CCS Influencer Johnny Walker says hybrid roof systems increase longevity. 

Editor's note: The following is the transcript of a live interview with John Walker of APOC. You can read the interview below, listen to the podcast or watch the recording.

Lauren White: Hello everyone, my name is Lauren White with CoatingsCoffeeShop.com, and I am here with Johnny Walker. It's great to see you.

Johnny Walker: Hey, good to see you.

Lauren White: And we are here for our July influencer question. And our topic for this month is hybrid roofing systems in practice, and maybe specifically more about where hybrid solutions outperform traditional systems. So, what do you have to share with us?

Johnny Walker: Yeah, absolutely. I am a huge fan of the hybrid systems. This is something that's fairly new. A lot of coatings manufacturers are starting to look at these systems, because really you're using a self-adhered membrane down to either concrete, to plywood, to dense deck, to some sort of substrate and then putting a fluid applied system over the top of that. So when you think about it being, you're sort of building it up. We think of old built up roofs; you're building that up. You're starting with that self-adhered and then building it up. How is that beneficial over a traditional system? When you think about the restorability, the renewability of it, there's a wide range in warranties everywhere from a seven-year to a 25 year durability, just depending on what you're doing. You can go acrylics, you can go silicones, thermoplastics, emulsions, systems. So you can really design these systems and dial into what the need of that building owner is, what the need of the building is and what the longevity and renewability is. Because unlike traditional systems, which you have to put a restoration over the top of it to renew them or replace them, this system itself is renewable. So you're cleaning it, applying some top coats of your coatings, and then prolonging that life. So it really does have that green roof system to it. That's going to be long term, not just going to be a 20 year, could potentially be a 30, 40, 50 year, depending on how well you maintain it and how long you're looking for.

Lauren White: Yeah, amazing. Well, awesome. Well, thank you so much for your time. And for those of you listening, make sure that you check out John Walker's influencer profile and check out APOC's directory on coatingscoffeeshop.com. And we will see you next month for our August topic.

Johnny Walker: Fantastic, thank you.

In this CoatingsCoffeeShop® Coffee Conversations, sponsored by APOC, industry leaders take a deep look at where the roof restoration market is headed right now and what’s driving change. We start with introductions and move quickly into the biggest trends shaping the sector, from economic pressures and sustainability priorities to the growing impact of AI and technology on restoration practices. The panel explores why demand for restoration services is rising, how customers respond to sustainability as a selling point compared with tear-offs, and what larger market forces are influencing contractor decisions. Along the way, we dig into how the insurance environment intersects with these trends and whether we’re seeing similar patterns across the country. Finally, we point contractors to resources and strategies that can help them stay ahead in a fast-evolving restoration landscape.

Listen to the podcast.

Watch the Coffee Conversations.

By John Walker, APOC.

Compared with traditional tear-offs and reroofs, roof restoration has emerged as a cost-effective, minimally disruptive and effective option for professional roofing contractors and their customers alike.

Reroofing a commercial building can be a cumbersome but necessary task for major structures anywhere. Such projects can last for weeks, cause disruption to internal activities and can invite the potential for installation error that can compromise long-term performance. 

But the truth is that a full reroof is not always as necessary as it may seem. And that means opportunity for both roofing contractors and their customers.  

Commercial roof restoration has emerged as a increasingly viable alternative for any roof type. Restoration techniques that are performed with high-quality materials are effective in ensuring commercial roofs regain and maintain their full performance potential over the course of their lifetimes and at a fraction of the cost for a full replacement. Not only does restoration reduce the likelihood of failure, but it also extends the longevity of your commercial roof, regardless of type.  

Recent research proves this to be true. Cotney Consulting Group, a business consulting firm specializing in the commercial roofing industry, recently conducted a thorough study comparing commercial roof restoration performed with high-performance coatings versus reroofing, including recover and tear-off methods. The results were significant, showing that roof restoration can lead to improved profit productivity, enhanced labor efficiency, greater time efficiency and stronger margins for contractors.  

Indeed, restoration can be an effective and profitable strategy. In this article, we’ll explore how to determine if a roof is a good candidate for restoration, the basics of sound restoration techniques and specific findings from the Cotney Consulting Group’s report. Let’s explore:  

Determining if a roof is a good restoration candidate 

First, contractors must determine if the existing roof is in good enough condition for restoration techniques to be effective. To start, a good rule of thumb is that roofs that are 20%-25% (or more) saturated will likely need to be replaced in their entirety based on varying building codes and standards. But a thorough assessment of the roof is necessary to get the full picture.  

