By Jesse Sanchez. 

The Pli-Dek team highlights hands-on waterproofing training and ongoing field support nationwide. 

Training and long-term support were the focus of this episode of CoatingsCast™, where Karen Edwards spoke with Bob Yglesias and Miles Yglesias of Pli-Dek about the company’s approach to educating contractors on waterproofing systems. 

The father-and-son duo emphasized that training extends well beyond classroom instruction. Their sessions, which introduce contractors to Pli-Dek’s deck coating and waterproofing systems, are designed to prepare installers for real-world applications on plaza decks, balconies and parking structures. But according to Bob, the commitment does not end when the formal presentation concludes. “Training doesn’t stop after our in-house training,” he said. “When these contractors get jobs, we promise them that we’re going to be on site.” 

Bob, who has worked in deck coatings since 1982, said field support is critical because small details can determine long-term system performance. Waterproofing assemblies must account for foot traffic, vehicle loads, expansion and contraction and regional climate conditions. Ensuring proper installation during a contractor’s first project helps reduce risk and build confidence. 

Miles added that many roofing contractors already bring relevant experience to waterproofing, particularly in flashing and fluid-applied systems. However, transitioning from roofing to deck waterproofing requires additional instruction and oversight. “To be able to apply the waterproofing correctly takes not only just the training, but also to build a relationship and continue that training once it goes out into the real world,” he said. 

As Pli-Dek continues expanding beyond its West Coast origins into regions such as Florida and Texas, the company is adapting training to address varying climate challenges, including humidity, salt air and high-wind events. That adaptability, Bob said, depends on maintaining trust with contractors. “If we’re going to tell a contractor to do something, we’re going to make sure it works,” he said. “They have a lot of trust in us, and we will never do anything to mess that up.” That’s because effective waterproofing relies not only on strong product performance, but also on continued education and trusted field partnerships. 

Read the transcript, Listen to the podcast or Watch the interview to learn more about Pli-Dek training and education opportunities!

From packed aisles and live demonstrations to soundstage interviews and meaningful conversations, WOC 2026 showcased the innovation and heart of the industry. 

World of Concrete (WOC) 2026 defined the scale and energy of the construction trades coming together this year. Our crew had the unique opportunity to be present at both the International Roofing Expo (IRE) and World of Concrete, moving between two massive shows, two soundstages and countless conversations. Here’s a closer look at how it went and what it means to capture the stories that matter most to the industry. 

For Heidi J. Ellsworth, president and CEO of The Coffee Shops™, the week was all about participation: 

We were able to really tell the stories of those in this industry through interviews on the floor, live conversations on our soundstage and just through all the activities that we participated in, from National Women in Roofing Day to Roof Coating Manufacturers Association (RCMA) meeting, ROOFPAC, Roofing Alliance Student Competition and RT3 panel. I feel that we not only told the stories, but we participated in a way that really helps to elevate the industry.  

It was a truly spectacular week, and big shout out to Informa and NRCA for everything that they do to make this show such a success.  

Experiencing the scale and energy 

Moving between both shows gave the crew a front-row seat to the size, diversity and momentum of the construction and coatings industries. Dani Sheehan, content strategist, described the experience of opening day at WOC: 

Day one, when everything opened, Camden and I had the chance to walk the show floor and people were literally shoulder to shoulder. You couldn’t move; it felt like a school of fish just moving through the crowd, but the energy was palpable. It was so cool to see it, to witness it and to watch as that energy carried into conversations and demonstrations with our partners. 

World of Concrete offered the opportunity to explore new dimensions of familiar brands. Dani and Camden highlighted time spent with manufacturers and coatings experts: 

Our first interview of the day was Sika. Learning about all their wall coatings and the trainings they lead was really interesting – it was a part of their business I was unfamiliar with. Then, we got to hang out in the outdoor demonstration area with our friends from ICP Group. APF Polymer Surfaces and Pli-Dek were there showing us some amazing decorative floor coatings. It was almost hard to get to the interview because so many people were at the demo. We loved engaging in these conversations and having the chance to ask them questions in real time. 

Bringing the industry together 

While much of her week centered around IRE, Karen Edwards, COO of The Coffee Shops, had some time to experience WOC firsthand, emphasizing that whether our crew is on the soundstage or walking the show floor, the mission remained the same: 

In the last two hours of the show, I was able to go over to WOC with Heidi, visit some existing customers, talk to some new customers and really see the size and breadth of the show. It’s really impressive and incredible. We’ve been using the tagline recently, ‘Your industry, Your stories,’ and that’s our goal, really, is to focus on the industry, telling the stories, having those conversations, sharing those interviews and uplifting the entire industry. 

