By Emma Peterson. 

SRS Distribution's commercial roofing teams help contractors streamline projects through product knowledge, specification support and reliable jobsite coordination. 

SRS Distribution is known across the roofing industry for their large catalog of top-of-the-line roofing products. Specifically, in the realm of commercial and low-slope roofing, they stock everything from adhesives and barriers to insulation and coverboards from leading brands such as Carlisle, Elevate, GAF,  Polyglass, Sika and Versico.  

But even beyond these top brands and products, SRS Distribution delivers the expertise needed to support your crew and strengthen your designs. At each SRS branch, there is a team who specializes in low-slope and commercial systems ready and waiting to help you. These teams “understand specifications and the timelines of commercial jobs” and can help with every stage of the project, “whether you’re bidding, staging or closing out a job.” 

By delivering both the best products in the industry as well as delivering the expertise needed to install them correctly and efficiently, SRS Distribution is setting contractors up to build durable, code-compliant roofs that stand up to real-world conditions. 

Find your nearest SRS branch and get started today.

By Emma Peterson. 

Strategic material staging and supplier partnerships can be the difference between a profitable project and costly delays. 

In roofing, the old adage that “time is money” couldn’t be truer. As Ashley Pietsch of Integrity Insurance and Bonding puts it, “After years of working alongside roofing contractors, I have seen that the owners who achieve long-lasting growth are the ones who master time management and embrace delegation.” 

In response to the emphasis the industry places on the importance of time, contractors are incorporating new digital programs and roofing tools to help improve their efficiency in both the field and the office. But one area that is often forgotten when it comes to streamlining the roofing process happens between the two – material staging, sequencing and timing.  

Getting materials to the jobsite might seem simple in comparison to trying to accurately quote a project or install products tens of feet in the air, but it is more complex than you might assume at first glance. As Nick Fryer writes for Roads and Bridges, “Jobsite staging doesn’t just shape where equipment and materials get stored. It also affects the overall workflow. Done poorly, it can lead to several issues that quietly drain construction budgets.” These issues can include material damage, safety hazards and frustrated crew members.  

What can you do to avoid these material staging issues? Partner with the right supplier. As the writers behind RoofCon put it, “The movement of materials from delivery to installation represents one of the biggest opportunities for efficiency gains in roofing projects. Creating a smooth flow requires careful coordination between suppliers, delivery crews and roofing teams.” 

This type of coordination is something that the team at SRS Distribution prioritizes. Their team is well-aware of the often-limited space contractors are working with on their projects and have a variety of strategies already in place to help with staging and sequencing materials:  

• Supportive team: SRS Distribution territory managers are always ready to help! Whether it’s consultations on products, sales insights or helping you figure out how to stage a jobsite, they are there for you. 
• Extensive product selection: Your local branch will already be well stocked with the best commercial products from manufacturers like Carlisle, Johns Manville, GAF, Elevate and Versico. And if they don’t have it on site, they can get it there from one of their 200+ other locations!  
• A powerful delivery network: At SRS Distribution, they have their own fleet of trucks and knuckle booms that keep project deliveries on track! Some SRS Distribution locations are even equipped with will-call programs that make sure that contractors get the right products when they need them. 

Overall, working with a supplier like SRS Distribution that understands the limited space on jobsites and the importance of properly staging materials is key to saving time and money on your projects.  

Find an SRS Distribution branch near you!

By Emma Peterson. 

How roofing supply partners like CDS are helping contractors adapt to a connected world with digital tools. 

We are currently in what some experts are calling “the digital age.” This era is characterized by the rapid development of technology-based tools that fundamentally change how we access information, share knowledge and interact with the world. The advent of this digital age has touched almost every part of our lives; from the way we shop for products to how we keep up with friends and fulfill work assignments. And it has impacted every sector of the building envelope, even more traditional trades like the roofing industry. 

In this article, we dive into how broader tech integration is impacting the roofing supply chain and how companies, like Commercial Distribution Specialists (CDS), are leveraging digital tools to better support their customers.  

