Quality Incidence Rating (QIR) Update
November 23, 2010
Important Program Update
The Firestone Quality Incidence Rating (QIR) is now one of the most recognized programs in the roofing industry. Firestone is committed to the long-term success of our customers and the QIR helps the continuous improvement process. Based on valued feedback from key stakeholders, Firestone has identified several opportunities to improve both the program and its impact on roof system performance. As a result, Firestone is pleased to announce a significant update to the QIR program.
BACKGROUND
Prior to the development of the QIR program, roofing quality typically was measured using roof inspection ratings conducted shortly after the roof was installed. Recognizing that quality is projected by sustainability of roofs, Firestone analyzed the performance of roof installations with a minimum of five years of in-service performance. This analysis indicated that roofs installed by some contractors had significantly fewer leak reports and repair costs than other roofs.
QIR – WHAT IS IT?
The QIR program is a quality recognition system confirmed by data representing sustainability. QIR uses a simple, effective tool for collecting data. For the past five years, Firestone has provided its contractors with online access to their QIR status, which provides important information for all stakeholders. By simply dividing the annual number of repair incidents by the millions of square feet of Firestone roofing systems under warranty, we generate the individual contractor’s QIR. The rating provides a compelling case that quantifies overall quality of Firestone roofs, including material and installation. Given an average annual QIR of less than 2 for a Firestone licensed contractor, very few industry stakeholders can question the commitment to quality shared by Firestone Building Products and our licensed contractors.
QIR FORMULA
The QIR is a simplified rating system for each contractor. Each year, the QIR measure is computed using the total number of warrantable repair incidents occurring on Firestone roofs divided by the total square footage of Firestone roofs under warranty:
CONTRACTOR RECOGNITION
Firestone recognizes contractors who achieve the highest levels of roofing quality based on QIR. The first level of this program is the Partner in Quality Award. This award is presented to all Firestone contractors who meet the following criteria for the year ending prior to the award: - Install at least 4 warranted Firestone roofs in each of the past five years.
- Maintain at least 1 million square feet of Firestone roofs under warranty.
- Achieve an annual QIR of 2.0 or less.
Partners in Quality achievement are recognized with a commemorative plaque, listing on Firestone’s website along with national and local press coverage provided by Firestone’s public relations agency.
The second level of this program is the Inner Circle of Quality Award. This award is presented to all Firestone contractors who meet the following criteria for the year ending prior to the award: - Achieve Master Contractor status.
- Install at least 4 warranted Firestone roofs in each of the past five years.
- Maintain at least 2 million square feet of Firestone roofs under warranty.
- Achieve an annual QIR of 2.0 or less.
Contractors at the 2nd level of quality achievement are recognized at Firestone’s annual Master Contractor Event, have a listing on Firestone’s website and receive extensive national and local publicity promoting this achievement.
In addition, Partners in Quality and Inner Circle of Quality award recipients are eligible to participate in Firestone’s Inner Circle Insurance program, which offers general liability and workman’s compensation coverage to selected contractors with outstanding quality and safety records. (Note: Insurance coverage subject to underwriting guidelines.)
WEB-BASED REPORTING SYSTEM
Firestone has a secure web page that provides QIR updates on a weekly basis and may be accessed by each contractor. In addition to computing past and current QIR ratings, the web page also provides a detailed listing of all reported repair incidents that are included in the QIR rating. In coordination with the current Master Contractor program, the QIR annual accounting period is computed based on a calendar year, December 1 through November 30. To become a Master Contractor, the QIR must be less than 3 times the national average of all Red Shield Contractors. All ratings are re-set to zero on December 1 each year.