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 

By Emma Peterson. 

Join Marlin Fishe, Bridget Wilson, Jorge Rodriguez and countless other professionals at the industry’s only tradeshow dedicated to the concrete and masonry industries 

Recently, The Coffee Shops™ partnered up with Tremco to give away a few World of Concrete Education Super Passes! These passes give attendees access to countless World of Concrete areas, activities and events, including:  

• The show floor: Education Super Passes come with access to the incredible World of Concrete trade show floor! This is a great opportunity for professionals to connect with their peers and see the newest innovations in the roofing world. The Coffee Shops crew will be there (South Hall Lobby) as well as many of our industry partners, like JobTread (N1568), Sika (S10215), Gaco (S13207) and ICP (O31609). Explore the show map!
• Education opportunities: As the name implies, attendees with Education Super Passes get access to learning sessions at the show! From talks about best business practices to technical seminars and industry certification events, World of Concrete has something to elevate every professional’s knowledge. Learn more!
• Networking events: In between education sessions and exploring the show floor, World of Concrete hosts a variety of events that will give you the opportunity to make business-boosting partnerships. Check out the whole list of events online.

So, who will be in Las Vegas, Nevada from January 19 to 22 thanks to The Coffee Shops and Tremco World of Concrete giveaway? Marlin Fishe, Bridget Wilson and Jorge Rodriguez!  

Marlin is the VP of field service for Capital Roof Care and Capital Coating; while Bridget is the president of Cardinal Roofing; and Jorge is the owner of J Rodriguez Concrete Contractors LLC. Congratulations to all three of them! 

The giveaway might be closed, but you can still get last minute passes!

By Gaco. 

A durable foam-and-coating solution restored efficiency and extended the roof’s lifespan. 

In Northern California’s intense summer climate, the metal roof on this commercial building had reached the end of its useful life. Missing fasteners, faded skylights, clogged gutters and peeling paint had compromised the roof’s integrity and reflectivity, creating ongoing leaks and energy inefficiencies. A complete tear off would have interrupted operations and added significant labor and landfill costs. The building owner and contractor instead sought a solution that would restore performance, improve insulation and extend the roof’s life, all without removing the existing system. 

Which Gaco roofing solution was used? 

One of Gaco’s licensed applicators, HB Urethane, addressed all of the above issues by installing a system using roof spray foam with silicone coating over the top. Each flute of the metal roof was first filled with sheets of ISO (polyisocyanurate thermal insulation). Next, the skylights were removed and reframed so new skylights could be installed. GacoRoofFoam Low GWP (F2780) was then applied over the entirety of the roof at approximately one inch thick.  

The project was completed in August during the peak of summer, so HB Utherane installed GacoFlex A4121™ black primer over the F2780 to help preserve the foam from harmful UV rays. GacoFlex S2000™ silicone coating was then sprayed over the primer and back rolled. To finish, HB Urethane replaced and repaired parts of the gutters where needed, used GacoFlex SeamSeal™ at all seams, and applied GacoFlex S2000 inside the gutters. 

What makes GacoRoofFoam and GacoFlex especially suitable for Northern California? 

Northern California summers can get extremely hot during the day and then cool off 20–25 degrees at night. Using the S2000 system over the roof foam helps with reflectivity during the day to keep the building cooler, and the roof foam acts as an insulator when it cools down at night. 

California is also one of the most sustainable states, which made it critical to have an eco-friendly roofing system. GacoRoofFoam F2780 is a sustainable, energy-efficient option with a low GWP (Global Warming Potential). GWP is an estimate of how much a product will contribute to global warming. Low GWP GacoRoofFoam is made with an HFO blowing agent that reduces the GWP by more than 99%, making it a great choice for environmentally conscious building owners. 

What made spray foam and silicone roof coating especially suitable for this building? 

