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 Jesse Sanchez. 

ICP’s Jay Doubman shares how coatings help protect, restore and extend the life of surfaces across roofing, sports and building materials. 

From rooftops to courts, coatings play a powerful role in helping surfaces last longer and perform better. At the American Sports Builders Association (ASBA) show in San Antonio, Texas, Jay Doubman, CEO of ICP Building Solutions Group, joined Heidi J. Ellsworth to talk about the many ways coatings support the built environment; including rooftops, building envelopes, sports surfaces, parking garages and flooring systems. 

ICP has grown through acquisition into what Jay described as “a rollup of coatings, adhesives and sealants companies” serving the building materials industry. Today, that includes product lines connected to architectural coatings, sports surfaces, polyurethane products and roof coatings, which Jay noted is one of the company’s larger segments.  

Across all of those markets, one thing remains consistent: coatings are at the center of the work. “We are really all about coatings,” Jay said, explaining that ICP’s research and development teams often collaborate across categories. That shared technical knowledge allows expertise from one market to help support innovation in another, strengthening the company’s broader coatings portfolio. 

One of the biggest opportunities Jay sees across the coatings industry is restoration. Whether it is a low-slope commercial roof, a playing court or another surface that still has a sound structure beneath it, coatings can offer a practical way to protect existing materials and extend their service life. “If you think about a commercial roof, a flat roof or low slope roof on a factory that’s reached an end of life or started to leak, you can take a very expensive option of taking the whole roof off or oftentimes you can coat it,” Jay said. “If it’s in good structural condition, you can coat it and extend the life.” 

That same protection mindset applies beyond roofing. In sports surfaces, ICP has seen strong international activity, including a notable presence in Australia. Jay highlighted Cool Top, a pigment system developed in Australia to help reduce playing surface temperatures and support better performance for athletes and facilities. 

But even the best coating depends on the people putting it down. Jay emphasized that proper installation, contractor training and strong installer relationships are essential across ICP’s markets. He noted, “No coating is going to really perform if it’s not installed correctly.” 

ICP also continues to stay active in industry associations, including ASBA, the Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association (RCMA) and the American Coatings Association (ACA). For Jay, these organizations give the industry a shared voice on challenges, opportunities and issues that no single company can solve alone. 

From restoration to surface protection, ICP’s work shows how coatings can help contractors, building owners and facility managers get more life and value out of the surfaces they already have. 

Watch the full interview to learn more about ICP’s coatings, restoration and surface protection solutions!

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 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.  

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 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.

Por Dani Sheehan, traducido por Jessica Bravo. 

Trabaje más rápido y de manera más segura mientras brinda a los propietarios una protección más sólida cuando utiliza este underlayment de APOC. 

En roofing, cada capa importa. El underlayment no solo es una barrera secundaria contra los elementos, sino también una herramienta de seguridad, un ahorro de tiempo y una inversión a largo plazo en la integridad del sistema de roofing. El underlayment sintético TUFF-GRIP™ de APOC ofrece un valor real mientras trabaja en el proyecto y una protección excepcional para sus clientes mucho después de haber terminado el trabajo. 

Diseñado con la tecnología patentada TUFF-GRIP Coating Technology de APOC, este underlayment se adhiere al roof deck antes de que se aplique un solo sujetador. En techos inclinados o húmedos, esto le brinda una capa crucial de estabilidad que ayuda a prevenir resbalones y mejora la transitabilidad. También puede confiar en que el underlayment permanecerá en su lugar durante la instalación, reduciendo el riesgo de accidentes mientras ahorra tiempo. 

Built to withstand the elements 

Los underlayments TUFF-GRIP están fabricados con polipropileno estabilizado contra rayos UV, proporcionando una defensa secundaria contra la humedad, la lluvia impulsada por el viento y otros elementos destructivos para fortalecer todo el sistema de roofing. Con resistencia a desgarros, perforaciones y estiramiento, estos underlayments soportan las condiciones más severas. 

Incluso pueden exponerse a la luz solar UV directa hasta por 90 días sin degradarse. Esto mejora su flexibilidad para proyectos que enfrentan retrasos o tienen cronogramas de construcción extendidos. 

