By Emma Peterson. 

By taking a proactive approach to roof maintenance, this church avoided costly repairs, improved performance and reduced energy costs. 

When the facilities team managing the Community United Methodist Church in Florida realized their 1/12 pitch roof was getting close to 12-years-old, they called McHale Roofing for help. The current roof was actually in quite good shape, with no ponding areas or leak issues; however, the church wanted to get ahead by extending the life of the roof system before any of those issues cropped up.  

The McHale team took a look at the roof and determined the GacoFlex S4200 fluid-applied system would be a perfect fit for the job. The plan was to clean the roof thoroughly, apply GacoFlex A4271 BleedTrap to prevent asphalt bleed-through and maintain reflectivity throughout the life of the coating, install SF4200 Seam Seal along coping, flashings and curbs; and finish with the S4200 silicone roof coating. The resulting roof would not only be able to handle the heavy rains of Florida, but it also provides a 10-year labor and material warranty to put the church team’s minds at ease.  

There were a few challenges for this project, such as scheduling around the rain as well as material shortages. The contractor’s primary supply partner, Sunniland, only had a few components left in stock, but luckily the Gaco team was able to work with a variety of Sunniland branches to transfer the products needed to complete the project on time. Now that the project is complete, the church can expect savings in the form of reduced energy costs (thanks to the reflective nature of the system) and the fact that the roof will be eligible to recoat at a fraction of the original cost in 2031.  

This project is a prime example of the power of preventative maintenance and care. It was only because of the Community United Methodist Church’s proper maintenance of the original roof that this project was able to takeoff so smoothly and stay within budget.  

Learn more about the project.

By Emma Peterson. 

Faced with harsh weather conditions, rooftop obstacles and budget constraints, a Gaco coating system provided lasting protection on this project. 

Every region has unique weather and environmental factors that must be taken into account when roofing. For Avon Lake, Ohio, which sits just outside of Toledo, those conditions are especially intense. Why? The Northern Ohio town faces harsh weather fluctuations throughout the year that range from winter's heavy rain and below-freezing temperatures to summer’s intense heat and tornado threats. So when a grocery store in Avon Lake needed to have their 32,100-square-foot roof redone, all of this had to be taken into account.  

The grocery store roof 

Finding a roofing solution durable enough for the Ohioan weather was just one of the challenges for this project. Additionally, the store had a limited repair budget that didn’t have space for a costly tear-off and replacement that would shut down business operations.  

Further, they had just had new air conditioning units installed on the roof that had ductwork extending across the roof’s surface, creating tight spaces that were both hard for contractors to access and vulnerable to issues like water intrusion.  

The solution 

Luckily the contractor, Holt Roofing Co., is a Gaco licensed applicator. Being a Gaco applicator, the Holt team knew that the GacoFlex S42 Solvent-Free Silicone Roof Coating System would check all the boxes for the project. Not only is this system highly flexible, durable, waterproof and reflective, it also is far less intrusive to install than a traditional tear-off, making it perfect for the Avon Lake climate and for the store’s roof.  

The process began with the Holt team power washing the existing surface with GacoWash and repairing seams, penetrations and wall flashings with GacoPatch. From there they were able to coat it across the entire roof, even under the new air conditioning system. The result? A store with a durable roof that comes with a 10-year Gaco material and labor warranty that didn’t break the budget or force them to halt day-to-day operations!  

Learn more about the project!

Amrize leaders, Peachtree Corners Mayor Mike Mason, and local officials from Gwinnett Chamber just cut the ribbon to celebrate the completion of a $1 million investment in Amrize's manufacturing facility in Norcross, Georgia 

Amrize yesterday celebrated a new chapter for its adhesives, coatings & sealants business unit with a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the completion of a $1 million modernization of its Norcross, Georgia manufacturing facility. The investment expands the site's manufacturing and R&D capabilities while supporting continued growth for the Tacky Tape® brand and GacoSeal® product lines in high growth, advanced sectors including aerospace and composites.

Those who joined Amrize leaders and community partners to recognize the company's continued investment in manufacturing and innovation in Norcross included Mayor Mike Mason of Peachtree Corners, Georgia and Nick Masino, president & CEO of the Gwinnett Chamber and Partnership Gwinnett. 

Completed over the past year, the project included renovations to the production floor, a remodeled quality assurance laboratory, new R&D equipment and manufacturing technology upgrades that provide greater visibility into production performance. Amrize also established a new sealant tape research & development center of excellence at the facility, creating a dedicated space to support future product development and innovation.