This process begins with a visual inspection, which should involve clearing off any trash or accumulated debris that could disguise hidden problem areas. Some initial clues may include:  

• A splitting membrane that is visible to the naked eye for experienced professionals
• A soft area underfoot that is an indicator of saturated insulation
• Rusted, rotted or cracked decking that can be seen from the inside of the building
• Ponding water that could indicate structural sagging in the deck

Infrared thermography along with field verification can be deployed for a more thorough assessment of wet insulation. Small, hand-held infrared cameras are great for smaller roofs. For very large roofs, aerial infrared photography, when possible, can be effective.  

Visual findings should be confirmed through a series of tests, including:  

• A peel adhesion test that can help determine the viability of coating solutions
• Core cutting, which while destructive, can be eye-opening, helping to validate the visual moisture survey and helping to confirm how many layers of roofing actually exist
• Wind uplift testing when necessary can be used to determine the state of the membrane—remember that membranes can become decimated by a storm but may stay in place

Finally, a licensed structural engineer should be retained if there is any evidence of structural failure or additional loading on the roof (condensing units, blowers, metal screens, ballasted antennas, etc.).  

When the roof inspection is complete, it’s time to determine a path forward. Roofs with low to moderate damage and saturation levels are often good candidates for roof restoration rather than a full reroof and can be a cost-effective option when the circumstances call for it. Reroofs will be required in more extreme scenarios such as elevated levels of insulation saturation, decking deterioration and more. 

Evaluating a building’s needs 

In addition to the physical characteristics and condition of the roof, it is also worth evaluating the anticipated service life of the building.  

Not every structure merits the same level of repair work. For example, a small retail store that sits in the path of a proposed freeway expansion might not need a repair that ensures 20 years of performance. A major museum in the hub of a cultural district, by contrast, will require a long-term solution.  

Also worth consideration is potential expansion plans for the structure. It is generally more economical to reroof a structure in conjunction with an expansion rather than splitting the project across multiple years. The need for roof access and the impact on building operations can be greatly reduced if both projects can be performed at the same time. 

In any case, proven repair solutions are available to best suit the needs of the given situation. 

The basics of roof restoration 

It’s helpful to explore the basics of roof restoration and the benefits restoration can bring for contractors and building owners alike when compared to tear-off and replacement jobs. Generally, a restoration project looks like this: 

1 - Contractors can begin by removing any debris and thoroughly cleaning the roof (performed in conjunction with your initial assessment and inspection) to best uncover areas that are to be repaired and to create a workable surface for the rest of the project.  

2 - A high-performance primer is applied to the roof membrane to ensure good adhesion for patching, stain blocking and rust inhibition.  

3 - A high-performance patch system is applied to seal the roof and ensure all parts of the system are watertight and deliver reliable waterproofing protection.  

4 - Supplemental protective coatings can be applied to better protect against common forms of roof damage, helping to ensure greater overall longevity for the roof system. 

This work generally does not require specialized equipment and does not leave the building interior exposed while the job takes place. And if you can successfully bring an existing roof back up to its original performance level with restoration methods, you can move on to your next job more quickly. 

It’s also important to remember that performing quality restoration work requires sourcing reliable, proven products from a trusted supplier. High-performing primers, coatings, adhesives, caulks, sealants and other materials will help to ensure longevity and performance your customers can trust.  

Major benefits for contractors 

In its recent study, Cotney Consulting Group sought to compare restoration with reroofing based on four key factors: Profit productivity, time efficiency, labor efficiency and margin strength. The study evaluated 118 commercial roof restoration projects, analyzing actual costs, contract value and gross profit metrics. This data was cross-referenced with historical project data from the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and adjusted for inflation. 

The findings were significant, including: 

Improved profit productivity. Findings showed that restoration generates ~85% higher modeled gross profit per crew day vs. reroof options. Further, restoration can deliver nearly double the profit per crew day compared to reroofing. From a dollar perspective, restoration averages ~$8,000 in gross profit per crew day compared to ~$4,300 for reroof projects. 

Enhanced labor efficiency. Results showed that restoration can require materially lower labor intensity—up to ~85% less vs. tear-off benchmarks. Time on job decreases significantly as well, with restoration requiring up to ~50% fewer labor hours than recover scenarios. For contractors, these figures show that restoration jobs can be performed with a 33% smaller crew required compared with reroof projects. 

Greater time efficiency. Restoration averages ~eight crew days compared to 13 for recovery and 26–30 for tear-off. Findings also showed that restoration can be completed in roughly one-third the time of tear-off projects. These results were consistent across a range of building square footages. 