Lightweight, flexible and efficient application 

A pesar de su resistencia, los underlayments TUFF-GRIP son ligeros y fáciles de manejar. Disponibles en un rollo más ancho de 48”, cubren más superficie de techo con menos uniones, mejorando la eficiencia de instalación. También están diseñados para ofrecer flexibilidad en cualquier clima, funcionando de manera confiable en temperaturas que van desde -40°F hasta 240°F. 

Esta solución versátil está diseñada para utilizarse debajo de: 

• Tejas de asfalto y fibra de vidrio 
• Cedar shake 
• Tejas de acero recubiertas de piedra 
• Synthetic slate 
• Instalaciones inclinadas de paneles metálicos standing seam 

También puede asegurar a los propietarios que sus techos estarán protegidos mucho después de que el proyecto haya terminado. TUFF-GRIP 15 cuenta con una garantía limitada de 20 años, mientras que TUFF-GRIP 30 extiende la cobertura a 30 años. 

Cuando la seguridad, la velocidad y la durabilidad no son negociables, el underlayment APOC TUFF-GRIP garantiza que pueda realizar el trabajo correctamente. 

Roof Restoration Benchmark Report quantifies what contractors have long believed — restoration is often the smarter business decision.

APOC, a leading manufacturer of liquid-applied roof restoration solutions, announced findings from a new benchmark study that provides data validating the performance and profitability of roof restoration compared to traditional reroofing methods.

While experienced contractors have long thought that restoration could be the more profitable path when conditions allow, actual data to support this has been limited — until now. APOC’s latest research changes that.

Developed in partnership with Cotney Consulting Group, the study analyzed 118 commercial roofing projects and compared restoration methods with traditional reroofing approaches across key performance indicators including profitability, labor efficiency, time to completion and margin strength. The findings showcase a shift in how contractors can approach project delivery in an increasingly constrained labor and cost environment.

“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,” said Johnny Walker, national technical manager, APOC. “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.”

Key findings from the APOC Roof Restoration Index include:

• Significantly higher profit productivity: Restoration projects generated approximately 85% higher gross profit per crew day — due to smaller crew sizes and fewer days needed to complete a job — compared to reroofing benchmarks, with average returns of ~$8,000 per crew day versus ~$4,300.
• Major time savings: Restoration projects averaged ~8 crew days for a 30,000 SF roof, compared to 13 for recovery and up to 30 for tear-off, enabling faster project turnover and increased annual capacity.
• Improved labor efficiency: Restoration required up to 85% less labor intensity than tear-off methods and could be completed with crews approximately one-third smaller.
• Stronger, more consistent margins: Restoration delivered average gross margins around 43%, with typical ranges between 30%–60%, outperforming many reroofing scenarios.

The study further demonstrates that restoration minimizes operational disruption for building owners, reduces project risk and supports scalability across a wide range of commercial roof sizes.

As labor shortages persist and project backlogs grow, APOC’s research positions restoration as a strategic move for contractors seeking to improve efficiency, increase profitability and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market. Industry estimates suggest that 30–50% of roofs** that are ultimately reroofed may instead be viable candidates for restoration, representing a significant potential market opportunity based on contractor evaluation patterns and field experience.

“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,” said John Kenney, research consultant, Cotney. “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.”

The Roof Restoration Benchmark Report is 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.

To learn more about APOC’s roof restoration research and solutions, download the restoration report.

*Modeled benchmark based on anonymized contractor performance data and measured crew-day benchmarks; applies when the roof is a valid restoration candidate; not a guarantee of results.

** Estimate based on structured industry assessment, contractor decision patterns and commercial roofing field experience; not derived from a statistically sampled industry dataset. 

About APOC

APOC is part of the ICP Group and is a premier manufacturer of commercial and residential roofing, construction and maintenance products that maximize productivity, performance and energy efficiency. Based in Tampa, Florida, in business since 1913 and with 18 manufacturing plants in the United States, APOC is a global supplier of full-system, liquid-applied roof restoration products with local support and customer service. For more information, visit www.APOC.com.

