By MuleHide. 

The differences between low-slope and steep-slope roofing run deeper than most realize.  

If you’ve spent your career walking steep roofs, stepping onto a low-slope system can feel like entering a whole new trade. The materials change. The methods shift. Even the vocabulary gets flipped. “Flat” doesn’t mean flat, waterproofing takes center stage and the line between commercial and residential gets blurry fast. In this first of a five-part series from MuleHide, we break down the fundamentals, because understanding what low-slope roofing really is and isn’t, is the first step to doing it right. 

What is low-slope roofing? 

So, what is a low-slope roof and how does it differ from a steep-slope roof? 

Low-slope, not no-slope 
A low-slope roof has a 2/12 pitch or less, meaning that, for every 12 inches of horizontal run, the roof rises 2 inches or less. 

Low-slope roofs are often called “flat roofs,” but no roof is truly flat. Water is one of the most destructive forces on Earth (it created the Grand Canyon, after all) and must be removed from a roof as quickly as possible. Every roof must, therefore, have slope to provide positive drainage. On a low-slope roof, it can come via the building’s structure, tapered insulation or a combination of the two.  

Waterproof vs. water-shedding 
Low-slope roofs are waterproof, though still intended to incorporate drainage, while steep-slope roofs typically shed water at a faster rate. In a low-slope roof, the roof covering, along with the sealants used for flashing and seaming, prevent water from entering the roofing system. Steep-slope roofs rely on the gravity provided by their greater pitch to quickly remove water from the roof’s surface. 

Not to be confused with “commercial roof” 

Many people use the terms “low-slope roof” and “commercial roof” interchangeably, but they are not synonymous. “Low-slope” refers to a roof’s pitch, while “commercial” describes the type of building the roof covers. Many commercial buildings – churches, hotels, schools, medical facilities, restaurants, retail establishments and more – have steep-slope roofs. And low-slope roofs can be found on many residential buildings, particularly in the arid Southwest where drainage is not as big a concern. 

Materials used 
Low-slope roofs typically feature a single-ply membrane, sheet or rolled goods or layers of asphalt. Steep-slope roofs are usually constructed with shingles, tiles or metal panels. 

A brief history of low-slope roofing 

Built-up roofing (BUR) systems are the oldest type of low-slope roof still used today. Early BUR systems were constructed by applying multiple layers of tar-soaked felt and adding a top layer of gravel mixed into hot tar. In the 1870s, asphalt replaced tar. 

Modified bitumen (mod bit) systems were introduced in the 1970s. Still asphalt-based, they introduced rubberized modifiers to the sheet goods, which increased their flexibility and provided an updated take on BUR systems that was faster and easier to install. 

Single-ply roofing systems began appearing in the United States in the 1960s. EPDM and PVC systems were first, their popularity fueled by the limited supply and increased cost of high-quality roofing asphalt. TPO arrived in the United States in the early 1990s and is now the dominant low-slope roofing material. 

Fluid-applied roofing systems – roof coatings – have been used to return aging roofs to near-new condition since the 1950s. Continuous improvements in performance and ease of application over the decades have helped them become the fastest-growing segment of the low-slope roofing industry today. 

We’ll dig into each of these roof covering types later in this series, discussing their composition and the characteristics that set them apart. But they are just the final component in a multi-part system.  

Next up, we’ll dissect a low-slope roofing system layer by layer and explain the vital role each plays in a roof’s performance. We’ll also take a deeper dive into the first two of those layers – the roof deck and insulation and cover boards. 

Original article and photo source: MuleHide

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Luis Ramos explains why manufacturer representatives are most effective when contractors use them as an extension of the team. 

On this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Megan Ellsworth spoke with Luis Ramos, territory manager for MuleHide in Southeast Florida, about the day-to-day value manufacturer representatives bring to contractors and distributors. Luis said the role is both technical and relationship-driven, especially in low-slope roofing, where job conditions and local requirements can vary widely.  

