By Emma Peterson.

Strategic roofing upgrades and a high-performance waterproofing system helped eliminate long-standing moisture issues at a Nottingham commercial property.

In the English Midlands, along the River Trent sits Nottingham, England. This region is characterised by a unique combination of agricultural and industrial operations, as well as the classic English weather of “cold, rainy winters and mild, relatively rainy summers” that make it the perfect backdrop for the tale of Robin Hood – what most people know Nottingham for. But this same atmospheric climate also presents unique challenges for modern residents.

A prime example of this is the water ingress issues faced by multiple stores on Ashfield High Street in Nottingham earlier this year. Axel Group, a roofing contractor from neighbouring Stamford, was brought in to look at the roof above a couple stores that were struggling with leak issues. What they found was a blocked outlet causing drainage issues and a lifting waterproofing system due to application on an improperly prepared surface.

Based on these findings, it was determined that the roof would need to be redone, with targeted areas being torn all the way down to the structural deck. The Axel team described the work done in a case study:

In areas where full removal was not required, the presence of solar paint meant the new system could not be bonded directly. To overcome this, an additional layer was mechanically fixed to the existing substrate, creating a suitable base for the new roof buildup before installation of the waterproofing system... To address long-standing drainage issues, a tapered insulation scheme was introduced to the existing asphalt gutters, improving falls and directing water effectively away from the roof surface.

Once the roof’s structure and drainage problems were solved a new vapour barrier was installed to improve the waterproofing and moisture management of the roof. On top of that, the team installed Tremco's POWERply RBM roofing system. This system is known for its high-performance durability and ability to turn old roofs “into long-lasting, highly efficient weatherproofing systems.” The team also upgraded the gutter system on the buildings, truly ensuring that they were set up for long-term success even in the damp Nottingham climate.

In this RoofersCoffeeShop® Coffee Conversations®, sponsored by Weatherproofing Technologies, Inc. (WTI), host Heidi J. Ellsworth is joined by industry leaders to explore the trends shaping roofing markets around the world. With perspectives from around the world, panelists will discuss economic conditions, workforce challenges, evolving regulations and sustainability initiatives impacting contractors across different countries. The conversation will also highlight emerging roofing materials, technologies and installation practices, along with the growing influence of extreme weather on roofing decisions. Tune in to discover what roofing professionals can learn from international markets and how global collaboration and knowledge sharing can help move the industry forward.

Register today!

Acquisition strengthens RPM's portfolio of waterproofing solutions

RPM International Inc. (NYSE: RPM) today announced that a definitive agreement has been signed for the acquisition of Volteco S.p.A. (Volteco), an Italy-based leading supplier of below-grade waterproofing solutions, for its Tremco Construction Products Group (Tremco CPG). This strategic acquisition brings a unique and differentiated technology platform to Tremco CPG.

Headquartered in Ponzano Veneto, Italy, Volteco specializes in advanced waterproofing technology with calendar year 2025 sales of €28 million. The company is recognized for its AmphibiaTM waterproofing sheet membrane. Volteco also produces a line of bagged powder goods for patch and repair applications, alongside flexible liquids, mortars, resins and damp-proofing materials.

Volteco's cutting-edge waterproofing solutions have been pivotal in numerous high-profile projects, including the protection of historical landmarks in Venice and the construction of modern facilities like the Santa Giulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan, a key facility for the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games.

Other notable applications include waterproofing for the strategic public work of an underground tunnel connecting the Abruzzo Regional Citadel to the L’Aquila bus terminal, a hub for intercity connections to over 22 cities in Italy, including Naples and Rome and ensuring the structural integrity of Y-40, the world’s deepest thermal pool.

The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of fiscal 2027, subject to customary closing conditions.

"Volteco is an excellent complement to the product lines of our Tremco Construction Products Group," stated Frank Sullivan, RPM chairman and CEO. "This acquisition provides Tremco CPG with new technologies that can be leveraged through its global sales force to drive growth and enhance its 'Power of One' value proposition for customers."

