By GAF. 

Tuition-free roofing education programs are helping military veterans transition into stable careers while supporting workforce development across the industry. 

GAF is helping address two ongoing challenges at once: the roofing industry’s demand for skilled labor and the difficult transition many military veterans face when entering civilian careers. Through the GAF Roofing Academy, veterans across the country are receiving tuition-free, hands-on roofing training designed to create long-term career opportunities while helping contractors strengthen their workforce pipelines. 

From boots to roofs 

According to the Department of Labor, approximately 200,000 veterans transition into civilian careers each year, and many struggle to find the sense of purpose they experienced in the military. Meanwhile, roofing is in dire need of talent. Last year alone, the construction industry called for 500,000 additional workers beyond the normal pace to meet labor demand, according to Associated Builders and Contractors. 

GAF Roofing Academy is working hard to solve both challenges. For military veterans like Brian Hall and Jacob Radford, attending the tuition-free GAF roofing training program successfully fueled their transition into a career path offering more than just financial growth. 

"In the military, you're serving people, protecting them, and making sure they have what they need. Roofing feels like an extension of that, just in a different way," explains Brian, who served 23 years in the military — including 14 years deployed overseas. "Now, I'm serving families by protecting their homes. For me, it's about honesty, quality work, and giving people peace of mind. That sense of purpose is the same as what I had in the military. It's about helping others, just with a hammer and shingles instead of a uniform." 

What is the GAF Roofing Academy? 

The GAF Roofing Academy — an in-person, hands-on, tuition-free training course — provides technical understanding of the diverse career paths available in roofing and experience with roofing best practices. From those new to roofing to those experienced in roofing and looking to advance their careers, all are welcome. 

Brian, who attended with his wife, Camelia, explains, "We knew roofing at a basic level, but the training gave us confidence in the details — from correct nailing patterns and cuts to understanding commercial roofing, like TPO." 

Beyond hands-on practice with residential and commercial roofing, graduates can gain skills with in-home sales and restoration. Students can also learn about insurance and warranties. 

"You don't need prior experience or knowledge to join," explains Jacob. "GAF Roofing Academy is almost like a roofing bootcamp; you'll learn a lot in a short time and come out better after it." 

Jacob recently returned from deployment and wanted what roofing can offer. "It's not just a job; it's a career where you can keep advancing and learning. Roofing contractors like myself can continue to hone their skills. That sense of long-term opportunity is what drew me in." 

Roofing training — from basic skills to advanced education — builds community resilience, bolsters the roofing industry labor needs, and opens up well-paying career pathways for often underserved talent pools, including women, justice-involved individuals, veterans, and other minorities in the roofing industry. 

Here are some fast facts about the impact of GAF Roofing Academy since opening in 2020: 

• 460+ classes conducted 
• 5,400+ individuals trained 
• 3,000+ individuals successfully placed into jobs—including veterans embracing their new career after service 

All are welcome and encouraged to get involved with no prior roofing experience required. The program has built a pipeline to employers eager to employ skilled, trained roofers. Plus, veterans are uniquely equipped to succeed in the industry. 

"My military experience taught me discipline, resilience, mental fortitude, and how to adapt quickly," explains Jacob, "all qualities that transfer directly into roofing." 

How does GAF support vets? 

Financial opportunity 

The GAF training program provides viable career path options, plus awareness of a career that can fulfill a veteran's inherent call to service that many civilian jobs can't fill. For many, a career in roofing is life-changing. 

Financially, the tuition-free training offers military veterans a long-term path forward that represents stability and economic opportunity. And that economic potential starts early, with the average starting roofing salary around $40,000 — which is more than the national average annual salary of other entry-level jobs. Veterans do not need to apply any of their benefits to receive the training tuition-free, and that's just the start. 

For military veterans like Brian, graduating from GAF Roofing Academy strengthened his upward career path. The training "walked us through the business side: sales, insurance, warranties," shares Brian, a project manager at Action Exteriors. "Before the training, I didn't fully understand what GAF warranties meant, but now, I can explain them to customers with confidence. That knowledge has directly improved our sales and given us tools to help clients in a more professional, trustworthy way." 

The roofing industry has a clear message, says Jacob. "There's always demand. If you're eager to learn and work hard, you'll have a stable career path with room to grow. That stability made my transition from the military to civilian life advantageous and a direct path to success." 

