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.

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. 

Maximize your roof restoration rewards when you join APOC’s Contractor Pro Program. 

When restoration season gears up, you need products you can trust and programs that reward you for the work you’re already doing. This month, as part of the APOC Contractor Pro Program, you can earn double points on select reflective coatings designed to help extend roof life, improve energy efficiency and deliver dependable performance across a wide range of roofing systems. 

Whether you’re restoring an aging roof, helping building owners reduce energy costs or looking for efficient systems that simplify installation, APOC offers a line of reflective coatings and primers and that provide flexible solutions. If you haven’t already joined their Contractor Pro Program, you can also receive rewards that give back long after you’ve completed the project. 

At its core, APOC specializes in complete roof restoration systems. From primers that create strong foundational adhesion to reflective topcoats that protect roofs from harsh weather and UV exposure, the company offers a professional-grade portfolio designed to support contractors in the field. This month’s featured products showcase some of APOC’s most popular coating technologies, each offering unique benefits depending on the roof type, climate and project needs. 

Silicone coatings 

Silicone coatings continue to grow in popularity because of their durability and ability to resist ponding water. APOC’s Armor Flex line creates a tough, flexible barrier that protects roofs from the elements while helping extend the life of the system. The bright white finish also delivers long-lasting reflectivity that can help lower building cooling costs over time. Featured products include: 

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

Elastomeric coatings 

If you’re looking for versatility and ease of application, APOC’s Energy-Armor elastomeric coatings offer another high-performance option. These coatings are engineered to remain flexible while protecting roofing systems against weathering and UV exposure. Because they are water-based, they are easy to apply and simple to clean up at the end of the day. Featured products include: 

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

Aluminum coatings 

APOC also continues to offer aluminum roof coatings that remain a trusted option across many roofing substrates. Known for their reflective properties and reliable performance, these coatings help you deliver cost-effective restoration solutions for a variety of projects. Featured products include: 

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

Beyond the products themselves, the Contractor Pro Program lets you earn points on qualifying purchases, unlock exclusive promotions and access resources that support your business growth. This month, you have an opportunity to maximize the value of products you may already be using on restoration projects. 

If you’re interested in earning double points this month, contact your local APOC representative to learn more about qualifying reflective coatings and how to take full advantage of the Contractor Pro Program.

By Dani Sheehan. 

With the right repair product, you can turn unpredictable field conditions into dependable results. 

Any service department knows the call. A facility manager finds a leak after a storm. The roof is wet, the weather is shifting, and the customer needs a solution quickly. Some of the biggest delays around roof maintenance and repair are not from the repair itself, but from the limitations of the available products. Materials that only perform in dry conditions or have narrow application temperature windows. These limitations make it challenging to manage service calls, often leading to extra trips, longer downtime and tighter margins. 

APOC’s 581 Silicone Roof Patch is a repair solution specifically designed to address this challenge, giving you more flexibility in the field when conditions are less than ideal. 

The reality of maintenance work 

During maintenance calls, contractors are often dealing with: 

• Damp surfaces after overnight rain or morning dew 
• Unexpected temperature swings 
• Multiple roof penetrations and flashing details 
• A mix of substrates across one building 
• Active leaks that need immediate attention 

Waiting for the roof to dry or for temperatures to reach the perfect application range isn’t always practical. One of the standout advantages of APOC 581 Silicone Roof Patch is its ability to adhere in both wet and dry applications. This eliminates one of the biggest obstacles in roof repair. Instead of rescheduling after rain or waiting hours for a substrate to fully dry, you can complete repairs during the same visit. 

One product, multiple repairs 

581 Silicone Roof Patch can be used on common roofing details, including flashings, skylights, vents, curbs, HVAC units and more. It also offers strong adhesion to many common building materials, giving you a versatile repair product that can help reduce the number of specialty products you carry from job to job. 

With an application temperature range of 35°F to 110°F, this repair patch gives you a wider operating window throughout the year. Combined with its flexibility and resistance to ponding water, it’s a durable product that will withstand long-term exposure to the elements and keep you from returning to the same service call. 