The existing roof didn’t have to be torn off, so there were no workday interruptions. There was also the added bonus of the roof foam, primer and silicone coating not having strong odors. Since the roof had air intakes, using low-odor products means the employees could continue with their regular work. 

How did Gaco help the building owner reduce costs and risks?  

By repairing the roof with foam and silicone, the building owner saved on the cost and labor involved in tearing off an existing roof. Plus, materials were readily available to meet the schedules of the building owner and the contractor. 

What made this roofing project unique? 

This was the first building where Gaco’s new F2780 roof foam was used in the entire state of California. The building is located on a bustling road in the Sacramento, California, area and is highly visible, making it even more critical to have a high-quality, aesthetically pleasing installation. 

What about this project will help Gaco and our partners earn more business? 

This project highlights the speed and savings of the Gaco foam and silicone system. Compared to the estimate for tearing off the roof, the project took approximately a quarter of the time, minimized the materials needed for completion and reduced landfill waste (creating subsequent landfill cost savings). GacoRoofFoam Low GWP also offers customers a more sustainable roofing solution. HB Urethane used their knowledge and skills to properly install this Gaco roof system in a highly visible area, and they already earned a referral from the building owner. 

Original article source: Gaco

By Dani Sheehan. 

See how Gaco delivers simplicity, speed and sustainability to roof restoration. 

Trade show season is in full swing, and one question always seems to surface on the exhibit floor: What’s new? Contractors are after faster installs, easier applications and products that deliver results without adding complexity. At the Western Roofing Expo (WRE), Bryce Yost, western regional business manager for Gaco, said that constant demand for simplicity and reliability is what fuels the company’s latest innovations.   

“People are always looking for innovation. They’re looking for faster installs. They’re looking for products that are more user friendly – how can you get on a job, off a job and have maximum savings with labor,” Bryce shared. “We’ve got some really good stuff rolling out and it’s exciting to talk to contractors about it all.” One of their newest products is the GacoBase U95, a two-component urethane maintenance base coat designed to make difficult roof restorations simpler, faster and more sustainable. 

No such thing as too hard to restore 

Traditionally, built-up gravel roofs (BUR) nearing the end of their life cycle have been a challenge to restore confidently. GacoBase U95, however, can be rolled or brushed directly over existing single-ply, asphaltic, BUR or previously coated roof systems – no special spray equipment needed. 

“Normally when people think about Gaco, they think silicone,” Bryce explained. “But with this product, we’re expanding that envelope. It’s perfect for older roofs that have been difficult to restore, and we can offer warranties across the board with it. Customers love that – they want solutions they can trust, and that’s what we’re delivering.” 

Once applied, GacoBase U95 forms a seamless, high-tensile film that protects foam substrates and prevents oil migration on asphalt roofs, all without requiring a bleed-blocking primer. It’s ready for a topcoat in as little as four hours, helping you move efficiently from prep to finish. 

Sustainability, versatility and reliability backed by Gaco 

Formulated with renewable castor oil, the base coat provides a USDA Bio-Preferred, low-VOC alternative to traditional petroleum-based materials. The product is compliant in all 50 states and carries UL and FM approvals for roof maintenance coatings.  

GacoBase U95 can also be used as the foundation for any GacoFlex topcoat depending on project needs. It’s available in five-gallon kits and supported by Gaco’s industry-leading warranties, including up to 20 years for roof coating applications. 

Whether you’re restoring an aging BUR system or looking for a sustainable base coat to simplify your next project, GacoBase U95 proves that innovation doesn’t have to mean complicated. With its user-friendly application, strong performance and biobased formulation, it’s another example of how Gaco continues to lead the industry in forward-thinking solutions. 

Watch the full interview to see what else you missed from Gaco on the expo floor at WRE!

By Gaco. 

Spray foam and a silicone roof coating work together to protect this manufacturing facility in Central Florida. 