Protect and serve 

Some veterans experience loss after transitioning out of the military because that sense of purpose inherent to their daily work is missing. "Roofing is about more than shingles and nails," says Brian, "it's about earning a homeowner's trust, and my military background gave me the tools to do that." 

Additionally, transitioning from military service to a routine job can be challenging for veterans accustomed to action and problem-solving. "Both careers demand resilience and problem-solving under pressure," says Brian. 

"In the military, you can't always predict what's coming next, and you need to adapt quickly. Roofing is the same way; every project, every roof is different. You might run into improper manufacturing, storm damage, or unique installation challenges. The ability to assess the situation, stay calm, and find a solution carries directly over. And like the military, roofing isn't a nine-to-five—it's a lifestyle. You've got to love the pace, the physicality, and the satisfaction of helping people." 

Built for success: Department of Defense & GAF Roofing Academy 

GAF Roofing Academy has been approved by the Department of Defense to partner with its SkillBridge training program, which means GAF has an even broader scope to provide industry-leading roofing training to veterans seeking secure, long-term careers in the industry. This designation supports military veterans and the industry by creating a national pipeline for employers in need of the qualities vets can bring to the job. The result has been meaningful, with 43% of service member graduates to date being placed in stable, good-paying jobs. 

With this approval, GAF can offer tuition-free training to eligible service members, helping them seamlessly transition into the roofing industry. This positions the GAF Roofing Academy to: 

• Expand reach to highly skilled, disciplined candidates with a strong work ethic 
• Increase participation among veterans and transitioning service members in GAF programs 
• Strengthen GAF commitment to workforce development and support for our veteran community 
• Elevate national visibility and strategic alignment with GAF certified employers eager to hire trained, job-ready veterans 

GAF has partnered with organizations like The Army Career Skills Program, Medical Evaluation Board Career Skills Program, NextOp, Work for Warriors, Veterans Affairs, Colorado Veterans Project, and Team Rubicon to bring the GAF Roofing Academy training to service members across the country. 

Built for the future 

"Roofing gave me a chance to not only start a second career but to do it alongside my wife, Camelia," says Brian. "Now, instead of missing milestones, we're building something together every day. That's been the most rewarding part — working as a team, growing the business, and having the freedom to spend time with our son and even take vacations." 

For Jacob, "roofing represents an opportunity to build something meaningful, no matter where I am. I'm all about stability and growth potential, and roofing offered both. What really appealed to me is this industry rewards effort; your success is based on the work you put in." 

Veterans, ready to start or up-level your roofing career? Contact the GAF Roofing Academy to learn more or find a training near you. 

"I'd say don't hesitate," says Brian. "The trades and roofing, in particular, give you an opportunity to take the skills you already have—discipline, focus, teamwork—and put them into a career where your success is really up to you." 

Original article source: GAF

GAF has 30 manufacturing locations across the country, including in Baltimore, where it has been a dedicated part of the local community for nearly 60 years.

GAF, North America’s largest roofing and waterproofing manufacturer, recently hosted a GAF Roofing Academy in Baltimore, successfully training more than 80 local residents during a week-long course at the North American Trade Schools. The program provided participants with hands-on and classroom residential and commercial roofing installation instruction, equipping them with the foundational skills needed to launch long-term careers in the roofing industry. 

GAF Roofing Academy is a tuition-free, national training program that aims to help individuals of any background and education level - with an emphasis on untapped talent pools, including veterans, justice-involved individuals, women and other under-represented groups in the roofing trade. Since the program launched in 2020, it has trained more than 5,300 individuals, including more than 200 in the greater Baltimore area, with over 3,000 placed into jobs nationwide.

“The GAF Roofing Academy is about more than just learning roofing techniques, it’s a catalyst for growth across communities,” said Kimberly Santiago-Vega, program manager for the GAF Roofing Academy. “This program opens doors not only to new careers but also positions students to help build up their communities. During the week, participants gained hands-on skills, earned credentials, connected with employers and built relationships that empower them to launch careers and strengthen Baltimore’s community.”

Upon completion of the class, participants received a GAF Roofing Academy certificate and were connected directly with local contractors for job opportunities, including interviews for potential full-time employment. Graduates also had the opportunity to earn their OSHA 10 certification at no cost outside of training hours.

