By Jesse Sanchez. 

A clearly defined maintenance program can help contractors protect roof assets, strengthen customer relationships and create recurring opportunities. 

Commercial roofing contractors often begin customer relationships with small repairs, but a structured service department can turn those initial calls into long-term partnerships. During this CoatingsTalk, Chris Huettig, vice president of technical services at KARNAK and Tracey Donels, owner of Service First Solutions, discussed how contractors can develop maintenance offerings that provide measurable value. 

Why is a service and maintenance department essential? 

Tracey explained that small service jobs give contractors an opportunity to demonstrate reliability and build relationships before larger roofing needs arise. “The thing that gets us started in business is those small jobs that can help us build the trust and the relationships with those customers, leading forward,” Tracey shared. 

With the right structure, a service department becomes more than a necessary part of operating a commercial roofing business. It can support customer retention and create opportunities for future maintenance, restoration and replacement work. 

How should contractors define their initial offerings? 

Chris encouraged contractors to clearly explain what customers are purchasing and to consider presenting maintenance as a form of asset protection. He shared, “When you define what you're doing, the building owners clearly understand what they're buying as that asset protection program.” 

A clearly defined scope also helps contractors separate included services from additional work that may require a new proposal. Contractors can create different service levels based on each building’s condition, use and inspection needs. 

What separates preventive maintenance from an inspection? 

Tracey cautioned contractors against labeling a basic inspection and report as a preventive maintenance program. “They're calling it preventive maintenance, but all they're doing is going out there, doing an inspection and providing a report,” according to Tracey. 

True preventive maintenance includes work such as removing debris, cleaning gutters and completing minor repairs. A defined menu of services also makes it easier for salespeople to educate building owners about solutions beyond leak response and roof replacement. 

Building type, roof age, rooftop traffic and surrounding conditions should guide the frequency and scope of each program. Chris noted that inspection schedules should be adjusted to the needs of each property. “There are instances where that needs to be increased. It depends on each building owner and the situation there,” he explained. Restaurants may have grease near exhaust systems, while shopping centers can experience frequent traffic from heating, ventilation and air conditioning technicians and other trades. Older roofs or buildings surrounded by trees may also require closer attention. 

By defining services clearly and matching them to individual properties, contractors can establish expectations, protect customer assets and create a foundation for more efficient operations. 

Listen to the entire podcast or Watch the conversation to learn more about building a commercial roof service program. 

By Emma Peterson. 

After several years of uncertainty, FMI analysts see encouraging signs driven by infrastructure investment and commercial expansion. 

A lot has happened in the last few years that has destabilized our market and industry, but that doesn’t mean that growth isn’t still happening. In fact, FMI Corporation’s 2026 Q2 North America Construction and Engineering Outlook Report indicates that the industry is still positioned for growth, driven by power infrastructure, data center demand and steady nonresidential activity. To learn more about this prediction, Heidi J. Ellsworth brought Paul Trombitas, a partner at FMI, onto an episode of Contractor Outlook™. 

Paul kicked off the episode by sharing some background on how FMI makes their Outlook reports and the results from the last couple of years, saying, “One of the biggest parts of our report is our overall growth measurement. It’s important to note that we look at construction over the lifecycle of a project, so it's allocated during the year that it's put in place... Looking at the last few years, we saw growth in the 2023-2024 year, then 2024-2025 was not a great year and then 2025-2026 was shown to be flat.”  

The good news is that Paul and FMI team predict that the growth of the market will pick back up again as we head towards 2027. He explained, “When we look at residential, we anticipate right around a 4.7% growth rate. Not as strong as 2025 but still picking up. As for non-residential, it’s looking at a stronger growth rate closer to 6%.” What is driving the higher growth in non-residential? Paul shared some insight, saying, “Data centers are obviously the big shiny object in the room, and that segment will continue to grow. Matching it, power is also a big segment, as well as manufacturing space, healthcare facilities and warehouse development.” 

The takeaway from all this? Keep your head up. It’s been a rough few years for the industry, with labor instability, global geopolitical shifts, regulation changes and more, but there is still work and growth ahead.  

Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording of it to hear more insights and predictions FMI Corporation’s 2026 Q2 North America Construction and Engineering Outlook Report.

By Jesse Sanchez. 

IB Roof Systems representatives explain how building use, climate and performance expectations should guide membrane selection. 

During a live Coffee Conversations® at the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA), IB Roof Systems™ representatives Jamie Treglio and Rob Dehaan discussed the growing role of single-ply roofing. Jamie, director of brand and marketing, and Rob, the company’s Florida representative, emphasized that successful specifications begin with understanding the building rather than defaulting to one membrane. 

Why are single-ply systems gaining ground in Florida? 

Florida’s population growth has increased demand for hospitals, restaurants, entertainment facilities, retail centers and other infrastructure. Rob said single-ply systems can support these projects by offering installation efficiency, reflectivity and tested performance. 

“You can cover a lot of ground and it’s a clean product to put down, too. That’s what people really like. [It’s] highly reflective, so it checks a lot of the boxes they’re looking for in many situations.”  

Those advantages can make single-ply roofing an effective option for projects where contractors and building owners must balance installation speed, energy considerations, code requirements and long-term performance. 

How should contractors choose between TPO and PVC? 

Although thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are both single-ply membranes, Jamie explained that they should not be treated as interchangeable solutions. The building’s use, operating conditions and expected service life should guide the selection. 

“Just knowing how to move between those thermoplastics and which one works where is super important. And then, while we love single ply, there’s a need for it all.”  

TPO can provide an economical option when budgets are constrained, while certain buildings may require a thicker or more robust PVC system. Contractors should evaluate the conditions of each project before recommending a membrane. 

Why must the entire assembly be considered? 

Membrane selection is only one part of designing an energy-efficient and durable roof. Rob said contractors must consider how every component contributes to the performance of the complete assembly. Rob noted, “I think the big thing with energy savings is you have to look through the whole roof system. I think sometimes we focus on one component and it’s like, if all the other components are fighting against that component, what’s the point?”  

Jamie reinforced that system-based approach by pointing to components that can be overlooked during design and value engineering. Jamie shared, “The key word in all of that, to me, was system. It’s going to include the membrane, the cover board and often-overlooked components like vapor barriers.” Membrane type, insulation, cover boards, vapor control and reflectivity must work together. Building use, expected service life, rooftop conditions and warranty goals also influence membrane thickness and system design. 

Selecting the right single-ply assembly requires collaboration among the building owner, contractor, manufacturer, consultant and design professional. That system-based approach becomes even more important when Florida’s wind requirements and severe weather are added to the specification. 

Listen to the entire podcast or Watch the conversation to learn more about selecting single-ply roofing systems! 

By Emma Peterson. 

With expertise spanning everything from slate and cedar to liquid-applied systems and high-rises, Campany Roofing continues to set the standard in Florida roofing. 

Our latest Roofer of the Month is Campany Roofing, a premier roofer in South Florida founded back in 1990 by Ed Campany. To learn more about Campany, Megan Ellsworth got the chance to talk with Andrew Yusko, one of Campany Roofing’s senior account managers, on our Roofer of the Month podcast.  

In the three-plus decades since Campany was founded, they have built a reputation for quality workmanship, incredible customer service and an unmatched portfolio of projects. Their team has worked on pretty much every type of roofing project under the sun, from PVC roofing to shake shingles. Andrew explained, “We can do everything. We do shingle roofs, we do liquid applied roofs, we still are one of the few contractors mopping hot asphalt, we put on slate roofs, we put on cedar.” He went on to highlight what he would consider their specialty, saying, “I would say our specialty is the high-difficulty project, whether that’s a 50-story building, a 50-home community or it's a $200 million house being built, wherever the roofing is difficult and requires a high level of craftsmanship, that's really where our niche is.” 

A great example of the type of roof that fit into this specialty niche was a project on the ocean over by North Hutchinson Island (along the east coast of Florida). Andrew shared a bit about what made the project a challenge:  

It was a high-difficulty and high-visibility job. The roof had some liquid applied, there was some electrical needs, there were rooftop dividing fences, pavers, you name it, it probably had it. And a job that complex with so many trades involved, no one was interested. They had gone through a couple of different roof consultants and engineers that had walked away because of the difficulties. 

