Roofing Contractors Association of Washington (RCAW)

The Roofing Contractors Association of Washington (RCAW) is a statewide trade association that supports roofing professionals through advocacy, education, safety initiatives, and networking.  For Washington homeowners and property managers, RCAW’s work helps raise the bar on roofing quality, professionalism, and accountability across the region.​

What is RCAW?

The Roofing Contractors Association of Washington is a nonprofit organization founded in 1965 to advance the roofing industry in an ethical and professional way throughout the state.  Over time, it has evolved from a labor-focused group into a broad industry association serving residential and commercial contractors, manufacturers, distributors, consultants, and other related professionals.​

RCAW’s mission centers on bringing the roofing community together to improve business success, encourage high standards, and support members with practical resources they can use every day.  The association promotes credibility and camaraderie among contractors while working to elevate the public’s perception of the roofing trade as a skilled, safety-conscious profession.​

History and evolution

When RCAW was first created, membership was limited to contractors signatory to union labor agreements, and its primary role was collective bargaining and contract administration with local roofers’ unions.  As the industry changed in the late 1970s and early 1980s, RCAW shifted away from bargaining to focus on lobbying, industry promotion, and member services that could benefit a wider variety of companies​

To expand its reach, the association opened membership to non-union contractors and companies across both Western and Eastern Washington, broadening its representation beyond the original regional and labor boundaries.  This broader base allowed RCAW to speak for a more diverse cross-section of the roofing industry while still working toward improved quality, training, and professionalism statewide.​

Advocacy and legislative voice

A core function of RCAW today is advocacy on legislative and regulatory issues that affect roofing businesses and their employees in Olympia and throughout the state.  By working with partners such as the Independent Business Association of Washington and other business coalitions, RCAW tracks proposed laws, codes, and regulations and provides a unified voice for the roofing community.​

This advocacy helps ensure that roofing contractors’ perspectives are considered on topics like safety rules, licensing, labor standards, taxes, and business regulations, which can directly impact pricing, scheduling, and jobsite requirements.  For property owners, this behind-the-scenes work supports an industry environment where qualified contractors can operate efficiently while maintaining compliance and focusing on quality installations.​

Education, safety, and training

RCAW offers educational opportunities and access to safety resources so contractors can stay current on best practices, codes, and emerging technologies.  Members can find safety information, attend training sessions, and connect with programs designed to reduce jobsite hazards, improve fall protection practices, and address common violations that roofing crews encounter.​

Partnerships with organizations like Safety Matters Training Institute give members access to structured safety programs and classes tailored specifically to roofing work and construction environments.  These efforts support safer crews and better-protected worksites, which benefits both workers and customers who rely on well-managed, compliant roofing projects that prioritize long-term performance and worker welfare.​

Member benefits and networking

RCAW emphasizes networking as a key benefit, providing events, online resources, and a “members clubhouse” environment where contractors, suppliers, manufacturers, and industry professionals can connect and share knowledge.  These relationships can lead to collaboration, shared problem-solving, workforce referrals, and exposure to new products, systems, and installation methods that can improve efficiency and durability.​

Members also gain access to legal guidance from firms familiar with construction and roofing issues, as well as health benefit options and other business support services that can be difficult for a single contractor to obtain alone.  Additional perks can include job posting opportunities, marketing visibility, sponsorship options, discounts, and affiliation with broader groups such as the CleanTech Alliance, which helps businesses engage with energy-efficient and sustainable building solutions.​

Industry events and community presence

RCAW keeps the roofing community engaged through industry events such as trade shows, golf tournaments, awards programs, and networking gatherings that bring contractors and vendors together.  These events create space for informal learning, product demonstrations, and relationship-building that can translate into better project coordination and more informed material choices for end customers.​

The association also maintains an active presence through newsletters, social channels, and member spotlights that highlight projects, safety milestones, and emerging issues in the roofing world.  This ongoing communication helps members anticipate changes, share success stories, and stay connected to the broader direction of the Washington roofing market.​

Why RCAW matters to property owners

For homeowners, building owners, and property managers, RCAW’s influence shows up indirectly in the quality and professionalism of member contractors, even if the association operates largely behind the scenes.  Contractors who participate in associations like RCAW often have easier access to current code information, safety training, legal resources, and peer support, which can translate into more reliable project planning, clearer contracts, and smoother project execution.​

RCAW also works to increase consumer awareness and strengthen the industry’s reputation, which encourages ethical practices and discourages fly-by-night operators who may cut corners or disappear after a storm.  When property owners choose contractors who are engaged in their professional community, they are more likely to work with companies committed to long-term service, continuing education, and high standards for both workmanship and customer communication.​

Partnering with an RCAW-engaged roofer in Mukilteo, WA

In a coastal community like Mukilteo, WA, where roofs must stand up to marine air, frequent rain, and seasonal storms, working with a roofing contractor who understands local conditions and participates in broader industry conversations can make a meaningful difference in long-term performance.  

ShieldPro Roofing draws on the kind of best practices, safety awareness, and professional standards championed by organizations such as the Roofing Contractors Association of Washington, helping property owners plan repairs, replacements, and ongoing maintenance with confidence that their roofing decisions are informed, durable, and aligned with recognized industry guidelines.

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