By Emma Peterson. 

Johnny Walker explains how contractors can guide clients through the decision between roof replacement and restoration coatings. 

Coatings can be a reliable and convenient way to improve a roof. But they’re not necessarily right for every situation. To learn how you determine whether to suggest coatings to a client, Megan Ellsworth sat down for a special episode of CoatingsCast™ featuring Johnny Walker from APOC/ICP Group.  

Over the course of his career, Johnny has had around four decades of experience with coating systems. Over the decades, he has found that many building owners instinctively lean towards tear offs and replacements over coatings. He explained, “They think, ‘If I tear it all off, I'm getting a brand-new roof and that's the way I want to go.’”  

And this decision isn’t technically wrong. Some building owners prefer starting fresh, whether it’s because they received the building from someone else and don’t know the pre-existing roof state or just prefer to stay in their comfort zone. But, for a lot of building owners, a contractor who asks the right questions and has the right information to share can shift their decision towards coatings.  

What type of things do you need to ask? Johnny explained:  

The first step is always determining a roof’s physical eligibility. And if it is something you could coat, you then need to think about what the building owner’s priorities are. Because if they want to save on the cost of labor and materials, coatings are going to be a great option. Same with sustainability, if they’re trying to reduce waste and build something that can be perpetually restored rather than replaced, coatings are a great choice. 

Further, roof restorations are less invasive than tear-offs, which can make them a good solution for crucial buildings like hospitals that cannot be closed for the course of project. Overall, it is key for every roofer to take the time to work with their client to understand their motivations. Because by understanding their motivations, you will be better equipped to talk to them about restoring their roof with a coating and the benefits that come with that. 

Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording to learn more about advising clients making the choice between restoration and replacement. 

By Emma Peterson. 

APOC’s sloping compound makes it easier to fill low spots, improve water flow and protect roofing systems from long-term damage. 

Ponding water is standing water on flat or low-lying parts of a roof and, as every commercial contractor knows all too well, can cause a series of issues including but not limited to moisture intrusion, roof system deterioration and mold growth. Ponding water can also be a frustrating problem to solve, as fixing it often entails changing the slope of the entire roof.  

To help make this problem easier to solve, the team at APOC developed a cost-effective, acrylic-modified, cementitious sloping compound specifically engineered to address ponding water issues. This product, RoofSlope®, provides “a way to fill in low spots on flat roofs and achieve positive slope to aid in proper drainage.” RoofSlope is perfect for both new construction and retrofit work as the patented technology behind the product allows it to create a durable finish that attaches to a wide variety of substrates and matches existing roof compositions. 

The best part? Application in the field is as simple as five steps that can be completed in one trip to the job site: 

1. Clean and prepare: As with any low-slope roofing application, the first step is to clean your roof and ensure that the membrane you’re installing on top of is sound. 
2. Mix, mix, mix: RoofSlope is designed to be mixed with water for application. APOC guidelines dictate that one pail of RoofSlope needs to be thoroughly mixed with 1 ¼ gallons of water. 
3. Application: Once the roof is prepared and the mixture of RoofSlope and water is smooth, contractors should apply it to the roof using a screed board and a trowel. A wet paintbrush is also recommended in order to slope the product flush to the membrane without any lips or raised edges.  
4. Broadcast: This product is fast drying, so you want to immediately broadcast roof granules or sand of similar size (16 grit) onto the product after application while it is still wet. 
5. Clean up: Warm soapy water should be used to clean both tools and hands, with a thorough rinse to ensure product has been removed. 

And with just those five steps, contractors can achieve positive slope on roofs, achieve proper drainage and resolve any ponding issues before they lead to roof system failures.  

Learn more about RoofSlope!

By John Walker, APOC.

Compared with traditional tear-offs and reroofs, roof restoration has emerged as a cost-effective, minimally disruptive and effective option for professional roofing contractors and their customers alike.

Reroofing a commercial building can be a cumbersome but necessary task for major structures anywhere. Such projects can last for weeks, cause disruption to internal activities and can invite the potential for installation error that can compromise long-term performance. 