“We are thrilled to partner with GAF and witness local students gain practical skills and industry credentials that set them up for success,” said Justin Mathis from the North American Trade Schools. “GAF understands what it means to support their community. By offering this training, they are giving people opportunity, which is greatly needed in Baltimore.”

Alongside the job fair, GAF held a graduation at Patterson Park for students, contractors, local organizations and local leaders to interact and network. As a part of the event, a ceremonial diploma was presented on behalf of the Mayor’s office in honor of the graduates of this year’s GAF Roofing Academy.

“We are proud to support initiatives like the GAF Roofing Academy, which empower Baltimore residents to gain valuable skills and contribute to the growth and resilience of our community,” said MacKenzie Garvin, esq., director of the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development. “Programs like this not only open doors to meaningful careers but also strengthen the fabric of our city by investing in our people.”

GAF has 30 manufacturing locations across the country, including in Baltimore, where it has been a dedicated part of the local community for nearly 60 years. The company is committed to fostering opportunities for residents by supporting workforce development efforts such as the GAF Roofing Academy. These initiatives empower Baltimore residents to gain valuable skills, pursue rewarding careers and help build more resilient communities throughout Maryland. In addition, GAF works alongside contractors and local organizations, such as Friends of Patterson Park and Habitat for Humanity and has donated enough material to roof hundreds of homes and beautification projects in public spaces across central Maryland. 

About GAF

GAF, a Standard Industries company, is the leading roofing and waterproofing manufacturer in North America. For more than 135 years, GAF has been trusted to protect what matters most for families, business owners and roofing professionals with its innovative solutions and focus on exceptional service. GAF's leadership extends to its commitment to strengthen its communities and industry through investments in career development, sustainable products and local community resilience. Learn more at www.GAF.com.

By SRS Distribution.

Do the math once. Never do it again. That’s the power behind Custom Measurements in Roof Hub.

Every contractor calculates differently. Some build waste into their measurements while others layer it on top. Some markets require ice and water on valleys only while others include valleys and eaves. And for many teams, those rules live in spreadsheets, notebooks or tribal knowledge in someone’s head.

At SRS Distribution, we recognized that manual math takes valuable time away from the pro. Custom Measurements was built to solve that. It allows contractors to embed their own rules directly into ordering templates, so calculations run automatically across every estimate and order. Instead of rebuilding formulas on every job, your business logic applies consistently in the background.

Bring your measurements in and let the system work

Custom Measurements works seamlessly with the measurements you already rely on. In Roof Hub, you can pull measurement reports directly from partners like Eagleview, HOVER and GAF QuickMeasure or enter your own measurements manually. Once measurements are in place, your custom rules automatically calculate quantities across the template with no extra steps.

The result is a streamlined workflow that starts with trusted data and ends with accurate estimates and orders.

Build once. Scale everywhere.

Estimating should not mean repeating the same math. With Custom Measurements, you define your calculation rules once and apply them everywhere. Whether based on total roof area, hips, valleys or other job-specific factors, calculations run automatically within your templates.

This drives consistency across teams, improves speed and reduces costly mistakes.

Your workflow. Your standards. Built in.

No two contractors run their business the same way. Custom Measurements gives you the flexibility to build templates around how you calculate, price and execute jobs. By embedding your standards directly into Roof Hub Estimator templates, every estimate stays aligned with your process while scaling accuracy across your operation. The result? Less math, fewer mistakes and faster execution.

Start customizing your templates now.

Asphalt roofing facilities across North America recognized for workplace safety.

The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) has completed its annual Accident Prevention Contest and is proud to recognize 82 asphalt roofing manufacturing facilities for their workplace safety, specifically low incident rates among workers.

Facilities that entered the 2025 Accident Prevention Contest were judged based on ARMA criteria derived from the standards set by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This information is gathered through quarterly safety data reports from the past calendar year.

“We are proud of the commitment that ARMA members have to a safe work environment for all employees,” said ARMA’s executive vice president Reed Hitchcock. “These facilities continue to maintain high standards in plant health and safety.”

Every year, ARMA’s manufacturer members are invited to participate in the Accident Prevention Contest by submitting data from their entire company, a specific division or an individual plant or mill in North America. Winners are honored in four different categories with a “perfect” score, meaning that zero safety incidents were recorded.

President’s Award: Recognizing the plant in each contest category with the best score over a two-year period.

