Building confidence beyond the classroom

By The Coffee Shops®. 

How hands-on training, field support and peer learning help contractors apply coatings knowledge. 

While certification is a crucial element of roofing education, the next step is learning how to apply that knowledge in the field. In one episode of Roofing Road Trips®, James Conneely of ASC Building Materials explained that training is designed to give contractors both technical context and practical experience. 

“Anyone is eligible to come to our training sessions,” James said. “Usually, we see contractors and roofers here in Colorado.” The program includes “about five hours of classroom time plus hands-on experience,” with instruction on acrylic and silicone chemistries, roof conditions, substrates, preparation and when specific systems make sense. 

The hands-on portion is especially important because it turns classroom information into jobsite practice. James said attendees learn how to three-course around penetrations and transitions, perform adhesion tests and understand how material thickness connects to warranty options. He described the process of gridding a roof, measuring coverage and using a mil gauge to confirm coating thickness. 

Still, James emphasized that certification is only the beginning. “The learning continues from there,” he said. By involving ASC Building Materials after training, contractors can continue building knowledge on actual roofs, where unexpected conditions often appear. “There's no two roofs that are exactly the same,” he said. 

That ongoing education is increasingly important as technologies and materials continue to evolve. James pointed to silicone as an example, noting, “Ten, fifteen years ago, silicone was in its infancy as far as being used on roofs.” 

Certification also creates space for contractors to learn from one another. "That's how the best practices are shared,” James said, referring to certified installers who attend trainings and share jobsite efficiencies. He added, “I learn a lot from our installers, the guys that are actually doing it every day.” 

Together, classroom training, hands-on practice and continued field support help contractors build confidence, serve property owners more effectively and expand their coating capabilities. 

Listen to the entire podcast and Watch the recording to learn more about hands-on coatings certification.