Why Choose a CRCA Member?

Know your Roofing Contractor

“Know your Roofing Contractor” is a wise and important warning for anyone contemplating a new roof or the repair of an old roof. These words came from Moses W. Powell, and early Chicago Roofing Contractor, whose company formed in the late 1800's, and is still family owned and operated.

“Knowing your Roofing Contractor” is not as easy to do as it seems. Moses Powell also wished his customers “knew their roofing contractor”. In the late 1800’s Powell was plagued by unethical individuals who claimed to be from his company. These cons applied inferior roofs, collected their fees, and disappeared, leaving Powell to explain to irate customers whose roofs had leaked or fallen on their heads.

The Chicago Roofing Contractors Association (CRCA), was originally called the "Amalgamated Gravel Roofing Contractors Association.  It was the earliest attempt on the part of the Chicago Area Professional Roofing Contractors to raise the standard of quality, service and reputation of Roofing Contractors. This concept was driven by people who chose to be involved in their industry, with a passion to create long term relationships with their customers, their industry and community.

Today, there are over 250 members of the Chicago Roofing Contractors Association. CRCA Member Contractors apply a large percentage of roofing, waterproofing and dampproofing in Chicago and the Northern Illinois Area.

CRCA Members Offer the following advantages to their customers, industry and community:

Experienced – CRCA Member Contracting firms have been in business continuously since the mid to late 1800’s. This longevity of service brings stability to relationships with customers. Additionally, newer firms who are involved in CRCA benefit from Membership Meetings where new knowledge of materials, technology and processes are brought by industry leaders to CRCA Member Firms.

Knickerbocker Photo

Licensed – Most CRCA Member Firms are licensed by the State of Illinos Department of Professional Regulation. CRCA Members worked with the State of Illinois to develop this program Licensing Roofing Contractors throughout the State to protect the consumer against unscrupulous contractors. The licensing process requires testing of contractor firm personnel for quantifiable qualification of the firm’s operation.

Competitive – CRCA Member firms invest time and money into equipment, processes and people to gain the best competitive edge possible in all facets of the business. CRCA Members, when bidding equal systems, are very competitive in the marketplace.

Reliable – Many CRCA Member Firms are 3rd generation family businesses. CRCA Member firms know that the only way to stay in business and preserve their companies for the next generation is by consistently high quality workmanship and standing behind their work year after year.

Educated – Whether union or non-union, CRCA Member Firms educate their people and companies through training in the classroom and in the field on all types of roofing systems. Experienced firm employees pass on skills to new employees year after year. Workers and contractors have years of experience in all types of roofing systems installation, including gravel and ballast covered, smooth surfaced, roof garden vegetative systems, as well as pavers, photovoltaics, and other overburden systems.

Involved – Many CRCA Members are active in or leaders of Habitat for Humanity, Chambers of Commerce, Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions Club, Boy Scouts, Sports Teams, and other organizations.

Know your roofing supplier, CRCA Associate Member

Roofing and waterproofing suppliers can be categorized in multiple areas:

• Manufacturers – These firms manufacture various roofing and waterproofing products for use by professional contractors and others. Some firms use a direct sales and technical force to support contractors, distributors, architects and consultants.
  
  
• Manufacturers Representatives – Some manufacturers of products may choose to work with independent sales representatives who support contractors, distributors, architects and consultants.
  
  
• Distributors – Manufacturers may choose to use local distribution to stock, support, extend credit and technically support products in many cases.
  

Know your roofing consultant, CRCA Associate Member

Roofing and Waterproofing Consultants assist building owners, contractors and architects in specification, design and inspection of roofing systems.

Know your roofing support firm, CRCA Associate Member

Many industries support the roofing and waterproofing contractor. From insurance specialists, to decking and lightweight concrete insulation suppliers, to vacuum services, these firms are a vital part of CRCA.

Why use a CRCA Member Roofing, Waterproofing and Dampproofing Contractor?

The benefits are clear cut. Experienced, Licensed, Competitive, Reliable, Educated and involved in the industry and community….are all important characteristics that answer the age old question, “How to Select a CRCA Member Roofing, Waterproofing and Dampproofing Contractor”.