Luckily for the property managers, Campany was more than ready to rise to the challenge of this project. Andrew recalled, “Our company stepped in, took a hold of the project and delivered not only a really high-quality roof system, but coordinated the pavers, electrical, all those parts that made people avoid the project.” And the best part? The Campany team did that all within budget and meeting the project timeline! As Andrew put it, “The project turned out really cool and is kind of a standard bearer for us of what we're capable of.” 

Looking ahead, Andrew is excited about taking on more challenges like this, “Campany has always been a strictly re-roof company, but we’ve just started to expand into some new construction. We're really excited as we move forward, continuing to try and be thought of as one of the real elite roofers in Florida.” 

Learn more about Campany and what makes them our Roofer of the Month by Listening to the whole podcast episode.

By Jesse Sanchez. 

CertainTeed’s education programs help contractors expand their services while maintaining installation quality. 

During a live Roofing Road Trips® podcast from CertainTeed’s Business Builders Workshop in San Diego, Joe Thompson, senior manager of exterior products training, shared how contractor education supports business growth. With experience in commercial roofing, technical services and inspections, Joe now focuses on training professionals in residential roofing, siding, commercial roofing and solar solutions. 

What makes CertainTeed’s contractor training program different? 

Joe said education serves as the foundation of CertainTeed’s contractor credentialing and engagement programs. Rather than limiting instruction to centralized facilities, the company uses multiple training formats to reach contractors across the country. 

“Everything is education based. I have a team spread throughout the country. They have what we call CTM TVs. They are training trailers that are spread throughout the country. We really want to focus on meeting the contractor where they are.” 

Training is available at dedicated centers, through mobile training trailers and in customized sessions at contractors’ locations. Joe said the goal is to ask contractors what support they need and tailor the education accordingly. 

How can training help roofing contractors diversify? 

As contractors look for ways to build longer relationships with homeowners, Joe encouraged them to consider the needs of the entire property rather than focusing only on the service that prompted the initial call. He shared: 

“If you're called out by a homeowner, don't just focus on the original request. If they say, ‘I need a new roof,’ ‘I need a flat roof,’ ‘I’m interested in solar’ or ‘I’m interested in siding,’ look at the entire structure.” 

By learning additional systems, contractors can serve homeowners beyond an initial roofing project. Joe encouraged companies to consider siding, solar and other exterior opportunities while building long-term customer relationships. 

Why does system integration matter? 

Diversification also creates a greater need for contractors to understand how different exterior systems connect. Thompson said transition points can become especially challenging when separate companies handle the roof and walls. He shared, “Transitions are a big pain point. If you're working on the wall and someone else takes over the roofing portion of the construction, that's two different people.” 

Education helps contractors understand how roofing, siding and waterproofing components connect. Joe said CertainTeed tests its components for compatibility, giving installers guidance for managing critical transition points. 

For contractors, diversification requires more than adding products to a sales presentation. It requires the knowledge to install complete systems correctly and confidently. 

Listen to the entire podcast or Watch the conversation to learn more about contractor training and business diversification! 

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Mark Vargas explains why severe weather, seismic events and warranty concerns are changing how rooftop pipe and equipment supports are designed. 

Rooftop pipe and equipment supports were once treated as low-risk details. In this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Megan Ellsworth spoke with Mark Vargas, director of business development for AP Roof Services, the service side of Anchor Products, about why that mindset has changed and how the industry is rethinking securement. Mark works closely with contractors, buyers and manufacturers on the installation side of the U-Anchor and AP Solutions, helping ensure products are installed properly and in ways that support roof-system warranty requirements. 

Q: What are rooftop pipe and equipment supports, and why do they matter? 

“I was working for the non-penetrating companies that in the past that was acceptable, right?” Mark said. “When I went to work for them, there was woodblock that was supporting everything on the roof that was non-penetrating. There was plastic bases, was rubber blocks, counterweighted systems that if it was lightweight, they weren't too concerned about it damaging the roof system.” 