Q: What does a manufacturer’s representative actually do? 

Luis explained, “At its core, manufacturer reps are in sales technical positions. So, we are well trained in the systems that we offer in order to be able to assist our contractors and our ABC associates with these products and systems.”  

He added that this balance matters because contractors need more than product promotion. They need someone who understands the system, the jobsite and the questions that come up during all stages of a project. 

Q: Why is technical knowledge so important in that role? 

“When I meet with a contractor who is very heavily involved in the low-slope arena, those first three minutes will tell them a lot about my technical knowledge,” Luis shared. 

For experienced contractors, that first conversation can build credibility quickly. For contractors newer to low-slope work, Luis said reps need to “assume nothing” and adjust their approach to the contractor’s level of experience. 

Q: How can reps help contractors who feel pressure to know everything? 

Luis shared, “Well, we’re a free resource, for one thing. And the challenge that I think most contractors have is that they try to do it all, in a phrase. Nobody’s an expert in everything all the time.” 

That support can come through training, job meetings or simple conversations that help remove uncertainty. Luis said the key is communication and a willingness to ask questions before mistakes happen. 

A strong manufacturer rep relationship gives contractors another source of technical perspective when they need it most. Rather than treating reps only as product contacts, Luis encouraged contractors to see them as partners who can help shape the game plan. 

Listen to the entire podcast or Watch the conversation to learn more about how manufacturer reps support contractors! 

Dan has a deep commitment to service, reliability and results.

Low-slope roofing manufacturer MuleHide has hired Daniel Kline as territory manager for Alabama and Mississippi.

He is the company’s lead contact with customers in the territory. His responsibilities include helping ensure that projects are completed efficiently and according to specification, working with contractors and ABC Supply Co. Inc. branch teams to develop the best solutions to meet property owners’ roofing needs and providing ongoing product, technical and sales training for contractors and ABC Supply associates.

Kline had been an outside sales associate in ABC Supply’s Lakeland, Florida, branch since 2020. Prior to that, he honed his sales and management skills during a 21-year career in the auto dealership industry in Florida.

“Dan has a deep commitment to service, reliability and results,” said southeast regional director Matt Bost. “He knows how to deliver solutions for his customers. His 5-plus years with ABC Supply have also given him a strong foundation in the roofing industry. We’re excited to have him bring that background to MuleHide and our Alabama-Mississippi territory.”

About MuleHide

MuleHide offers premium-quality, high-performance roofing products and systems that meet the current and emerging needs of the design community, contractors and building owners with a strong focus on sustainable solutions. More information is available at mulehide.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

In her new role, Bader manages the company’s team of technical field representatives.

Low-slope roofing manufacturer MuleHide has promoted Alejandra (‘Ale”) Mahecha Bader to field technical manager. She had served as a technical field representative in Florida since joining MuleHide in 2024.

In her new role, Bader manages the company’s team of technical field representatives, leading and assisting them as they perform roof inspections, investigate warranty claims and present training programs for contractors, MuleHide distributors and MuleHide associates. She is also a technical resource for the company’s territory managers and regional directors.

Bader has 10 years of experience in the construction and roofing industries. Prior to joining MuleHide, she was a production manager for residential roofing contractors in California and Southeast Florida and service manager with Best Roofing Inc. in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

“Ale’s passion for our industry is infectious,” said MuleHide managing director Dan Williams. “In her time with MuleHide, she has built strong relationships with our contractors and territory managers, bringing her technical expertise, hands-on approach and leadership skills to every project. We’re excited to have her bring that energy and track record of success to her new role.”

Born and raised in Colombia, Bader holds a master’s degree in management from Universidad de San Buenaventura in Cali, Colombia.

About MuleHide

MuleHide offers premium-quality, high-performance roofing products and systems that meet the current and emerging needs of the design community, contractors and building owners with a strong focus on sustainable solutions. More information is available at mulehide.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

In his new role, Bost heads the region encompassing Alabama, Florida, Mississippi and part of Georgia. 

