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 Dani Sheehan. 

There’s never been a better opportunity to see how the right foundation can elevate every project you take on. 

With a full lineup of roof underlayments and roof tile adhesives designed specifically for contractors, APOC is making it easier to build durable, high-performing systems while rewarding the professionals who trust their products every day. 

The foundation of a better roof 

Roof underlayments act as a vital barrier that protects the entire roof system. APOC’s underlayments are engineered to serve as water-resistant or waterproof base layers, helping shield structures from moisture intrusion while enhancing long-term durability and performance. 

Whether you’re working on tile, metal or steep-slope applications, APOC offers a complete portfolio of solutions to meet the demands of the job, including: 

• Tile systems: Weather-Armor FT3 
• Metal roofing: Weather-Armor HT2 and HT3 
• Ice and water protection: Weather-Armor SB1 
• Synthetic options: Weather-Armor CX-L Hybrid, Tuff-Grip 30 and 15 
• Traditional felts: #30 Tuff-Felt Premium, #30 Felt, #15 Felt 

From advanced synthetics to time-tested asphalt-saturated felts, each product is built to perform. APOC’s Tuff-Felt Premium underlayments, for example, feature heavy-weight reinforcements that boost tensile strength and help prevent tearing during installation. And APOC’s True-Breathe™ Technology allows vapor to escape while keeping water out, helping maintain a balanced roofing system and reducing the risk of trapped moisture. 

Get more for your work 

To make your work even more rewarding, APOC is currently offering double points on all featured underlayments through its Contractor Pro Rewards Program. 

Built with contractors in mind, the program is designed to grow alongside your business, offering: 

• Tiered rewards that scale with your purchases 
• Industry-leading training opportunities 
• Access to a wide range of incentives 

From prepaid Visa gift cards to tools, electronics, travel and event tickets, the rewards are as enjoyable as the finished project. 

At the end of the day, roofing is about trust – in your crew, your process and the materials you install. With a full system of underlayments engineered for performance, speed and reliability, you can trust in APOC to deliver the solutions you count on from the deck up. 

By Dani Sheehan. 

Adhesive technologies like Polyset® are helping contractors meet evolving roofing demands without sacrificing performance, now with the backing of APOC®. 

Polyset® roofing adhesives earned their place on job sites by being faster, cleaner and more reliable products to secure tile and insulation without adding unnecessary penetrations or labor time. Now, with PolySet officially joining the APOC® professional product portfolio, you gain easier access to trusted adhesive technology backed by a broader, contractor-focused brand. 

A brief history of Polyset 

Polyset was built around a simple idea: roofing adhesives should work as hard as the crew using them. Long before sustainability mandates and labor shortages became industry-wide challenges, Polyset pressurized foam adhesive systems were already helping crews move faster while delivering strong, durable bonds. 

Since becoming part of ICP Group in 2016, Polyset has continued to evolve, especially in response to changing codes, performance expectations and environmental regulations. One of the brand’s most significant milestones came with the early adoption of hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) technology. 

In March 2024, Polyset roofing adhesives officially joined the APOC professional portfolio, creating a more comprehensive offering for commercial and residential roofing contractors. The move brought Polyset’s proven adhesive systems under the APOC name, alongside a wide range of roof coatings, sealants and construction products already trusted in the field. 

For contractors, the benefits are practical: 

• One cohesive brand portfolio for roofing and waterproofing needs 
• Consistent performance standards across adhesives, coatings and accessories 
• Simplified product selection that aligns with evolving code requirements 

Importantly, the brand transition does not impact Polyset product formulations, testing or approvals. What you will notice is updated branding and packaging that clearly identifies products as part of the APOC Polyset roofing adhesives family. 

The next generation of tile adhesives 

As part of the brand’s continued evolution, APOC Polyset AH-160 has now transitioned to an HFO blowing agent, ensuring compliance with the industry-wide phase-out of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) as of December 31, 2024. This reformulation maintains the same performance contractors expect, while aligning with lower-GWP requirements. 