What are CDS 

Commercial Distribution Specialists (CDS) is a designation given to SRS Distribution locations that specialize in carrying commercial roofing products. As such, the teams at these locations are experts in low-slope roofing and can help you with everything from product selection to on-the-job problem solving!  

How they serve contractors in the digital age 

One of the most significant changes to our world in the digital age is the increased speed of communication. From phone calls to texts and beyond, contacting another person has never been easier or more efficient. And this expediency of communication is something that CDS uses to better serve their contractor customers. 

CDS locations have will-call programs that help contractors get critical products efficiently. Through these programs, all you have to do is call a CDS location for supplies, and you will be able to pick them up (stock allowing) in just 30 minutes! This speed of service is more than just convenience; it can be a critical support element to keeping your projects on schedule.  

Learn more about the support CDS offers contractors in the digital age.

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn why CDS branches are contractors’ go-to resource for low-slope roofing success.  

Starting a new commercial roofing project? Get all the tips and tools that you could need by visiting the location of one of SRS Distribution’s Commercial Distribution Specialist (CDS) teams! These teams have been awarded special designation for having a wealth of in-depth knowledge about all things to do with low-slope products and systems. When you visit a CDS designated location, you have the opportunity to access resources that will help your next project run smoothly and efficiently. These resources include:  

• Expertise: From choosing the right material for your project to setting up a timeline for success, the teams at CDS branches understand all parts of the low-slope roofing process. Don’t miss out on the invaluable resource they represent.   
• Products: CDS locations are stocked with a wide range of commercial products from manufacturers like Carlisle, Johns Manville, GAF, Elevate and Versico. Whether you are looking for polyiso insulation, bonding adhesives, fasteners or something else related to low-slope roofing, you can find it in a CDS showroom. 
• Logistics: And help from a CDS team is not limited to just their branch location! CDS employs a fleet of crane trucks and knuckle booms that make getting your materials simpler than ever. With options for both ground drops and roof top deliveries, this is a powerful resource for keeping your commercial projects on schedule.  

Overall, visiting a CDS location is a sure-fire way to elevate your next roofing project. And with 45 locations across 22 states, there is likely a team near you! 

Learn more about working with Commercial Distribution Specialists!

By Emma Peterson. 

Find commercial project success with the right distributor.  

In the roofing industry, having the right partner can be the difference between a successful business and a struggling one. As John Kenney wrote in one article, “Effective collaboration ensures that customers receive durable roofing solutions tailored to their specific needs, combining superior materials with expert installation techniques.”  

So, how do you build those powerful partnerships that lead to growth and success for all parties? A great place to start is being strategic in picking your distributors! Your distributor is not only your source of high-performance products, they are also a key to keeping your projects on track and can offer valuable insights during the project timeline. 

A great example of a dependable distributor that is a perfect partner for commercial contractors looking to grow is Commercial Distribution Specialists (CDS). CDS is a title given to SRS Distribution locations that have special focus and experience in commercial and low-slope roofing. The teams at these locations can offer personalized support to your business at every stage of the roofing process:  

• Actionable guidance: At each CDS branch, you will find a team that is ready to help you find the right materials for your project. From the salesperson that assists with product selection to the territory manager that offers you consultations and sales insights, CDS offers the guidance you need to succeed.  
• Dedicated support: When you work with a CDS location, you gain access to the larger SRS Distribution resources, meaning whatever you need, whenever you need it, they will make it happen. A great example of this is the CDS will-call program that allows contractors to call in orders and pick them up just 30 minutes later! 
• Future-looking advice: And CDS’ support is not limited to a single project! Their expert team keeps a finger on the pulse of the industry, making them a valuable resource for businesses wanting to stay on top of the trends. 

Overall, building a strategic partnership with a roofing distributor like CDS not only makes your current projects more efficient, but sets your business up for long-term growth.  

Find a CDS branch near you!

By Emma Peterson. 

From safer deliveries to crane support, CDS helps contractors minimize injury risks. 

