Are you ready for National Roofing Week? What’s that? You’ve never heard of it, you say? Well, let’s just take a few minutes to talk about why this week is so important to all the homes, businesses, and commercial entities here in Boise, Idaho.

You might not realize it, but the roof of your home or business is quite literally the most important aspect of those structures. Think about it, without a roof, what’s the point in even having a structure. Your business can operate to an extent without electricity, running water, or internet access. But without a roof, any merchandise, office furniture and equipment, computer systems, and other essential operational materials – not to mention your employees and customers – would be left exposed to the weather.

And at home, all your possessions, food and even that big flat screen TV your family gathers around to watch prime time television would be ruined after the first rain storm. So, as important as our buildings’ roofs are to our survival here in Boise, Idaho, why don’t we think to take better care of them?

It is often only after a leak is discovered or a hailstorm damages the protective covering of a roof that its importance is recognized. Each year, the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) encourages their members to get out into the community and spread the word about the importance of proper roof maintenance and how essential highly-trained roofing contractors are to keeping our homes, office buildings, commercial spaces, and warehouses safe and protected from outside elements.

Although most residential and commercial roofing systems can last up to 20 years under normal weather conditions, the NCRA is highlighting the importance of preventive maintenance and inspections of roofing systems. This past winter was particularly harsh here in Boise, Idaho with record snowfalls. Following that, the spring season saw our commercial roofing professionals racing to catch up with the high demand for repairs to leaky roofs of the flat or low-slope variety due to the amount of weight strain the snow placed upon them throughout the winter.

National Roofing Week is more than just a week-long reminder to take proper care of your roof though. It is also an opportunity to recognize and reward those roofing contractors who have gone above and beyond what their professional duties require. Most people outside the professional roofing community don’t realize how harsh and dangerous the working environment is for roofing specialists.

Day in and day out they risk their lives by climbing atop the structures the rest of us take for granted. From sub-zero temperatures in the winter to blazing hot temperatures of more than 120 degrees in the summer, these professionals perform a vital service to their communities by ensuring roofs are structurally sound and able protect the rest of our homes and workplaces.

All too often, work in the roofing industry is a thankless job. But National Roofing Week provides the opportunity to recognize the essential service professional roofing technicians provide. At the same time, this week is the perfect occasion for members of both the commercial roofing and residential roofing communities to educate the public about the importance of the role a sound roof plays in the safety and security of their homes and businesses.