Hand Me That Watchamacallit

By Construction Solutions, a campaign by Gibraltar Building Accessories Division.  

Different parts of the country have different names for some common roofing tools and products. We want to know what you call these tools.  

Imagine this…You wake up to head to your jobsite one morning. You know today is a big day because you finally got material in to keep moving on your latest job that has taken months of hard work. You get to your job site and see your project manager Bill. Bill is walking up with a new hire, Joe.  

Bill introduces Joe as the new foreman who has a strong background in roofing. He explains Joe just moved to California from Texas. Everyone exchanges pleasantries and Joe explains that he is very excited to be a part of the team and get moving on this project. 

The day begins with the crew jumping in to work on their assigned tasks and the project is moving on time, for once. Then you overhear a conversation between Joe and another crew member, Dillon, who aren’t on the same page about what a common construction product is. 

“Dillon, can you grab me a sheet metal roll and some tin snips from the truck?” asks Joe. 

Dillon stares at Joe and responds “…You want me to get you what now?” 

“I just need one sheet metal roll,” says Joe. 

Dillon responds, “Do you mean roll flashing?” 

In the scenario above, Joe and Dillon are talking about the same products but calling it different names based on their region. The building products industry has adopted product naming based on the actual use of the product and/or its shape, and at the very same time taken on an identity based on the location where it’s produced.  

That leaves us asking, which name is the right one?  

We are asking contractors to participate in a fun survey where we ask for your input on what you call the building products you use every day. 

Think of it as a “soda,” “pop,” “coke” survey with a building products twist. 

Begin the “What do you call it” survey now. 

Check back on RoofersCoffeeShop to see survey results and don’t forget to participate in our Answer Me This Question of the Week.