By Dani Sheehan. 

Contractors looking to differentiate in 2026 are finding new opportunities in spray polyurethane foam (SPF) roofing systems that solve challenges traditional systems can’t always address. 

For contractors looking to grow their commercial capabilities, spray polyurethane foam (SPF) can be more than another system to offer. It can become a strategic service line that opens the door to restoration work, complex reroofing projects and energy-focused upgrades. 

Why spray foam stands out 

Many roof systems perform well on straightforward projects. But not every roof is straightforward. Buildings with multiple penetrations, rooftop equipment, irregular layouts or curved structures often create labor-intensive installation challenges for conventional materials. 

Because the material is spray-applied and fully adhered, SPF conforms to the substrate and creates a seamless surface across transitions, penetrations and hard-to-detail areas. Instead of cutting and fitting around every obstacle, you can create a continuous insulated roofing system that helps simplify difficult applications. 

As Will Lorenz of General Coatings Manufacturing Corp shared during a live soundstage interview at the International Roofing Expo (IRE) 2026, “The more difficult the building is, the more it’s a perfect fit for spray foam.” 

A smart path for recover and restoration projects 

As more commercial roofs age, owners are increasingly interested in restoration and recover options that preserve existing assets. In many cases, a full tear-off may not be necessary if the substrate remains sound. 

Spray foam can help you answer restoration demand by adding insulation, improving waterproofing performance and renewing aging roof systems without the cost and disruption of removing the entire roof assembly. 

For owners, that can mean: 

• Reduced landfill waste from tear-offs 
• Lower disruption to occupied buildings 
• Faster project timelines 
• Improved thermal performance 
• Extended roof service life 

Training is what turns opportunity into profit 

Spray foam roofing is not a plug-and-play category. Successful installation requires an understanding of proportioning equipment, spray technique, substrate conditions, weather variables and coating application standards. Industry associations such as the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) and Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association (RCMA) continue to play an important role in advancing best practices, education and professionalism across the category. 

Manufacturers matter too. Contractors entering or expanding in SPF need partners who can provide product guidance, jobsite support, inspections and warranty pathways. As Will explained, “People install it and make it a roof.” Quality materials matter, but quality outcomes depend on trained contractors backed by responsive manufacturers. 

General Coatings is available to help you evaluate opportunities, choose the right coating systems, troubleshoot field conditions and build long-term confidence in SPF installations. If you want to expand their commercial offerings, improve margins and solve more complex problems for your customers, spray foam may be one of the smartest additions to the toolbox. 

Learn how General Coatings can help build your business with spray foam! 

By Dani Sheehan. 

Understand the design possibilities and performance behind decorative coating systems to uncover new opportunities waiting right under your feet. 

As customers continue looking for surfaces that combine style, performance and value, decorative coatings are moving beyond the floor of their garage. In an episode of CoatingsCast™, Ryan Zabel from APF Polymer Surfaces discusses the growing demand for decorative floor systems and how products like Terrazzo Flakes are balancing design and durability. 

Here are three takeaways you can apply to your business today. 

1 – Decorative coatings can open the door to new markets 

Ryan highlighted several spaces that are ideal for floor coatings: “Kitchens for one. Bathrooms are huge investments for people right now in their homes and will always be. If you have concrete anywhere in your home, from indoor living spaces to garages, they all can be an ideal location for the Terrazzo Flake in residential applications.” 

Commercial and industrial opportunities are also growing as building owners look for flooring solutions that balance appearance with performance. “We do a lot of retail stores. Restaurants, offices, shopping centers and hotels are really big as well,” Ryan continued. “In the industrial sector, we provide coatings for warehouses, factories, break rooms, entryways and waiting rooms. The possibilities really are endless.” 

Decorative coating systems can create opportunities in residential remodels, tenant improvements, hospitality projects and industrial maintenance work, helping you diversify your project pipeline wherever you already work. 

2 – Customers are investing in performance 

While decorative flakes certainly create a polished finished product, Ryan emphasized that aesthetics alone isn’t driving demand. Customers are increasingly focused on cleanliness, durability and long-term maintenance. “You would think that the hotels would just continue to use tile, but they’re getting a lot more educated on long-term investments,” he explained. “We can protect concrete a lot better with a resinous flooring product than tile over time because the grout lines are just an area that bacteria grows and it’s hard to control and keep clean.” 