For Karol Weyman, product and business development director, WOC was unlike anything she had experienced before: 

World of Concrete did not disappoint — it was the largest show I’ve attended in my career. CoatingsCoffeeShop™ was located right in the lobby, and we had an incredible number of people stop by to share their stories. The passion across the industry was contagious. My role at the show was to oversee the booth and serve as a soundstage host, which gave me the opportunity to connect with contractors who have been in the industry for over 40 years, as well as manufacturers, distributors and service providers who are truly committed to supporting and advancing the industry. We also attended several outstanding charity-focused events, which reinforced one clear takeaway: this is an industry that genuinely values giving back and paying it forward. 

Evelyn Witterholt, content developer, shared a similar sentiment: 

World of Concrete lives up to its name, both in size and impact. It was our first time exhibiting at WOC and being positioned in the lobby meant we got to be on the frontlines of this incredible show. We got to meet people from all sectors of the industry, many of which were excited to talk to us about their businesses. With three indoor halls and two outdoor exhibits, there was plenty of exploring to do at the show. I particularly enjoyed watching the concrete double disc trowel agility course competition. I can't wait to see what WOC 2027 has in store! 

Training, competition and innovation 

From outdoor exhibits to emerging technology, innovation was everywhere. Megan Ellsworth, multimedia director, was struck by how much hands-on learning and competition took place throughout the event: 

There was the brick layer competition, and that was super fun to watch all the brick laying teams competing out in the bronze lot exhibit area working so hard to get every brick laid right.

The outdoor exhibits were my favorite – it was really cool to see big name brands like DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee and even more! One thing that I love that is growing in the trades right now is women joining crews. There weren't many out there, but there were more than I have ever seen before, and I loved seeing that. I spoke to so many companies that were exploring the world of 3D printing, especially with concrete and that fascinated me. Quikrete was a standout in their capabilities of 3D printing with concrete, and the creations they had on display were somewhat mind-blowing. It is brilliant to see the innovations and what will be taken back home with contractors from the show and how the building trades industry grows after shows like World of Concrete. 

For our crew, World of Concrete was inspiring to participate in – listening, learning and amplifying the voices shaping what comes next. 

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

By Jesse Sanchez. 

The morning fog hangs low in Newport Beach and the jobsite keeps going anyway. 

In this live on location episode of CoatingsTalk, host Heidi J. Ellsworth stands alongside Jan Bagnall, the inventor of the Pli-Dek system, and  Samantha Clowdus, Pli-Dek’s Southern California representative,  to discuss the jobsite at hand. Heidi jokingly called it “live from the deck” with a grin.  

Along this stretch of coastal California, moisture arrives early and often, and when a walkable surface fails, it rarely does so gently. Those harsh environmental factors are what brought the Pli-Dek team to the project in the first place, and CoatingsCoffeeShop® was there to get the story first-hand. The job of facing such a challenge is what brought Jan to Pli-Dek, a waterproof decking system shaped by jobsite experience and designed to withstand foot traffic, salt air and  leaks.  

Jan Bagnall built a product because the old ones kept breaking and the industry ran out of excuses 

Jan, Pli-Dek’s inventor and longtime technical voice, said the idea started in 1979 with a roofer’s frustration and a contractor roommate who kept seeing deck systems fall apart. Urethane over plywood was common, Jan said, but seams split as buildings moved. Fire ratings became the other hard line. 

Pli-Dek’s polymer cement base coat, Jan said, delivers durability and early jobsite protection. It is UV stable and strong enough to take scaffolding and construction traffic while the rest of the building catches up. 

“The worst thing you want to have happen is the project to leak and create mold and mildew and everybody’s upset,” Jan shared. 

The details that look small from the street are the ones that keep residents dry 

On this rehab project, crews tore back stucco and rebuilt transitions because flashing, paper and weep screeds decide whether water goes out or sneaks behind the wall. Jan walked through seam treatment, lath overlap and expansion joints, explaining how the system is layered: base coat, fiberglass and resin, skim coat, texture and color seal. 

He even smiled at a trick from the field, a hammer method that jiggles plywood so the cement self-levels and trowel lines disappear. 