"This milestone investment allows us to pioneer next-generation composite tapes for the rapidly expanding aerospace and satellite sectors," said Konrad Wernthaler, president, Gaco and Enverge. "By pushing the boundaries of what is possible in these high-tech markets, we are not only advancing the industry but also acting as a powerful catalyst for regional economic growth."

The improvements are expected to streamline manufacturing operations, support continued growth for Gaco's Tacky Tape brand serving aerospace and composite applications, and strengthen support for the company's GacoSeal products used in metal building construction.

"We are thrilled to deploy new technologies to boost our manufacturing efficiency and seed innovation through a new sealant tape R&D Center of Excellence," said Kevin Page, vice president of commercial at Gaco ad Enverge. "These upgrades launch a new chapter for the Tacky Tape brand in high-growth aerospace and composite markets, while reinforcing our commitment to the GacoSeal brand of high-performance tapes and sealants for metal building construction."

The investment also equips the Norcross team with enhanced process controls, improved production monitoring and expanded quality assurance capabilities, helping employees maintain consistent product performance while responding more quickly to customer needs.

"On the plant floor, this investment immediately optimizes our production processes," said Zouhir Adlani, plant manager of the Norcross facility. "By leveraging enhanced, data-driven insights, our team is now better positioned to anticipate and meet our customers' evolving demands."

To learn more about Amrize and its advanced building solutions, visit amrize.com.

About Amrize

Amrize is building North America, as the partner of choice for professional builders with advanced building solutions from foundation to rooftop. With over 1,000 sites and a highly efficient distribution network, we deliver for our customers in every U.S. state and Canadian province. Our 19,000 teammates uniquely serve every construction market from infrastructure, commercial and residential to new build, repair and refurbishment. Amrize achieved $11.8 billion in revenue in 2025 and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the SIX Swiss Exchange. We are ready to build your ambition. Learn more at amrize.com.

By Emma Peterson. 

GacoFlex delivered durability, savings and ease of installation for this challenging project. 

Just a few blocks from downtown Rochester, Minnesota sits the Zumbro Lutheran Church. With its unique steeple and central location, this place of worship is a well-known part of the Rochester skyline. But that iconic roofline was in danger a bit ago when the roof started showing its age.  

The challenge of the project 

Repairing the roof brought up a few unique challenges for Merit Contracting, who the church hired for the project. These included:  

• Access: The roof is at a harsh angle that makes it difficult to safely get on and work on it. 
• Maintenance: The church needed a roof they could trust without having to think too much about it, as low maintenance was a priority. 
• Weather: Being located in Minnesota means that whatever roof they installed needed to be able to withstand both harsh winters with lots of snow and hot summers.  
• Visibility: As mentioned earlier, the church’s roof is very visible, even when on foot from the ground. So, it was a high priority to not only find a high-performance solution, but one that looked aesthetically appealing from all angles as well. 

A strong solution 

Luckily, the Merit Contracting team is a Gaco Licensed Applicator and knew to reach out to their local Gaco Area Manager for help! That manager was able to help them find the ideal solution for the project – a GacoFlex S4200 Silicone Coating System. There’s a few reason for this choice: 

• Ease of installation: GacoFlex is easy to install. All it took was a good roof cleaning (using a pressure washer and GacoWash) and Merit Contracting was able to put the silicone coating down without even needing a primer* thanks to the high-adhesion nature of the coating. 
• Financial savings: Not only did the speed and ease of installation help save the church money, but they also saved money by avoiding tearing off the old system. Merit Contracting was able to install the GacoFlex silicone roof system over the existing membrane and insulation, which avoided added removal and landfill costs.  
• Long-lifespan: And best of all, the church won’t have to think about their roof for a long while! The GacoFlex silicone roof system came with a 20-year warranty, which was a key factor due to the access challenges of the roof. 

Learn more about the project!

*In this case, S42 eliminated the need for primer, as it does on most substrates. Always perform an adhesion test to ensure compatibility.

Throughout his career, Wernthaler has held a succession of senior leadership roles spanning research and development, marketing, operational excellence and general management.

Gaco™ and Enverge®, two leading brands within Amrize’s Building Envelope business, announce the appointment of Konrad Wernthaler as president of Gaco and Enverge. In this role, Wernthaler will oversee the strategic direction, operational execution and commercial growth of both business units, serving a broad spectrum of commercial and residential markets across the roofing, waterproofing, sealants, adhesives and insulation industries.

Wernthaler brings more than three decades of proven executive experience across the specialty chemicals and construction materials sectors. His technical expertise and commercial acumen uniquely equip him to strategically lead the business units and solidify the industry-leading positions of both the Gaco and Enverge brands.

