those affected by the changes know about them before they go into effect. FRSA is committed to keeping our members aware of changes that can have an impact on their companies and our trade. We do this by sharing knowledge through personal discussions, reports to committees and subcommittees, magazine articles and seminars. Hopefully, through these communications we can help people prepare for these inevitable changes and thereby help them adjust.
Clearly, I’ve been around a while but not long enough to have been there for Heraclitus. But I was around to hear this from a philosopher and poet of my era through his song. The words will always be applicable to the never-ending tides of change: "You better start swimming or you’ll sink like a stone, for the times they are a-changin” – Bob Dylan, 1964.
Mike Silvers, CPRC is Owner of Silvers Systems Inc. and is consulting with FRSA as Director of Technical Services. Mike is an FRSA Past President, Life Member and Campanella Award recipient and brings over 50 years of industry knowledge and experience to FRSA’s team.