Recovering a roof can enhance energy performance, extend the life of the building and save on long-term costs. After air conditioning equipment repairs left a manufacturing plant in Florida vulnerable to water intrusion, a local Gaco Licensed Applicator installed a seamless GacoRoofFoam system topped with GacoFlex S2000 silicone coating. Not only did this solution eliminate the leaks, but it also added significant R-value, a measure of thermal resistance that indicates how well insulation can resist heat flow. This improved the building’s energy efficiency and kept operations running without interruption. 

What makes this solution especially suitable for this area/building? 

Central Florida is well known for heat and humidity. GacoRoofFoam and the GacoFlex S2000 topcoat provided the perfect solution by adding R-value and water tightness to the roof surface. S2000 also has a wide range of its own benefits suitable for this environment, including: 

• Solvent-free: S20 was the industry’s first solvent-free silicone coating. Solvent-free means more environmentally friendly, lower VOCs and greater solids content (less labor and product needed to reach a higher film build). 
• Durability: Unwavering performance is a key advantage of using silicone. Silicone doesn’t degrade, chalk or crack under brutal ultraviolet rays.  
• Moisture resistance: Gaco silicone forms a smooth, seamless membrane that can withstand permanent ponding water without softening. As a material, it resists mold, mildew and staining. GacoFlex S20 Series roof coating can be rained on within 2 hours of installation!  
• UL and FM approved 

The manufacturing plant could not shut down operations for installation. Gaco and EGuard provided a solution that met the owner’s needs without disrupting production. 

What about this project can help Gaco and our customers win more business? 

This project highlights the many benefits of spray foam. For starters, Gaco and the contractor were able to handle a more unique situation that required correcting issues on both office and warehouse spaces. By using the spray foam and silicone coating solution, we created another monolithic layer in the system without disrupting the interior of the building, so the owner was able to maintain a consistent production level on both sides of their facility. They didn’t have to worry about the cost of completely re-roofing the building, and they didn’t experience a loss of profit caused by business downtime.  

Not only did we help the building owner save on the roofing project itself, but the GacoRoofFoam solution will also help the owner continue to save money down the road. With the addition of the 2733 spray foam, we provided extra R-value. This additional R-value helps with the building’s thermal footprint and reduces the stress on A/C units during the hot summer, so less energy is required to keep the building cool in the Florida heat. 

How does this project illustrate the true hands-on approach of Gaco’s team of experts? 

The contractor brought Gaco to the table to help with the specification process. Gaco and the contractor presented the solution to the building owner as a team and trusted partners. The more we can have this level of confidence from our applicators, the stronger the bond is in the field. 

*R-value has been validated at 1” thickness to provide R-6.5 and validated at 3.5” thickness to provide R-25. Please reference the Product Data Sheet for full details. 

Original article and image source: Gaco

By Gaco. 

A trusted partner, Gaco delivered a second successful garage restoration for this customer in the heart of California’s capital. 

Designed specifically for high-traffic environments, Gaco’s AutoDeck system offers seamless waterproofing, superior adhesion and outstanding flexibility to handle seasonal movement and daily wear. This made it the perfect solution for a busy parking structure in Sacramento, California, that needed a durable garage restoration with minimal disruptions.  

What made Gaco AutoDeck especially suitable for the Sacramento area?  

The GW-15UBU (hd) system incorporates two component catalyzed urethane elastomers and our walnut shell aggregate, GacoShell, for maximum durability, skid resistance and increased protection against harsh weather and heavy traffic. The use of catalyzed urethanes allows the traffic coatings to be applied at any hour of the day or night (a lot of this coating work was done at night) without the contractor being concerned about air temperature, or relative humidity affecting the cure of the coating.  

What made the Gaco vehicle deck coating system especially suitable for this parking structure?  

This parking garage is located near courthouses, detention centers and law enforcement substations. Because it serves as parking for several agencies, it required long-term durability with as short of an installation window as possible. Gaco AutoDeck was able to check both the boxes.  

How did Gaco help the parking structure owner drive down costs and reduce risk?  