Whether you’re preparing penetrations before a full coating project or responding to an urgent repair call after a storm, having a product that can bond across multiple substrates, perform in wet or dry conditions and stand up to extreme weather can make all the difference. 

In this CoatingsCoffeeShop® Coffee Conversations, sponsored by APOC here, we’ll explore why roof restoration is one of the smartest ways contractors can diversify their offerings — especially during economic slowdowns. With building owners hesitant to take on a costly tear off and replacement during uncertain economic times,, restoration offers a lower-cost alternative. Contractors can still deliver 5- to 20-year system warranties to their customers without the cost of a full roof replacement. Whether you’re starting maintenance agreements, walking roofs to uncover hidden opportunities or helping building owners cut summer cooling costs with reflective cool roofs, restoration helps you expand your market and be your customer’s hero.

Register now!

Roof Restoration Benchmark Report quantifies what contractors have long believed — restoration is often the smarter business decision.

APOC, a leading manufacturer of liquid-applied roof restoration solutions, announced findings from a new benchmark study that provides data validating the performance and profitability of roof restoration compared to traditional reroofing methods.

While experienced contractors have long thought that restoration could be the more profitable path when conditions allow, actual data to support this has been limited — until now. APOC’s latest research changes that.

Developed in partnership with Cotney Consulting Group, the study analyzed 118 commercial roofing projects and compared restoration methods with traditional reroofing approaches across key performance indicators including profitability, labor efficiency, time to completion and margin strength. The findings showcase a shift in how contractors can approach project delivery in an increasingly constrained labor and cost environment.

“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,” said Johnny Walker, national technical manager, APOC. “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.”

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.

The study further demonstrates that restoration minimizes operational disruption for building owners, reduces project risk and supports scalability across a wide range of commercial roof sizes.

As labor shortages persist and project backlogs grow, APOC’s research positions restoration as a strategic move for contractors seeking to improve efficiency, increase profitability and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market. Industry estimates suggest that 30–50% of roofs** that are ultimately reroofed may instead be viable candidates for restoration, representing a significant potential market opportunity based on contractor evaluation patterns and field experience.

“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,” said John Kenney, research consultant, Cotney. “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.”

The Roof Restoration Benchmark Report is 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.

To learn more about APOC’s roof restoration research and solutions, download the restoration report.

*Modeled benchmark based on anonymized contractor performance data and measured crew-day benchmarks; applies when the roof is a valid restoration candidate; not a guarantee of results.

** Estimate based on structured industry assessment, contractor decision patterns and commercial roofing field experience; not derived from a statistically sampled industry dataset. 

About APOC

APOC is part of the ICP Group and is a premier manufacturer of commercial and residential roofing, construction and maintenance products that maximize productivity, performance and energy efficiency. Based in Tampa, Florida, in business since 1913 and with 18 manufacturing plants in the United States, APOC is a global supplier of full-system, liquid-applied roof restoration products with local support and customer service. For more information, visit www.APOC.com.

About ICP

ICP Group is a leading specialty chemical manufacturer in North America and provides coatings, adhesives and sealants globally. With operations headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts, and multiple manufacturing facilities around the world, ICP serves multiple end markets, including building materials, specialty construction and sports surfaces. ICP is privately held and manufactures products under several recognized specialty groups. For more information, visit www.ICPGroup.com.

ICP is a portfolio company of Audax Private Equity.

By APOC. 

Go into the warm months prepared with these easy tips for setting roof systems up for success this summer.  

In general, it is advised to conduct two inspections on a roof a year, one in the spring and one in the fall as the weather shifts again. As a rule of thumb, if your roof experiences a drastic shift in conditions, it’s a good idea to get up there and make sure everything is working properly. As the weather takes a turn towards hot, make sure to proactively inspect your roof and make sure the correct repairs and maintenance are done. 

Ensuring that this is taken care of before the warm months has multiple benefits. First, it makes sure the roof is strong going into a season where UV damage and other factors can exacerbate any existing issues. This helps extend the overall lifespan of the roof. Working on it early also keeps costs from rising too high as it minimizes the possibility of emergency repairs. 