Stronger margins for contractors. Results found that restoration generates stronger average gross margins compared to study comparison ranges for reroof alternatives by a weighted average gross margin of ~43%. That can make a major impact for roofing contractors and their businesses. 

Overall, roof restoration offers commercial building owners a practical, cost-effective way to extend roof life and restore performance without the disruption and expense of a full replacement. For roofing contractors, it also represents a valuable growth opportunity that can help meet customer needs, strengthen long-term relationships and support a more profitable business.

APOC RoofSlope Auxiliary Sloping Compound provides a quick and easy way to fill in low spots on flat roofs and achieve positive slope to aid in proper drainage. This patented technology provides a durable finish with the ability to match existing roofing compositions. The RoofSlope compound is excellent for new construction as well as retrofit work, minimizing costs associated with fixing slope-to-drain issues.

• Eliminates Ponding Water - Achieves Positive Slope to Aid in Proper Drainage
• Superior Bond Strength - Bonds to a Wide Variety of Substrates
• Quick & Easy Application - Saves Time & Labor

Learn more and get Roofslope today!

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn how APOC goes above and beyond for their contractors. 

In a new Roofing Road Trips® episode, Karen Edwards sat down with Anthony Martin to talk about how APOC, an ICP Group brand, works to help contractors succeed both on and off the roof. Anthony is the Southwest regional sales director for APOC, putting him in direct, daily contact with contractors from Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas.  

In his work with these contractors, Anthony follows one clear philosophy: “Our job as manufacturers is to make it easy for our contractors.” What does making things easy look like? Anthony elaborated:  

We're really here to help build people's businesses, help contractors that maybe have done steep-slope roof systems for the last 30 years and are looking to launch other avenues and create new revenue streams for their companies. And we want to help them with that because we know that without our contractors we wouldn’t be here. 

A great example of this in action is Anthony and his fellow territory managers’ day-to-day work. Anthony described how the territory manager system operates:  

We have multiple territory managers strategically placed throughout the country, and they’re all considered training experts in our field.  So we make sure there is always someone there to support the contractor, whether that requires roof walks, roof inspections, project installs, on infield, on-site training.  

Another example of APOC’s contractor support is their rewards program, which gives contractors an opportunity to earn points (which can be redeemed for cash and other prizes) as they install APOC products.  

Want to learn more about APOC’s rewards program and the other ways they support their contractors? Listen to the whole podcast or Watch the recording.  

In this CoatingsCoffeeShop® Coffee Conversations, sponsored by APOC, industry leaders take a deep look at where the roof restoration market is headed right now and what’s driving change. We start with introductions and move quickly into the biggest trends shaping the sector, from economic pressures and sustainability priorities to the growing impact of AI and technology on restoration practices. The panel explores why demand for restoration services is rising, how customers respond to sustainability as a selling point compared with tear-offs, and what larger market forces are influencing contractor decisions. Along the way, we dig into how the insurance environment intersects with these trends and whether we’re seeing similar patterns across the country. Finally, we point contractors to resources and strategies that can help them stay ahead in a fast-evolving restoration landscape.

Listen to the podcast.

Watch the Coffee Conversations.

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn about all the events, seminars and exhibitors that will be at this year’s Western Roofing Expo. 

Navigating today’s roofing industry can be a bit of a challenge. Whether you’re facing more extreme storms in the field or juggling labor issues and material shortages in the office, it can be hard to stay up to date with the information and tools you need to succeed. Luckily, the Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA) hosts a two-day event designed to help professionals handle all those issues and more – Western Roofing Expo (WRE).  

This premier regional roofing and waterproofing event boasts a two-day trade show, over two dozen education seminars, multiple engaging luncheons, The Roofing Games™ shingling competition, golf and sporting clays tournaments, a live auction, product demonstrations and more! Keep reading to learn about what to expect from this year’s show, which will be held September 27-29, 2026 at the Paris Las Vegas! 

The core of the show 

The core of the show occurs on Monday (9/28) and Tuesday (9/29) with 30 seminars planned, two luncheons organized and a trade show floor that is free for contractors to attend. 

The seminars at WRE are a great way to upgrade your skills! Experts from across the industry will be teaching about everything from business management to technical developments. And if you’re a part of The Coffee Shops™ family, there will be a lot of familiar faces like Trent Cotney of Adams and Reese, Amparo Sancen from Latinos En Roofing, John Kenney from Cotney Consulting Group and our very own president, Heidi J. Ellsworth!  

As for the luncheons, WSRCA has organized two invaluable luncheons for WRE attendees. The first will be hosted on Monday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and is presented by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). Craig Brightup, The Brightup Group, and Chad Collins, NRCA, will take this opportunity to talk to attendees about the key developments in Washington D.C. that are impacting the roofing industry.  

