By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Advocacy, innovation and collaboration take center stage as PEPA broadens its impact across exterior building products.

The recent meeting of the Polymeric Exterior Products Association (PEPA) marked an important milestone, not only for the association but also for the broader exterior building products industry. For the first time, RoofersCoffeeShop® attended the meeting, joining a growing group of manufacturers, distributors and industry leaders who are shaping the future of polymeric materials across both siding and roofing. 

PEPA has long been recognized for its leadership in advocacy and the advancement of vinyl siding. Through consistent work in standards development, building code engagement and industry education, the association has helped drive growth and credibility for polymeric exterior products. Over the past year, that focus has expanded in a significant way. PEPA has welcomed polymeric roofing manufacturers and distribution partners into its membership, creating a more unified voice for polymer-based solutions across the entire building envelope. 

This evolution was evident throughout the meeting. From the opening welcome to the detailed committee presentations, the agenda reflected an organization that is actively growing and adapting to meet new opportunities. Discussions centered on advocacy efforts, ongoing research and the importance of clear, consistent communication to both the industry and consumers. With increasing regulatory pressures and a rapidly evolving marketplace, this level of collaboration is more critical than ever. 

Key to this expansion is the involvement of leading polymeric roofing manufacturers including Brava Roof, DaVinci Roofscapes and EcoStar. These companies are helping to bring high-performance synthetic roofing products into the mainstream, offering durability, sustainability and design versatility that align with today’s construction demands. Their participation within PEPA signals the growing importance of polymer-based solutions not just for siding but across the entire roofing sector. 

RoofersCoffeeShop’s participation also underscored that shift toward broader engagement. As a new partner with PEPA, the focus is on delivering timely, relevant information about these important building products to contractors, manufacturers and distributors. During the meeting, the RoofersCoffeeShop team presented on innovation and the power of online communities in today’s digital landscape. The conversation highlighted how industry is changing, especially as AI-driven search continues to reshape how information is found and trusted. 

I personally had the opportunity to speak about the growing importance of long format content, directories and multimedia in supporting visibility and credibility. Today’s search engines are no longer just indexing keywords, they are interpreting context, authority and engagement. For manufacturers and associations alike, that means investing in deeper, more educational content that answers questions, demonstrates expertise and builds trust over time. Directories that centralize company information and, combined with videos, podcasts and articles, are becoming essential tools for connecting with both professionals and consumers. 

The PEPA marketing committee also shared updates on their ongoing initiatives, outlining strategies to better communicate the value of polymeric products. Their work reflects a strong understanding of the need to align messaging across channels while supporting members with tools and resources that elevate the entire category. From digital outreach to educational materials, the committee’s efforts are helping to position polymeric solutions as high-performance, sustainable options for modern construction. 

What stood out most throughout the meeting was the spirit of collaboration. The full agenda demonstrated how much work is happening behind the scenes, from technical discussions to marketing alignment, all with the goal of advancing the industry. This kind of coordinated effort is essential for effective advocacy, meaningful research and clear communication. It ensures that polymeric products are not only represented but understood in the context of performance, durability and long-term value. 

For RoofersCoffeeShop, being part of this first PEPA meeting was both an honor and an opportunity. As the association continues to expand into roofing, the partnership will play an important role in sharing knowledge and supporting industry growth. By bringing together voices from across siding and roofing, PEPA is helping to create a stronger, more connected future for polymeric building products. 

To learn more about these innovative manufacturers and the association’s ongoing work, visit the directories for Brava Roof, DaVinci Roofscapes, EcoStar and PEPA on RoofersCoffeeShop.com. 

By Don Browne, Polymeric Exterior Products Association (PEPA). 

PEPA members are aligning innovation and performance to meet rising homeowner expectations and jobsite pressures. 

New housing forecasts from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) signal growth for 2026, with modest gains in single-family construction and new home sales alongside rising demand for energy-efficient building materials and nature-inspired design. [i]  

Against this backdrop, Polymeric Exterior Products Association (PEPA) is evaluating how polymeric siding and roofing manufacturers can meet evolving homeowner expectations while navigating cost pressures and labor shortages.  