But the truth is that a full reroof is not always as necessary as it may seem. And that means opportunity for both roofing contractors and their customers.  

Commercial roof restoration has emerged as a increasingly viable alternative for any roof type. Restoration techniques that are performed with high-quality materials are effective in ensuring commercial roofs regain and maintain their full performance potential over the course of their lifetimes and at a fraction of the cost for a full replacement. Not only does restoration reduce the likelihood of failure, but it also extends the longevity of your commercial roof, regardless of type.  

Recent research proves this to be true. Cotney Consulting Group, a business consulting firm specializing in the commercial roofing industry, recently conducted a thorough study comparing commercial roof restoration performed with high-performance coatings versus reroofing, including recover and tear-off methods. The results were significant, showing that roof restoration can lead to improved profit productivity, enhanced labor efficiency, greater time efficiency and stronger margins for contractors.  

Indeed, restoration can be an effective and profitable strategy. In this article, we’ll explore how to determine if a roof is a good candidate for restoration, the basics of sound restoration techniques and specific findings from the Cotney Consulting Group’s report. Let’s explore:  

Determining if a roof is a good restoration candidate 

First, contractors must determine if the existing roof is in good enough condition for restoration techniques to be effective. To start, a good rule of thumb is that roofs that are 20%-25% (or more) saturated will likely need to be replaced in their entirety based on varying building codes and standards. But a thorough assessment of the roof is necessary to get the full picture.  

This process begins with a visual inspection, which should involve clearing off any trash or accumulated debris that could disguise hidden problem areas. Some initial clues may include:  

• A splitting membrane that is visible to the naked eye for experienced professionals
• A soft area underfoot that is an indicator of saturated insulation
• Rusted, rotted or cracked decking that can be seen from the inside of the building
• Ponding water that could indicate structural sagging in the deck

Infrared thermography along with field verification can be deployed for a more thorough assessment of wet insulation. Small, hand-held infrared cameras are great for smaller roofs. For very large roofs, aerial infrared photography, when possible, can be effective.  

Visual findings should be confirmed through a series of tests, including:  

• A peel adhesion test that can help determine the viability of coating solutions
• Core cutting, which while destructive, can be eye-opening, helping to validate the visual moisture survey and helping to confirm how many layers of roofing actually exist
• Wind uplift testing when necessary can be used to determine the state of the membrane—remember that membranes can become decimated by a storm but may stay in place

Finally, a licensed structural engineer should be retained if there is any evidence of structural failure or additional loading on the roof (condensing units, blowers, metal screens, ballasted antennas, etc.).  

When the roof inspection is complete, it’s time to determine a path forward. Roofs with low to moderate damage and saturation levels are often good candidates for roof restoration rather than a full reroof and can be a cost-effective option when the circumstances call for it. Reroofs will be required in more extreme scenarios such as elevated levels of insulation saturation, decking deterioration and more. 

Evaluating a building’s needs 

In addition to the physical characteristics and condition of the roof, it is also worth evaluating the anticipated service life of the building.  

Not every structure merits the same level of repair work. For example, a small retail store that sits in the path of a proposed freeway expansion might not need a repair that ensures 20 years of performance. A major museum in the hub of a cultural district, by contrast, will require a long-term solution.  

Also worth consideration is potential expansion plans for the structure. It is generally more economical to reroof a structure in conjunction with an expansion rather than splitting the project across multiple years. The need for roof access and the impact on building operations can be greatly reduced if both projects can be performed at the same time. 

In any case, proven repair solutions are available to best suit the needs of the given situation. 

The basics of roof restoration 

It’s helpful to explore the basics of roof restoration and the benefits restoration can bring for contractors and building owners alike when compared to tear-off and replacement jobs. Generally, a restoration project looks like this: 

1 - Contractors can begin by removing any debris and thoroughly cleaning the roof (performed in conjunction with your initial assessment and inspection) to best uncover areas that are to be repaired and to create a workable surface for the rest of the project.  