Low-slope roofing manufacturer MuleHide has promoted Matt Bost to regional director - Southeast. He had served as the company’s territory manager for West Central and Southwest Florida since joining MuleHide in 2022.

In his new role, Bost heads the region encompassing Alabama, Florida, Mississippi and part of Georgia. He is responsible for achieving regional sales goals and leads the region’s team of territory managers, who are the company’s primary points of contact with contractors, property managers, specifiers and roofing materials distributors.

Bost has more than 15 years of experience in the roofing industry. He came to MuleHide from TRUFAST, where he was regional manager for Florida after serving as Southeast warehouse manager and district manager for the Carolina territory.

“Matt has been an exceptional partner to our customers and distributor partners in his territory and to his MuleHide colleagues throughout the region and beyond,” said MuleHide Managing Director Dan Williams. “They have all benefitted from his experience and deep knowledge of low-slope commercial roofing. We look forward to having him build on that success as regional director.”

About MuleHide

MuleHide offers premium-quality, high-performance roofing products and systems that meet the current and emerging needs of the design community, contractors and building owners with a strong focus on sustainable solutions. More information is available at mulehide.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

By Jesse Sanchez.  

How UV-driven chalking signals coating wear and informs proactive maintenance. 

Roof coatings rarely fail without warning. More often, they wear down gradually, offering visible cues that protection is thinning. For acrylic systems, one of the clearest signs is chalking. During this CoatingsTalk webinar, Cameron Webb of MuleHide identified chalking as a practical field indicator that contractors should not overlook. In his view, it is not simply a cosmetic issue. It’s evidence that ultraviolet exposure is breaking down the coating surface and reducing its long-term performance. 

“With acrylics, a lot of times what'll happen is you'll see some chalking in the coating and that can be an indication that it's had some UV degradation and we might want to look at cleaning that and doing a re-coat there,” Cameron said. Chalking typically appears as a powdery residue that transfers to the hand during inspection. While gradual surface breakdown is expected over time, it also signals material loss. As the film thickness decreases, so does the coating’s ability to shield the underlying roof system from UV degradation and weather exposure. 

For that reason, Cameron cautioned contractors to evaluate both visible condition and system age. “You want to look at the term of years, because acrylics are going to lose some millage each year,” he advised. That perspective shifts the conversation from reacting to leaks to managing performance. A roof nearing the end of its warranty may still be serviceable if maintained. Conversely, a younger system with significant chalking may require earlier attention. 

The solution, Cameron said, is structured maintenance. “A roof coating or a roof system is no different than a vehicle,” he said. “You want to have preventative maintenance.” He recommends two inspections per year to monitor drainage, foot traffic damage and surface changes. When chalking is tracked consistently, recoating becomes a planned maintenance decision rather than an emergency repair. 

Listen to the podcast or Watch the webinar to learn more about roof coating selection and maintenance best practices. 

Musel is a 24-year veteran of the roofing business, working primarily in the Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia markets and focusing extensively on the technical side of roof installations. 

Low-slope roofing manufacturer MuleHide has promoted Nick Musel to territory manager - Mid-Atlantic. He joined the company in 2019 and most recently served as technical field manager.

In his new role, Musel is the company’s lead contact with customers in the territory, which includes Baltimore and Washington, D.C. His responsibilities include helping ensure that projects are completed efficiently and according to specification, working with contractors and ABC Supply Co. Inc. branch teams to develop the best solutions to meet property owners’ roofing needs, and providing ongoing product, technical and sales training for contractors and ABC Supply associates.

Musel replaces Jim Lessig, who is retiring after four decades in the roofing and building products industries, including more than 30 years with MuleHide and ABC Supply.

Musel is a 24-year veteran of the roofing business, working primarily in the Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia markets and focusing extensively on the technical side of roof installations. He joined MuleHide in 2019 as a technical field representative and was promoted to technical services administrator in 2022 and to technical field manager in 2024. He was named Tech Rep of the Year in 2022 and Associate of the Year in 2024 and won a Customer Service award in 2025.