Vinyl siding members perspective 

You want an earthy and natural look? (We got ‘em, and with a lot of innovation to help) 

When you “shop” the products from PEPA’s vinyl siding members, you will find descriptions such as “natural wood grain texture,” “the look of milled cedar shakes” and “meticulously crafted siding” with photos to demonstrate curb appeal. 

There is also an emphasis on architectural design styles like Carolina beading, board & batten and other classic and historic looks along with exciting versatility options. PEPA’s vinyl siding members are passionate about the overall exterior look, so they offer a wide array of colors, along with accessories like shutters, mount blocks and vents and trim, to enhance the desired style of the home project. 

According to PEPA Board of Directors member Steve Booz, vice president and marketing & product management for Westlake Royal Building Products, all this bodes well for the polymeric exterior industry as they take on a demanding 2026 marketplace. 

“Whether you’re looking at siding or roofing, the pressures in 2026 are similar — labor shortages, tighter timelines, rising material costs and higher homeowner expectations. Across both categories, performance is no longer a nice-to-have,” Steve said. 

Today’s homeowners, he added, want durable, low-maintenance products that deliver aesthetics, while pros need materials they can trust to perform long after installation. “The strongest siding and roofing innovations today balance both sides, making jobs easier for pros while giving homeowners confidence in how their homes will look and hold up over time,” he said. 

PEPA polymeric roof members perspective 

Higher performance, less labor needed 

PEPA’s polymeric roof members face the stiffest competition from premium product lines like concrete and clay. All three PEPA members – BRAVA, DaVinci and EcoStar – do an admirable job of comparing their synthetic tiles emphasizing superior durability, lighter weight and easier installation. 

They also assert that their advanced technologies help reduce installation time, physical labor requirements and the need for highly skilled labor. This is a notable selling point, given that the biggest issue affecting the roofing industry is the shortage of labor. 

Akin to their vinyl siding counterparts, the polymeric roof members boast a natural look with emulated styles of shake, slate and cedar (among others) and are made with recycled materials. But the big focus for PEPA’s roof members in 2026 is to support customers through this year’s challenges better. 

According to Katie McCarthy, marketing manager for EcoStar, LLC, “We are responding to 2026 market demands by streamlining operations to keep lead times low, simplifying its go-to-market strategy to better support contractors and distributors, and strengthening supply chain reliability.” Katie added: “We continue to focus on long-term product performance, offering durable, sustainable roofing solutions designed to deliver decades of value. Together, these efforts help customers meet today’s demands for efficiency, reliability and lasting quality.” 

As PEPA member Mark Pagel, general manager of DaVinci Roofscapes, pointed out, the polymeric roof tile industry is well positioned to meet 2026 pressures thanks to significant growth over the past couple of years. [i] 

“Despite the overall slowing of the roofing market, DaVinci has had significant growth,” Mark noted. “DaVinci expanded production capacity in 2025 and is in the process of another capacity expansion in 2026. DaVinci [also] continues to seek out new avenues to introduce the brand and the segment to an expanding market.” 

Shared challenges: Changing demographics and constant demand for ‘the real thing’ 

An estimated 53% of new home buyers are Millennials and Gen Z. [ii] While the good news for the polymeric exteriors industry is that these two groups are more likely to purchase sustainable products, the question remains as to how informed these younger buyers are about the sustainability of polymeric siding and roof tiles. 

The NAHB reports that the rise in demand for natural materials is influenced by consumer desires for natural warmth, biophilic designs (connecting with nature and outdoor living) and sustainability. 

While PEPA makes a strong case for sustainable products made from natural elements that emulate wood, stone and other earthy materials, there is increasing competition with engineered wood and other synthetic products from the lumber industry. There is also the daunting challenge that nearly 60% of home builders favor design choices shaped by this strong connection to nature and outdoor living.[iii] 

The sweet spots for polymeric exteriors in 2026 

A significant advantage of polymeric exteriors is their category leadership in energy efficiency. And with modern energy codes calling for continuous insulation across many climates to eliminate thermal bridging, the vinyl siding industry is the early adopter, with insulated vinyl siding and other product developments ideal for continuous insulation treatments. 

