Tackling the labor shortage with quality roofing products

By Evelyn Witterholt. 

We spoke with Greg Hlavaty from Western Colloid about how their new 298 X Asphalt Emulsion helps contractors save time on roofing projects. 

Since 1972, Western Colloid has been a mainstay in the commercial roofing industry. Their coatings and fluid applied systems are both highly durable and energy efficient. We recently spoke with Greg Hlavaty, president of Western Colloid, at the 2024 International Roofing Expo (IRE) about their response to the labor shortages facing the roofing industry.  

Western Colloid recently announced the launch of their 298 X Asphalt Emulsion, a product that helps restore ponding areas on gravel roofs. One of the driving forces behind the creation of 298 X was the lack of labor many contracting companies are currently dealing with. 

“It really is there to help the contractor. It helps him get it down and the shrinkage is much less so he can get the ply and other coating,” Greg said. “He can get the rest of the coating system on top of that gravel roof using less labor and less labor today is huge. You know, talk to anybody at the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), what's their biggest issue? Labor.” 

Currently, they are testing the product out in Texas where there is a high demand for gravel roofs. Greg told us that the feedback has been great so far and they have even been hosting all day training programs to walk contractors through their entire manufacturing process. 

“It’s not just your average, ‘Hey, we've got one of our technical guys out here buttering some stuff around a pipe.' We're starting from how we make products, what we make them with, it's at the plant. They meet the guys that make the products,” Greg said. “It’s really kind of an immersive experience.” 

Watch the entire video to learn more about Western Colloid and their high-quality commercial roofing products.