He added, “If you have a monolithic, cleanable floor, it stays nice for a very long time.” This can be an especially valuable talking point with restaurant owners, facility managers or homeowners comparing flooring options. Instead of leading with color blends and design, you can position decorative coatings as an investment in easier maintenance, improved sanitation and overall protection. 

3 – Choose the right system with APF 

No matter how attractive the finished floor looks, Ryan made it clear that performance starts at the very beginning. “We always need to remember that preparation is the key to success,” he said. “At APF, we only recommend grinding or shot blasting as a method of preparation to ensure the coatings get a mechanical bond to the concrete substrate.” 

He added that choosing the right system for the environment is just as important. Whether a project calls for a fast-turnaround installation, a heavy-duty garage floor or an occupied commercial space where odor matters, contractors have options. APF Polymer Surfaces has systems ranging from one-day installations with return to service in 24 hours to high-build systems designed for customers who will “really use and abuse the floor.” This flexibility can make it easier to specify systems for different customer needs without worrying about performance or durability. 

Listen to the full podcast episode to learn more about how decorative concrete coatings continue to grow traction across residential, commercial and industrial markets and where they fit into your business.

June 2, 2026 @ 9:00 am - June 4, 2026 @ 5:00 pm EST

SkillsUSA will have a new Immersive Experience- Construction this year at our annual conference NLSC(National Leadership & Skills Conference) supported by Lowe’s Foundation and Bosch Community Fund. This is for 100 SkillsUSA members that are not competitors but coming for 3 days for an immersive experience to learn more about the construction industry. 

Agenda

Tuesday, June 2

• Construction Scenario Challenges 
• Columbus Tech Carpentry Training Trailer 
• Construction Scavenger Hunt

Wednesday, June 3

• Atlanta Brave’s Stadium Tour 
• Cobb Galleria Active Jobsite Tour 
• Lowe’s Store Walkthrough 
• Employer Insights Panel

Thursday, June 4

• NC3 Credentialing 
  • Snap - On Hand Tool ID: Hammers, Punches, and Chisels
  • Snap - On Hand Tool ID: Screwdrivers
  • 3M PPE: Head, Eye, and Face  
• Celebration Dinner

Learn more and register today!

By Emma Peterson. 

A candid conversation with two founders of NWIR about how ten years has changed the perception of female professionals. 

With the amount of stressful news constantly around us, it can be hard to remember to celebrate the good news and progress being made. To put the good in the spotlight, Heidi J. Ellsworth, CEO of The Coffee Shops™ and Jennifer Stone, the director of national accounts, Tremco, sat down for a Roofing Road Trips® episode all about the growth of the roofing industry since they helped launch National Women in Roofing (NWIR) a decade ago.  

Heidi opened the conversation by talking about how NWIR first came to be, sharing, “It started at the Midwest meetings. It was me, Jennifer, Jenny Ford Smith and Sherry Carlazzi. And we had this idea, called Trent Cotney and asked, “how do we make this happen?’” 

And now, ten years later, NWIR is stronger than ever, and today there has been a noticeable change in the perception of women in the roofing industry since the organization’s founding. Jennifer shared:  

When we were getting together 10 years ago, I remember Jenny saying, ‘I can't wait till the day people stop introducing me as the first female leader of sales and you as the first this and the first that.’ And it really feels like we’re getting there... You see so many women that are in the C-suite executive positions, and it isn't a first anymore. 

This growth not only helps women in the industry, but it helps the industry as a whole. Jennifer explained, “We’ve seen a huge growth of diversity in the roofing industry in the last decade, and it makes the industry better because you get diversity of thought, which is where retention, innovation and growth come from.”  

A great example of this was Tremco’s hiring of Mandy McIntyre in a specialized position all about culture and process development. Jennifer spoke a bit about this:  

Mandy's role as a strong woman who's passionate about culture and mental health and people, her focus positively impacts Tremco's culture in numerous, numerous ways, including process development, and performance management...And would she have been hired in this role a decade ago? I don’t know, but what we do know is that because she’s in this leadership role, Tremco’s culture and business are both stronger. 

Heidi added some of her thoughts, “It’s amazing to see this kind of thing. It really shows how the perceptions of women and the perceptions of what's acceptable and what's not acceptable have changed in the last 10 years.”  

Listen to the rest of Heidi and Jennifer’s conversation to hear more about how the perception of women has changed in the roofing industry.

By Jesse Sanchez. 

A recent school roof overhaul highlights safety, sustainability and seamless execution by a top-rated contractor. 

