Code clarity builds a stronger tile industry

By The Coffee Shops™.  

These resources help contractors prepare new labor crews for long-term success. 

In a recent episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down with Rick Olson, president of the Tile Roofing Industry Alliance (TRIA), to discuss how their training guide has become one of the organization's most important contributions to the roofing industry. 

According to Rick, the effort began when TRIA identified a major challenge: inconsistent installation guidance. He explained that before the organization unified its approach, manufacturers maintained separate installation manuals, creating confusion in the marketplace. To address that issue, TRIA developed an installation guide focused on code compliance and best practices. 

As the project evolved, hands-on training became a natural extension of that work. Rick shared, “One of our problems is that we're confusing the world because we put in our marketing fluff and the guides really don't get down to what we really want it to be, which is the code.” In response to this, TRIA developed courses that take place across the country to teach roofing professionals the practical side of code compliance.  

Today, contractors, estimators, office staff and installers participate in classes that cover everything from roof layout and underlayment requirements to flashings and weather considerations. The program combines classroom education with hands-on learning in many markets, helping participants connect technical concepts with real-world applications. 

The training is especially valuable as roofing companies bring new workers into the industry. Rather than relying solely on jobsite traditions, contractors can introduce employees to current code requirements and accepted installation methods from the start. 

Rick noted that many experienced crews also benefit from the courses. “We never say what you did was wrong,” he said. “What we say is let's walk through the methodology that got you to where you are.” 

Participants receive a certificate of completion and can demonstrate their training credentials through TRIA's contractor database. For roofing companies, that commitment to education helps reinforce professionalism while reducing costly mistakes and callbacks. 

For TRIA, the goal remains straightforward: provide contractors with the knowledge needed to build durable, code-compliant tile roofing systems that perform as intended for decades. 

Listen to the conversation or Watch the recording to learn more about tile roofing training.