Fire is not optional on California decks 

Samantha said the realities of building in California leave no room for systems that fall short of modern fire expectations. 

“In high-traffic areas, this is what you want to put down on your deck,” Samantha said. “The last thing we want is leaks, because that’s going to lead to more serious problems.”  

Pli-Dek meets Class A and one-hour fire ratings and has passed the Wildland Urban Interface test, a high-fire-zone requirement that has grown stricter as inspections have intensified statewide. In California, a walkable deck must do more than keep water out. It has to remain intact when conditions turn hostile. 

Training is where the system stays honest and where contractors find their next lane 

Samantha also said certification opens bidding opportunities for roofing and waterproofing contractors who want to keep more scopes in-house. The process starts at Pli-Dek.com through the contact form, phone or email and the company supports both classroom-style training and on-site first-job guidance. It is a system designed not just to be installed, but to be learned, practiced and carried forward on real jobsites. 

Read the webinar transcript, Listen to the conversation or Watch the recording  to learn more about Pli-Dek waterproof decking systems, certification and jobsite support! 

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 Emma Peterson. 

Explore how WUI maps and tested systems like Pli-Dek's F-System protect buildings in high-risk fire zones. 

Over the last decade, wildfires have been on the rise. The New York Times reported in October 2025, “That catastrophic wildfires with both high economic costs and loss of human life are, indeed, happening more often, and that those fires are strongly linked to climate change.” In the face of natural disasters like fires, it can feel like there is nothing to be done. But there are choices consumers and contractors can make to better prepare homes to face the flames. In a new episode of CoatingsCast™, Megan Ellsworth is joined by Adrienne Malek and Jan Bagnall from Pli-Dek for a conversation about building in Wildland Urban Interface zones. 

Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) zones are areas where urban development meets natural reserves like Forest Service lands. Adrienne explained, “It's where the interface between nature and man happen. It’s a popular place to live because it allows people to get out of the city and into nature more easily. But it also comes with downsides, for example, in the face of more severe fire seasons, we’re seeing more residential and commercial buildings that are destroyed or have gotten damaged due to wildfires that start in those natural areas.”  

As a result of this, state governments are creating maps of WUI areas and rating them based on fire risk. Adrienne shared what this looks like in their home state of California, saying, “There's a map that has now been in existence for a while that rates the severity of the fire zones based off of literally an address, but based off of what took place in January of this year and the horrific fires that happened in LA County, those zones are being reevaluated and expanded.” This assessment of the map takes into account a variety of factors, including proximity to natural areas and weather conditions like wind that can increase the spread of fire.  

In addition to these WUI maps, the California government has also released a list of fire-rated products that are recommended for use in WUI zones. And included on this list is Pli-Dek's F-System. Jan dove into what makes this system perform so well in the face of fire, saying, “We specify a construction method of installing the system that involves putting a polymer cement down early in construction. So, right after framing is done, the contractor is going to install sheet metal flashing around the perimeter at doors, walls, decks and drip edge flashing post. Then they’ll open up plywood seams to allow for expansion/contraction and install an expandable lathing, which is a 2.5 grade G60 with a polymer cement, which is over 6,000 PSI.” This base construction is incredibly strong and the inclusion of the cement helps increase the fire resistance of the entire system.  

But that’s not all the F-system is. Jan explained, “After that base is done, the contractor puts non-combustible products, like fiberglass, resin and some other polymer cements, on top of that to create that textured finish. The last step is sealer, which is water-based. Nothing in the F-System has any type of butyl or urethanes in it that would catch on fire.” The result of all this engineering and design? A powerful roof system that has been proven and rated to perform and protect in WUI.  

Read the transcript, Listen to the episode or Watch the recording to learn more about Pli-Dek, WUI rated products and more.

By Dani Sheehan. 

Join the community of certified professionals who trust Pli-Dek systems to deliver long-lasting protection and aesthetic appeal across residential, commercial and industrial applications. 

With 2026 on the horizon, now is the time to strengthen your skill set, expand your offerings and prepare for new opportunities in waterproofing. Pli-Dek's Certified Applicator Training is your ticket into one of the most trusted waterproofing systems in the industry. This one-day course combines a classroom overview of Pli-Dek's cementitious waterproofing systems with hands-on application experience, giving you both the technical foundation and practical skills to confidently complete installations that meet code and exceed expectations. 