"I am excited to join Amrize and lead Gaco and Enverge. We have well-positioned brands, high-performing products and above all, an excellent team. This sets us up for a great future," said Wernthaler.

Kevin Page, vice president of commercial for Gaco and Enverge, added, "Our commercial and field teams are highly energized by this appointment. As we continue to invest in driving world-class performance for both Gaco and Enverge, under Konrad’s leadership we are now even better positioned to deliver for our customers."

Throughout his career, Wernthaler has held a succession of senior leadership roles spanning research and development, marketing, operational excellence and general management. Most recently, he served as chief executive officer of Mallard Creek Polymers, a manufacturer of custom emulsion polymers, where he successfully drove significant growth and product portfolio transformation.

"We are thrilled to welcome Konrad to the Amrize Building Envelope leadership team," said Jake Gosa, president of Amrize Building Envelope. "His comprehensive understanding of the construction materials sector and proven ability to transform product portfolios will be invaluable as we continue to scale the Gaco and Enverge brands to drive long-term value."

About Gaco

Gaco is a trusted leader in the building envelope industry, offering a comprehensive portfolio of proven liquid-applied coating systems for roof restoration, decking, waterproofing and anti-slip protection, alongside premium construction adhesives and sealants. Known for innovation and reliability, Gaco is dedicated to delivering project success for every customer, every time. We combine high-performance products with on-demand technical expertise to protect and extend the life of commercial and residential structures. For more information, visit gaco.com

About Enverge

Enverge is a leader in the spray foam insulating market, on a mission to change the way the world insulates by providing high-performance spray foam products.  For more information, visit EnvergeSprayFoam.com

About Amrize

Amrize (NYSE: AMRZ) is building North America, as the partner of choice for professional builders with advanced building solutions from foundation to rooftop. With over 1,000 sites and a highly efficient distribution network, we deliver for our customers in every U.S. state and Canadian province. Our 19,000 teammates uniquely serve every construction market from infrastructure, commercial and residential to new build, repair and refurbishment. Amrize achieved $11.8 billion in revenue in 2025 and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the SIX Swiss Exchange. We are ready to build your ambition. Learn more at amrize.com

By Emma Peterson. 

Gaco is celebrating their top 20 contractors with an all-expense paid trip in 2027.  

Gaco runs a top contractor program that fosters partnership with and celebrates the successes of their contractors. As a part of the Contractor Recognition program, they bring 20 of their top contractors and each of their guests (one guest per contractor) for four days, three nights at a unique resort destination (yet to be announced). In 2026, the location was Fairmont Mayakoba in Mexico! 

Not only is this a great opportunity to relax with world-class dining and fun excursions, but it also gives attendees unique insight into networking opportunities and exclusive business updates.  

Become a part of the top contractor program 

To become a part of the top contractor program and to be eligible for the top 20 trip, you must:  

• Be a Gaco Licensed Applicator 
• Purchase a minimum of $250k Gaco branded products from authorized Gaco distributors between December 1, 2025, and November 30, 2026.  
• Submit proof of purchase by November 30, 2026 

Invitations to the 2027 trip will be sent out in January to the top 20 Gaco licensed contractors by qualified purchase amount.* How are the top 20 decided? A point system: For every $1,000 spent on products of eligible brands, contractors earn 1 point. For example, contractors who spend $100,000 on Gaco products earn 100 points. 

There are a few ways to get bonus points as well! For first year participants, they can get a one-time bonus of 25 points upon achieving the minimum qualifying amount! Further, additional points can be earned in your purchases of products of eligible brands, year-on-year (see chart). 

Learn more!

*Promotion subject to terms and conditions available on the Recognition Program Terms page. Minimum purchase required. Gaco may cancel, modify, terminate, or suspend the promotion for any reason at its sole discretion. 

By Emma Peterson. 

How Gaco has their contractors’ backs on and off the roof. 

Gaco’s story started over 70 years ago with one customer and a challenge to solve. Today, they have a portfolio that spans seven different high-performance sub-brands, serving contractors across North America. But even with that significant growth, the heart of their operations remains dedicated to helping their customers problem-solve. To learn more about how Gaco helps their contractors succeed on and off the job site, we sat down with Ed Klonowski for an episode of CoatingsCast™.  