2 - A high-performance primer is applied to the roof membrane to ensure good adhesion for patching, stain blocking and rust inhibition.  

3 - A high-performance patch system is applied to seal the roof and ensure all parts of the system are watertight and deliver reliable waterproofing protection.  

4 - Supplemental protective coatings can be applied to better protect against common forms of roof damage, helping to ensure greater overall longevity for the roof system. 

This work generally does not require specialized equipment and does not leave the building interior exposed while the job takes place. And if you can successfully bring an existing roof back up to its original performance level with restoration methods, you can move on to your next job more quickly. 

It’s also important to remember that performing quality restoration work requires sourcing reliable, proven products from a trusted supplier. High-performing primers, coatings, adhesives, caulks, sealants and other materials will help to ensure longevity and performance your customers can trust.  

Major benefits for contractors 

In its recent study, Cotney Consulting Group sought to compare restoration with reroofing based on four key factors: Profit productivity, time efficiency, labor efficiency and margin strength. The study evaluated 118 commercial roof restoration projects, analyzing actual costs, contract value and gross profit metrics. This data was cross-referenced with historical project data from the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and adjusted for inflation. 

The findings were significant, including: 

Improved profit productivity. Findings showed that restoration generates ~85% higher modeled gross profit per crew day vs. reroof options. Further, restoration can deliver nearly double the profit per crew day compared to reroofing. From a dollar perspective, restoration averages ~$8,000 in gross profit per crew day compared to ~$4,300 for reroof projects. 

Enhanced labor efficiency. Results showed that restoration can require materially lower labor intensity—up to ~85% less vs. tear-off benchmarks. Time on job decreases significantly as well, with restoration requiring up to ~50% fewer labor hours than recover scenarios. For contractors, these figures show that restoration jobs can be performed with a 33% smaller crew required compared with reroof projects. 

Greater time efficiency. Restoration averages ~eight crew days compared to 13 for recovery and 26–30 for tear-off. Findings also showed that restoration can be completed in roughly one-third the time of tear-off projects. These results were consistent across a range of building square footages. 

Stronger margins for contractors. Results found that restoration generates stronger average gross margins compared to study comparison ranges for reroof alternatives by a weighted average gross margin of ~43%. That can make a major impact for roofing contractors and their businesses. 

Overall, roof restoration offers commercial building owners a practical, cost-effective way to extend roof life and restore performance without the disruption and expense of a full replacement. For roofing contractors, it also represents a valuable growth opportunity that can help meet customer needs, strengthen long-term relationships and support a more profitable business.

Por Emma Peterson, traducido por Jessica Bravo.  

Descubre los eventos, seminarios y expositores que formarán parte del Western Roofing Expo 2026. 

Mantenerse al día en la industria del roofing puede ser todo un desafío. Ya sea enfrentando tormentas cada vez más intensas en el campo o lidiando con la escasez de mano de obra y materiales desde la oficina, contar con la información y las herramientas adecuadas es clave para seguir siendo competitivo. Afortunadamente, la Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA) organiza cada año el Western Roofing Expo (WRE), un evento de dos días diseñado para ayudar a los profesionales del roofing a enfrentar estos retos y conocer las últimas tendencias de la industria. 

Considerado uno de los principales eventos regionales de roofing e impermeabilización, el WRE ofrece una exposición comercial de dos días, más de 30 seminarios educativos, almuerzos especializados, la competencia The Roofing Games™, torneos de golf y tiro deportivo (sporting clays), una subasta en vivo, demostraciones de productos y mucho más. Este año, el evento se llevará a cabo del 27 al 29 de septiembre de 2026 en el Paris Las Vegas, en Las Vegas, Nevada. 

El corazón del evento 

Las principales actividades se desarrollarán el lunes 28 y martes 29 de septiembre, con un programa que incluye 30 seminarios educativos, dos almuerzos especializados y un piso de exhibición con acceso gratuito para contratistas. 