About Tremco Construction Products Group

Tremco Construction Products Group (Tremco CPG), part of the RPM International Inc. portfolio, unites industry-leading building envelope solutions manufacturers and trusted brands, including Tremco, Nudura, Dryvit, Willseal, Flowcrete, Nullifire and Vandex, to deliver comprehensive, integrated construction systems. With operations spanning North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, India and Latin America, Tremco CPG has a global presence supported by regional businesses and distributors who understand local market needs. Tremco CPG solutions ensure long-lasting performance for commercial, industrial and residential projects worldwide, while international teams collaborate on training, testing and innovation to build high-performing structures in any geography or climate.

About RPM

RPM International Inc. owns subsidiaries that are world leaders in specialty coatings, sealants, building materials and related services. The company operates across three reportable segments: consumer, construction products and performance coatings. RPM has a diverse portfolio of market-leading brands, including Rust-Oleum, DAP, Zinsser, Varathane, The Pink Stuff, Stonhard, Carboline, Finish Works, Tremco, Euclid Chemical, Dryvit and Nudura. From homes and workplaces to infrastructure and precious landmarks, RPM’s brands are trusted by consumers and professionals alike to help build a better world. The company employs approximately 17,500 individuals worldwide. Visit www.RPMinc.com to learn more.

For more information, contact Matt Schlarb, vice president – investor relations & sustainability, at 330-220-6064 or mschlarb@rpminc.com.

By Emma Peterson.

The Bilingual Leadership Program helps roofing professionals strengthen communication, bridge cultural differences and build stronger, more connected teams.

In an episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Megan Ellsworth got the chance to chat with Monica Vornbrock, co-founder of The Glo Group, about the development of the Bilingual Leadership Program and why this type of professional development is key to the long-term success of the roofing industry.

Monica started by giving some background on how the Bilingual Leadership Program came to be, sharing:

Lorna Rojas, HR National Recruiter at Tremco, and I had a conversation about the importance of communication in leadership. And a big part of that in our industry is making sure we can communicate across cultural and linguistic barriers...Our goal with this training was to build a pipeline of leaders who understand their team member's different cultures and are able to effectively communicate expectations so that everyone succeeds.

With that idea in mind, Lorna and Monica reached out to Chris Navarro, Amy Staska and the rest of the team at the National Roofing Contractors Association for help making the idea a reality. Monica recalled, “We brought up this idea of an integrative program that is both in Spanish and English and focuses on how leaders can bridge cultural gaps. And they really liked the idea.”

And this year saw the launch of the Bilingual Leadership Pilot Program! As Monica put it, “This year we held our pilot program. It’s organized in a virtual live format and includes six segments that make up the big course.” She went on, “Each piece of the program basically helps your leaders know how to show up for their Hispanic workforce, because, at the end of the day, we all want to be seen, we all want to be respected and we all want to be valued. And for Hispanic contractors, learning even a little of our communication styles and culture is huge.”

Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording to learn more about the Bilingual Leadership Program!

By Emma Peterson.

Successful organizations don't wait for HR performance reviews to discuss expectations. They build continuous feedback and development into every stage of the employee experience.

Most of us have likely been called into a supervisor or HR representative’s office for a performance review. It can be one of the most intimidating calls you get at work. But healthy performance reviews and management aren’t about getting people in trouble. They’re about helping everyone succeed. To learn about how to implement proper performance management, Karen Edwards invited Terri Davidscon of Tremco WTI onto an episode of Roofing Road Trips® podcast.

For Terri, building a healthy performance management environment is all about setting clear expectations. She explained, “Expectations and feedback are key. Whenever I have a manager come in and tell me they have an issue with an employee, my first question is, ‘Did you set expectation and provide them feedback?’” Terri’s reasoning for this questioning is that without clear expectations and constructive criticism, no one is going to succeed or be happy. The employee will flounder, the manager will be frustrated and the business will struggle.

So, how do you build expectations and feedback into your business culture and avoid this issue? It starts from the first onboarding call for a new employee. Terri shared:

We start talking about it from the first onboard call. We talk to them about how people here work up from field techs to management, we really set up the expectation that there’s a door open, there’s career paths here if they work hard. We don’t go over every policy, but we cover general expectations so they know how to succeed here.

