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.

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 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! 

Join CoatingsCoffeeShop® for a live Coffee Conversations at SPFA, sponsored by HandiFoam, as we bring together industry leaders to explore the forces shaping spray foam in construction. From growth across roofing, insulation and specialty applications to emerging innovations and evolving building codes, this discussion dives into what contractors need to know now. Panelists will tackle public perception, sustainability messaging and how spray foam stacks up against competing systems. We will also look ahead at the trends set to influence installation, product development and training over the next several years, along with practical guidance for contractors ready to enter or expand in the spray foam market.

Watch the Coffee Conversation LIVE from SPFA!

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. 

Join CoatingsCoffeeShop® for a live Coffee Conversations at SPFA, sponsored by HandiFoam, as we bring together industry leaders to explore the forces shaping spray foam in construction. From growth across roofing, insulation and specialty applications to emerging innovations and evolving building codes, this discussion dives into what contractors need to know now. Panelists will tackle public perception, sustainability messaging and how spray foam stacks up against competing systems. We will also look ahead at the trends set to influence installation, product development and training over the next several years, along with practical guidance for contractors ready to enter or expand in the spray foam market.

Get notified when this Coffee Conversation is LIVE!

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!