Ed is the product manager for the liquid applied waterproofing segment within Gaco. In his own words, he shared, “I work with everything from your traditional roof coatings to decking and even below grade waterproofing.” In this role, he has seen firsthand how Gaco’s support for their contractors extends beyond the bucket of product. He explained:  

We're trying to do more than just selling products and making money. We want to design products for specific applications that contractors can trust to perform consistently and solve their problems. Really, we're focused on partnering with the contractor and allowing them to put their best foot forward anytime they use a Gaco product.  

A testament to this prioritization of contractor support beyond selling products is the technical acumen of Gaco’s sales team. Ed shared, “Our guys aren’t just trained to sell products. We actually bring them in to train on all the different brands, apply all the different brands in the lab, in the warehouse and in the field. That way, they know exactly what they should be looking for, how best to apply the products and then are able to pass that education down to the contractors.”  

In this way, Gaco’s sales team is a prime example of how the company goes above and beyond to support their contractors. Ed shared, “Our team is not just trying to sell the material in the bucket, they're acting as technical advisors for contractors and helping them build success with every project.”  

Read the transcript, Listen to the episode or Watch the recording to learn more about how Gaco supports their contractors.  

By Emma Peterson. 

Get safety and speed with Gaco non-skid product offerings. 

At World of Concrete earlier this year, we had the chance to stop by the Gaco booth and catch a live demonstration of the Gaco AS75. This product is a “single-component, low-VOC, elastomeric acrylic polymer specially formulated for pedestrian traffic.” Featuring a triple aggregate, it easily adds texture to asphalt, primed steel, concrete, wood and more!  

The live demonstration displayed the ease at which this product can be installed with a roller. To learn more about it after the demo was over, we interviewed Edward “Ed” Klonowski, their senior product manager for liquid applied waterproofing products. He explained that this type of non-skid product is key to building safety, sharing, “Safety is always a big concern for building owners and occupants. So, being able to offer products like what you just saw demonstrated in addition to the standard floor coatings is really important.” 

And it’s not just the client that non-skid coatings like AS75 help. Ed elaborated:  

Across the industry, contractors are needing speed. Things like labor shortages and tight margins really mean they need to get on and off projects faster. Texturized coatings like AS75 mean that you can walk away after one coat and be ready to return to service the roof the next day. It’s huge for efficiency. 

And AS75 is just one of Gaco’s many anti-slip coating options. Additional products include AS250 (a two-component, heavier duty epoxy), AS150 (a Kevlar®-fortified epoxy perfect for handling areas with contaminants like gasoline, fire, oil, salt water and acid), AS2500 (a chemically-resistant, high-solids coating that is ideal for indoor use), AS175 (a two-component waterborne  epoxy formulated for wet areas) and AS2500 LTC (an extra-heavy duty option designed for low-temperature cures).  

Watch the full demonstration and check out the rest of our interview with Ed to learn more!  

By Gaco. 

The project showcases how the right coating system can enhance safety while minimizing operational disruption in demanding urban settings. 

When protective coatings begin to fail, even routine foot and vehicle traffic can create serious safety and maintenance challenges for property owners. That was the case at Montefiore Hutchinson Campus Medical Center, a busy Bronx medical campus where worn surfaces and water intrusion threatened daily operations and increased liability concerns. To restore reliability and improve protection across walkways and drive lanes, the facility turned to Gaco and its GacoPoly Elasto-Deck 6500 system, a high-performance waterproof traffic coating engineered for demanding environments. 

What problem did Gaco help the building owner address? 

The Montefiore Hutchinson Campus Medical Center, located in the Bronx, faced critical issues with its pedestrian walkways, driveways and walls, totaling 12,000 square feet. The existing 15-year-old coating system had deteriorated, leading to peeling and smooth surfaces that significantly increased the risk of slips and falls. Additionally, water infiltration was affecting the parking garage below, further compromising the safety and function of the space. With over a million vehicles passing through the driveway annually — ambulances, personal vehicles and wheelchair-accessible vans — the risks and wear on the system were growing by the day. 

How did Gaco and the contractor help solve the problem? 

GacoPoly Elasto-Deck 6500 two component, aliphatic waterproof system was chosen to address the challenges. A Gaco licensed applicator, J&E Paving Waterproofing, expertly executed the project, which included: 

• 2,500 square feet of pedestrian walkway 
• 8,500 square feet of driveway 
• 1,000 square feet of walls. 

The installation was completed in just 21 days during an ideal temperature window in the Northeast. The solution included a two-color system to clearly delineate sidewalks and driveways for vehicle and pedestrian safety. 

What made GacoPoly Elasto-Deck 6500 especially suitable for this project? 