“Jim has been an outstanding territory manager, and Nick is the perfect person to fill those big shoes,” said Mid-South Region Director John Pantesco. “He has been instrumental in providing clear, concise technical information to our contractors, our distributor partners and our associates. That expertise, along with his strong sales background and deep ties to the region, will be huge assets in his new role.”

Prior to joining MuleHide, Musel was a roofing and waterproofing consultant for Curtainwall Design and Consulting Inc., a technical service representative with Sika Sarnafil, a project inspector with Financial Realty Services LLC, a project inspector with W. Ivory Associates LLC and a service crew foreman with Pioneer Roofing.

He served in the United States Army for six years, reaching the rank of infantry sergeant.

He has a Bachelor of Arts degree from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.

About MuleHide

MuleHide offers premium-quality, high-performance roofing products and systems that meet the current and emerging needs of the design community, contractors and building owners with a strong focus on sustainable solutions. More information is available at mulehide.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Por Alberto Torres. 

Comprenda por qué cada paso del proceso de instalación es importante para instalaciones adecuadas y tranquilidad a largo plazo. 

Alejandra Mahecha Bader nos cuenta en un episodio de La Voz de los Ruferos cómo es un día en su rutina como representante e inspectora de techos, un rol clave para asegurar que cada proyecto cumpla con los estándares establecidos por MuleHide antes de que pueda emitirse proceso de garantías.  

En un estado como Florida — donde el clima no perdona — una instalación incompleta o con pasos omitidos puede causar problemas que no se ven al momento, pero que con el tiempo se convierten en fallas costosas. Por eso, la inspección se vuelve una parte esencial para proteger tanto a los propietarios como a los contratistas. 

Alejandra se encarga de manejar a múltiples ciudades en el estado de Florida y también recalca que, para ella, es muy importante asegurarse de que el techo de su propia casa este en buenas y seguras condiciones para la protección de su familia. “Tengo que sentir, ver y comprobar si la instalación del techo cumple con los requisitos mínimos de MuleHide”, Alejandra compartió. 

El objetivo principal del rol que ella representa es garantizar que la instalación del techo sea correcta y brindar tranquilidad a los propietarios y contratistas de que todo estará bien a largo plazo. Ella explica que, para evitar complicaciones futuras, es importante tomar en cuenta factores y desafíos como el clima de Florida: calor intenso, tormentas, vientos fuertes, etc. También destaca que otro gran reto es la comunicación, ya que cada contratista trabaja de forma diferente y a veces, existen barreras lingüísticas, además de distintos niveles de experiencia y entendimiento.  

Alejandra explica que estas complicaciones pueden hacer que los proyectos y el proceso de garantías tome más tiempo de lo esperado. Y es ahí donde su rol se vuelve especialmente importante: con experiencia supervisando proyectos en distintas ciudades de Florida, Alejandra ha visto de primera mano los errores más comunes que terminan afectando el desempeño del techo, especialmente cuando los equipos trabajan bajo presión o con plazos ajustados. 

Omitir pasos durante el proceso de instalación puede generar problemas que quizá no se vean de inmediato, pero que pueden causar que algunos techos pierdan su estructura más rápido. Por eso, enfatiza que cada paso y cada sistema tiene un propósito. Esto no solo afecta la durabilidad del techo, sino que también puede impactar el proceso de garantías, provocar retrasos y, en algunos casos, generar llamadas de regreso (callbacks) que cuestan tiempo y dinero. Alejandra lo describe así: “Todo funciona en conjunto como una cadena. Yo lo describo como una cadena: si se omite un eslabón, la cadena se va a romper o va a perder fuerza.” 

Escuchar o ver el video de este episodio para descubrir más de la experiencia y consejos para contratistas. 

