Tecta America Acquires Eberhard Companies
Tecta America announces the acquisition of Eberhard Companies based in Van Nuys, California, and Las Vegas, Nevada.
“Dave and I look forward to working with the entire Tecta team in serving our clients as Eberhard has since 1945,” said Brian Mowatt.
Eberhard has served the greater Los Angeles and Las Vegas markets since 1945. The company is one of the most recognized commercial roofing providers in the aforementioned markets and has performed some of the most iconic roofing work over the last 80 years. Eberhard has established itself as a premier provider of new construction, re-roofing and service and maintenance services for property owners, general contractors as well as local, state and federal government customers. Eberhard’s focus on safety and taking care of its people and customers has been the keys to its success and growth.
Brian Mowatt, Dave Stefko and Paul McKellar will continue in their current roles alongside other key members of management. The operation will be known as Eberhard, a Tecta America Company, LLC in the southern California market and Eberhard Southwest, a Tecta America Company, LLC, in the southern Nevada market.
Tecta America Corporation has grown to over 95 locations nationwide and is the largest roofing contractor in the United States, with an impeccable quality and safety reputation. Tecta is an approved applicator of all major manufacturers.
SPRI POSTS WHITE PAPER ON IBC CHANGE
SPRI, Inc., the trade association representing the manufacturers of single-ply roofing systems and related component materials, has posted a new white paper that details the process of building consensus among multiple diverse stakeholders, to change the International Building Code (IBC).
The recently released 2024 International Building Code, includes language for the first time that clarifies how Lightning Protection Systems (LPS) when used on commercial structures, should be attached to roofing assemblies, roof covers, metal edge systems and gutters.
The new language, which has been added as new subsections in Section 1511 ‘Rooftop Structures,’ in the 2024 edition of the IBC, stipulates that the work must be completed in accordance with the manufacturer’s or a design professional’s instructions, and where LPS components are secured to, or penetrate the roof, they must be properly flashed. The specific language reads as follows:
• 1511.7 Other rooftop structures. Rooftop structures not regulated by Sections 1511.2 through 1511.6 shall comply with Sections 1511.7.1 through 1511.7.6, as applicable.
• 1511.7.6 Lightning Protection Systems. Lightning protection system components shall be installed in accordance with Sections 1511.7.6.1, 1511.7.6.2, and 2703 of this code.
• 1511.7.6.1 Installation on metal edge systems or gutters. Lightning protection system components attached to ANSI/SPRI/FM 4435/ES-1 or ANSI/SPRI GT-1 tested metal edge systems or gutters shall be installed with compatible brackets, fasteners, or adhesives, in accordance with the metal edge systems or gutter manufacturer’s installation instructions. Where the metal edge system or gutter manufacturer is unknown, installation shall be as directed by a registered design professional.
• 1511.7.6.2 Installation on roof coverings. Lightning protection system components directly attached to or through the roof covering shall be installed in accordance with this chapter and the roof covering manufacturer’s installation instructions. Flashing shall be installed in accordance with the roof assembly manufacturer’s installation instructions and Sections 1503.2 and 1507 where the lightning protection system installation results in a penetration through the roof covering. When the roof covering manufacturer is unknown, installation shall be as directed by a registered design professional.
SPRI, along with representatives from the Lightning Protection Institute (LPI), the United Lightning Protection Association (ULPA), UL Solutions, the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA), the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), and the Roof Coating Manufacturers Association (RCMA), worked closely for several months to build consensus to get new language written, approved and adopted into the International Building Code (IBC) which goes beyond the existing installation standards outlined in NFPA 7980 and UL 96A.
The white paper, titled ‘Lightning Protection Code Change Updates,’ was co-written by SPRI (SPRI.org) and the Lightning Protection Institute with then SPRI President Brad Van Dam and Lightning Protection Institute Executive Director Tim Harger leading the effort. The white paper provides details not only about how changes are made to the IBC, but also the process of building consensus among diverse stakeholders.
Bitec Merges With Viking
Bitec, Inc. has announced its merger with the Viking Products Group, formerly based in Northeast, Ohio. This partnership will give roofing contractor and distributor customers access to an extensive suite of roofing-related materials that deliver unique benefits such as the incorporation of recycled materials and design features that facilitate a quality installation, while expanding Bitec’s reach throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Viking Products Group was founded in 1996 as Commercial Innovations, Inc. to create a customer-responsive product and service offering for contractors and distributors. The company was rebranded under the Viking name in 2018. Reorganizing and consolidating Viking warehouse, service, and support operations to Arkansas under the guidance of Bitec’s experienced leadership team will enable both organizations to serve their customers more effectively and more efficiently.
Joel Shealey, vice president of Bitec who took on the role of Bitec president in January, reports, “The whole will be even stronger than the sum of its parts. We are two sales organizations serving the same markets. Aside from the obvious advantage of becoming more efficient at serving our customers, this merger will expand Bitec’s sales reach and give our customers access to some leading-edge products, including GreenSlope single-component polyurethane primer/adhesive for water ponding repair, sustainable Leadax® Armored Flashing, and StrongHold single-ply membranes, which are available in both KEE and PVC formulations.”