Then, if or when an issue or mistake occurs, everyone knows what to do. As Terri put it, “When leaders share expectations and resources with their employees, those employees know they’re protected. And they know what to do when something goes wrong instead of getting in trouble for something they might not have even known was an issue.” And in that way, by setting expectations and providing healthy feedback/reviews, you not only are protecting your business, you’re also protecting your people and setting everyone up for success.

Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording to learn more about establishing building a healthy human resources department in your company.

By Emma Peterson.

Tremco’s comprehensive training approach helps professionals from all corners of the roofing industry develop their expertise, understand the work of their peers and collaborate more effectively.

When we talk about training in the context of the roofing industry, we often think about field crews learning how to use new products and tools. And while that training is key, training is not limited to the crews working on the roof; it’s important for all members of your team! To learn more about the important role education plays in every career, we hosted Bob Moretti and Sarah Fay from Tremco for an episode of Roofing Road Trips®.

At Tremco, they take pride in their training programs – both for field teams and for other roofing professionals. Sarah described the Tremco training offerings:

We have hands-on application training for our contractors and installers. But that’s not all. We also have sessions focused on helping our architects, engineers, consultants and other professionals understand the products on the market that they can specify. And then we also have training for our distributor community that makes sure they feel equipped to speak about the products and the systems they’re selling.

While each of these trainings has a unique audience and focus, the basis of all of them is a strong understanding of the roofing industry. Bob highlighted how Tremco provides that understanding to all their employees and training course attendees, “When you start with us, regardless of your experience, we have you go through a career module that ensures everyone has the same baseline knowledge about the industry and Tremco’s products.”

From there, each individual’s training expands with an emphasis on their area of work. Bob explained how this training set up helps everyone succeed:

Everyone has core knowledge, some working knowledge of other fields and then their specialty. And what that means is that even if you aren’t an expert on something, you know enough to ask questions and to find someone on your team who is the expert. It creates a really great culture of teamwork because everyone is putting their expertise and knowledge together.

Sarah echoed Bob’s point, “It’s a holistic approach. More and more, in roofing, we are understanding the interconnectivity of all parts of a system in ensuring a building performs. The same is true for our teams. We need to ensure that people are trained and equipped with knowledge so that when we all work together, we can perform our best.”

Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording to learn more about Tremco’s approach to training.

By Lauren White.

Women across the PNW came together for a powerful day of connection, education and progress in roofing.

It’s back! For the second time, the Roofing Contractors Association of Washington (RCAW) hosted the Pacific Northwest Regional Women in Roofing Day in conjunction with the Seattle National Women in Roofing (NWIR) council on October 16, 2026. Around 100 professionals gathered at the Interurban Hotel in Tukwila, Washington for a day of networking, education and connection. The morning started off with Jennifer Stone from Tremco and Katie Bodiford, NWIR executive director, sharing the journey and genesis of NWIR 10 years ago. It started with a group of women who shared similar desires for the industry and experienced similar frustrations being in a male-populated industry. “Where are the women?”
was one of the main questions at many industry events.

In response to the question, they decided to act and start a local council in the Midwest to bring women in the industry together. Those women were Heidi J. Ellsworth, Sharri Carlozzi, Jennifer Ford-Smith and Jennifer Stone. After the event, Jennifer Stone challenged the group, saying, “This needs to be bigger, this needs to be national.” And that’s exactly what happened. Now there are 63 councils across the U.S. and there are international members as well. "Ten years ago, 0.5% of the industry was women and now we are at 5% of women in roofing," Katie shared. It’s great growth, but there’s more to be done!

Ten years ago, the goals set forth by this group were:

• Mentorship and community for women
• Education for women where they felt comfortable being educated and then be leaders in education
• To recruit more women to the industry
• Provide a safe and comfortable space for women to network

And those pillars remain today. As Jennifer stated, “Everything comes from the lens of, ‘Does this empower women?’”

After the opening session, attendees had the opportunity to attend two of the three breakout sessions offered. PABCO Roofing Products presented “Understanding Asphalt Shingles,” Stop Claims presented “Top 5 L&I Issues” and ABC Supply presented “Building Your Business.” Between sessions, attendees had the opportunity to network, take photos in the photo booth and meet with industry partners at their tables to learn about what’s new with VELUX, Anything Insurance, RCAW, NWIR, PABCO and more.