Another unique advantage: polymeric exteriors often make “the spec” for home projects calling for design and material versatility. A prime example is HGTV’s Fixer to Fabulous starring Dave & Jenny Marrs, which often features vinyl siding as a durable, stylish solution. 

One episode recently promoted on LinkedIn by PEPA member PlyGem (Cornerstone Brands) shows a 1970s flat-front home being converted into an elegant cottage with stone and wood paired with PlyGem’s “Mastic vinyl siding” in white with J-channel, F-channel and outside corners from the same product collection. The hosts describe the finished project as having a clean, timeless look with the polymeric exterior products adding contrast and texture, and every element being built for long-term performance. 

Being part of the design solution for new home building and renovation projects creates an opportunity for the polymeric exterior industry to educate contractors and consumers alike on the greater advantages that can be achieved in cost efficiency, sustainability and curb appeal. 

And for those who clamor for natural looks and outdoor living spaces that typically require a larger building investment, vinyl siding can be a cost-saving solution and polymeric roofing can be a cost-efficient solution – with the natural aesthetics to meet the desired results from top to bottom. 

1. “10 Predictions for the Homebuilding and Rental Housing Business,” Forbes, January 7, 2026; and “The 2026 New-Home Market: A Rare Opportunity for Buyers?” NAR Realtor News, January 16, 2026. 
2. Recycled Plastic Roofing Tiles Market Report 2025, Research and Markets 
3. Census Bureau, 2021 Community Survey 
4. NAHB Blog: What’s Driving Outdoor Living Trends? 

Original article and photo source: PEPA

Industry Leader of the Year, Associate of the Year and Golden Hammer Award winners honored at NTRCA Awards Gala.

The North Texas Roofing Contractors Association (NTRCA) – a regional association whose mission is to serve our roofing professional members promoting ethical standards, insights, innovation and education – announces this year’s board of directors and award winners. 

During the NTRCA Awards Banquet, held February 8, 2025, at the iconic Longhorn Ballroom in Dallas, the winners of the annual Industry Leader of the Year award and the Associate of the Year award were announced and recognized for their significant contributions to the North Texas roofing industry. Past winners meet annually to choose each year’s new honoree in each category. 

The Industry Leader of the Year honor, the association's most prestigious recognition, was awarded to Holly Green, president and owner of Brettco Roofing. The Associate of the Year honor was awarded to Cindy Gebbia with Thermafoam. 

The 2025 NTRCA board members were also sworn in during the NTRCA Awards Banquet. The 2025 board members include: 

• President: Bret Foster - Bret Foster Roofing Inc. 
• Past president: Tina Hall - Joe Hall Roofing and Contracting 
• President-elect: Chris Arrington - Arrington Roofing Co. Inc. 
• Treasurer: Danielle Begley - Texas Roof Management Inc 
• Anthony Applegate - Banner Roofing & Construction LLC 
• Ida Buttarazzi-Meals - Certainteed 
• Casandra Greenwell - ABC Supply 
• Jeff Loud - Roadrunner Roofing Supply 
• Justin Minor - Beacon Roofing Supply 
• Vinny Munnia - SRS Building Products 
• Jimmy Porch - Myriad Roofing & Waterproofing 
• Wesley Quenichet - Local Hero Roofing LLC 
• Nick Sookiasian - IKO 
• Renee Urso - O'Hara's Son Roofing 
• Chase Walker - GAF 
• Kirk Scott - Scott Exteriors 
• Karen Ensley - Ensley Benitez Law PC 
• Kristin Lonergan - Champion Commercial Insurance 

The Golden Hammer Awards celebrate exceptional projects that exemplify craftsmanship, innovation, safety, and solutions to unique logistical challenges. This year’s recipients were: 

