14 Feb What Does an Accredited Consultant Mean for Me? Pt 1
Our most recent blog discussed the many ways to identify the right consultant.
One of the several factors to consider was the organization’s accreditations in the industry. Regarding building enclosure consultants, many accreditations are provided by The International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC). Some of those accreditations include RRO, RRC, and REWO, to name a few. Each accreditation provides specific knowledge and has multiple requirements to receive and maintain them.
What is RRO?
Registered Roof Observer (RRO) is one of the many accreditations from IIBEC. An RRO works on-site as a monitor throughout the installation of the roof. They ensure that the work matches the initial designs and is documented throughout the process.
Applicants must agree to the IIBEC Code of Ethics, stating that RROs swear to be truthful about their professional qualifications and performance and agree to provide “unprejudiced and unbiased judgment and conduct when performing all professional services.” They must also complete an exam and have experience in one of the following areas:
- QA inspector/consultant in roofing for two cumulative years
- Roof construction for two cumulative years
- Roofing manufacturer’s technical or sales representative for four years
AND
- 12 hours of continuing education earned
- A minimum of three roofing-related seminars
- Five references
The exam is about five hours with 150 questions. Applicants are tested on their understanding of roofing quality assurance observation, roof systems, field testing, communication, and remaining up to date on codes and standards.
In order to maintain this accreditation, an annual renewal fee and ten building envelope-related continuing educational hours earned each year are required.
“Quality assurance observation of roofing projects is an important process for determining if the removal, installation, repair, or maintenance of roofing materials or systems follow the scope and intent of the contract documents and are installed and executed in accordance with accepted roofing practices and the contract documents.” — ASTM Standard D 7186-05
What is RRC?
Registered Roof Consultant (RRC) is another accreditation from IIBEC. The use of an RRC ensures your project is designed by an educated and accredited professional specializing in roof design. Outside of their years of knowledge from testing and maintenance, RRC experts must also have a deep understanding of different materials. Regarding installations, an RRC will know the shortfalls, best forms of installation, and materials’ interaction with other aspects of the structure. This allows for an RRC design to be thorough and consider all factors.
Applicants must:
- Complete the RRC and GCK examinations
- Have at least four years of roof consulting experience
- Present verification of one’s education or work experience using a point system; A minimum of 100 points is required.
AND
- 70 hours of continuing education earned
- A minimum of three seminars within the roofing, waterproofing, or exterior wall industries.
- Five references
In order to maintain this accreditation, an annual renewal fee and 12 roofing, waterproofing, or exterior wall-related continuing educational hours earned each year are required.
Check back soon for part two when we discuss REWO and Certified Level 1 Thermography and the importance of these accreditations.