During lunch, which was sponsored by Owens Corning, we had the opportunity to network and learn more about the people at our tables. I happened to be sitting next to the afternoon keynote, Katee Williams, the owner of Steve Garlock Equipment. She shared her journey in the roofing industry, an industry that her mother worked in and was a trailblazer for Katee and her career in roofing.

Katee encouraged attendees to learn, adapt and work their way up, reminding them that they don’t have to know everything in one day. “Confidence often comes after you take the step, not before,” she shared. She also reflected on the distinction between being a strong employee and becoming a strong leader, discussing the challenges of navigating the roofing industry, leading a company and raising a family. Her story came full circle with her mother in attendance and her daughter now working alongside her at Steve Garlock Equipment — bringing three generations of women in roofing together in the room.

She also shared lessons learned throughout her career with attendees, saying:

• Learn everything you can
• No role is too small
• Relationships and partnerships will follow you for decades
• Don’t lose yourself as you build your career. Take care of your health and your family.
• Find mentors and build relationships with other people
• There’s room for everyone at the table
• A career is built over decades, not in one perfect year

The final two sessions of the day were a women’s panel and men’s panel. The women’s panel was moderated by Allison Woslager of Integrity PNW. The discussion brought together Jennifer Stone of Tremco, Katie Bodiford of NWIR, Cheri Groves of Axis Roofing, Kimberly Santiago-Vega of GAF and Claudia Carachure of CF Roof and Gutter. Panelists discussed navigating bias, building confidence and advancing women’s careers through education, networking, mentorship and sponsorship. They also explored employee retention, workplace culture, mental health and work-life balance, emphasizing the importance of supportive leadership, clear growth opportunities and personal well-being.

The men’s panel was moderated by Jennifer and featured Justin Shirley of State Roofing, Donovan Gladstone of GAF, Eric Johnston of PABCO Roofing Products, Colin Parks of Polyglass and Josh Wilson of Stoneway Building Supply. The panel focused on challenging workplace bias, advocating for women’s career growth and creating more inclusive opportunities across the roofing industry. Panelists also emphasized personal accountability, meaningful allyship and the importance of open conversations and genuine support around mental health.

We closed the day with a group photo, raffle prizes and thank you’s. Overall, it was a great day of connection and learning with like-minded professionals in the Pacific Northwest. Being surrounded by others who understand the challenges and possibilities of a career in roofing was a powerful reminder that days like this matter. From exploring NWIR’s origins to learning through breakout sessions, inspiring keynotes and candid panel discussions, the day reinforced how education and connection can help build a stronger future for women in roofing.

By The Coffee Shops®.

The event will bring education, innovation and networking to Mississauga, Ontario.

The Canadian Roofing Expo will return January 19-20, 2027, at the International Centre’s Hall 5 in Mississauga, Ontario. The biennial event brings together roofing professionals to explore products, technologies, techniques and educational opportunities shaping the industry. As Canada’s only tradeshow and educational forum dedicated to all aspects of roofing systems and technologies, the expo serves professionals across the roofing, construction and property management industries. Attendees include architects, building inspectors, contractors, engineers, property owners, property managers, roofing consultants and specifiers. Those attending can also meet the event sponsors including Polyglass, SOPREMA,
Carlisle Syntec Systems and Tremco.

Following the success of the rebranded Canadian Roofing Expo in 2025, organizers are planning an expanded and redesigned experience for 2027. Feedback from attendees, exhibitors, sponsors and industry partners has helped shape enhancements intended to increase opportunities for education, networking and business development.

The redesigned tradeshow floor will feature additional exhibitors, interactive displays and improved traffic flow. Educational sessions will be located directly on the show floor, with optimized scheduling intended to minimize overlap and help attendees participate in more learning opportunities. Make sure to stop by booth 200 and meet the The Coffee Shops team! Don't forget to check out our TCS clients also attending: ServiceTitan, Sika, IKO and Malarkey.

The 2027 expo will also introduce an attendee passport program featuring daily prize drawings. Enhanced food and beverage offerings will be delivered through participating exhibitor booth spaces, while expanded networking receptions on the show floor will create additional opportunities for industry professionals to connect.

