The following is a guest post by Trent Cotney, P.A.*

Under the current administration, OSHA has dramatically increased the number of inspections and citations issued to roofing contractors. President Obama recently signed the Federal Budget Act (the “Act”) on November 2, 2015. A provision was buried in the text of the Act that authorized OSHA to increase the penalties for citations for the first time since 1990. Under the Act, OSHA can account for inflation from 1990 to 2015 and increase fines using a one-time increase. Modified for inflation, penalties can increase by as much as 82%. For example, the maximum fine for a repeat or willful violation is $70,000. Under the new Act, the fines could increase to $125,000. The minimum fine often assessed to contractors is $7,000 for serious-classified violations.  Under the new Act, that fine could increase to approximately $12,500.  [Read more…]

The military has long used drones for surveillance and to take out terrorists, but the roofing industry is getting closer to being able to use drones for commercial purposes. And roofers aren’t the only companies that will benefit from drone and image capture technologies – farmers, railroads, security services and medical facilities are among the many industries eager to have an eye in the sky. [Read more…]

On September 16-18, 2015, DOT Metals was pleased to be one of the many exhibitors on hand for the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT) 40th Annual Conference & Trade Show in Fort Worth, Texas. The conference was held at the Fort Worth Convention Center and Omni Fort Worth Hotel downtown, and featured three full days of education combined with a healthy dose of food, fun and entertainment. [Read more…]

DOT Metals will be on-site in Fort Worth, Texas, at the 40^th Annual Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT) Conference & Trade Show. The conference takes place September 16-18, 2015, at the Fort Worth Convention Center and Omni Fort Worth Hotel downtown. The Omni Hotel is located adjacent to the Fort Worth Convention Center.

Find us in Halls E & F of the Convention Center at Booths 105 and 204! Stop by our booths for updates on innovative new products, plus great giveaways. We also invite you to come with any questions or feedback about DOT Metals products! We love to hear from our contractors! [Read more…]

When it comes to takeoffs for metal roofing, few manufacturing companies offer the kind of knowledge and experience you’ll find at DOT Metals®. Contractors and suppliers trust our estimating department for fast take-off and estimating services. Using advanced software, we can help you calculate the size of your roof project to determine material requirements and usage, or verify your numbers. Comprehensive design service and a quick turnaround are all part of the professional experience that you will enjoy when working with our trained estimators – and unlike other metal roofing companies, we offer it free of charge for all customers. [Read more…]