About ICP

ICP Group is a leading specialty chemical manufacturer in North America and provides coatings, adhesives and sealants globally. With operations headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts, and multiple manufacturing facilities around the world, ICP serves multiple end markets, including building materials, specialty construction and sports surfaces. ICP is privately held and manufactures products under several recognized specialty groups. For more information, visit www.ICPGroup.com.

ICP is a portfolio company of Audax Private Equity.

Por Jessica Bravo. 

Lee este artículo para aprender la importancia de la educación continua como dueño de negocio.  

En esta edición de Coffee Conversations®, patrocinada por APOC, Jessica Bravo conversa con Jaqueline Sancen de Latinos En Roofing, Diana Barriga de National Women in Roofing Conexión Hispana y Gustavo y Sherly Zuniiga de Universal Remodel Inc sobre cómo los contratistas de techado pueden escalar sus negocios a través de la capacitación. 

Jaqueline y Diana mencionan que, de haber contado con estas herramientas, no habrían enfrentado tantas dificultades ni tenido que superar tantos desafíos en la industria. Por su parte, Gustavo y Sherly explican que su negocio es un ejemplo de cómo una empresa se beneficia al aprovechar estos recursos. Como dice Gustavo,“Si no fuera por Latinos En Roofing, yo no tendría compañía. Todo el crecimiento que hemos tenido ha sido gracias a la educación… no es una clase cualquiera, te dan herramientas para hacer crecer tu negocio.” 

Jaqueline, encargada de desarrollar materiales de capacitación para Latinos En Roofing University, afirma, “La educación es fundamental si quieres crecer… tienes que empezar a delegar y enfocarte en lo que realmente es importante.” También explica que un dueño de negocio puede tomarse uno o dos días para capacitarse y su empresa seguirá funcionando. “Con algo que te lleves y lo apliques correctamente… eso será la llave para seguir creciendo.” 

Diana habla de cómo se ha convertido en líder dentro de la industria, “Cambiar de la mentalidad de ‘yo lo puedo todo’ a construir una compañía sólida fue un cambio radical. Nadie nos enseña a ser líderes… estamos enfocados en sobrevivir, pero la capacitación es lo que te saca de ese ciclo.” 

Escucha esta edición especial de Coffee Conversations® y descubre la importancia de la educación, incluso como dueño de negocio.

By Jenny Yu. 

APOC’s Tuff-Grip™ system is designed for improved traction, faster installation and enhanced durability. 

As roofing systems continue to evolve, underlayment remains a critical component in ensuring long-term performance and protection. In this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Karen Edwards met with members of the APOC team to learn about the company’s latest innovation: Tuff-Grip™, a next-generation synthetic underlayment designed to improve installation efficiency and jobsite safety.  

According to Gregg Malanga, product manager for APOC waterproofing and underlayment products, selecting the right underlayment depends on weather, region and roof design. “If you’re in South Florida, you have lots of heavy wind-driven rain, so you’re looking at two layers of an underlayment, something that’s heavier-duty like a peel-and-stick product,” Gregg explained. “In New Jersey, you might opt for a single layer of lightweight synthetic underlayment with an asphalt shingle on top and ice dam protection.” 

Building on its earlier synthetic product called Gator-Skin™, APOC continues to invest in this market segment with Tuff-Grip. “Synthetic is a growing portion of the market, Tuff-Grip is the second generation of [Gator-Skin],” Gregg stated. “We want to continue to make product entries into that market.” 

One of the key differentiators of Tuff-Grip is its focus on contractor safety and ease of installation. Gregg highlighted both the product’s lightweight design and improved surface traction. “It’s easier to install because these rolls are much wider and lighter. It goes down about 33% quicker than traditional felt products,” Gregg said. “There’s a top surface which is very walkable, and there’s a coating on the bottom that gives it some grip.” These functions help the material lay flat and reduce the risk of slipping.  

Developing Tuff-Grip was a collaborative effort that invited contractor feedback. “We were constantly sending contractors the product, getting feedback and listening to any issues. If there were any issues, we addressed them right away,” Gregg shared, noting the importance of such collaboration. “You need to listen to the person who's installing the product and get that feedback. It's ultra critical.” 

Read the first article in this series or Listen to the podcast to learn more about Tuff-Grip!