According to Brett Wygal, Viking president, Bitec will be retaining the Viking brand and acquiring all Viking product and intellectual property. He expects the merger to create sales momentum, reporting, “We’ve been talking to our sales reps and they are really excited about this next step in our growth. Our customers will benefit from a deeper offering of modified bitumen options and the great support a more mature organization can provide.“
Back-end integrations are already underway and the merger will be completed early in the first quarter of 2024.
Elevate announces leadership changes
Elevate™, a leading commercial roofing, wall and lining systems provider, has strategically reoriented its U.S. Sales organization and leadership team. The Elevate internal U.S. Sales team is now organized into East and West divisions, each led by a Senior Sales Director. The newly created role of Vice President of Supply Chain & Customer Experience will focus on end-to-end optimization, collaboration across the organization, and providing exceptional service to customers. Elevate implemented these changes to reinforce the commitment to improved customer centricity and provide more regionally focused customer support.
David Finn and Allen Sopko have both been promoted to the role of Senior Sales Director, with Finn leading the East and Sopko leading the West. In their new roles, the Senior Sales Directors will be responsible for regionally organized teams of Regional Sales, Strategic Account, and Regional Account Managers. The Elevate Technical and Warranty teams will be regionally aligned with their Sales partners to allow for more effective collaboration within each market. Together, these teams will be uniquely positioned to address customers’ needs, and in partnership with Elevate independent sales representatives, will focus on delivering an outstanding customer experience.
Jennifer Hemgesberg has been promoted to Vice President of Supply Chain & Customer Experience to enhance the integrated supply chain, focusing on end-to-end optimization and promoting collaborative efforts across the Holcim Building Envelope organization, including the Elevate brand. Hemgesberg will be responsible for demand and supply chain planning and will lead the Elevate Customer Experience (CX) program, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to customer loyalty and satisfaction. Hemgesberg’s professional experience includes a diverse background in supply chain planning and customer-centered programs, priming her to optimize customer service and drive sustainable growth.
PIMA Promotes Marcin Pazera, Ph.D., to Senior Directorship
The Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association (PIMA) has announced the promotion of Marcin Pazera, Ph.D., to the position of Senior Director, Technical Affairs, effective January 2024. In this expanded leadership role, Pazera will continue to support PIMA’s mission to be a reliable and trusted voice in the roofing and building envelope industries. As PIMA’s Senior Director of Technical Affairs, he will serve as the association’s technical expert in discussions that help shape the future of the buildings we live, work and learn in.
Pazera joined PIMA as its Technical Director in November 2017. Since then, he has provided technical oversight for the association’s Product Standards Work Group, QualityMark Work Group and Codes Work Group. With over 15 years of extensive industry experience and deep acumen, Pazera is a respected resource for questions on polyiso product performance, particularly at the intersection of building science and building envelope performance. His in-depth knowledge of issues impacting the insulation industry makes Pazera an influential voice at technical venues including the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), and at both the International Code Council (ICC) and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) 90.1 Committee, where he leads PIMA’s efforts in code development for energy efficiency provisions in the building envelope.
“As interest in advanced building materials and whole-building performance reaches new heights, polyiso will continue to play a key role in reducing the carbon and energy footprint of our built environment,” PIMA President, Justin Koscher, said. “Marcin’s technical expertise, leadership and collegial approach is critical to the success of the polyiso industry and of those who rely on the high-performance insulation to improve their roofs and building projects.”
An accomplished professional, Pazera earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Syracuse University, New York, and has authored over 30 technical papers in peer-reviewed journals. His presentations at numerous conferences, including ASTM and Building Envelope Science and Technology (BEST), also underline his dedication to advancing the roofing and building envelope industries.
Pazera’s promotion reflects his commitment to PIMA and the polyiso industry. As Senior Director of Technical Affairs, Pazera is well-positioned to help the association continue advocating for energy-efficient building envelopes by championing high-performance insulation solutions like polyiso.
James Julian Joins Mule-Hide Products Co.
James Julian has joined Mule-Hide Products Co. Inc., manufacturer of low-slope roofing products and systems, as territory manager for the Louisiana-Arkansas-Missouri territory.
He is the company’s lead contact with contractors throughout the three states, helping ensure projects are completed efficiently and according to specification; working with contractors and ABC Supply Co. Inc. branch teams to develop the best solutions to meet property owners’ roofing needs; and providing ongoing product, technical and sales training for contractors and ABC Supply associates.
Julian has worked in the roofing and construction industries in the St. Louis area for nearly 20 years. Most recently he was Central South region supervisor for roofing materials manufacturer Tremco Roofing & Building Maintenance, covering Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri. In that role, he supervised all self-performed commercial projects, including repair, restoration, single-ply and coatings projects.
Prior to that, he was a commercial roofing contractor, working as a project manager for JRC Inc. and as director of operations and field superintendent for CMT Roofing Inc. He also was vice president of Julian Construction Services for 10 years. l