• Group A: GAF (Shingle) – Shafter, California – 5 stars
• Group B: Atlas Roofing Corporation – Daingerfield, Texas – 3 stars
• Group C: Amrize – Beech Grove, Indiana – 1 star
• Group D: SOPREMA – Chilliwack, British Columbia – 1 star

Award of Excellence: Recognizing plants with three consecutive years of a “perfect” score (that are not recipients of the President’s Award).

• Owens Corning – Compton, California
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Denver, Colorado
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Kearny, New Jersey
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Linnton, Oregon
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Medina, Ohio
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Memphis, Tennessee
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
• TAMKO Building Products – Ennis, Texas
• TAMKO Building Products – Green Cove Springs, Florida
• Tarco Roofing – North Little Rock, Arkansas

Perfect Employee Safety Certificate: Recognizing plants with a “perfect” score for the reporting year.

• Atlas Roofing Corporation – Clinton, Iowa
• Building Products of Canada – LaSalle, Quebec, Canada
• CertainTeed – Jonesburg, Missouri
• GAF – Ennis, Texas (Shingle)
• GAF – Fontana, California
• Johns Manville – Plattsburgh, New York
• Johns Manville – South Gate, California
• Malarkey Roofing Products – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
• Owens Corning – Compton, California
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Compton, California
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Denver, Colorado
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Irving, Texas
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Kearny, New Jersey
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Linnton, Oregon
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Medina, Ohio
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Memphis, Tennessee
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
• Polyglass USA – Phoenix, Arizona
• Polyglass USA – Waco, Texas
• SOPREMA – Walsworth, Ohio
• TAMKO Building Products – Ennis, Texas
• TAMKO Building Products – Green Cove Springs, Florida
• TAMKO Building Products – Phillipsburg, Kansas
• Tarco Roofing – North Little Rock, Arkansas

Certificate of Safety Improvement: Recognizing plants that demonstrated an improvement of at least 25% over their previous year’s performance.

• Atlas Roofing Corporation – Meridian, Mississippi
• Building Products of Canada – Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
• Building Products of Canada – LaSalle, Quebec, Canada
• CertainTeed – Fremont, California
• CertainTeed – Jonesburg, Missouri
• CertainTeed – Little Rock, Arkansas
• CertainTeed – Norwood, Massachusetts
• CertainTeed – Oxford, North Carolina
• GAF – Baltimore, Maryland
• GAF – Dallas, Texas
• GAF – Ennis, Texas (Shingle)
• GAF – Michigan City, Indiana
• GAF – Mt. Vernon, Indiana
• GAF – Savannah, Georgia
• GAF – Tuscaloosa, Alabama
• Johns Manville – Plattsburgh, New York
• Johns Manville – South Gate, California
•  IKO Midwest – Kankakee, Illinois
•  IKO Pacific – Sumas, Washington
• IKO Southeast – Sylacauga, Alabama
• IKO Southwest – Hillsboro, Texas
• Malarkey Roofing Products – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
• Malarkey Roofing Products – Portland, Oregon
•  Malarkey Roofing Products – Southgate, California
• Owens Corning – Atlanta, Georgia
• Owens Corning – Brentwood, New Hampshire
• Owens Corning – Denver, Colorado
•  Owens Corning – Houston, Texas
• Owens Corning – Memphis, Tennessee
• Owens Corning – Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Compton, California
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Irving, Texas
• Polyglass USA – Fernley, Nevada
• Polyglass USA – Waco, Texas
• SOPREMA – Gulfport, Mississippi
• SOPREMA – Wadsworth, Ohio
• TAMKO Building Products – Columbus, Kansas
• TAMKO Building Products – Frederick, Maryland
• TAMKO Building Products – Joplin, Missouri – High
• TAMKO Building Products – Knoxville, Tennessee
• TAMKO Building Products – Phillipsburg, Kansas
• TAMKO Building Products – Tuscaloosa, Alabama

ARMA extends congratulations to all of this year’s award recipients.

About ARMA

The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) is a trade association representing North America’s asphalt roofing manufacturing companies and their raw material suppliers. The association includes the majority of North American manufacturers of asphalt shingles and asphalt low slope roof membrane systems. Committed to advances in the asphalt roofing industry, ARMA is proud of the role it plays in promoting asphalt roofing to those in the building industry and to the public.

By Oklahoma Roofing Contractors Association.