Residential project winners 

• Springtree Restoration: Lakewood Castle Project 
• Elite Roofing and Home Restoration: Fox Glen Project 
• BRM Roofing and Construction Services: Hampton Style Colleyville Project 

Commercial project winners 

• DT Roofing: Cowtown Coliseum - Fort Worth Stockyards Project 
• Supreme Roofing: Hangars 1 and 2 Project 
• KPost Company: Maple Terrace Project 

Residential community service winners 

• Paradigm Roofing: Red, White and Roof: 4th of July Veteran Support Project 
• Roof Experts: Veteran Wins Free Roof Project 
• PROCO Roofing: Tenderfoot Project 

Residential metal winners 

• Graham Construction and Roofing: Graham Residence Project 
• Joe Hall Roofing and Contracting: EDCO Arrow Line Slate Project 
• Absolute Construction: Frisco Concrete Tile to Metal Re-Roof Project 

Commercial metal winners 

• Anchor Roofing Systems: Mason County Courthouse Project PROCO Commercial Roofing: Baylor Football Ops Center Project 
• MRB Contractors: Zion Lutheran Church Project 

Residential tile winners 

• Haro Roofing: Project Ash Bluff 
• Scott Exteriors: Meadowood Ludowici Project 
• Joe Hall Roofing and Contracting: Eagle Mountain Lake Villa Project 

Residential innovations winners 

• Paradigm Roofing: Seaside Tesla Solar Roof Project 
• Joe Hall Roofing and Contracting: Historic Fort Worth Home Restoration Project 
• Ramon Roofing: Highland Park Project 

Commercial innovations winner 

• Arrington Roofing Co. Inc.: Our Redeemer Lutheran Bell Tower Dome Project 

Commercial new construction winners 

• Anchor Roofing Systems: The Paul & Alejandra Foster Baylor Basketball Arena Project 
• Sun Commercial Roofs: Terry Black’s Barbecue Fort Worth Project 

The NTRCA continues to celebrate innovation and craftsmanship, setting the standard for roofing excellence across North Texas. Congratulations to all winners and honorees for their outstanding contributions to the roofing industry! 

Sponsors for this year’s Annual NTRCA Awards Gala included: Beacon Building Products as lead sponsor, and specialty sponsors ABC Supply, GAF, SRS Building Products, CertainTeed, Elite Roofing and Home Restoration, Ensley Benitez Law PC, IB Roof Systems, IKO, Owens Corning Sales LLC, Polyglass, Roadrunner Roofing Supply, ThermaFoam LLC and Unity Insurance Partners. Rock N’Roll theme sponsors for the evening were EcoStar LLC, EDCO Products, Myriad Roofing & Waterproofing and Roofers Going Digital. Table sponsors included Anchor Roofing Systems LLC, Arrington Roofing Co. Inc., Atlas Roofing, DT Roofing LLC, H&R General Construction, Haro Roofing, Joe Hall Roofing & Contracting, KPost Roofing & Waterproofing, MRB Contractors LLC, Paradigm Roofing Co., PROCO Roofing & Construction, Spec Building Materials Corporation, Springtree Restoration LLC, Sun Commercial Roofs Inc. and Supreme Roofing. Half tables were sponsored by Absolute Construction, Conner-Legrand Inc., Elite Roofing and Home Restoration, Graham Construction and Roofing, Local Hero Roofing LLC and Roof Experts. 

To learn more, visit www.ntrca.com.

About North Texas Roofing Contractors Association 

The North Texas Roofing Contractors Association (NTRCA) is a resource for professional roofing contractors and associates working and doing business in North Texas. NTRCA also serves as a resource for individuals and businesses looking for qualified and competent roofing contractors. Roofing professionals must meet NTRCA eligibility requirements and agree to adhere to the NTRCA code of ethics to be members of the organization. NTRCA provides educational training sessions, mentoring, networking and community service opportunities for its members. For more information, please visit www.ntrca.com.