When South Park Elementary School faced the daunting task of replacing its roof in time for the new school year, Strong Contractors Inc. stepped up to deliver — with precision, speed and environmental foresight. 

The Colorado-based commercial roofing company, led on this project by Matteo Mazzullo-Revel, tackled a more than 40,000-square-foot roof overhaul at the school’s 3100 Hollywood Dr. location using spray polyurethane foam (SPF). The complex installation, completed in just 17 days, showcases the firm’s ability to solve logistical challenges under pressure — especially with multiple HVAC penetrations complicating the layout. 

“Every HVAC unit had to be meticulously masked to avoid overspray,” said Mazzullo-Revel, a SPFA PCP Certified Master Installer. The intricate setup demanded both technical expertise and tight coordination, made tougher by a hard deadline to finish before students returned. 

The project employed Gaco Low GWP F2780 foam, GacoFlex S2000 silicone and anti-slip #6 white granules. These materials formed a monolithic system — a seamless roofing approach that enhances durability, particularly in environments riddled with roof penetrations like vents and HVAC mounts. The granules also aid in ongoing maintenance, offering safe footing for technicians accessing the roof. 

Beyond the technical aspects, Strong Contractors ensured compliance with OSHA fall protection standards and brought in a third-party safety consultant, resulting in zero incidents — no small feat on a job of this size and scope. 

Environmentally, the SPF system offered a major plus: it allowed the team to build over the existing roof, diverting tons of waste from local landfills — an increasingly important consideration in public works projects. 

This isn’t Strong Contractors’ first time in the spotlight. The firm, co-owned by a husband-and-wife team, has earned recognition from Gaco as a top applicator in 2023 and 2024 and landed on the Inc. 5000 list for its rapid growth. Their past work includes high-profile government and education projects across Colorado, including an expansive slate of roofing for Pueblo School District 60 in 2024. 

Learn more about how Strong Contractors is shaping the future of sustainable roofing, this job is just the start!

APOC Product of the Month: Reflective Roof Coatings. APOC offers a complete product portfolio for all your roof restoration needs. At our core we specialize in a variety of high-performance roof coatings and primers that can be used on array of substrates. 

Silicone: APOC offers a line of durable, high performance silicone coatings that resist ponding water and creates a tough, flexible barrier that protects against the elements and help to greatly extend the life of a roof. ​
​These bright white coatings deliver long-lasting reflectivity, helping to lower utility costs.

• APOC 585 Armor Flex
• APOC 586 Armor Flex
• APOC 587 Armor Flex

Elastomeric: APOC offers a line of highly flexible and durable high-performance elastomeric coatings that protect and extend roof life. The bright white coatings deliver long-lasting reflectivity, helping to lower utility costs. Elastomeric coatings are easy to install and clean up with water.

• APOC 247 Energy-armor
• APOC 248 Energy-armor
• APOC 252 Energy-armor
• APOC 258 Energy-armor

Aluminum: APOC Aluminum roof coatings are a great option due to their reflectivity. APOC offers a variety of aluminum blends that work across many different roofing substrates.

• APOC 207 Silver Guard
• APOC 211 Premium
• APOC 212 Premium
• APOC 400 Sunbrite

Sign-up and start earning today!

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

At RoofersCoffeeShop®, we love highlighting roofing professionals who are helping strengthen their communities. Thomas Roofing and Supply is a great example of that.

Across the roofing industry, family businesses continue to define what it means to serve communities with integrity and commitment. This month, RoofersCoffeeShop® is celebrating a company that was recommended for our Caught Doing Good series by Harvey Sorem, a longtime and respected leader in the Virginia roofing community. Harvey recognized Thomas Roofing and Supply of York County, Virginia, for their longstanding dedication to quality roofing, strong family values and commitment to the community.

Founded in 1973 by Fay and Pat Thomas, the company began with little more than a ladder, a pickup truck and determination. According to a recent York County feature, Pat worked alongside Fay on rooftops in those early days, helping build what would become a highly respected residential roofing contractor and roofing supply distributor serving homeowners throughout the region.

Today, sons Jason and Brian Thomas lead day-to-day operations, continuing the values their parents established from the beginning: hard work, honesty and exceptional customer service. Thomas Roofing specializes exclusively in residential roofing installation, maintenance and repair, a focused approach that Jason Thomas credits for helping the company consistently deliver quality craftsmanship.