Rooftop supports are used to hold piping, utilities and equipment in place on the roof. As Mark explained, older systems often relied on woodblocks, plastic bases, rubber blocks or counterweighted systems rather than attachments. Those methods were widely accepted because many rooftop items were considered lightweight or low risk, but that assumption began to change as the industry saw how unsecured supports could affect the roof system. 

Q: Why were rooftop supports historically viewed as less critical? 

“When I went to work for [Anchor Products], there were woodblocks that would be used in supporting everything on the roof that was non-penetrating. There were plastic bases, rubber blocks and counterweighted systems that if it was lightweight, they weren't too concerned about it damaging the roof system,” Mark shared.  

Essentially, older support methods were often treated as routine roof accessories rather than engineered components. As Mark described, the focus was often on avoiding penetrations and relying on weight or simple materials, especially when rooftop utilities were considered light enough to stay in place without added securement. 

Q: What exposed the weakness of older support methods? 

Mark shared, “I think change happened mostly due to severe weather and seismic events. That's what exposed the weaknesses of the non-penetrating pipe supports. Pipes started sliding across the roof, where pipe supports or equipment supports would tip over.” 

Severe weather and seismic activity changed how the industry viewed risk on the roof. When pipe and equipment supports shifted, tipped or became airborne, they created the potential for membrane damage, system failures and safety concerns, making securement a performance issue rather than a minor detail. 

For contractors, the takeaway is clear that rooftop supports can affect roof performance, warranty protection and safety. As weather events and code expectations continue to shape specifications, securement is no longer an afterthought. 

Listen to the entire podcast or Watch the conversation to learn more about the evolution of rooftop pipe and equipment supports! 

By Emma Peterson. 

How Roof Hugger introduced retrofit roofing as an alternative to metal tear offs and coatings. 

Founded 35 years ago, Roof Hugger has made a name for themselves fabricating metal retrofit solutions. To learn more about the story of how this innovative company came to be, Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down with Roof Hugger president Dale Nelson for an episode of Roofing Road Trips®. 

The story of Roof Hugger begins in 1991 with Dale and his partner Red McConnohie. Dale recalled:  

Red had this idea that we could make some kind of bracket that, when installed, would allow you to put a new metal roof over the old one. So, we came up with the concept of this Z shape with little notches in it that matched the configuration of the old roof. And it allowed us to put new metal panels right on top of the old one.  

Once the concept was proven (which Dale and Red did by testing it on one of Red’s own properties), they brought in Terry Wolfe to help them make sure they were engineering everything in the best way possible. Dale shared, “We were fortunate early on to have very good engineering guidance from Terry. He was incredibly helpful in getting us to understand metal panel design, which we had to understand fully so that we could design our retrofit assembly accordingly.” 

This may appear to be a lot of work and fuss for one product, but the Z clamp that the Roof Hugger team created was more than just another product, it was a revolutionary innovation. Dale explained, “Traditionally, there were two ways to repair or replace an old metal roof – tearing it off or coating it. And both methods have their downsides. Tear offs are often very wasteful and time consuming while coatings struggled to address deep structural problems. What we did with Roof Hugger was create a third option – retrofitting. There wasn’t really a retrofit industry before us.” 

Listen to the podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about how Roof Hugger’s metal retrofit solutions work. 

By Cotney Consulting Group.

When execution is controlled, roofing jobs don’t fall apart after the sale, they perform the way they were intended to from the start.

Most roofing jobs don’t fall apart because of bad work. They fall apart because of what happens or doesn’t happen after the sale is made. 

From the outside, everything looks good. The job is sold. The contract is signed. Materials are ordered. Crews are scheduled, but somewhere between the handshake and the first day on the roof, control starts to slip. By the time leadership realizes it, the job is already behind, costs are climbing and everyone is reacting instead of managing. 

The problem usually isn’t effort. It’s a transition. 

The sale of a roofing job is a handoff point, and it’s one of the most fragile moments in the entire operation. Estimating finishes its work. Sales celebrates the win. Operations inherits the project. If that transition isn’t deliberate and structured, the job begins with gaps that are difficult to close later. Essential details get lost. Assumptions go unstated. Risks aren’t fully communicated. The job moves forward, but without alignment. 