Los seminarios del WRE son una excelente oportunidad para fortalecer conocimientos tanto técnicos como empresariales. Especialistas de toda la industria compartirán información sobre administración de negocios, tendencias del mercado, innovación y desarrollo técnico. Los asistentes también encontrarán rostros conocidos de la familia de The Coffee Shops™, entre ellos Trent Cotney de Adams and Reese, Amparo Sancen de Latinos En Roofing, John Kenney de Cotney Consulting Group y la presidenta de RoofersCoffeeShop®, Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

WSRCA ha preparado dos almuerzos especialmente pensados para los asistentes. El primero será el lunes, de 11:30 a.m. a 1:00 p.m., patrocinado por National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). Durante esta sesión, Craig Brightup, de The Brightup Group, y Chad Collins, de NRCA, analizarán las decisiones más recientes en Washington D.C. y cómo podrían afectar a la industria del roofing. 

El segundo almuerzo se realizará el martes, también de 11:30 a.m. a 1:00 p.m., con el patrocinio de Malarkey Roofing Products. En esta ocasión, los asistentes escucharán a la conferencista principal del WRE 2026, Shereen Thor, una comediante convertida en coach de liderazgo que ha trabajado con organizaciones como Google, Pandora, Slack, Safe Place for Youth y The Social Justice Learning Institute. Su conferencia ofrecerá herramientas útiles tanto para empresarios como para profesionales en cualquier etapa de su carrera. 

El piso de exhibición estará abierto el lunes y el martes. Esta será una excelente oportunidad para conocer las últimas innovaciones y tecnologías de la industria, ya que habrá demostraciones de productos cada hora. En ese mismo escenario de demostraciones también regresarán los esperados Roofing Games el martes. 

La exposición comercial también brinda la oportunidad de conversar con representantes de empresas líderes de la industria. ¿La mejor parte? ¡La entrada al piso de exhibición es GRATUITA para contratistas y roofers! Estaremos en el booth 12, así que no dejes de visitarnos para saludarnos. Además, muchos de nuestros amigos de la industria también estarán presentes, entre ellos Anchor Products (815), APOC (609), BITEC (151), Brava Roof Tile (840), Carlisle Architectural Metals (509), Drexel Metals (509), Equipter (826), Integrity Insurance & Bonding (360), Lakeside Construction Fasteners (154), New Tech Machinery (356), PABCO Roofing Products (703), Rocket Equipment (638), RoofScope (822), Sentry Building Innovations (150) and VELUX (361). 

Eventos adicionales y más 

Además de las actividades principales de los dos días, habrá eventos adicionales tanto antes (domingo 27 de septiembre) como después (miércoles 30 de septiembre). Davis Memorial Foundation organizará dos torneos, uno de tiro deportivo (sporting clays) y otro de golf. Los fondos recaudados en estos eventos se destinarán directamente al fondo de becas de Davis Memorial Foundation. Gracias a este programa, más de 195 estudiantes de preparatoria, licenciatura y posgrado han recibido apoyo para continuar con sus estudios. Estos eventos cuentan con un registro y una cuota de participación independientes. 

Miércoles 30 de septiembre, el International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) llevará a cabo una jornada especial de capacitación de 9:00 a.m. a 2:30 p.m. Este evento ayudará a los asistentes a fortalecer sus conocimientos sobre la industria de la envolvente del edificio (building enclosure). El programa incluye dos cursos: uno sobre los fundamentos de los sistemas de techado y otro enfocado en las actualizaciones más importantes de los códigos internacionales de construcción. El registro y la cuota para esta jornada de capacitación son independientes del registro general del evento. 

Regístrate y asegura tu lugar 

El registro para el WRE 2026 ya está abierto. Puedes registrarte en línea. El evento se llevará a cabo del 27 al 29 de septiembre de 2026 en el Paris Las Vegas, en Las Vegas, Nevada. Al celebrarse en el Paris Las Vegas, existen diversas opciones de hospedaje cercanas. WSRCA ha negociado tarifas preferenciales en el Paris Las Vegas, Planet Hollywood y Horseshoe Hotel, con habitaciones disponibles desde $91 dólares por noche. 