The company also stands out for its investment in people. With nearly four dozen employees, Thomas Roofing values loyalty and long-term relationships. One team member, Shawn Sissel, has worked with the company for nearly 40 years, growing from a young crew member into a lead foreman. That kind of employee retention says a great deal about company culture.

Thomas Roofing’s dedication has earned recognition including an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and a 2025 Bronze Award for Best Roofing Company from Coastal Virginia Magazine. Even more inspiring, the next generation is already learning the trade, with Jason’s son Zac becoming part of the family business and continuing the company’s legacy.

At RoofersCoffeeShop, we love highlighting roofing professionals who are making a difference every day and helping strengthen their communities. Thomas Roofing and Supply is truly Caught Doing Good. Special thanks to Harvey Sorum for bringing this outstanding company to our attention.

Read the full York County story.

By Dani Sheehan. 

Sometimes the most meaningful product innovations come in the smallest design changes. 

Innovation isn’t always about creating an entirely new product. Sometimes it’s about rethinking how existing products perform on the job. During a live demonstration at the International Roofing Expo (IRE) 2026, KARNAK highlighted not only the performance of Karna-Seal 671, but the practical packaging improvements designed to make repairs safer and more efficient in the field. 

“It’s a dangerous job roofing,” said John McDermott, vice president of sales for KARNAK, as he demonstrated the company’s 100% silicone repair solution. “We all want to come home safe.” 

Roof leaks don’t wait for blue skies and nice weather. Often, the most critical repairs occur in active rain, with standing water or under urgent temporary conditions. John showcased Karna-Seal 671’s ability to be applied directly underwater, creating an immediate watertight repair while explaining why silicone-specific repair solutions have become increasingly important. “The only thing that will stick to silicone is silicone,” John explained. “You can’t use any of our other repair products, or anybody else’s repair products, so we developed the 671. 

You can see during the demo just how well Karna-Seal works. Working on a submerged repair, John reinforced the split with fabric and left the product to cure, immediately creating a watertight seal as soon as it’s applied. 

One of the most practical parts of the demonstration was Karna-Seal 671’s new packaging. Rather than requiring service technicians to carry buckets while climbing ladders, the new pouch design can be stored easily in a backpack, helping crews maintain proper points of contact during roof access. And because technicians can squeeze excess air from the pouch before resealing it, the moisture-cure product stays usable longer in the field. It’s a small design change, but one rooted in a larger industry conversation about reducing preventable injuries, improving technician mobility and making field repairs more efficient. 

After 93 years in business, KARNAK continues to show that the best product innovations come from listening to contractors in the field. Something as simple as redesigning the packaging is helping contractors work safer, move smarter and respond with more confidence in every repair. 

By Cotney Consulting Group. 

Busy seasons will always come and go. The companies that last are the ones that build habits strong enough to handle the pressure. 

Being busy has never been the same thing as being profitable. Yet many contractors confuse the two. They measure success by backlog, trucks on the road or how hard everyone is working. The calendar is full. Crews are moving. Phones are ringing. From the outside, everything looks strong. But when the numbers are reviewed, margins are thin, cash is tight and leadership feels like they’re constantly chasing the following problem.

After decades in this industry, one pattern consistently emerges. Profitable companies don’t operate faster than everyone else. They operate with better habits. 

The first habit is clarity. Profitable contractors are transparent about how work flows through their company, estimating hands-off jobs the same way every time. Project managers know precisely what they’re responsible for and what they’re not. Foremen understand the plan before they ever step on the job site. There is less guessing, fewer assumptions and far fewer surprises. Busy contractors, on the other hand, rely heavily on tribal knowledge. People are expected to “just know” what to do. Sometimes that works. Often it doesn’t. 

Another key habit is disciplined estimating feedback. Profitable contractors don’t treat estimating as a one-way street. They review how jobs actually performed and feed that information back into future bids. Labor assumptions get tested. Production rates get adjusted. Risk items get flagged earlier. Busy contractors rarely close that loop. Once the job is sold, estimating moves on to the next bid and the same mistakes quietly repeat themselves. 

Scheduling habits also tell the story. Profitable companies schedule with intention. They consider crew capability, material delivery, weather exposure and job complexity. They don’t oversell capacity and hope it works out. Busy companies stack jobs on the calendar because sales momentum feels good. The result is crews bouncing between sites, production slowing and costs climbing without anyone fully understanding why. 