By installing a proven, vertically integrated urethane traffic coating system, the owner reduced or eliminated costs associated with reinforcing steel deterioration and related concrete spalling. With the new traffic coating system, the vehicles inside the parking structure are better protected from the risk of contamination from leaks into the garage from above. 

What is interesting or unique about this parking deck coating project? 

This is the second garage facility Gaco and our GLA (Gaco Licensed Applicator) have installed for this owner. The other garage facility is less than a block away. Additionally, we have several excellent references of vehicular traffic topping in the surrounding neighborhood. 

What are the key points about this project that will help Gaco and our customers win more business? 

With this project, we promoted a continued productive relationship with the owners by instilling faith, trust and reliability for a given system. Throughout the process, the area manager stayed involved by attending many meetings, site visits, inspections and project reviews with the owner's representatives, general contractor and customer, Wine Country Shotblasting & Coating. 

See the full list of products used in accordance with this specification here. 

Original article and image source: Gaco

By Gaco. 

GacoFlex S42 offered a seamless silicone solution to meet the unique needs of this animal shelter’s aging roof. 

A large animal shelter in Santa Fe, New Mexico began experiencing issues with its aging asphalt roof due to years of seasonal temperature swings and excessive sun exposure. Cracks and standing water made the roof more susceptible to leaks, but the facility’s 28,000-square-foot rooftop was going to be expensive and logistically challenging to replace. Working alongside Whitlock Enterprises, Gaco offered a high-performance, low-impact solution that restored the roof’s integrity while keeping the shelter safe, operational and energy efficient. 

How did Gaco and the contractor help solve the problem? 

A complete re-roof was an option, but large air-handling equipment on the roof deck would have been costly to remove and reset. Minimizing costs and disruptions and ensuring a safe, environmentally friendly solution were priorities. Thus, the contractor, Whitlock Enterprises opted for the GacoFlex S42 Solvent-Free Silicone Roof Coating System, specifically designed for restoring aged flat roofs. 

The application process included: 

• Surface preparation using power brooms, blowers and industrial vacuums. 
• Repairs to damaged areas to create a stable base using GacoPatch Silicone Roof Sealant. 
• Application of the A4271 BleedTrap Primer base coat to ensure proper adhesion and help inhibit bleed-through of oil commonly found in substrates containing bitumen. 
• Application of the S4200 White topcoats, creating a seamless, waterproof membrane. 

The solution provided excellent UV protection and reduced heat absorption, crucial for the high-elevation, sun-intensive environment of Santa Fe. 

What made GacoFlex 4200 especially suitable for this building? 

Animal shelters require reliable, non-toxic roofing materials. Free from harmful chemicals, the composition of GacoFlex S4200 ensures the safety of the animals during the application and for years to come. 

The decision to coat avoided a costly re-roof and eliminated the need to detach and reset air-handling equipment. 

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

The GacoFlex S42 Roof Coating System delivered several key benefits: 

• Extended roof life: The coating restored the roof’s integrity, adding years of durability. 
• Energy efficiency: Reflective properties of the white top coats bolster the facility’s insulation and reduce the strain on HVAC. 
• Waterproofing: A monolithic membrane protects against water intrusion. 
• Low maintenance: The roof now requires minimal upkeep, saving on long-term costs. 

What about this project can help Gaco and our contractors earn more business? 

This project highlights the versatility and cost-effectiveness of GacoFlex S42 System for restoring aging roofs. Its environmentally friendly and non-disruptive qualities appeal to projects on stringent budgets that need to be completed quickly, with little disruption to the building’s operations. The durability and energy-saving benefits of the coating make it a compelling solution for many facility types. 

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

The collaboration between the regional Gaco team and the installing contractor is a testament to the type of beyond the bucket support Gaco is dedicated to delivering to every customer, every time, through our portfolio of proven building envelope solutions and on-demand technical expertise. 

Original article and image source: Gaco