Throughout the exhibition, attendees will be able to discover innovative roofing products and technologies from both returning and new exhibitors. Private on-site meeting rooms will also be available for organizations that want to conduct staff meetings or business discussions during the event.

Representatives from the Canadian Roofing Contractors Association and participating provincial roofing associations will be available to discuss issues, trends and opportunities affecting the industry.

The 2025 expo featured more than 150 exhibitors, sponsors, educational sessions and demonstrations. In 2027, the event will once again give attendees access to live demonstrations, industry education and valuable professional connections.

Grab your spot now!

By The Coffee Shops®.

Insulated concrete panels deliver many of the advantages associated with ICF construction with added flexibility and efficiency for many residential, multifamily and light commercial projects.

In the last few years, we’ve been talking a lot about ICF (insulated concrete forms) and the benefits they offer contractors (see this article and this podcast). But in this piece, we’re going to focus on one of the products that has been developed using very similar technology – ICPs (insulated concrete panels).

As factory-made, full height wall panels, ICPs are one of the most efficient ways to create concrete wall systems today featuring four main components:

1. EPS foam insulation: The expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam serves as a framework and insulator in ICPs. With a 1.5 pound density, it meets/exceeds code requirements for sheathing, eliminating the need for additional sheathing.
2. A water-resistant barrier (WRB): Most ICPs feature a polyester film layer. This acts as a WRB, removing another installation step.
3. External reinforcement system: In contrast to traditional concrete work which features internal rebar, ICPs utilize an external reinforcing system that “functions like a composite truss in a vertical position.” This type of reinforcement provides structural strength and an easy attachment point for interior finishes and external cladding.
4. Site-integrated concrete: The last part of installing an ICP is pouring the concrete on site into the vertical cavities. Most manufacturers will provide a mix specification document that outlines what type of concrete should be installed.

A prime example of a modern ICP product is Nudura’s HercuWall™ panel system. This product delivers “impressive thermal performance, typically R-28 to R-31, code-listed fire and STC ratings and fast installation, benefiting builders, building managers and occupants alike.”

As Greg Garrison, Business Development Specialist at Tremco CPG, explained, “[In comparison to Nudura ICFs], we're able to install HercuWall faster in the residential environment, especially [in projects like] build to rent, townhomes [and] multifamily. [Additionally, these HercuWall panels] use less concrete thanks to our concrete stud wall technology. So, it brings all the benefits and attributes of ICF into a much more scalable package.”

Read more about ICPs and HercuWall.

By Emma Peterson.

This renovation of seven Cambridge buildings showcases how modern products can be used to honour historic structures.

The University of Cambridge is one of the oldest universities in the world, with a history that dates back to 1209. Its famous campus draws visitors and students from around the world for its academic achievements and scholarly collections.

Finding a way to honour this centuries-long legacy was front of mind for the Axel Group, who recently renovated multiple flat and pitched roofs around Cambridge’s campus due to issues with the existing roof and gutter systems related to water intrusion.

And the historic nature and architectural significance of these buildings was not the only challenge the team faced. The lively academic environment also meant that “highly stringent safety and access strategy was essential to protect staff, students and visitors, while also maintaining the privacy of residents within this highly esteemed Cambridge college.”

The Axel team started the project by conducting detailed surveys to “assess the condition of each roof and to develop a coordinated refurbishment programme covering pitched roofs, flat roofs and rainwater goods.” In total, seven roofs were identified for refurbishment.

The reroofing itself began by building floating roof systems. These systems enabled “full strip-up works to be carried out” with “minimal disruption to college life and adherence to strict safeguarding and privacy requirements.” During this time, the Axel team removed old insulation and installed new insulation in order to improve thermal performance and meet current UK energy efficiency regulations. They also carefully removed an ageing Georgian rooflight and replaced it with modern rooflights that are both more thermally sound and easier to maintain.

Once the insulation and other interior aspects were prepared, the Axel team moved on to the roof itself. They used Tremco’s AlphaGuard PUMA Flat Roof System for these roofs as it is “fast-curing in low and high temperatures, certified with Broof(t4) classification and comes with a 25-year warranty.” Overall, this project is a prime example of how roofers can provide high-quality solutions that not only resolve leak issues, enhance energy efficiency and provide long-term protection, but also honours historic architecture.