One of the most common breakdowns happens when the estimate never truly becomes an execution plan. Numbers are provided, but context is missing. Production expectations are assumed rather than explained. Access challenges are mentioned casually, if at all. Known risks are buried in notes or live only in the estimator’s memory. When the foreman and project manager don’t fully understand how the job was envisioned, they’re forced to improvise. Improvisation is rarely profitable. 

Another issue is the separation between sales and operations. Sales teams often focus on closing the deal rather than on how the job will be built. Sometimes promises are made unintentionally that don’t align with field realities. Tight schedules, flexible phasing or expanded scope may sound reasonable in conversation, but they carry real operational consequences. When those expectations aren’t reconciled before work begins, operations is left managing a mismatch between what was sold and what can realistically be delivered. 

Jobs also fall apart when roles and responsibilities aren’t clearly defined after the sale. Project managers assume supervisors will handle specific issues. Foremen assume the office is managing coordination. Vendors assume someone else is tracking deliveries. When responsibility is vague, accountability disappears. Problems don’t get addressed early because no one is sure who owns them. By the time leadership steps in, the job has already absorbed unnecessary cost. 

Scheduling pressure makes this worse. Roofing companies are often eager to get started, especially during busy seasons. Jobs get pushed onto the calendar before materials arrive, before permits are secured or before crews are properly briefed. The urgency to “get going” overrides the need to get organized. The job technically starts, but execution stumbles right out of the gate. 

Communication gaps compound the problem. Early warning signs are missed because no one is consistently checking in. Small delays aren’t discussed. Minor issues aren’t documented. Crews adapt quietly until the adaptation becomes a deviation from the plan. By the time the problem is visible on a cost report or schedule update, it’s no longer small. 

High-performing contractors approach the post-sale phase differently. They treat it as a critical stage of the project, not a formality. The job doesn’t truly begin until the estimate, scope, assumptions, schedule and risks have been reviewed with the project team. Supervisors are brought into the conversation early. Expectations are clarified. Questions are encouraged. The goal is alignment, not speed. 

These contractors also establish control early. They confirm access, verify material deliveries, review sequencing and document conditions before crews mobilize. They don’t assume everything will go according to plan, but they prepare for what won’t. That preparation prevents minor issues from turning into major disruptions. 

Another key difference is follow-through. Strong companies check in on jobs early and often. They don’t wait for problems to escalate. They look for signs of drift and correct them quickly. That discipline keeps jobs from unraveling slowly while everyone is too busy to notice. 

Roofing jobs rarely fail all at once. They fail through a series of small misses that add up over time, missed communication, unclear expectations, rushed starts, undefined responsibility. Each one on its own seems manageable. Together, they create jobs that feel harder than they should. 

The sale isn’t the finish line. It’s the starting point. Contractors who understand that put as much discipline into the transition as they do into winning the work. When alignment happens early, execution follows naturally. 

And when execution is controlled, roofing jobs don’t fall apart after the sale—they perform the way they were intended to from the start. 

Por Anna Lockhart, traducido por Jessica Bravo.  

Contar con un socio estratégico de reclutamiento puede ayudar a tu empresa a enfrentar de manera directa los desafíos de contratación que enfrenta la industria. 

En un episodio de Roofing Road Trips®, Megan Ellsworth conversó con Kristin Case, de Hi-Peak Staffing Solutions, sobre el papel fundamental que pueden desempeñar los socios estratégicos de reclutamiento para ayudar a las empresas de roofing a encontrar al personal adecuado. Hoy más que nunca, contar con una fuente confiable de talento es esencial, ya que los profesionales de la industria enfrentan una creciente presión para cubrir vacantes en un mercado laboral cada vez más competitivo. Como explicó Kristin, existe una gran diferencia entre trabajar con un reclutador tradicional y hacerlo con un socio estratégico de reclutamiento. 