Roofing consistently ranks in the top five of the most dangerous professions in the U.S. Forbes reported in 2021 that there were “2.4 nonfatal injuries per 100 full-time workers” and “59 fatalities per 100,000 full-time workers.” These are sobering numbers, but the good news is there is a lot that can be done to help lower these statistics, starting with where you get your materials and products!  

Partnering with the right distributor, like Commercial Distribution Specialists (CDS), can help eliminate common safety concerns, like material handling and delivery driving. 

Safer driving  

For many people, the term roofing safety evokes imagery of fall protection and PPE. But safe jobsite practices go far beyond and before you even step on the roof. For many industry professionals, safe practices begin on the road.  

Driving is a routine part of any roofing professional’s day, whether they’re hauling trailers, getting to work and rushing to gather materials. And it is an underrated dangerous part of being on the job. In 2023 alone, there were “41,000 people killed on the nation’s roads in traffic crashes." These crashes can occur for a variety of reasons, such as fatigue, distraction, damaged vehicles or simply going too fast. And beyond the tragic loss of life, poor or dangerous driving can be connected to a variety of jobsite issues like delays. 

So, how can working with a distributor lower your crew’s safety risks on the road? CDS is a part of the SRS Distribution family, meaning they have access to extensive inventory and delivery options. They make it easy to get materials to your jobsite without having to rush around town risking dangerous traffic situations. Their drivers are both cautious drivers and knowledgeable about low-slope roofing, making them the perfect partners for getting any commercial project going in a timely and accurate manner.  

Managing material handling 

Another common safety issue that goes unnoticed in the roofing industry is material handling. Roofing is an inherently physical job, and it is not uncommon for roofers to develop back injuries and other musculoskeletal strains as they work to get materials to the right place on the jobsite and roof.  

But you can help ease this weight, literally and mentally, for your crew by working with CDS! They have an expert fleet of crane trucks and knuckle booms that can get you your materials where you need them, when you need them. Further, their operating team is trained with the most up-to-date safety protocols, ensuring the safest operation of the equipment.  

At the end of the day, partnering with a distributor like CDS not only helps you get the materials you need for your next low-slope roofing project, but it helps your team stay safe. Find a CDS branch near you! 

By Emma Peterson. 

How CDS helps contractors manage product deliveries, roofing timelines and on-site surprises. 

Managing commercial roofing projects can be a complex and busy job. There are many logistical challenges that must be addressed, such as hoisting materials to the roof, timing with contractors and crews and coordinating material movement. Luckily, there are some ways you can make this entire process more efficient – starting with partnering with the right distributor.  

A common bottleneck or friction point on the job site is staying on schedule. Things like simple miscommunications about timing and late deliveries can lead to delays that throw off the entire project timeline. That’s why working with a distributor like Commercial Distribution Specialists (CDS) is game-changing.  

CDS helps manage the timing and logistics of your job site. They have an in-house fleet of trucks and knuckle booms that make sure you get your products to the right place, on time. They also have the expertise to be able to advise you on every step of your next low-slope roofing project. Their services include: 

• Product selection assistance: In each of the 35+ CDS branches around the country, they host a showroom of products. Their on-site showroom sales teams will help you select and purchase the right products for your next project. 
• Timely delivery of materials: CDS is a part of the SRS Distribution family, meaning they have access to extensive inventory and delivery options. For example, some CDS locations run a will-call program that will get you your products in as little as 30 minutes! All you have to do is pick up your paperwork in the office, head to the designated pick-up area and the warehouse personnel will load your order into your vehicle.
• Localized support and advice: And that same team that helps you pick the right products are more than just a salesperson; they are a valuable resource for you. Whether it’s consultations on products, sales insights or advice about an on-site problem, they are ready to help you solve any low-slope roofing challenges you might face.  

At the end of the day, timeline and logistical hiccups are commonplace in the roofing industry. But by partnering with a distribution partner like CDS, you can get the assistance and deliveries needed to minimize their impact and keep your project on schedule.  

Find a CDS branch near you!

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn about how SRS Distribution is evolving to better support the building products industry.  

