Ludowici welcomes roofing and installation contractors (of all terra cotta experience levels) to apply and attend Ludowici for a multi-day learning event. This includes a tour of the historical New Lexington tile factory (opened in 1888) and Factory of Ideas Showroom, as well as professional installation training from our in-house technical team of engineers and architects. The F.I.T. Program was created for any roofing contractors interested in learning more about Ludowici, terra cotta products, proper installation techniques, and as a potential stepping stone to enter Ludowici’s exclusive Crown Roofer Program. Upon completion, roofing contractors and installers will be given the status of Factory Installation Trained. Read the full program details below.
The primary goal of Ludowici’s three-day technical training is to educate, equip, and enable roofing contractors to feel comfortable about successfully installing terra cotta roofing products. It also serves as a potential entry point and stepping stone to enter Ludowici’s exclusive Crown Roofer Program.
By attending F.I.T. candidates gain:
Installers who successfully complete Ludowici's F.I.T. Program will receive:
Requirements (Annual training to retain F.I.T. status)
A F.I.T. installer will have an opportunity to renew their credentials each year by successfully completing/participating in two of the following:
The local Ludowici sales representative will work with the
roofing contractor to ensure the annual renewal requirements
are successfully completed and reported to the Ludowici team.
OUR TRAINERS
The F.I.T. Program candidates are led by experienced engineering and architecture professionals who are well versed in product knowledge, proper installation techniques, and experienced in industry and code installation requirements.
Contractors are responsible for a training fee plus travel expenses. Please see an updated registration form for pricing.
Arrival, Transportation, and Accommodations
Fly into John Glenn International Airport in Columbus, Ohio the day before training. We recommend that you rent a vehicle and stay in one of the following hotels: The Hampton Inn, Baymont by Wyndham, or Holiday Inn Express. All hotels are located in Lancaster, OH, a 30-minute commute to New Lexington.
8am: Arrival
4757 Tile Plant Rd. New Lexington, OH 43764
8am–8:30am: Welcome & Orientation
Learn the history of Ludowici, meet the contractors, get company overview and resources, and listen to presentation.
8:30am–9am: Ludowici Presentation
Overview of Ludowici, available resources and products for installers.
9am–10:30am: Factory Tour
Learn about the tile process, color blends, and why the Ludowici products are superior.
10:40am–11am: Ludowici Presentation (cont’d)
12:30pm–1pm: Presentation Continues through Lunch (lunch provided)
1pm–2pm: Factory of Ideas
(In-class Deck Prep/Underlayment Training)
Follow along in the installation guide for this comprehensive presentation on underlayments, fastening methods, and flashing basics.
2pm–2:30pm: Interlock Characteristics & Details
2:30pm–3pm: Hands-On Underlayment Installation Gain hands-on experience (up to 10 volunteers) preparing the deck and installing ice and water underlayment on a mock-up roof.
3pm–5pm: Hands-On Interlocking Tile
Gain hands-on experience (up to 10 volunteers) installing flashing, hips, and ridge details.
5pm–6pm: Depart for Hotel
8am–9am: Shingle & Barrel Characteristics
& Details
Gain hands-on experience (up to 10 volunteers) installing field tiles on dormers, hip, ridge, valley, and more.
9am–Noon: Hands-On Installation Training
Noon–12:30pm: Lunch (provided)
1pm–4pm: Hands-On Installation Training (cont’d)
5pm: Depart for Hotel/Airport
From the Factory back to John Glenn International Airport you will need a minimum of one hour and fifteen minutes for your drive time and to drop off your rental vehicle. We recommend flights in the early evening hours (after 6pm or the following morning).
Ready to become a F.I.T. installer?
Contact your local sales representative
for more information.