From moments of personal growth to powerful reminders of why relationships matter, our crew experienced IRE as a celebration of progress, both individually and collectively. 

Trade shows are often measured by square footage, attendance numbers and new product launches. But for The Coffee Shops™ crew, the International Roofing Expo (IRE) reminded us that the heart of this industry has always been its people. 

Here’s IRE 2026, told through the voices of our crew. 

Growing into new roles and new confidence 

Jessica Bravo, our En Español program coordinator, reflected on how much can change in just one year when opportunity meets courage: 

IRE 2026 was one for the books. For me, it was an opportunity to step out of my comfort zone. Last year, I was running the camera; this year, I was the one doing the interviews. It means a lot to reflect on where I am now compared to where I was just a year ago. 

I love IRE because it creates space to connect with the Spanish-speaking community and get real face time with contractors. It’s an incredible environment to connect, network and learn.  

Alberto and I had the chance to walk the show floor and connect with many of our partners, including QXO, MuleHide, TAMKO® and SRS Distribution. We also connected with SRS Para Latinos partners, vendors, ambassadors and award winners. 

Stay tuned for all the En Español interviews coming soon! 

Alberto Torres, our Spanish content coordinator and newest crew member, echoed Jessica’s sense of growth as he experienced IRE from a completely new perspective this year. 

In previous years, I attended as a guest, but this time, I was working the show. 

Since IRE is the biggest event in the roofing industry, it felt a little intimidating at first. But once I arrived, everything started to fall into place. I met Jessica at the SRS Para Latinos lounge, and the confidence she had in me was bigger than the confidence I had in myself. She handed me the camera and told me to start recording like it was the most natural thing in the world. I was the new guy standing in the middle of so many Hispanic professionals – people who have built strong careers in the industry – waiting to watch other leaders receive their awards. And honestly, you know how intimidating that can feel. But I took a deep breath and started recording. 

The show was incredible, and I couldn't have done it without the support and encouragement from my crew members at RoofersCoffeeShop®. What stood out the most to me wasn't just the size of the show floor, but the sense of community. IRE truly feels like more than an event – it feels like a reunion. Not only inside the convention center, but outside of it too, people were genuinely happy to see each other, connect and spend quality time together. 

This experience reminded me that the roofing industry is built on relationships, and that there's a place for all of us to grow, contribute and be seen. 

Celebrating milestones and making space for belonging 

This year’s show marked a major milestone for the National Women in Roofing’s NWIR Days that preceded IRE. Megan Ellsworth, our multimedia director, captured the emotional weight of the moment: 

The biggest highlight for me the week of IRE was National Women in Roofing Days. We celebrated 10 years of the association, and it was an emotional and deeply meaningful two days full of connection, learning and growth. Some stand out moments from the day for me were the Survivor themed class about building resiliency, Mandy McIntyre's class on confidence and the founders' keynote talk in the morning.  

Having watched the creation of NWIR from the age of 17 to now has been an honor and a privilege. Getting to see my mom, Heidi J. Ellsworth, and the other three founding women talk about the struggles, the joys and the triumphs of starting NWIR was heartwarming and shows me truly how far we have come, and also how far we have yet to go. 

Relationships are the foundation of the industry 

Again and again, our crew came back to the same realization that IRE is powered by relationships. Dani Sheehan, content strategist for The Coffee Shops elaborated: 

I spent all three days walking the show floor with Camden during interviews, and it was such a powerful reminder of the impact this industry has. Being there made it possible not just to see the show, but to truly experience it, hearing the different stories of partners we work with every day and learning sides of their businesses we don’t always get to see. 

Running into familiar faces from last year, reconnecting with friends and spending time with partners like CertainTeed was easily one of the highlights of the week. It was positive, energizing and genuinely fun. 