¿No estás seguro de que el costo del registro se ajuste a tu presupuesto? RoofersCoffeeShop®, en colaboración con Western Colloid, llevará a cinco profesionales al evento sin costo. Al participar en nuestro concurso, tendrás la oportunidad de ganar un pase con acceso a la exposición comercial, el almuerzo anual, el contenido en español, las sesiones educativas y el almuerzo legislativo. 

¡Conoce más sobre el WRE 2026!

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn how APOC goes above and beyond for their contractors. 

In a new Roofing Road Trips® episode, Karen Edwards sat down with Anthony Martin to talk about how APOC, an ICP Group brand, works to help contractors succeed both on and off the roof. Anthony is the Southwest regional sales director for APOC, putting him in direct, daily contact with contractors from Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas.  

In his work with these contractors, Anthony follows one clear philosophy: “Our job as manufacturers is to make it easy for our contractors.” What does making things easy look like? Anthony elaborated:  

We're really here to help build people's businesses, help contractors that maybe have done steep-slope roof systems for the last 30 years and are looking to launch other avenues and create new revenue streams for their companies. And we want to help them with that because we know that without our contractors we wouldn’t be here. 

A great example of this in action is Anthony and his fellow territory managers’ day-to-day work. Anthony described how the territory manager system operates:  

We have multiple territory managers strategically placed throughout the country, and they’re all considered training experts in our field.  So we make sure there is always someone there to support the contractor, whether that requires roof walks, roof inspections, project installs, on infield, on-site training.  

Another example of APOC’s contractor support is their rewards program, which gives contractors an opportunity to earn points (which can be redeemed for cash and other prizes) as they install APOC products.  

Want to learn more about APOC’s rewards program and the other ways they support their contractors? Listen to the whole podcast or Watch the recording.  

Por Alberto Torres. 

Desde estrategias de negocio hasta innovación, estos fueron los favoritos de nuestros lectores. 

Cada mes en RoofersCoffeeShop®en español compartimos los artículos más leídos. Junio no fue la excepción con este artículo, “Un socio, tres pilares para el éxito,” donde APOC compartió los tres pilares que ellos ofrecen a contratistas para hacer crecer sus conocimientos y negocios. Estos programas educativos como: Contractor Pro Program, Los Programas de Garantia y Certified Applicator Program son herramientas que han ayudado a contratistas a elevar sus negocios. 

Otro tema que destacó durante junio fue Marketing. En un episodio de La Voz de los Ruferos, Jason Jimenez de Gasper Roofing compartió sobre la importancia de entender el marketing como una herramienta clave para tener un negocio competitivo. En este episodio que fue grabado en el Business Building Workshop (BBW) de CertainTeed, Jason explico la importancia de seguir aprendiendo sobre marketing y crecimiento empresarial. Este contenido llamo la atención por ofrecer información relevante para profesionales que buscan mantenerse actualizados en una industria que continúa evolucionando. 

La capacitación también siguió ocupando un espacio importante entre nuestros artículos, Luis Ramos de MuleHide nos recordó en un episodio de La Voz de los Ruferos, como la importancia de seguir aprendiendo y aprovechar los recursos de fabricantes como MuleHide ponen al alcance de los contratistas para fortalecer sus negocios. Junio también nos dejó espacio para conocer historias y tendencias de las líneas de colores de shingles que TAMKO ofrece, ya que esa innovación sigue vigente y está evolucionando día con día. 

Por último, Monica Vornbrock de The GLO Group y Lorna Rojas de Tremco, miembros de National Women in Roofing (NWIR), hablaron sobre lo que vivieron en Roofing Day en Whashington, D.C. recordando a los profesionales la importancia que tiene el hacer que se escuche su voz. Esta participación fortalece a toda la industria y ayuda a impulsar decisiones que benefician a contratistas, fabricantes y trabajadores.  

