Training builds the foundation for siding success

By Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

Education, industry partnerships and workforce development are helping contractors capitalize on growing opportunities beyond the roofline. 

Homeowners are increasingly looking for contractors who can provide complete exterior solutions and siding has become one of the fastest-growing opportunities for roofing companies seeking to expand their services. But selling siding and installing it successfully are two very different things. True growth beyond the roofline requires contractors to build the product knowledge and installation expertise needed to deliver quality results. 

For roofing contractors, adding siding services creates opportunities that increase the potential project value while strengthening customer relationships and diversifying revenue streams. Yet success depends on much more than simply offering a new product category. Contractors need a deeper understanding of how siding systems perform and how they should be installed through strong operational processes that support quality results. 

That need for education and workforce development has become a major focus for the Polymeric Exterior Products Association (PEPA). Long recognized for its leadership in advancing vinyl siding and polymeric building products, PEPA has expanded its efforts to support the broader exterior products market by connecting advocacy and standards development with meaningful industry education. As the association continues to grow, workforce training remains one of its most important priorities, ensuring contractors have the knowledge and skills needed to meet increasing demand for siding and other exterior solutions. 

The importance of training was highlighted during the recent RoofersCoffeeShop® Coffee Conversations webinar, Beyond the Roofline: Growing Your Business With Siding. Sponsored by QXO and featuring Josh Wilens and Alex Birnbaum of QXO alongside Kristina Hill of HomeShield Roofing & Exteriors, the conversation focused on how siding has evolved from an occasional add-on into a strategic business opportunity. The panel explored how homeowners increasingly expect complete exterior solutions and why contractors who invest in training and strong operational planning are better positioned to capitalize on that demand. 

Training impacts every aspect of a siding business by helping sales teams understand product advantages, preparing crews to install systems correctly and building confidence throughout the organization. That confidence helps contractors deliver a better customer experience while reducing callbacks and warranty issues. When contractors invest in education, they create a stronger foundation for sustainable growth. 

PEPA is helping facilitate that growth by bringing together manufacturers, contractors and distributors with other industry stakeholders to address the industry's most pressing challenges. Through technical resources and educational programming supported by advocacy, the association is working to strengthen the entire polymeric exterior products sector. That commitment recently took an important step forward with the addition of QXO as the first company to join PEPA's new distributor membership category, creating stronger connections throughout the supply chain and expanding opportunities to deliver education and resources directly to contractors in the field. According to PEPA President and CEO Kate Offringa, distributors play a critical role in connecting manufacturers with contractors and builders while helping advance shared industry priorities around workforce development and market growth. She noted that QXO's leadership in distribution and technology makes the company an ideal partner as PEPA continues expanding its efforts to support the industry through collaboration, training and advocacy. 

The addition of QXO comes at a time when contractors are actively searching for ways to differentiate themselves in a competitive marketplace. With labor shortages continuing to challenge the construction industry, access to quality training and educational resources has never been more important. Distributors are uniquely positioned to help bridge that gap, connecting manufacturers' expertise with contractors who need practical guidance and support. The partnership between PEPA and QXO reflects a broader industry recognition that workforce development is essential to future growth. 

PEPA's expanding membership also demonstrates how the association has evolved beyond its traditional focus. Today, the organization represents a wide range of polymeric exterior building products, bringing together expertise from siding and roofing to trim, decking and other exterior solutions. That expanded perspective creates opportunities for cross-industry collaboration and education, helping contractors better understand how products work together across the entire exterior envelope. 

For roofing contractors considering a move into siding, the message is clear, opportunity follows education. Companies that commit to training their teams and leveraging industry resources will be better prepared to deliver quality installations and exceptional customer experiences. As the demand for complete exterior solutions continues to grow, training will remain the foundation that turns opportunity into long-term success. 

Organizations like PEPA, supported by engaged industry leaders such as QXO, are helping pave the way. By investing in workforce development and fostering collaboration across manufacturers, distributors and contractors, they are ensuring the future of siding is built on the knowledge and professionalism that lead to excellence. 

Find additional information about PEPA's advocacy, education and workforce development initiatives through the PEPA directory and learn more about QXO's expanding role in distribution, training and contractor support through the QXO directory on RoofersCoffeeShop.