The votes are in and it's time to meet your new board! 

It's official, the 2026-2027 Oklahoma Roofing Contractors Association (ORCA) has a new Board of Directors. This group, which was voted in by members of ORCA, will navigate many complex issues the roofing industry is currently facing. In the past, the board's service has been key to driving and shaping the organization. As we welcome these new folks into this role, we want to take a moment to thank the outgoing Board of Directors for their countless contributions.

Below you'll find the list of our 15 members of the 2026-27 ORCA Board of Directors. In addition to the new board, ORCA is in has also added something new this year - an Advisory Board. This board was created to work alongside the Board of Directors and serve to bring additional industry experience and knowledge to the organization. This year's Advisory Board will consist of two members (listed below the Board of Directors), one representative from the contractor side of the business and one representative from the vendor side of the business.

ORCA executive committee

• President: Matt Morgan - ScissorTail Roofing & Construction, LLC
• Vice president: Michael Cagle - All-American Roofing
• Treasurer: Chrisinda Gonzales - Alpha Pro Roofing & Construction
• Secretary: Justin Bedwell - Camouflage Roofing & Construction

Board of Directors - At large members

• James Brooks - GAF
• Jordyn Cartmell - Mansell & Engel, PC
• Eric Hamilton - Trinity Restoration & Construction
• Brant Holloway - Thunder City Roofing
• Kirsten Land - Land Enterprises Roofing Company
• Scott McCollum - Roof Rx
• Erica Moody - Moody & Foster Roofing
• Jeff Parker - Nations Best Roofing
• Brad Patterson - SRS Building Products
• Jake Phipps - On-Point Construction Management
• Robert Wilson - ABC Supply Co., Inc.

Advisory board

• LJ Clark - Dream Team Roofing
• Dax Deardeuff - Alliant Insurance Services

Committee involvement

To our membership at large, please consider volunteering to serve on one of our committees. As ORCA grows and plans for the future, the real work happens at the committee level. This is a great way for you to participate and integrate yourself into the association. We are always in search of service-minded, talented, willing team players to play a role in the organization. In fact, many of our committee members ultimately wind up serving on our Board of Directors. If you're interested in learning more about and/or joining one of the following committees, please feel free to reach out to me at any time. I'm happy to discuss what all committee membership entails. 

• Education and safety committee: Chair - Scott McCollum
• Events committee: Chair - Michael Cagle
• Legislative committee: Chair - Kerry Hilbert
• Membership and marketing committee: Chair Chrisinda Gonzales

The new board of directors and the creation of the advisory board are just two of the updates and changes ORCA is making in response to the evolving industry and shifting political climate. Thank you again for your support of ORCA, which makes all our operations possible. The best is yet to come and you are a part of that. 

With severe weather events, including hail, increasing in frequency and intensity across many regions of the U.S., contractors and homeowners are facing new challenges in protecting homes.  

GAF, North America’s leading roofing and waterproofing manufacturer, has developed a comprehensive portfolio of products tested in accordance with UL 2218 Class 3 and 4 impact resistance test standards that help protect against hail [FN1] and support home protection strategies. Products are categorized from Class 1 to Class 4 (best) based on their testing outcomes.  

Here is how GAF combines impact resistance with high-end curb appeal:

Shingles

Shingles that pass UL 2218 Class 3 or Class 4 impact resistance tests without sacrificing aesthetics:

Class 4 - Strongest impact resistance: 

• Timberline® AS II [FN2]: Engineered with SBS-modified asphalt for rubber-like flexibility to help reduce impact stress while providing an easy to handle and dependable option for use in varying climates.
• Timberline UHDZ ® [FN3]: Features UltraMat™ high-performance fiberglass mat, which strengthens the shingle’s core and reinforces its support layers.
• Grand Sequoia® AS [FN2]: The perfect blend of durability and an artisan, wood-shake look.

Class 3 - Strong impact resistance

• Timberline HDZ® [FN4]: GAF’s most popular shingle balances unrivaled beauty and powerful warranty protection[FN5] with durability.