Agradecemos a todos nuestros lectores por seguir haciendo de RoofersCoffeeShop® En Espanol un espacio para aprender, compartir y mantenerse informados. Si aun no has leído alguno de estos artículos, te invitamos a descubrir porque fueron los favoritos del mes de junio. 

5. Roofing Day se trata de representar a la comunidad y a la industria

4. Innovación inspirada en la naturaleza: Una apuesta audaz en la estética del roofing

3. El verdadero valor de un representante del fabricante

2. Marketing y aprendizaje

1. Un socio, tres pilares para el éxito

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn about all the events, seminars and exhibitors that will be at this year’s Western Roofing Expo. 

Navigating today’s roofing industry can be a bit of a challenge. Whether you’re facing more extreme storms in the field or juggling labor issues and material shortages in the office, it can be hard to stay up to date with the information and tools you need to succeed. Luckily, the Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA) hosts a two-day event designed to help professionals handle all those issues and more – Western Roofing Expo (WRE).  

This premier regional roofing and waterproofing event boasts a two-day trade show, over two dozen education seminars, multiple engaging luncheons, The Roofing Games™ shingling competition, golf and sporting clays tournaments, a live auction, product demonstrations and more! Keep reading to learn about what to expect from this year’s show, which will be held September 27-29, 2026 at the Paris Las Vegas! 

The core of the show 

The core of the show occurs on Monday (9/28) and Tuesday (9/29) with 30 seminars planned, two luncheons organized and a trade show floor that is free for contractors to attend. 

The seminars at WRE are a great way to upgrade your skills! Experts from across the industry will be teaching about everything from business management to technical developments. And if you’re a part of The Coffee Shops™ family, there will be a lot of familiar faces like Trent Cotney of Adams and Reese, Amparo Sancen from Latinos En Roofing, John Kenney from Cotney Consulting Group and our very own president, Heidi J. Ellsworth!  

As for the luncheons, WSRCA has organized two invaluable luncheons for WRE attendees. The first will be hosted on Monday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and is presented by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). Craig Brightup, The Brightup Group, and Chad Collins, NRCA, will take this opportunity to talk to attendees about the key developments in Washington D.C. that are impacting the roofing industry.  

The second luncheon will run at the same time (11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) on Tuesday and is sponsored by Malarkey Roofing Products. This luncheon gives attendees an opportunity to hear from the WRE 2026 keynote speaker – Shereen Thor. Shereen is a comedian turned coach who has worked with organizations like Google, Pandora, Slack, Safe Place For Youth and The Social Justice Learning Institute. Her keynote will be a great resource to professionals and business owners in all parts of their careers.  

And last but not least, the trade show floor will be open both Monday and Tuesday. This is a great opportunity to see the latest innovations and newest technology in the industry as product demos will be hosted on the hour. At that same demo stage there will also be the return of the much-anticipated Roofing Games on Tuesday!  

The trade show is a great opportunity to talk to representatives of leading companies around the industry. And the best part? The exhibit floor is FREE for contractors and roofers to attend! We’ll be in booth 12, so make sure to stop by and say hi, and we have countless industry friends who will be around the floor, such as Anchor Products (815), APOC (609), BITEC (151), Brava Roof Tile (840), Carlisle Architectural Metals (509), Drexel Metals (509), Equipter (826), Integrity Insurance & Bonding (360), Lakeside Construction Fasteners (154), New Tech Machinery (356), PABCO Roofing Products (703), Rocket Equipment (638), RoofScope (822), Sentry Building Innovations (150) and VELUX (361). 

Additional events and more 

In addition to the core two days, there are extra events both before (Sunday, 9/27) and after (Wednesday, 9/30). On Sunday, the Davis Memorial Foundation will host two tournaments, one sporting clays tournament and one golf tournament. The proceeds from these events go directly to the Davis Memorial Foundation Scholarship Fund. The scholarships from this fund have helped more than 195 aspiring high school, undergraduate and graduate students pursue their dreams. These events have their own registration and their own fees. 

