This year, the Excellence in Asphalt Roofing Awards Program has undergone significant changes to create an even more inspiring and competitive platform for roofing professionals. The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) is pleased to unveil new judging criteria and a series of best-in-class categories that promise to elevate the roofing industry to new heights.
“With the new judging criteria and award categories, we aim to reach a wider audience and receive diverse submissions from various projects, including residential, commercial, low-slope, and steep-slope,” states Reed Hitchcock, ARMA executive vice president.
The Excellence in Asphalt Roofing Awards Program is more than just a contest; it’s an opportunity for contractors to showcase their remarkable work and advancements in the field of asphalt roofing. To ensure objectivity towards all project types and asphalt products, ARMA has introduced new judging criteria designed to highlight the unique qualities of each submission:
- Why Asphalt – Why was asphalt seen as the roofing solution? What circumstances existed with the building, and what benefits made it clear that asphalt was the best roofing choice?
- Project Challenges – Were there any technical, operational, or environmental challenges that were successfully overcome through the innovative use of asphalt roofing materials? Does the project demonstrate the reliability, durability, and overall system strength of asphalt roofing? Is the project a testament to how a properly installed asphalt roofing system can ensure protection and peace of mind?
- Distinction – Why is this project different from its peers? Was the quality of the craftsmanship extraordinary, and were there any circumstances, pre-existing conditions, or challenges that made it stand out? Can this project be considered a step above the rest?
- Beauty – Does the project showcase an aesthetic appeal or exhibit impressive technical complexity? Does it possess visual allure or intrigue, elevating the skyline, building use, or design?
In recognition of exceptional performance and achievement, the projects that score the highest according to the judges’ evaluations will receive a monetary prize. The medal awards include $2,000 for Gold, $1,000 for Silver, and $500 for Bronze.
Aside from the medal winners, the panel of judges may propose specific projects for best-in-class categories at the end of the evaluation process. These categories include:
- In the Neighborhood – Highlighting projects that combine affordability with style, focusing on how color and design choices can elevate the appearance of residential homes.
- Commercial/Mixed Use – Recognizing the complexities of flat roof projects in commercial, industrial, educational, healthcare, retail, and other non-pitched roof systems.
- Craftsmanship – Celebrating the artistry of roofing with a focus on intricate designs and sheer sizes, open to both low- and steep-slope applications.
- Technical Difficulty – Emphasizing operational and installation challenges, such as projects involving multiple penetrations, work during nighttime, skyscraper steeples, and cold weather applications.
Unless there is a tie, there will be only one winner per best-in-class category, with annual acknowledgments left to the judges’ discretion.
The Excellence in Asphalt Roofing Awards Program recognizes the outstanding work of contractors in North America, spanning from steep- to low-slope roofing. The main objective is to promote a culture of continuous innovation and excellence in the industry. It’s free to apply, and contractors can submit multiple entries for projects completed within the last three years. The deadline for submissions is December 1, 2023.
Winning companies will receive an official ARMA certificate, promotions on ARMA’s website and social media platforms, authority-boosting materials, and national and local trade media exposure. Additionally, ARMA will recognize the winners at the 2024 International Roofing Expo from February 6-8 in Las Vegas.