Whether you’re new to Pli-Dek systems or exploring waterproofing for the first time, the certification ensures your team is ready to tackle everything from balconies and rooftop decks to parking garages and pool decks.  

Expand your opportunities 

Since its inception in 1978, Pli-Dek has set the standard for durable waterproofing solutions, innovating systems that protect concrete and plywood surfaces from the harshest environmental conditions. Each system is rigorously tested to meet or exceed industry standards, making them ideal for high-fire zones, hurricane-prone areas and high-traffic applications. 

Certification also provides a pathway to ongoing partnership opportunities through ICP Building Solutions Group, giving you access to product expertise, technical support and a network of professionals committed to craftsmanship and performance. 

With upcoming sessions in Phoenix, Arizona (November 20, 2025) and at World of Concrete in Las Vegas, Nevada (January 20–22, 2026), there’s no better time to sign up and position your company for a successful year ahead.  

If you can’t make a scheduled session, Pli-Dek also offers the flexibility to host training at your own facility — just submit your request, and a sales representative will reach out to coordinate details. 

Give your team the knowledge, confidence and credibility to take on new waterproofing projects and the assurance that your installations meet the highest standards in the industry. Register today for an upcoming session and get ready to build a stronger, more competitive 2026.

In this special CoatingsTalk we are Live from the Roof with Pli-Dek! Join Jan Bagnall as he shows off proper installation techniques and shares practical tips every contractor should know. Jan will walk through the Pli-Dek waterproofing system, a fast-drying, fabric-reinforced, water-based solution ideal for decks, walkways and other exposed surfaces. Designed with performance and durability in mind, this system protects against water intrusion while enhancing the look and longevity of outdoor spaces. Whether you’re looking to expand your offerings or ensure your crews are up to date on best practices, this live session delivers insights that turn waterproofing work into stronger reputations and bigger opportunities.

Listen to the podcast.

Watch on YouTube.

By Emma Peterson. 

Waterproofing is often the unseen and unsung hero of a roof deck’s structural soundness.  

In a new CoatingsTalk, Heidi J. Ellsworth and Megan Ellsworth got on the roof with Jan Bagnall and Samantha Clowdus of Pli-Dek. Jan is the company's vice president and has been working with them for over 46 years. He shared a bit about what he’s accomplished in that time, saying, “I was the inventor of this product back in 1979. At that time, the decking systems that existed were failing and nobody had a good decking system. So we developed a waterproofing system that is now used all over.”   

This waterproofing system is not often thought of by homeowners or non-applicators. Samantha, the Pli-Dek representative for Southern California, explained, “An everyday person doesn’t think about the waterproofing on a deck, but we do. We think about preventing water intrusion issues and making sure your space is secure.” The Pli-Dek solution? A polymer-based product that not only protects from water intrusion but also protects from fire and keeps maintenance needs low.  

Jan shared some more about how this product, that so many people don’t even know about, is key to protecting a deck and the larger building structure. She explained, “The worst thing you could have happen is the project leaks and creates mold and mildew. So it's very important to have a very durable decking system... This polymer-based product is UV stable, and it passes a one-hour high fire zone rating from the California state fire marshal. On top of that, it’s 6,000 PSI, meaning it's almost as hard as a concrete sidewalk. So you can put your tables and chairs on it and it's not going to damage this product and maintenance is going to be easy.”  

If you want to learn more about Pli-Dek's industry-leading waterproofing systems, Read the webinar transcript, Listen to the conversation or Watch the recording and see the system in action for yourself!

By Emma Peterson. 

This month’s standout stories cover fire-rated systems, youth outreach, legal guidance and more!  

Summer has been rushing by at The Coffee Shops™ and it’s already time to look at the top articles from August 2025! One of the big topics we saw talked about this month was withstanding Mother Nature. In one article on our list, Dani Sheehan covers how Pli-Dek and fire-rated systems can protect people and property in areas at threat of wildfires. Drexel Metals also made our top list with an article sharing about how their new Defend-R Vent combines ventilation and insulation is a way that prevents ice dams from forming! Additionally, Jenny Yu wrote an article all about how edge metal keeps properties safe and secure in the face of tornadoes.  