And on that Wednesday, the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants will host a special education day. This event runs from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and will elevate attendees’ expertise in the building enclosure industry. It features two courses, one about the fundamentals of roof assemblies and the other highlighting key updates to international codes. The registration and fees for this education day are separate from general registration. 

Get registered and reserved 

Registration for the 2026 WRE is now open! You can register online, again the show will be held at the Paris in Las Vegas, Nevada from September 27-29, 2026. Being at the Paris, there are many options for hotels nearby. WSRCA has worked specifically with the Paris Las Vegas, Planet Hollywood and Horseshoe Hotel to get discounted room blocks that start as low as $91.  

Not sure if you can make the registration fee work in your budget? RoofersCoffeeShop® is partnering with Western Colloid to send five professionals to the show for free! By entering our contest, you get the chance to win an all-inclusive pass to the show, which gives you access to the trade show, annual luncheon, en Español content, educational sessions and the legislative luncheon.  

Learn more about the 2026 WRE show!

By Emma Peterson. 

APOC’s latest study quantifies the performance and profitability of roof restoration projects.  

In May of 2026, APOC, a leading liquid-applied roof restoration manufacturer and a member of ICP Building Solutions Group, released a new benchmark study all about the performance and profitability of roof restoration projects. The study compared restoration practices to traditional reroofing methods and showcased a shift that many contractors have experienced colloquially – that in an increasingly constrained labor and cost environment, restoration can be a powerful and profitable path forward.  

How the study was conducted 

This study is a part of APOC’s broader commitment to “innovation, education and industry leadership, equipping professionals with the tools, training and insights needed to maximize performance in the field.” In the study, APOC compared key performance indicators of 118 commercial roofing projects, noting which ones used restoration methods versus which went the traditional reroofing route. These indicators include profitability, labor efficiency, timeline and margin strength.  

The study was developed in partnership with Cotney Consulting Group, a roofing-specific consulting firm led by roofing leader John Kenney. John shared his thoughts about the importance of this survey, adding, “I’ve been in this industry for over 40 years, and most of that time it’s been widely accepted that restoration is the more profitable path when the roof supports it. But widely accepted and proven are two different things. This study closes that gap. Finish faster, run a smaller crew, keep more margin. That’s not theory anymore; now we can show you the numbers.” 

Key findings  

The numbers show that restoration delivered average gross margins around 43% (outperforming many reroofs which have typical margins between 30%–60%), required up to 85% less labor intensity than tear offs and could be completed with crews 1/3 smaller than reroof crews. These are just three examples of the study’s findings, which all support the idea that restoration “minimizes operational disruption for building owners, reduces project risk and supports scalability across a wide range of commercial roof sizes.” 

As Johnny Walker, a national technical manager at APOC, explained:  

At a time when contractors are under pressure to do more with less, this research provides clear, quantifiable evidence that restoration is not just a viable alternative, but it’s often the smarter business decision. At APOC, we’ve always believed in the power of restoration, when viable. Now we can show contractors exactly why it makes sense to their bottom line. 

Access the full restoration index report for free!

By Eagle Roofing Products. 

Modern roofing adhesives offer a streamlined alternative to traditional fastening methods while maintaining code compliance. 

As roofing contractors continue to prioritize speed, performance and compliance, manufacturers are advancing solutions that simplify installation without sacrificing durability. Eagle Roofing Products highlights this shift with systems like APOC’s Polyset® RTA-1, a high-performance adhesive engineered to replace or reduce traditional fastening methods while supporting long-term roof integrity. By minimizing penetrations and streamlining application, adhesives like these help crews meet tighter timelines and evolving code requirements. 

Designed for steep-slope applications, Polyset® RTA-1 is a single-component polyurethane foam adhesive that bonds concrete and clay roof tiles to approved underlayments. Its versatility across new construction and repair projects makes it a practical option for contractors seeking consistent results across varying jobsite conditions. With roofing demands increasing in complexity, solutions that balance ease of use with proven performance are becoming essential tools in the field. 

Speaking of its ease of use, this adhesive is designed for jobsite efficiency. Its controlled dispensing allows for precise bead application with minimal sputtering, helping contractors work faster and more cleanly. 