Since its inception in 2008, SRS Distribution has become one of the fastest-growing building products distribution companies in the U.S. They have branches across the country, and in recent years have seen their growth increase exponentially. In 2024, Home Depot® acquired SRS, backing them with the resources of the world's largest home improvement retailer. While at the Western Roofing Expo, we had the chance to interview Chad Buhrman, SRS vice president of commercial roofing, to learn more about the importance of these acquisitions and how they are enabling SRS to better serve their customers. 

At the end of the day, the goal is to provide everything that a builder could need, whether they are working in commercial or residential, on the roof or in the building. Chad shared, “We are trying to be a central hub where our customers can get everything they need. A one-stop-shop distributor that you’re able to utilize on every project.”  

To become the centralized source for all of their customer needs, SRS has launched a variety of initiatives. One such initiative is their expansion into commercial roofing. Chad explained, “We're very strong in residential and we are now doubling down on our commercial efforts. With the Home Depot acquisition, that's really given us the runway and resources to grow that piece of the business, and that's going to be our focus going on the 2026.” A great example of this initiative is their Commercial Distribution Specialist branches. These branches create a space for experts in commercial roofing to connect directly with contractors in the field. Chad shared, “We have 400 branches and there are 45 of those we've designated as commercial hubs. Our goal is to grow that number by 5-10 in the new year.” 

Another one of their efforts towards becoming a centralized hub for building products professionals is their recent acquisition of GMS, a leading name in specialty building product distribution. Chad explained, “By acquiring GMS, we’re adding acoustical ceiling, steel studs, gypsum, roll insulation and more to our offerings. In general, we're seeing diversification in the industry; roofers are not only doing the outside of building but often heading inside, too. So, this is our response to their need for support in that growth.”  

Watch to the entire interview to hear more from Chad about how SRS is growing and expanding to better serve their customers and industry.

By Emma Peterson. 

From buying your company vehicle to insuring and maintaining it, learn how smarter fleet management lowers overhead costs. 

In the roofing industry, some of the biggest expenses contractors will have to handle when running a roofing business are labor, materials and their fleet. In this Coffee Conversations sponsored by QXO, Karen Edwards sat down with Seth Pietsch, Damien Katzenmeyer and Rich Carroll to discuss that third and less talked about expense – the fleet.  

When we talk about a “fleet” in roofing, we’re talking about the trucks and other vehicles that contractors use to transport people and materials to and from the job site. From a technical perspective, the term fleet is often used when the number of company vehicles exceeds 5. Seth, the president of Integrity Insurance and Bonding explained, “From the insurance company's perspective, you get fleet rated once you have 5 or more vehicles, not counting any trailers.”   

Having that many vehicles might sound like a lot to smaller contractors, but it is something that often naturally grows as your company expands. Damien, the VP of fleet and logistics at QXO, shared, “We have over 2,500 Commercial Distribution Specialist trucks, another 400 or 500 pickups, and then all sorts of trailers and material handling equipment.”  While this is the high end of how big fleets can get, even if your fleet is just 5 trucks, it’s important to make sure you are managing them closely and carefully.  

Here are a few key things to consider: 

Purchasing your vehicles 

The first part of fleet management is getting the fleet in the first place. There are a few different options available to contractors looking to purchase a vehicle for business purposes. Damien noted a few key questions to consider. He shared, “Are you going to use capital and pay for it? Are you going to get a loan? Are you going to lease the vehicle?” There are pros and cons to each option, so it is important to look at your business model to see what would work best for your company.  

You should also think about the timeframe for when you are purchasing vehicles. Damien explained, “Depending on how big your fleet is, you should balance when you buy and how you rotate the vehicles through the company. So, say you have a big outlay and you buy 10 vehicles in one year. Well, in 5 years, when they're all due to be replaced, you're going to have a big outlay again. But if you spread it over time, that cost will be spread out, too.” 