To support safe and proper use in the field, APOC has introduced clearly labeled packaging, including prominent HFO identifiers, neon green warning bands to prevent mixing and updated disposable kits. These visual cues help you quickly identify compatible materials and avoid costly jobsite errors. 

By bringing Polyset under the APOC umbrella, you gain access to a proven adhesive system backed by a brand committed to innovation and jobsite efficiency.

By Jenny Yu.  

Industry experts discuss recent insurance shifts in Florida and what this means for the roof restoration market. 

In a recent CoatingsCoffeeShop® Coffee Conversations, sponsored by APOC, Megan Ellsworth spoke with industry leaders Johnny Walker, national technical manager of APOC, and John Kenney, CEO of Cotney Consulting Group, about the biggest changes in the roof restoration market right now.  

Today, the industry faces insurance-based challenges, starting in Florida and slowly spreading throughout the nation. Between hurricane exposure, litigation issues and claims activity, insurance companies in Florida have been trying to reduce risk with roofs as a major focus. “Insurance has tightened eligibility requirements, especially around roof aging,” John explained. “From a contractor perspective, that creates confusion because a roof may still be structurally sound and restorable, but once it crosses a certain age or threshold, the insurance companies are looking at them differently and causing a lot of havoc within the marketplace.” 

Contractors aren’t the only ones affected by these changes in insurance policies. Johnny emphasized their impact on property owners. “It’s very costly,” Johnny lamented. “A lot of folks are living on their retirement incomes and can’t afford to pay the extra amount to have a roof torn off when it could have been restored.” 

Despite these challenges, the panelists spoke to how the industry can adapt and take this as an opportunity for advancing restoration regulations and education. 

“We have to stand up and do what's right for the industry and not be challenged by insurance companies to lead the way, which I'm seeing as a good thing,” John shared. “But the flip side is, contractors need the knowledge and discipline to properly evaluate these roofs and design restoration systems correctly. We can help move our industry along by increasing the benefits of where restoration is a value.” 

Listen to the conversation or Watch the recording to learn more about the economic and sustainability pressures impacting the roof restoration market. 

By Emma Peterson. 

A look at APOC's new products and programs designed to strengthen contractor success.  

At the 2026 International Roofing Expo (IRE), our crew from The Coffee Shops™ had the opportunity to host a live soundstage in the lobby (shoutout to our friends at SRS Distribution who sponsored it!). If you weren’t able to attend the show this year or are wanting to catch up on things you missed while there, all of our soundstage interviews and videos are available on demand on our YouTube channel! 

One such video features an interview between Karen Edwards and Justin Powell, ICP Group’s executive VP of sales. Justin was at the show representing APOC, an ICP brand. Most people know APOC for their high-performance roof coatings. But their coatings are just the beginning of what they have to offer contractors. Justin shared, “We offer a complete solution for everything from applied to roof coverings. So, whether it's repair products, coatings or something else, like underlayments, we have it.” 

Speaking of underlayments, a highlight from APOC’s booth this year was their newest innovation – the APOC Tuff-Grip™ 30 Premium Synthetic Roofing Underlayment. This product is “a premium synthetic roofing underlayment engineered for maximum strength, durability and installation efficiency. Designed with high traction and slip resistance that enhances safety and productivity — even on steep slopes.” 

This new, innovative product was just one of APOC’s many exciting announcements from the show. Their team was also promoting the new APOC contractor loyalty program. Justin explained:  

We really want to support our contractors, that’s why we have a new contractor loyalty program. The really exciting thing about this loyalty program is it gets you access to all of our trainings as well as rewards throughout the year. For example, right now we have a promotion on all our repair products since it’s repair season around the country. 

To learn more about how APOC is supporting their contractors, with both products on the roof and programs off the roof, watch our full interview with Justin.

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.

Register now!

By Dani Sheehan. 

With its unmatched traction and grip during installation, TUFF-GRIP™ reinforces APOC’s commitment to safety and high-performance underlayment technology. 