Hi-Peak se especializa en ofrecer soluciones de contratación para los sectores de roofing comercial, residencial, restauración e impermeabilización. Si tu empresa necesita cubrir vacantes, ya sea en ventas internas, puestos administrativos, personal para la obra o incluso cargos de nivel ejecutivo, su equipo está preparado para ayudar. Kristin comentó: “Contamos con 12 reclutadores especializados en todo Estados Unidos, enfocados en encontrar a las mejores personas para ocupar puestos dentro de la industria del roofing.” 

Cuando se trata de contratar nuevo personal, algunos contratistas esperan hasta que la situación se vuelve urgente para buscar a alguien que ocupe la vacante lo más rápido posible. Esto puede dar como resultado contrataciones poco acertadas y aumentar el riesgo de una alta rotación de personal. Al trabajar con profesionales, como los socios estratégicos de reclutamiento, que están capacitados para identificar al mejor candidato para cada puesto, ese riesgo se reduce considerablemente. Kristin explicó: “Un socio estratégico trabaja con una visión a futuro, identificando las necesidades críticas y preguntando: ‘¿Cómo se ve tu 2026 o tu segundo y tercer trimestre? ¿Qué es lo más importante? ¿Qué viene en el horizonte?’ Un socio estratégico especializado en esta industria entiende realmente el valor de contratar a la persona adecuada en el momento indicado y ejecutar ese plan de manera efectiva.” 

Eliminar la urgencia de último momento que caracteriza a los métodos tradicionales de reclutamiento, anticipando las necesidades de contratación y planificando con tiempo, es una de las principales funciones de un socio estratégico. Esa diferencia puede ser clave para pasar de apenas mantener el negocio a lograr un crecimiento significativo en el mercado. 

Escucha el podcast o mira la grabación para conocer más sobre cómo Hi-Peak Staffing Solutions ayuda a las empresas de roofing a adoptar un enfoque de contratación con visión a futuro. 

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Contractors can use slower months to strengthen their teams, improve installation quality and build repeatable processes for 2026. 

As roofing contractors prepare for 2026, the off-season offers an opportunity to address weaknesses that can become expensive during peak production. In this Read Listen Watch® (RLW) webinar, TAMKO® Director of Contractor Engagement Jon Abernathy and consultant Jon Broce explained how structured training can help companies improve sales performance, installation quality and operational consistency. 

Why should contractors prioritize training during the off-season? 

Abernathy said companies that invest more time in deliberate practice are more likely to see stronger performance when business accelerates. Abernathy noted, “The more time you spend training your team, the better results you're gonna get in 2026.” 

That preparation should include more than having a new sales representative shadow an experienced employee. Abernathy encouraged contractors to create formal onboarding programs, role-playing exercises and documented processes that help employees understand what to say to homeowners and how to represent the company professionally. 

Broce said his former companies approached training as an ongoing discipline rather than an occasional event. He stated, “Broce said the company held one- or two-week boot camps during the off-season and continued training every Thursday morning from 9 to 11.” 

The boot camps provided concentrated preparation for new representatives, while weekly practice reinforced those skills throughout the season. 

How can production training reduce financial risk? 

Abernathy said reducing installation-related problems begins with following the product manufacturer’s requirements. He shared, “Number one thing is read installation instructions on products.” 

Contractors must understand approved substrates, ventilation requirements, underlayment procedures and other installation specifications. Even experienced installers can repeat incorrect practices for years, leaving contractors responsible when an installation-related failure is not covered. 

Broce recommended using the slower season to review project checklists, jobsite safeguards and previous mistakes. That includes confirming plant and lot numbers, examining costly problems and strengthening procedures before crews return to full production. 

What should contractors examine before the next season begins? 

Broce described the off-season as a reset period when contractors can assess each part of the business and determine where changes are needed. “What do we need, what we need to fix, what do we need to correct?”  

Answering those questions allows contractors to review sales, production and internal operations before demand accelerates. Companies can identify what worked, address recurring problems and prepare employees to follow more consistent processes. 

Intentional training gives contractors more than refreshed skills. It creates clear expectations, reduces preventable risk and establishes the repeatable systems needed to grow without sacrificing quality. 

Listen to the podcast or Watch the conversation to learn more about transforming the off-season through TAMKO training, technology and partnerships for competitive growth!