Polyset® RTA-1 also contributes to a quieter, more stable roof system by preventing tile “chatter” — a common issue where loose tiles shift or rattle under wind pressure. By securely bonding each tile in place, the adhesive enhances both performance and homeowner comfort.  

Approved for use under strict standards such as the Florida Building Code and Miami-Dade NOA, Polyset® RTA-1 meets rigorous performance requirements for high-wind regions — making it a trusted choice in demanding climates.  

In summary, Polyset® RTA-1 combines strength, speed and simplicity in one solution. By reducing penetrations, improving installation efficiency and delivering dependable adhesion, it represents a smarter, more advanced approach to tile roof attachment — ideal for contractors and builders focused on long-term performance. 

Original article and photo source: Eagle Roofing Products

By Dani Sheehan. 

Learn to identify viable restoration candidates and communicate the value of restoration to building owners. 

For many building owners, roof replacement remains the default solution when a roof begins to show signs of aging. But restoration can offer a viable alternative in the right circumstances. The challenge is helping owners understand when restoration makes sense, and ensuring contractors have the training and resources necessary to make that determination with confidence. In a recent episode of CoatingsCast™, Johnny Walker from APOC offered practical insights on roof assessments and how to position restoration services to customers. 

"Some building owners will just look at a roof restoration or look at a tear-off and think, if I tear it all off, I'm getting a brand-new roof and that's the way I want to go," Johnny explained. While replacement may be appropriate in some situations, it is often the most expensive and disruptive option. You have an opportunity to help owners evaluate the full picture, including the condition of the existing roof, the expected service life of a restoration system and the overall lifecycle cost of each approach. 

But before those conversations can happen, you must answer one critical question: Is the roof actually a candidate for restoration? 

Not every roof is restorable 

Johnny emphasized that restoration is not a universal solution. Determining whether a roof can be successfully restored requires more than a visual inspection. You have to evaluate the entire roofing assembly to understand its current condition and identify any issues that could compromise long-term performance. 

"When we look at this, what we want to do is we want to look at the entire roof system from the deck up," Johnny explained. "We want to determine if there's deck deflection, is the roof structurally sound? Is there moisture in the roof? These are key factors to determine if the roof is even viable." 

As restoration continues to gain traction, manufacturers like APOC are investing heavily in contractor education to help roofing professionals perform these assessments correctly. Training programs increasingly focus on identifying moisture intrusion, understanding substrate compatibility, conducting adhesion testing and selecting the appropriate restoration system for the existing roof type. 

A forensic investigation 

While visual observations remain important, Johnny described the evaluation process as a forensic investigation of the roof system. A proper restoration assessment typically includes moisture surveys, infrared scans, core cuts and other diagnostic tools that provide insight into what is happening beneath the membrane surface. These investigations help determine whether hidden moisture, deteriorated insulation or structural concerns exist that could jeopardize a restoration project. 

Before recommending a course of action, you should also evaluate whether the restoration material being specified is compatible with the existing roof. Different substrates may require different polymers, surface preparation methods and adhesion testing protocols to ensure long-term success.  

The more thorough the assessment process, the more confidence you can have in offering a recommendation. Whether restoration ultimately proves to be the right solution or not, a comprehensive evaluation provides the information you need to guide building owners toward the best decision for their facility. 

Building trust through education 

Education plays an important role at every stage of the restoration process. Manufacturers help you develop the technical skills needed to evaluate roofs accurately and recommend appropriate solutions. In turn, you can help building owners understand what restoration entails and when it makes sense as an alternative to replacement. 

"We're not just saying, ‘Hey, we're going to go out and paint your roof’," Johnny said. "There's a lot more to it." That "more" includes investigation, testing, documentation and expertise. When you approach restoration from an education-first mindset, you’ll position yourself as a trusted advisor while helping building owners make informed decisions about the future of their roofing assets. 

Listen to the full episode to learn more about providing restoration services to your customers.