Sorting out insurance 

After you get your vehicle(s) it’s time to get them insured. Seth explained, “If you have 5 vehicles in your auto policy, you're considered fleet rated by the insurance companies. The important thing is to look at how you’re structured, so that’s with your employees, your subcontractors, your W-2s, your 1099s, etc. because there has to be an insurable interest in that vehicle for your insurance company to apply coverage.”  

In action, this means that if you are the owner of a company and buy a vehicle in your name for the company, you must make sure to have a lease agreement between you and the business to count it as insurable interest. If you have a vehicle in your name without that lease, you can run into issues where if there is an accident or claim, your insurance could deny coverage.  

For those with fewer than 5 vehicles, it’s still important to make sure you keep things documented, even if you do not technically have a fleet for insurance purposes. Rich Carroll, the co-founder of Carroll Consulting, explained, “Keep in mind that there's still other regulations that you might need to follow, even if you're less than 5 vehicles. You’ll want to have a structured maintenance program and things like that.” 

Make a maintenance program 

Once you have an insured vehicle, you need to establish a maintenance program that is easy to track and keep up with. Damien elaborated, “You’ve got to have a scheduled maintenance program, so you can understand how long the vehicle is going to last.” To build a proper maintenance program, you should think about how you are using the vehicle – such as how much it will be hauling and how many miles it will be driving.  

Once you have a goal of how long you want the vehicle to last based on how you will be using it, it’s time to find a way to keep track of maintenance. There are a lot of new programs and softwares out there that can now help manage this! Rich explained, “There's some service softwares that'll give you reminders to potentially go check the odometer to see where things are at, these are easy to adapt to a small fleet too! There’s also more advanced programs, like I have a customer that's working on his own with AI to try to create something with cameras, so when their vehicles are coming in, they can monitor if there's any new damage and wear.” 

Overall, no matter what your maintenance management program looks like, being proactive is key. Damien explained, “When you keep up with your maintenance, you'll bring your total cost of ownership down. When you think, ‘I'm going to skip the preventative maintenance this time and save the $200 this month,’ ultimately you end up costing yourself more in the long run.” 

Listen to the full episode or Watch the recording to learn more about managing a fleet of vehicles. 

By Emma Peterson. 

From picking the right product to passing final inspection, CDS is your go-to for commercial roofing materials and support. 

In any roofing project, there are numerous moving pieces and elements to keep track of. From inventory to staging and scheduling, it’s a lot to manage. One way to help your team stay on top of it all is by partnering with the right distributor.  

What a distributor can do for you 

First and foremost, working with high-quality distributors like Commercial Distribution Specialists (CDS) is key to making sure that your projects stay on track and on time. Being able to count on things like quality products, timely deliveries and clear communication from your distributor makes a world of difference when it comes to avoiding costly delays and surprises.  

Further, many distributors can help you beyond even just connecting you to high-performance products. Across different parts of the roofing process, like submittals and warranty paperwork, a good distributor can offer insights and support that make your job easier.  

Why Commercial Distribution Specialists  

Commercial Distribution Specialists (CDS) is a designation awarded to SRS Distribution locations that are experts in commercial roofing products, particularly low-slope roofing. What does this mean for you? The teams that have been awarded this designation are the perfect partner for your next roofing job!  

Not only are CDS teams committed to getting your products to you in a timely and efficient manner, they also offer a comprehensive suite of services to help with all stages of your project, from the picking products to making everything is ready for that final inspection. These services include:  

• Product selection: Each CDS branch features a showroom and a team ready to help you explore your product options and get you the right material for your job. 
• One-stop shop: Through their connection to the larger SRS Distribution family, CDS branches have extensive inventories of commercial roofing products, making them a one-stop shop for your needs.  
• Timeline support: CDS locations have will-call programs that are designed to make sure you get what you need when you need it. All you have to do is call a location with a will-call and show up 30 minutes later to pick up your supplies!  
• Consultation and insights: Struggling with a certain part of a project? CDS territory managers are always ready to help! Whether it’s consultations on products, sales insights or something else, they are there for you.  

Start your next project with confidence and support by partnering with your local Commercial Distribution Specialists branch.