The first step to this roofing spring cleaning is a preventative maintenance inspection. This is a visual overview and record of the state of the roof. Check out these 7 places that APOC identified to give special attention to during this process.  

1 - Roof membranes and flashings 

Ensure all flashing membranes are in good condition. Check for signs of stress, cracking, splitting, wrinkles, blisters, etc. Remove any foreign matter such as balls, shoes, tools, branches, oils, chemicals, liquid or other objects. Then, clean the roof membrane and closely inspect for signs of physical damage. 

2 - Gutters, drains and scuppers  

Because these are the main avenues that rainwater travels off the roof surface and is directed away from the building, it is crucial that these areas are inspected and maintained. Clean and remove any debris clogging or obstructing the flow of water. Look for any sights of cracking or splitting of the membrane around the drains and scupper. If anything is noted, they must be repaired immediately. 

3 - Penetrations 

Inspect penetrations for signs of wear. Ensure that the base of the penetration remains completely sealed and attached to the roof membrane.  

4 - Pitch pans 

Check all pitch pans for shrinkage. As sealants shrink over time, water may begin to sit on the top of the pitch pan causing rust, leaks and deterioration. 

5 - Metal flashings 

Inspect all metal flashings, counter flashings, copings, seams, joints, gravel stops, edge metal and other areas to ensure they are secure and free of rust or deterioration. Any unsatisfactory conditions should be repaired as soon as possible.  

6 - Rooftop equipment and accessories 

Inspect all rooftop equipment for deterioration and areas that are prone to water penetration. This includes HVAC equipment, duct work, curbs, skylights, etc.   

7 - Expansion joints 

Check all expansion joints for deterioration, wear and defects. Check the metal components to ensure they are fully secured and free of rust. Make sure the expansion joint is still flexible and resilient. Look for any signs of cracking or splitting while manually flexing the joint.  

Original article source: APOC

By Dani Sheehan. 

Advances in chemistry, safety and building science are helping spray foam roofing outperform traditional systems. 

During a live Coffee Conversations® sponsored by Handifoam at the SprayFoam 2026 Convention and Expo, industry leaders Will Lorenz from General Coatings Manufacturing Corp and Josh Winkler of ICP Group delivered a clear message: spray foam roofing is no longer competing as an alternative system; it is evolving into a higher performing, more efficient solution designed to outperform traditional assemblies. 

Innovation driving competitive systems 

Today’s spray foam systems are being engineered for better performance, faster installs and stronger long-term value. As Will explained, “Our industry’s evolved to HFO technologies... They provide super efficiencies when you apply it. So, people are getting R-values of six to seven.” HFO (hydrofluoroolefin) blowing agents represent the latest generation of spray foam chemistry. Compared to older technologies, they deliver higher thermal performance with significantly lower environmental impact, particularly in terms of global warming potential (GWP). 

Not only do these new standards help meet increasingly stringent energy codes and sustainability expectations, but they also improve jobsite efficiency. With R-values in the range of six to seven per inch, spray foam delivers more insulating power in less thickness, reducing the need for multiple layers or additional materials. 

Advantages on the roof include: 

• Simplified detailing around penetrations and irregular surfaces 
• Reduced system weight compared to multi-layer assemblies 
• Greater flexibility in recover and retrofit applications 

Compared to traditional multi-layer assemblies that require boards, fasteners and membranes, spray foam systems are delivering higher thermal performance with fewer materials, fewer installation steps and fewer opportunities for failure. 

Indoor air quality and sustainability 

As spray foam expands into more interior applications, expectations around health, safety and environmental performance are rising. Josh highlighted how manufacturers are responding: “All the manufacturers are looking at lower VOC ratings... certifying that nothing harmful is being added in the indoor air environment.” Lower VOC formulations are especially important in tighter, more energy-efficient buildings, where air exchange is limited. Once cured, these products help ensure that insulation systems do not compromise indoor air quality.  