Communication is another separator. Profitable contractors communicate early and often. Problems are addressed when they’re still small. Change conditions are documented. Customers are kept informed. Field and office stay aligned. Busy contractors communicate reactively. Issues get discussed after they’ve already caused damage. Documentation lags behind reality. Customers feel the stress even if no one says it out loud. 

There’s also a difference in how time is treated. Profitable contractors protect it. Meetings have purpose. Job reviews happen on schedule. Leaders carve out time to look ahead instead of constantly reacting. Busy contractors spend most of their time responding to the loudest issue of the day. Planning gets postponed. Reviews get skipped. Decisions get rushed. Over time, that pace becomes exhausting and expensive. 

One of the most overlooked habits is how profitable companies handle job closeout. They don’t rush past it. They review what went right and what didn’t. They confirm costs, collect documentation and resolve loose ends. That discipline protects cash flow and improves future performance. Busy contractors move straight to the next job, leaving unresolved issues behind them. Those issues eventually resurface, usually at the worst possible time. 

Profitable companies also tend to be more selective. They don’t chase every job. They understand their strengths and avoid work that doesn’t fit their operation. Busy companies often say yes too often. The volume feels good, but the mix of work creates strain on crews, managers and systems. Over time, that strain shows up in turnover and margin erosion. 

Leadership behavior also plays a significant role. Profitable contractors are visible in their operations. They don’t micromanage, but they stay connected. They know what’s happening in the field and in the office. They reinforce expectations consistently. Busy contractors are often pulled in too many directions. Leadership becomes distant from daily execution, and problems grow quietly until they demand attention. 

None of these habits is dramatic. They don’t require new software or major restructuring. They require discipline. They require consistency. And they require leadership commitment. That’s why so many companies struggle to adopt them. It’s easier to stay busy than it is to stay controlled. 

The truth is that most companies already have the ingredients for profitability. They have capable people, solid demand and years of experience. What they lack isn’t effort. It’s operational habits that hold the line when things get hectic. 

Busy seasons will always come and go. The companies that last are the ones that build habits strong enough to handle the pressure. Profitability doesn’t come from working harder. It comes from working with intention, clarity and control. 

And in the trades, that difference is everything. 

Polyglass’ sponsorship reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting local communities and organizations that create positive, lasting impact.

Polyglass U.S.A., Inc., a leading manufacturer of roofing and waterproofing systems, proudly served as a sponsor of the Hands & Hearts Gala hosted by Boca Helping Hands, an annual fundraising event benefiting children, individuals and families in need throughout Palm Beach County.

Held in Boca Raton, Florida, the gala brought together community leaders, donors and supporters for an elegant evening dedicated to advancing Boca Helping Hands’ mission of addressing hunger while creating pathways to long‑term self‑sufficiency. This year’s event honored founding member Gary Peters for his lasting contributions to the organization and its impact within the community.

Boca Helping Hands is a Boca Raton-based nonprofit dedicated to improving quality of life for individuals and families facing economic hardship. In 2025 alone, the organization provided more than 3.5 million meals across Palm Beach County through pantry services, hot meal programs and weekend food assistance for children. The Hands & Hearts Gala plays a critical role in expanding these efforts while also supporting workforce development initiatives that help participants build sustainable, independent futures.

As a Spotlight VIP Table Sponsor, Polyglass hosted employees and guests at the gala and actively participated in both silent and live auctions in support of the organization’s critical programs. The Old Hollywood-themed evening featured a casino‑style experience, live entertainment and opportunities for attendees to engage directly in fundraising efforts that make a meaningful difference locally.

“Being part of the communities where we live and work is important to Polyglass. Supporting Boca Helping Hands is about more than attending an event,” said Scott Lelling, executive VP, strategic marketing at Polyglass. “It’s about standing alongside an organization that provides real help to individuals and families, creating opportunities for a stronger future. We’re proud to support their mission and the impact they continue to make right here in our local community.”

Polyglass’ sponsorship reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting local communities and organizations that create positive, lasting impact.

Contact Polyglass to learn more about their innovative roofing and waterproofing products.

About Polyglass U.S.A., Inc.
 
Polyglass U.S.A., Inc. is a leading manufacturer of roofing and waterproofing systems. Known for its self-adhered modified bitumen roofing systems based on the company’s patented ADESO® Technology and CURE Technology®, Polyglass also produces a full line of premium roof coatings and roof maintenance systems. An ISO 9001:2015 certified company, Polyglass provides quality products and adds value through innovation. For more information about the premium products and services offered by Polyglass, call 800.222.9782 or visit polyglass.us.