The second luncheon will run at the same time (11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) on Tuesday and is sponsored by Malarkey Roofing Products. This luncheon gives attendees an opportunity to hear from the WRE 2026 keynote speaker – Shereen Thor. Shereen is a comedian turned coach who has worked with organizations like Google, Pandora, Slack, Safe Place For Youth and The Social Justice Learning Institute. Her keynote will be a great resource to professionals and business owners in all parts of their careers.  

And last but not least, the trade show floor will be open both Monday and Tuesday. This is a great opportunity to see the latest innovations and newest technology in the industry as product demos will be hosted on the hour. At that same demo stage there will also be the return of the much-anticipated Roofing Games on Tuesday!  

The trade show is a great opportunity to talk to representatives of leading companies around the industry. And the best part? The exhibit floor is FREE for contractors and roofers to attend! We’ll be in booth 12, so make sure to stop by and say hi, and we have countless industry friends who will be around the floor, such as Anchor Products (815), APOC (609), BITEC (151), Brava Roof Tile (840), Carlisle Architectural Metals (509), Drexel Metals (509), Equipter (826), Integrity Insurance & Bonding (360), Lakeside Construction Fasteners (154), New Tech Machinery (356), PABCO Roofing Products (703), Rocket Equipment (638), RoofScope (822), Sentry Building Innovations (150) and VELUX (361). 

Additional events and more 

In addition to the core two days, there are extra events both before (Sunday, 9/27) and after (Wednesday, 9/30). On Sunday, the Davis Memorial Foundation will host two tournaments, one sporting clays tournament and one golf tournament. The proceeds from these events go directly to the Davis Memorial Foundation Scholarship Fund. The scholarships from this fund have helped more than 195 aspiring high school, undergraduate and graduate students pursue their dreams. These events have their own registration and their own fees. 

And on that Wednesday, the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants will host a special education day. This event runs from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and will elevate attendees’ expertise in the building enclosure industry. It features two courses, one about the fundamentals of roof assemblies and the other highlighting key updates to international codes. The registration and fees for this education day are separate from general registration. 

Get registered and reserved 

Registration for the 2026 WRE is now open! You can register online, again the show will be held at the Paris in Las Vegas, Nevada from September 27-29, 2026. Being at the Paris, there are many options for hotels nearby. WSRCA has worked specifically with the Paris Las Vegas, Planet Hollywood and Horseshoe Hotel to get discounted room blocks that start as low as $91.  

Not sure if you can make the registration fee work in your budget? RoofersCoffeeShop® is partnering with Western Colloid to send five professionals to the show for free! By entering our contest, you get the chance to win an all-inclusive pass to the show, which gives you access to the trade show, annual luncheon, en Español content, educational sessions and the legislative luncheon.  

Learn more about the 2026 WRE show!

By Emma Peterson. 

APOC’s latest study quantifies the performance and profitability of roof restoration projects.  

In May of 2026, APOC, a leading liquid-applied roof restoration manufacturer and a member of ICP Building Solutions Group, released a new benchmark study all about the performance and profitability of roof restoration projects. The study compared restoration practices to traditional reroofing methods and showcased a shift that many contractors have experienced colloquially – that in an increasingly constrained labor and cost environment, restoration can be a powerful and profitable path forward.  

How the study was conducted 

This study is a part of APOC’s broader commitment to “innovation, education and industry leadership, equipping professionals with the tools, training and insights needed to maximize performance in the field.” In the study, APOC compared key performance indicators of 118 commercial roofing projects, noting which ones used restoration methods versus which went the traditional reroofing route. These indicators include profitability, labor efficiency, timeline and margin strength.  

The study was developed in partnership with Cotney Consulting Group, a roofing-specific consulting firm led by roofing leader John Kenney. John shared his thoughts about the importance of this survey, adding, “I’ve been in this industry for over 40 years, and most of that time it’s been widely accepted that restoration is the more profitable path when the roof supports it. But widely accepted and proven are two different things. This study closes that gap. Finish faster, run a smaller crew, keep more margin. That’s not theory anymore; now we can show you the numbers.” 

Key findings  

The numbers show that restoration delivered average gross margins around 43% (outperforming many reroofs which have typical margins between 30%–60%), required up to 85% less labor intensity than tear offs and could be completed with crews 1/3 smaller than reroof crews. These are just three examples of the study’s findings, which all support the idea that restoration “minimizes operational disruption for building owners, reduces project risk and supports scalability across a wide range of commercial roof sizes.” 