James Ellsworth, our CFO, felt as if that sense of connection showed up in unexpected places: 

It was quite a good, positive week. The sound stage at IRE did 89 recordings over the course of three days, and Karen took on the bulk of those. We had experts from around the industry all wanting to get in on the booth and the sound stage. The green room that we had was quite the hot spot. All the people wanted to hang out there and relax. And it was a lot of fun this morning having Alberto and Jessica hand out our backpacks. We had little kids wearing them, which was really cute. We had The Coffee Shops everywhere, and it was really quite impressive. It was a great week, very busy and very successful. 

Storytelling as a service to the industry 

At the center of it all was a shared purpose: telling the industry’s stories and making sure no one feels left out. Karen Edwards, The Coffee Shops’ COO, made her mark interviewing industry connections on the soundstage: 

Being on the sound stage and interviewing our partners, vendors and manufacturers from across the show was incredibly rewarding. It’s so cool that we’re able to bring a little piece of IRE to the people who aren’t able to attend. 

Our goal is really to focus on the industry – telling the stories, having those conversations and sharing those interviews – and as Heidi says, uplifting and amplifying the entire industry. It was a fabulous week. 

Lauren White, our editor in chief, summed it up best when she reflected on what it means to show up with intention: 

It's always so fun to see the same faces year after year… for us to be able to go on to the show floor and to highlight those booths and ask them, 'What do you want to showcase?’ people were just very appreciative of us coming to their booths, showing off their booths and chatting with them. 2026 is the year of growth. 

IRE 2026 reinforced something we already know but never want to take for granted: this industry is built on people who show up for each other. Whether it was stepping into a new role, celebrating a milestone, reconnecting with old friends or creating space for new voices, IRE proved once again that roofing is a tight-knit, incredible community. 

And for our crew, it was an honor to be part of it. 

Check out our YouTube playlist for more insights from industry experts!

By Anna Lockhart.  

Take your rooftop safety seriously with this easy to adopt assessment strategy, designed to maximize safety and reduce error. 

In the latest Lunch & Learn, hosted by Megan Ellsworth of RoofersCoffeeShop®, Lane Reed of MuleHide sits down to share a smarter, safer way to conduct roof evaluations. In discussion with viewers live during the recording, Lane goes over everything roofers need to know about spotting roof failures, documentation protocols and how to determine the overall condition of a roof.  

To strengthen your approach to interior and exterior roof evaluations, Lane recommends using the walkthrough as an opportunity to learn about the extended history of the roof and to note any possible issues that stand out. He shared, “This is probably the single most important part of any opportunity you have to check out the building. When they contact you to come out and look, there’s likely a leak or other concern they’ve already identified... When that building owner reaches out, from the get-go, take the time to learn about the building and walk the underside of the building first, rather than straight to the roof.” 

Checking out the bottom side of the deck while inside, Lane added, helps in determining the direction in which the leak originates. Noting things like decking rust or rotting structural concerns and checking for any conduit lines attached to the underside of the deck are important details you won’t want to miss. Putting care into this first initial step helps visualize better what needs addressing from the rooftop.  

After conducting the roof walk, checking the perimeters for any additional damages or leaks, Lane noted now is the time to take the opportunity to talk with the building owner and establish rapport. He gave an example, sharing, “You know, maybe say, ‘Mr. Building Owner, we think we can also make some improvements here that will help, in addition to fixing the leaks, and make the existing roof last longer.’”  

Ultimately, Lane recommends implementing a routine of checking interior areas and following a systematic method for completing roof walks to ensure you’ve covered all of the bases. That way, you’re prepared to assist in planning next steps, whether the building owner commits to seeing out the existing roof’s lifespan or decides to pursue a re-roof. At the end of the day, rest assured, you’ve done the job diligently and thoroughly, leaving customers satisfied and provided with all of the bulletproof information needed to make an informed decision about their roof.  

Listen to the conversation or Watch the webinar to learn more about safely and efficiently walking a roof!  

Download the Learning Guide.

You could win lunch on us! Just take a photo of your team enjoying a Lunch & Learn and submit your photo here or email it to us. We will select a winner each month to win a pizza lunch!