Beyond covering how roofs are standing up to Mother Nature, this month saw three unique top articles! In number three, an article by Emma Peterson covered an exciting moment for our very own multimedia manager, Megan Ellsworth, when she was brought onto the Roofer Growth Hacks podcast to talk about building connections and growing your business through media. In the number two spot is an article from Christee Roberson (Graham Roofing) all about how National Women In Roofing (NWIR) is helping dismantle industry barriers by helping young women get their start in the trades through youth summer camps. 

And our top article of the month comes from Mary Kate Fernandez of Adams and Reese. Mary Kate is an association who is very familiar with immigration enforcement policies and has run a variety of trainings to help industry-members navigate workforce management and legal compliance in the face of shifting immigration polices. In this article, she covers nine tips for keeping your I-9 paperwork in order through mergers, acquisitions and anything else that might crop up.  

Read the August 2025 top articles! 

10 - The Coffee Shops™ welcome World of Concrete!

9 - Fire-rated solutions for the Wildland Urban Interface by Dani Sheehan 

8 - MRA hosts 4th annual fishing trip in Bigfork, Montana by MRA 

7 - Steep slopes and ice dams, beware. Defend-R Vent is here. by Drexel Metals 

6 - SRS Distribution announces expansion in Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex with the acquisition of Roadrunner Roofing Supply, Inc. 

5 - Edge metal: A structure’s shield from tornados by Jenny Yu 

4 - Make the most of your silicone roof coatings by Progressive Materials 

3 - Podcasting, marketing and roofing success by Emma Peterson 

2 - Camps for girls: Building on a proven blueprint by Christee Roberson, Graham Roofing 

1 - 9 strategic tips for I-9 compliance by Mary Kate Fernandez, Adams and Reese

By Dani Sheehan. 

Learn how Pli-Dek and fire-rated systems can help you confidently tackle WUI projects. 

Fire seasons continue to grow more intense, and as urban development edges closer to wildlands, fire-rated solutions are essential to protecting the built environment. In a recent episode of CoatingsCast®, Megan Ellsworth sits down with Adrienne Malek, VP of product management for cementitious coatings for Pli-Dek, and Jan Bagnall, the inventor of Pli-Dek, to unpack how contractors can rise to meet increasingly strict fire codes in Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) zones. 

Understanding WUI zones and what’s ahead 

“Wildland Urban Interface, it’s where our residential and commercial communities hit natural reserves, forested areas, et cetera,” shares Adrienne. “It’s the interface between nature and man.” 

As populations grow and more people choose to live outside of city centers, closer to nature and even off the grid, new homes and buildings are being constructed in areas increasingly vulnerable to wildfires. Adrienne explains that this shift, paired with more destructive fire seasons, has led to changes in California: “So, they have created a map that has now been in existence for a while that rates the severity of the fire zones based on an address, but based on what took place in January of this year and the horrific fires that happened in LA county and the Palisades, Governor Newsom is now expanding these zones.” 

With the expansion of WUI maps in California and adoption in other states on the horizon, contractors must stay ahead of changing regulations. Adrienne continues, “It's not just, ‘Do you back up to a forest?’ It also is related to weather concerns or issues. What is the severity of the wind that comes through your area? So, if the fire sparks, how bad could this be for you? Things of that nature also are all taken into consideration when they're planning these fire zones.” 

Evolving fire standards 

When Jan launched Pli-Dek in 1979, fire testing wasn’t nearly as comprehensive as it is today. He recalled the two main ASTM tests required at the time – ASTM E119, which measures fire resistance from below the deck, and ASTM E108, which evaluates top-down exposure including a burning brand test. “For years we’ve had that rating, which was the top of the food chain,” Jan shares. 

That foundation proved critical when California introduced even more stringent testing under WUI standards in 2012. “We’ve had [the WUI] rating for 13 years now,” Jan says. “Pli-Dek has always been the pioneer in making sure testing is done right and giving it to the architects to make sure they’re covered.” 

As fire codes continue to tighten, Adrienne believes the industry will trend toward more non-combustible solutions. “Why not take the road of least resistance?” she asks. “Anything that doesn't even meet the basic criteria of a Class A or one-hour rating should never be allowed. Even in moderate-risk areas, contractors should be building to meet WUI standards.” 

Jan adds that doing the right thing now, both for safety and code compliance, benefits everyone, from architects and consultants to contractors and homeowners. He shared, “We're trying to make it good for everybody, not just for Pli-Dek, but for safety, and for the building departments and the builders.” 

Read the transcript, Listen to the podcast or Watch the webinar to learn more about successfully adapting for WUI projects.