Contractors have relied on APOC’s synthetic underlayment for years under the well-known Gator-Skin™ name. Today, that same trusted performance has a new name: APOC TUFF-GRIP™ 30. While the name has changed, APOC still delivers the strongest, most dependable synthetic underlayment for steep-slope roofing. 

Built on advanced material science and decades of field-tested innovation, TUFF-GRIP 30 is engineered to outperform in the areas that matter most: safety, durability, weather protection and installation efficiency. 

What sets TUFF-GRIP 30 apart? 

1 – TUFF-GRIP coating technology: A proprietary coating helps the underlayment securely grip the roof deck even before fasteners are applied for easier positioning, safer footing and less material slippage on steeper slopes. 

2 – High-traction walkability: The reinforced surface delivers outstanding slip resistance, helping you work confidently on wet, slick or angled decks. Fewer slips and better control lead to improved productivity and safer installations. 

3 – All-temperature, all-weather flexibility: Built to stay flexible from -40°F to 240°F, TUFF-GRIP 30 holds its performance in extreme cold, blazing heat and everything in between. 

4 – Premium weather and moisture protection: The tough synthetic construction forms a reliable barrier against moisture and wind-driven rain helping protect the roof system throughout the installation. 

5 – Long UV exposure window: With up to 90 days of UV resistance, this underlayment offers peace of mind when weather delays happen, or projects take longer than expected. 

6 – Light but tough construction: It’s engineered to resist tears, punctures and stretching, yet remains lightweight and easy to handle, reducing fatigue and speeding up the installation. 

7 – Broader, more efficient coverage: A 48-inch width means fewer passes on the roof, faster dry in and improved jobsite efficiency. 

8 – Backed by a 30-year limited warranty: You can install TUFF-GRIP knowing it’s built for staying power and supported by long-term assurance. 

APOC’s newly named TUFF-GRIP 30 is a clear statement about the product’s unmatched traction and premium protection. You can trust that the durability, reliability and performance you counted on with Gator-Skin hasn’t gone anywhere. Keep your crew safer and your roofing systems protected with TUFF-GRIP 30.

By Dani Sheehan. 

Stop by APOC’s booth at IRE to watch live demos, talk repairs and start earning double points on the products you already love and trust. 

Roof repairs are a constant on the job. For a limited time, APOC Contractor Pro Program Rewards members can earn double points on select APOC repair products, helping rewards stack up quickly on materials contractors already rely on.  

And now, you can see these products in action during the International Roofing Expo (IRE) in Las Vegas, Nevada, January 20-22. APOC will be showcasing live demonstrations in their booth, 3957, to give you a hands-on look at the repair systems earning extra rewards. 

Double points that add up fast 

APOC Pro Program Rewards members earn points by purchasing eligible APOC products and submitting invoices. Registration and invoice submission are easier than ever thanks to a quick QR code available on APOC’s brochure and social channels. 

Eligible double point products include: 

• Asphaltic Primers & Cements (AP-103, 365, 109, 470 Cotton) 
• Elastomeric Patch (AP-264, 501) 
• Silicone Patch (AP-581) 
• Incredible Tapes 
• Roof Tile Adhesives (APOC-705, Polyset RTA1) 

Live demos and hands-on learning 

At IRE, you can stop by to see several live demonstrations and learn about a variety of products, including: 

• Acrylics and silicones focused on cool roof solutions 
• Cements and sealants, including APOC® 365 
• Underlayments 
• Spray foam solutions, including HandiFoam 

APOC experts will be available to answer questions, talk about applications and help you choose the right repair solutions for your projects. Scan your badge at their booth and you could walk away with a pair of Blenders sunglasses while learning how to maximize your Pro Program Rewards. 

Register for IRE and stop by APOC booth 3957 to see the products in action and earn more when putting them to work on the job.

CCS Influencer John Walker says it's easy for existing coatings contractors to diversify due to overlapping application tools, methods and equipment.

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

Alex Tolle: Hello, I'm Alex Tolle with CoatingsCoffeeShop.com, and I am back for another influencer response. I'm here with John Walker today. How are you, John?

John Walker: I'm wonderful. I'm wonderful. How are you today?