All of these shingles earned a 'Good' rating in 2025 based on their performance in the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety’s (IBHS) Impact Resistance Test for Asphalt Shingles. They are eligible for the optional hail supplement to a FORTIFIED™ designation[FN6], which may qualify for insurance discounts and other incentives.[FN7]

Other Products

GAF also provides other products that pass UL 2218 Class 4 impact resistance tests to help protect against hail:

• Ridge Caps: Help protect hips and ridges with Seal-A-Ridge® AS[FN2], TimberCrest®[FN2] or  TimberTex® with UltraMat™ high-performance fiberglass mat [FN3].
• Low-Slope Solutions: Choose the The Liberty System [FN8] for low slope areas like porches and garages.
• Ventilation: Complete the roofing system with  Master Flow™ Off-Ridge Vents and Rooftop Accessories, which provide essential attic ventilation while passing impact resistance tests modeled after the UL 2218 Class 4 test[FN9].

Explore the full range of GAF impact-resistant solutions at www.gaf.com/IR and discover how our strategic alliance with the IBHS FORTIFIED program is making resilient roofing more accessible at gaf.com.

By Emma Peterson. 

You can turn material and product orders into custom tees, high-visibility shirts, hoodies and more for your crew. 

QXO is helping gear up your crew with this promotion! Between May 4, 2026, and July 2, 2026, you can earn gear with every U.S. purchase of CertainTeed, GAF, IKO Industries, Owens Corning, TRI-BUILT, VELUX and Westlake Royal Roofing Solutions products shipped and invoiced during the promotional period. How does it work?  

1. Register to start: Make sure you are registered for this promotion! Registration is available on the QXO website: www.go.qxo.com/swag2026 
2. Buy more, earn more: Buy your products from the sponsoring brands (listed above and start earning!  
3. Redeem at the end: At the end of the promotion, QXO will send out instructions on how to redeem your prizes! You will be asked to upload your logo in order to make your custom gear. Your information is secure and will never be shared. 

There are four tiers of prizes in this promotion based on how much you spend. For those that spend $20,000, you can get up to $400 in gear. For $30,000 the prize is $600 and for $40,000 it’s $800. The highest tier is $1,000 of gear, which requires qualifying product purchases of $50,000 or more. 

Reward your team for getting it done with custom tees, high-vis shirts, hoodies and more swag with QXO’s Gear Up Your Crew promotion.

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Science-based roofing standards are helping communities reduce storm damage and improve long-term resilience. 

Across the United States, communities are confronting a shared and escalating challenge: how to build neighborhoods that can withstand increasingly severe weather. From hurricanes along the Gulf Coast to inland hailstorms and tornadoes, both the frequency and cost of natural disasters are rising, placing sustained pressure on housing systems and public infrastructure. In response, resilience is no longer a secondary consideration; it is becoming a central metric in how cities plan, invest and prepare for the future. Increasingly, that conversation is starting at the top, with the roof, as companies like GAF help drive solutions focused on strengthening residential and community-level performance. 

This shift is grounded in both economic and practical realities. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, every dollar invested in storm preparedness can save up to $7 in post-disaster recovery costs. That return is driving policymakers, insurers and homeowners to prioritize proactive solutions that reduce damage before it occurs rather than relying solely on recovery efforts after the fact. 

Within that broader movement, the FORTIFIED™ Standard is emerging as a clear framework for improving residential resilience. Developed by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS), the program applies decades of scientific research to establish above-code performance requirements for roofing systems. These standards are designed to strengthen a roof’s ability to withstand high winds, heavy rain and hail; conditions that are increasingly common across both coastal and inland markets. 

In 2025, GAF announced an alliance with IBHS to expand access to FORTIFIED™ Roof systems nationwide, a move aimed at accelerating adoption and making these protections more widely available. The results of this approach are already evident. After Hurricane Sally struck Alabama in 2020, FORTIFIED™ homes experienced 73% fewer insurance claims and 20% lower loss severity compared to non-FORTIFIED™ homes. Researchers estimate that if all homes in the storm’s path had met the standard, $140 million in damages could have been avoided. 

“A stronger roof can prevent damage from cascading from a minor repair to major losses.” “Science shows that resilience works,” says Fred Malik, managing director of FORTIFIED™ at IBHS. “And research clearly shows that resilience works.” 

As adoption grows, workforce readiness remains a critical factor. To address this, GAF is investing in contractor training through its Center for the Advancement of Roofing Excellence (CARE) program, equipping roofing professionals with the knowledge and skills required to install FORTIFIED™ systems at scale. 