Just as importantly, building owners are measuring system performance by more than upfront cost alone. Indoor air quality, energy efficiency and lifecycle durability are becoming key differentiators that spray foam can support. Spray foam contributes to long-term performance by: 

• Reducing heating and cooling demand through superior insulation and air sealing 
• Extending roof lifecycles when paired with coatings and maintenance 
• Supporting recover systems that minimize tear-off waste 

Fire safety and code compliance 

As building codes evolve, particularly in wildfire-prone regions like California, spray foam manufacturers are proving that high-performance systems do not have to come at the expense of safety or design flexibility. Will explained how spray foam fits as part of the complete assembly when reducing fire risk: “We protect [the spray foam] with coatings...And we put it behind prescriptive thermal barriers. What we want to do is open up the design so that people can take advantage of putting insulation in and then use the right coating systems.” Intumescent and protective coatings are engineered to expand when exposed to heat, forming a protective layer that slows flame spread and enhances occupant safety. 

Smarter, tighter buildings 

Perhaps the biggest way spray foam is beginning to outperform traditional systems is through a fundamental shift in building science. Through initiatives supported by the Spray Foam Coalition, we’re starting to gain traction: “There's a smart way to build. There are smart products. There are manufacturers who support the fact that we don't always have to put on more insulation. We just design it, put in better products, work with the right manufacturers so the systems really perform and they outperform other insulation materials,” Will emphasized. 

Air leakage remains one of the biggest drivers of energy loss in buildings. However, spray foam acts as both an insulator and an air barrier. As Josh trains the contractors he works with: “Seal it tight, ventilate right.” The idea is simple, but powerful: 

• Create a tight building envelope by sealing gaps and penetrations 
• Use mechanical systems to manage airflow and ventilation intentionally 

Will and Josh’s message was clear: the future of spray foam roofing is about innovation. From next-generation chemistry and healthier indoor environments to fire-safe assemblies and smarter building design, spray foam is evolving to outperform traditional roofing systems at every level. 

Listen to the full Coffee Conversations to learn how to use spray foam to build higher-performing and longer-lasting systems.

By Jenny Yu. 

APOC’s Tuff-Grip™ system is designed for improved traction, faster installation and enhanced durability. 

As roofing systems continue to evolve, underlayment remains a critical component in ensuring long-term performance and protection. In this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Karen Edwards met with members of the APOC team to learn about the company’s latest innovation: Tuff-Grip™, a next-generation synthetic underlayment designed to improve installation efficiency and jobsite safety.  

According to Gregg Malanga, product manager for APOC waterproofing and underlayment products, selecting the right underlayment depends on weather, region and roof design. “If you’re in South Florida, you have lots of heavy wind-driven rain, so you’re looking at two layers of an underlayment, something that’s heavier-duty like a peel-and-stick product,” Gregg explained. “In New Jersey, you might opt for a single layer of lightweight synthetic underlayment with an asphalt shingle on top and ice dam protection.” 

Building on its earlier synthetic product called Gator-Skin™, APOC continues to invest in this market segment with Tuff-Grip. “Synthetic is a growing portion of the market, Tuff-Grip is the second generation of [Gator-Skin],” Gregg stated. “We want to continue to make product entries into that market.” 

One of the key differentiators of Tuff-Grip is its focus on contractor safety and ease of installation. Gregg highlighted both the product’s lightweight design and improved surface traction. “It’s easier to install because these rolls are much wider and lighter. It goes down about 33% quicker than traditional felt products,” Gregg said. “There’s a top surface which is very walkable, and there’s a coating on the bottom that gives it some grip.” These functions help the material lay flat and reduce the risk of slipping.  

Developing Tuff-Grip was a collaborative effort that invited contractor feedback. “We were constantly sending contractors the product, getting feedback and listening to any issues. If there were any issues, we addressed them right away,” Gregg shared, noting the importance of such collaboration. “You need to listen to the person who's installing the product and get that feedback. It's ultra critical.” 

Read the first article in this series or Listen to the podcast to learn more about Tuff-Grip!