Alex Tolle: Good, so happy to see you. So our October 2025 question is: what other construction coating applications should contractors consider adding to differentiate or expand their business?

John Walker: You know, there are so many options out there: the traditional acrylic silicone urethane that's out there, and those are great options. One advantage that we have with ICP is that we have so many more. For example, cold process rubber waterproofing systems, cementitious deck coatings. A lot of the contractors out there that like to do coatings — they're capable of doing it. There's so much they can get into flooring, whether it's single-component, two-component, polyurethanes, epoxies, all those types of things. You have the waterproofing, cementitious waterproofing, cold rubber waterproofing, driveway sealers. If you know how to run a screechie or a roller, a lot of that is simple. Get it clean, properly prepped, primed if necessary and then put your fluid-applied down at a proper millage, right?

All of that is going to be very similar to all of our coatings contractors out there. So if they're looking to diversify, which is always huge, there are so many things. Sports surfacing, California sports surface — that's another one that we have — industrial coatings, getting into actual painting. There's so much out there that could be done — mold remediation, getting into fiberlock coatings and those types of things. They're all great options that contractors can do to diversify their business.

Alex Tolle: Amazing. Yeah, it sounds like it doesn't take that much more to add a couple of those extra things in there. Once you know one coating, it's easy to pick up another one.

John Walker: Yeah, because when you're dealing with coatings, you're used to mixing buckets, you're used to making sure your surface is properly prepped and primed. You're already used to checking and making sure that you have the proper fluid-applied millage going down. So, all of that is going to be very, very similar. The application tools and methods and some of the equipment is identical. So it's very easy for our existing coatings contractors to move over into that.

And also, you know, if you've got somebody that's not doing coatings right now and they're not sure where they want to get in — whether it be the standard acrylics- and silicone-type roof coatings, or whether you get into something a little more into the waterproofing realm, below grade, that type of thing — the applications are going to be very similar. So, it's a lot of your same crews that can work both.

Alex Tolle: Amazing. Well, thank you so much, John, as always, for your insights, and we will catch you next month.

John Walker: Absolutely. You have a wonderful day, and I will talk to you soon.

Alex Tolle: Thank you.

By Dani Sheehan. 

Whether you’re planning a small job or a large-scale application, this intelligent tool quickly delivers customized recommendations based on your unique conditions — streamlining decisions and accelerating success. 

APOC has created a new tool designed to make your job easier and your bids more accurate! The APOC Roofing Coverage Calculator is a smart, easy-to-use tool that gives you a tailored system specification in just a few steps – helping you identify the right coating, coverage and warranty for your project. No more guesswork. Just fast, reliable recommendations that set your jobs up for success. 

Roof coatings are never one-size-fits-all. Choosing the wrong product or improper application can affect performance, lead to callbacks or even void a warranty. The Roofing Coverage Calculator eliminates that uncertainty by: 

• Customizing recommendations based on your roof surface and project goals 
• Streamlining project planning with clear product and coverage details 
• Aligning system specs with warranties, so you know exactly what’s required 
• Accelerating estimating, helping you bid jobs more confidently and efficiently 

How it works 

Getting started takes just a few minutes: 

Step 1 – Substrate: Identify your existing roof substrates including BUR/Mod bit and concrete, metal, single ply (TPO/PVC/EPDM) or sprayed polyurethane foam. 

Step 2 – Warranty term: Choose how long you want the roof system to perform, from five to 20-plus years. 

Step 3 – Square footage: Enter the total size of the roof area. 

Step 4 – Lineal feet: Input how many lineal feet of penetrations need to be sealed. 

Step 5 – Estimate: Instantly receive a tailored system specification, including coating choice, coverage requirements and warranty fit. 

Your shortcut to smarter roofing decisions 

The Roofing Coverage Calculator is a way to elevate the way you plan and execute projects while saving time. By putting clarity at your fingertips, it helps you deliver better results for your clients, minimize risk and move confidently from bid to build. 

Try it for yourself! Check out the APOC Roofing Coverage Calculator today and see how easy it is to build smarter, faster and stronger roofing systems.