“Contractors who go through this program are investing in the safety of their communities,” said Mike Thomas, Director of External Learning and Development, Storm Restoration at GAF. “Through this training and our product offerings, we are raising the bar for roofing standards nationwide and expanding access to IBHS' FORTIFIED™ solutions that deliver roofs designed to be stronger and more durable against severe weather.” 

As cities continue to evaluate long-term resilience strategies, roofing is emerging as one of the most practical and scalable points of intervention. When roofs perform as intended, damage is contained, recovery timelines shorten and communities remain more stable; reinforcing a broader industry understanding that resilience begins with the fundamentals. 

Learn more about how FORTIFIED™ roofing standards and GAF initiatives are helping communities reduce storm damage and build long-term resilience!

By Emma Peterson. 

Ronn Levine’s article dives into the challenges and opportunities in the roofing industry presented by labor, economic and technology trends. 

Recently, award-winning writer and editor Ronn Levine wrote an article for LBM Journal diving into the roles technology, relationships and training play in the roofing industry. The article provides great insight into how roofing professionals can find success in a challenging economic and labor market.  

Throughout the article, Ronn spoke to industry experts, such as Jack Gottesman (marketing and brand director at IKO), Sarah Lograsso (director of marketing and product management for Westlake Royal Building Products), Brian Cross (operations manager of Rocky Mountain Snow Guards),  David Ellis (VP for residential marketing at GAF) and The Coffee Shops™ President Heidi J. Ellsworth!  

In their conversation, Ronn and Heidi dove into the challenges and growth that Heidi has seen through the lens of RoofersCoffeeShop®, which will be celebrating its 25th anniversary next year!  

First she highlighted the labor shortages, which has been a persistent issue over the years, explaining, “Contractors and associations are working very strongly on workforce development, getting back into the high schools, the vocational schools, and thinking, ‘How do we get more skilled labor?’”  

From there, the conversation shifted to the economic outlook for roofing. One thing Heidi specifically mentioned was the semi-recent advancement of private equity firms, sharing, “The mergers of many companies into regional and national players, along with the influx of private equity funds, has changed the competitive marketplace.”  

Interested in the rest of Ronn and Heidi’s conversation, as well as the experts he interviewed? Read the whole article on LBM Journal’s website!

Alma Garnett moves to advisory role as of 2027.

GAF, a Standard Industries company and North America’s largest roofing and waterproofing manufacturer, today announced that Dan Karins will assume responsibility for the full Commercial Sales business, succeeding Alma Garnett, who will step back from her day-to-day responsibilities at the end of 2026 and transition into a long-term strategic advisory role.

In his expanded role, Dan Karins will oversee the full spectrum of the Commercial Sales business, driving its strategic management and growth. Karins and Garnett have worked in close alignment over the last several years to grow the GAF Commercial business by strengthening customer relationships, expanding its portfolio and building a sustainable foundation for the future. 

“Alma’s impact on GAF and the broader roofing industry cannot be overstated. She joined us with a reputation for excellence that has been instrumental in growing our Commercial business,” said John Barkhouse, CEO and president of GAF. “Over Dan’s 20-plus years at GAF, he has earned the deep respect of our customers through his tenacity and proven ability to advance our Commercial business. His leadership will be vital as we continue to build on the organization's strong momentum.”

“Alma has been a great mentor and phenomenal partner in building a world-class foundation for GAF Commercial,” said Dan Karins. “I am eager to lead our team as we continue to set the standard for excellence and ensure GAF remains the most trusted partner in the commercial roofing industry.”

Alma Garnett joined GAF in 2021, bringing a distinguished career spanning several decades. She will remain actively involved throughout the remainder of 2026 to support the handover of responsibilities. 

“It has been a privilege to lead such a talented team and to work alongside our customers to advance the roofing industry,” said Alma Garnett. “I am incredibly proud of what we have built. Having worked closely with Dan for years, I have seen firsthand his dedication to our partners and his vision for the business. GAF Commercial is in the best possible hands as I transition into this next chapter.”

About GAF

GAF, a Standard Industries company, is the leading roofing and waterproofing manufacturer in North America. For more than 135 years, GAF has been trusted to protect what matters most for families, business owners and roofing professionals with its innovative solutions and focus on exceptional service. GAF's leadership extends to its commitment to strengthen its communities and industry through investments in career development, sustainable products and local community resilience. Learn more at www.GAF.com