The influence of regulations in the coating sector’s growth

CCS Influencer Joe Sorrentino says that manufacturers are constantly testing and developing new technologies to balance global and national regulatory thresholds.

The biggest challenge the coatings industry faces is the size and growth projections for its’ use around the world! Over $150 billion and growing with Asia leading the pace internationally. The continued influences of regulatory and code issues are the driving forces for slowdown and/or confusion specifically the roof coating industry. Proven in place performance (see Florida insurance and building code) and the ability for an owner to select based on cost and proven useful service life goes out the window in the state of Florida. Insurance companies are disregarding the manufacturers warranty coverage and requiring removal and replacement based on a 15-year timeframe. In July of 2023 and again in October of 2024 articles published highlighted this scenario. See FRSA Florida Magazine July 2023, “The Power Of NO/Know For Roof Coatings” and FCPA Magazine October 2024 “Insurance and Code Changes Could Cost Florida Homeowners Big!” by Chris Salazar, KARNAK Corp. 

The Professional Roofer Magazine published an article in September of 2022 by Mark Graham of the NRCA. The title, “Roof Coatings and Code Compliance”. For decades roof coatings and liquid applied roofing membranes have been successfully installed and performed. Mr. Graham states: “Until the publication and adoption of the International Building Code® 2021 Edition, building code requirements for roof coating products and applications were somewhat vague and sometimes led to inconsistent interpretations. Beginning with IBC 2021, the code’s requirements for roof coatings became clearer and more streamlined, which means interpretations should now be more consistent and what is required of roof coating manufacturers and roofing contractors involved in roof coating applications should be better defined.” 

On a global and national scale, the regulations continue to create challenges for the manufacture of many products that have been successfully produced, installed and performed in the marketplace. Since paints and coatings are lumped together for the purpose of SIC codes and related regulations, manufacturers are constantly testing and developing new technologies to combat these regulatory thresholds. With all the advantages of the use of roof coatings to help the environment, the reduction of landfill waste, solar and emissive reflectance advantages, the list can go on! However, since these products do emit gases into the air, the gases are being regulated and forever change the makeup of products available to the installer.

Stay on top of these issues by networking and being involved in your local roofing association government affairs committee as well as the state legislature and national associations like Roof Coating Manufacturer Association (RCMA), National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and in Florida Roofing Sheet Metal Association (FRSA).