Sustainability trends driving roof coatings

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Leading the shift towards sustainable roofing solutions. 

The roofing industry is seeing a significant shift toward sustainability and one company at the forefront of this change is Progressive Materials. In this episode of the Roofing Road Trips®, host Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down with Matt Clarke, eastern national sales manager at Progressive Materials, to discuss the growing trends in roof coatings and how the company is positioning itself to meet the evolving needs of the market. 

Coatings are becoming increasingly popular as a sustainable alternative to traditional roof replacements, especially in light of economic pressures like rising interest rates. Matt expresses that the demand for coatings is fueled by both environmental concerns and cost-effectiveness. “Coatings are a cost-effective alternative to tearing off roofs. With higher interest rates, people are more apt to try a coating versus a full tear and replace, which is exponentially higher,” Matt explains. This approach not only saves money but also significantly reduces the volume of roofing debris in landfills, aligning with broader environmental goals.  

Education plays a critical role in this shift. Matt points out that many misconceptions about coatings are fading as more people become aware of their benefits. “It’s more of an accepted roofing system. And also, if the economy gets tighter, then the repair business will increase too. So, we’re seeing an uptick, but all good stuff,” he notes. The emphasis on educating both contractors and end-users has been pivotal in promoting coatings as a viable, long-term solution. 

A key component of Progressive Materials’ strategy is its comprehensive training programs. Matt describes how the company uses a variety of educational methods, including on-site training and internal sessions like their bi-weekly “PMU” meetings, which involve the entire company. “Everyone joins in and they pick out different subjects about the company,” Matt shares. This approach ensures that everyone, from salespeople to chemists, is aligned and knowledgeable about the company’s products and their impact. 

Read the transcript or Listen to the podcast to learn more about Progressive Materials’ innovative strategies!