As Johnny Walker, a national technical manager at APOC, explained:  

At a time when contractors are under pressure to do more with less, this research provides clear, quantifiable evidence that restoration is not just a viable alternative, but it’s often the smarter business decision. At APOC, we’ve always believed in the power of restoration, when viable. Now we can show contractors exactly why it makes sense to their bottom line. 

Access the full restoration index report for free!

A new benchmark study from APOC and Cotney Consulting Group is highlighting the growing business advantages of commercial roof restoration compared to traditional reroofing. Analyzing 118 commercial roofing projects, the report found that restoration projects generated nearly twice the gross profit per crew day while requiring smaller crews, less labor intensity and significantly faster completion times. 

Key Findings from the APOC Roof Restoration Index Include:

• Significantly higher profit productivity: Restoration projects generated approximately 85% higher gross profit per crew day—due to smaller crew sizes and fewer days needed to complete a job—compared to reroofing benchmarks, with average returns of ~$8,000 per crew day versus ~$4,300.
• Major time savings: Restoration projects averaged ~8 crew days for a 30,000 SF roof, compared to 13 for recovery and up to 30 for tear-off, enabling faster project turnover and increased annual capacity.
• Improved labor efficiency: Restoration required up to 85% less labor intensity than tear-off methods and could be completed with crews approximately one-third smaller.
• Stronger, more consistent margins: Restoration delivered average gross margins around 43%, with typical ranges between 30%–60%, outperforming many reroofing scenarios.

Access the full report for free!

By Dani Sheehan. 

Learn to identify viable restoration candidates and communicate the value of restoration to building owners. 

For many building owners, roof replacement remains the default solution when a roof begins to show signs of aging. But restoration can offer a viable alternative in the right circumstances. The challenge is helping owners understand when restoration makes sense, and ensuring contractors have the training and resources necessary to make that determination with confidence. In a recent episode of CoatingsCast™, Johnny Walker from APOC offered practical insights on roof assessments and how to position restoration services to customers. 

"Some building owners will just look at a roof restoration or look at a tear-off and think, if I tear it all off, I'm getting a brand-new roof and that's the way I want to go," Johnny explained. While replacement may be appropriate in some situations, it is often the most expensive and disruptive option. You have an opportunity to help owners evaluate the full picture, including the condition of the existing roof, the expected service life of a restoration system and the overall lifecycle cost of each approach. 

But before those conversations can happen, you must answer one critical question: Is the roof actually a candidate for restoration? 

Not every roof is restorable 

Johnny emphasized that restoration is not a universal solution. Determining whether a roof can be successfully restored requires more than a visual inspection. You have to evaluate the entire roofing assembly to understand its current condition and identify any issues that could compromise long-term performance. 

"When we look at this, what we want to do is we want to look at the entire roof system from the deck up," Johnny explained. "We want to determine if there's deck deflection, is the roof structurally sound? Is there moisture in the roof? These are key factors to determine if the roof is even viable." 

As restoration continues to gain traction, manufacturers like APOC are investing heavily in contractor education to help roofing professionals perform these assessments correctly. Training programs increasingly focus on identifying moisture intrusion, understanding substrate compatibility, conducting adhesion testing and selecting the appropriate restoration system for the existing roof type. 

A forensic investigation 

While visual observations remain important, Johnny described the evaluation process as a forensic investigation of the roof system. A proper restoration assessment typically includes moisture surveys, infrared scans, core cuts and other diagnostic tools that provide insight into what is happening beneath the membrane surface. These investigations help determine whether hidden moisture, deteriorated insulation or structural concerns exist that could jeopardize a restoration project. 

Before recommending a course of action, you should also evaluate whether the restoration material being specified is compatible with the existing roof. Different substrates may require different polymers, surface preparation methods and adhesion testing protocols to ensure long-term success.  

The more thorough the assessment process, the more confidence you can have in offering a recommendation. Whether restoration ultimately proves to be the right solution or not, a comprehensive evaluation provides the information you need to guide building owners toward the best decision for their facility. 

Building trust through education 

Education plays an important role at every stage of the restoration process. Manufacturers help you develop the technical skills needed to evaluate roofs accurately and recommend appropriate solutions. In turn, you can help building owners understand what restoration entails and when it makes sense as an alternative to replacement. 

"We're not just saying, ‘Hey, we're going to go out and paint your roof’," Johnny said. "There's a lot more to it." That "more" includes investigation, testing, documentation and expertise. When you approach restoration from an education-first mindset, you’ll position yourself as a trusted advisor while helping building owners make informed decisions about the future of their roofing assets. 

Listen to the full episode to learn more about providing restoration services to your customers.