The urban environment and high traffic volumes of the medical center demanded a durable, non-skid coating. GacoPoly Elasto-Deck 6500’s quick-curing, low VOC and low-odor properties were perfect for minimizing disruption in this busy area. Additionally, the waterproofing system protected the concrete from further water intrusion and deterioration, essential for the unpredictable Northeast climate. 

How did Gaco help the facility owner drive down costs and reduce risks? 

By addressing slip-and-fall liabilities and water infiltration, the Elasto-Deck 6500 system improved safety and minimized maintenance costs. The fast installation timeline kept the project within budget, even with the additional security and traffic rerouting expenses. The high-performing coating ensures long-term durability, protects against wear and tear from heavy traffic flow and provides peace of mind for building owners and property managers. 

How can Gaco help our contractors earn more business? 

This project demonstrates the reliability and efficiency of GacoPoly Elasto-Deck 6500 in high-traffic urban environments. Its combination of fast installation, affordability and safety enhancements makes it an ideal solution for medical facilities and other high-use properties. The success of this project highlights how GacoPoly products can restore and protect aging systems, leading to longer lifespans and lower maintenance costs. 

What about this project highlights the hands-on approach of Gaco’s team of experts? 

From start to finish, Gaco’s team coordinated closely with the contractor and building owner to ensure the project’s success. Clear communication between all parties was key to delivering exceptional results within a tight timeline. 

Original article and photo source: Gaco

By Elevate. 

Find solutions for all parts of the building envelope at the IRE 2026 Amrize booths.

Amrize offers one of the most comprehensive building envelope portfolios in North America, bringing together solutions that span concrete and building materials through advanced roofing, insulation, waterproofing and wall systems.

Foundation to rooftop solutions on display include:

• High-performance roofing systems from Elevate, including  the new and innovative MAX PVC 
• Waterproofing and coatings solutions from Gaco
• Commercial roofing systems and contractor pathways from GenFlex
• Sustainable, high-performance residential roofing from Malarkey
• Custom-fabricated commercial roofing systems from Duro-Last

Guided International Roofing Expo (IRE) booth walkthroughs are available - just let us know what you’re interested in so we can ensure the proper representatives are available for you. 

New product highlights and live demonstrations

Brand representatives will be available to walk through key product areas, with emphasis on the following highlights:

Elevate: MAX PVC

Engineered for maximum durability and resilience in demanding environments, the new MAX PVC is a top choice for data centers, airports and manufacturing facilities. A MAX PVC system for data center applications will be featured in the Innovative Product Showcase and Awards area, and live puncture resistance testing will take place in the booth as part of Elevate’s product demonstration programming.

Elevate: In-booth product demonstrations

A dedicated demo stage within the Elevate booth footprint will host live demonstrations in English and Spanish throughout the show. Sessions include MAX PVC puncture resistance testing, Twin Jet Y spatter application, self-adhered systems, fleece recover solutions, metal retrofit systems and more. Please let us know if you’d like to see the specific schedule. 

Gaco: Waterproofing and coatings

Gaco will showcase its unified portfolio of silicone, urethane and acrylic systems, along with metal roof repair and waterproofing solutions. Reps can also explain Gaco’s licensed applicator program and contractor incentives that support consistent installation quality and system performance.

Additional product walkthroughs across the Amrize Building Envelope portfolio are available upon request.

Educational sessions and exhibitor presentations

Amrize Building Envelope and brand spokespeople will be leading several conference sessions and exhibitor presentations, offering high-level perspective and practical, jobsite-focused education. Please let us know if you’re interested in any of the following, and we’ll be happy to share the locations of the presentations. 

IRE conference presentations

• Beyond the Roof: Building Envelope Integration for Growth
  Tuesday, January 20 | 8:15–9:15 a.m. PT
  Presenters: Rachel Garcia and Stephanie Gssime
• Entendiendo el PVC: No escatime en la malla | Más malla, menos falla (Spanish-language session
  Wednesday, January 21 | 8:30–9:30 a.m. PT
  Presenter: Alan Diaz
• Best Practices in Commercial Roofing: Solutions for Common and Unique Applications
  Wednesday, January 21 | 9:45–10:45 a.m. PST
  Presenters: Jacqueline LaDuke and Charles Allen

IRE exhibitor presentation sessions

• EPDM: Low Slope Roofing Solutions for Solving Real World Challenges
  Wednesday, January 21 | 12:30–1:15 p.m. PT
  Presenter: Matt Michalski
• Reducing Roofing Labor with Innovative Products and Systems
  Wednesday, January 21 | 2:30–3:15 p.m. PT
  Presenters: Christian Hartwig and Chris Meyer