By Jenny Yu.  

ASC Building Materials is positioning itself as a rising force in the roofing and building materials space. 

Momentum is building for ASC Building Materials as the company continues to expand its footprint through their product offerings and industry presence. At the 2026 International Roofing Expo, Megan Ellsworth of The Coffee Shops™ spoke with Gabe Rodriguez, sales director for ASC, about the company’s rapid growth trajectory and evolving identity.  

Originally founded as a coatings manufacturer under the name American Standard Coatings, ASC has expanded into a broader building materials provider in recent years. “About three years ago, we started making APP and some smooth membrane,” Gabe shared. “Last year, we launched our self-adhered line and a brand-new line of sealants — a caulking for concrete, windows and doors. We’re trying to get into the whole building envelope. It’s a great time for us.” 

At the trade show, contractors and distributors alike showed a strong interest in the company’s expanding offerings and future direction. “They’re asking us about our new product lines and what else we are going to get into,” Gabe said of the positive feedback and excitement surrounding their booth. “It’s been a great show.” 

This growing visibility comes as ASC looks beyond its California roots and pushes into new markets, with Arizona, New Mexico and Texas representing key opportunities for expansion. By broadening both its geographic reach and product portfolio, the company aims to better serve contractors seeking comprehensive, high-quality solutions. 

With all this expansion and change, Gabe assured that the core of ASC’s solutions will remain. “For us, it’s always been customer service first. What can we do to help you?” Gabe expressed. “That’s what’s going to make you want to come back.” 

Watch the full interview to learn more about ASC Building Material’s growth, product innovation and plans for the future.

By Dani Sheehan. 

Sometimes the most meaningful product innovations come in the smallest design changes. 

Innovation isn’t always about creating an entirely new product. Sometimes it’s about rethinking how existing products perform on the job. During a live demonstration at the International Roofing Expo (IRE) 2026, KARNAK highlighted not only the performance of Karna-Seal 671, but the practical packaging improvements designed to make repairs safer and more efficient in the field. 

“It’s a dangerous job roofing,” said John McDermott, vice president of sales for KARNAK, as he demonstrated the company’s 100% silicone repair solution. “We all want to come home safe.” 

Roof leaks don’t wait for blue skies and nice weather. Often, the most critical repairs occur in active rain, with standing water or under urgent temporary conditions. John showcased Karna-Seal 671’s ability to be applied directly underwater, creating an immediate watertight repair while explaining why silicone-specific repair solutions have become increasingly important. “The only thing that will stick to silicone is silicone,” John explained. “You can’t use any of our other repair products, or anybody else’s repair products, so we developed the 671. 

You can see during the demo just how well Karna-Seal works. Working on a submerged repair, John reinforced the split with fabric and left the product to cure, immediately creating a watertight seal as soon as it’s applied. 

One of the most practical parts of the demonstration was Karna-Seal 671’s new packaging. Rather than requiring service technicians to carry buckets while climbing ladders, the new pouch design can be stored easily in a backpack, helping crews maintain proper points of contact during roof access. And because technicians can squeeze excess air from the pouch before resealing it, the moisture-cure product stays usable longer in the field. It’s a small design change, but one rooted in a larger industry conversation about reducing preventable injuries, improving technician mobility and making field repairs more efficient. 

After 93 years in business, KARNAK continues to show that the best product innovations come from listening to contractors in the field. Something as simple as redesigning the packaging is helping contractors work safer, move smarter and respond with more confidence in every repair. 

By Jesse Sanchez. 

New platform updates bring sales, service and project management into a single system for contractors. 

At the International Roofing Expo (IRE) 2026 in Las Vegas, software provider Dataforma is demonstrating how contractors can simplify operations by consolidating core business functions into a single platform. As roofing companies face increasing pressure to improve efficiency, reduce administrative complexity and scale operations, integrated systems are becoming less of a luxury and more of a necessity. 

Brian Cook, COO of Dataforma, framed the company’s trajectory as a deliberate expansion beyond its original scope, moving from a specialized service tool to a more comprehensive operational platform. “We are a service and project management software for contractors, traditionally commercial contractors,” Brian said. “As we’ll talk about today, maybe no longer just for commercial contractors.” 

That evolution is most clearly reflected in the company’s latest release, a newly developed sales module that brings customer acquisition and relationship management directly into the same system contractors already use to run their operations. The addition removes a common point of friction, allowing users to manage opportunities, build proposals from the field and track client engagement without switching between multiple platforms. Brian explained, “You can track all of your opportunities with new clients or old clients in Dataforma from the field.” 

The introduction of sales functionality signals a broader response to contractor demand for consolidation. Managing disconnected tools has long created inefficiencies across workflows, particularly as projects move from lead generation to execution and ongoing service. By integrating these functions, Dataforma is aligning its platform with how contractors actually operate day to day. Brian shared, “It starts with sales and it goes all the way through maintenance contracts.” 

At the same time, the company is reshaping how those capabilities are developed. Through the design summit, Dataforma is bringing contractors directly into the development process, allowing them to evaluate features before they are finalized and contribute feedback in real time. “This is where we are going to solicit your feedback,” Brian said. That approach shifts product development from a top-down model to a collaborative one, where user input actively informs what gets built and how it functions in the field. 

As these changes take hold, Dataforma is positioning itself to serve a wider cross-section of the market, including residential contractors. With more frequent updates and a stronger emphasis on usability, the platform’s continued evolution reflects a clear industry shift, contractors are no longer looking for software that simply supports their work, but for systems that meaningfully improve how their businesses operate. 

Learn more about how integrated sales, service and project management tools are helping contractors streamline operations and improve business performance!

This innovation provides contractors with a faster, more consistent approach to completing critical tie-in conditions.

Duro-Last, a member of the Amrize family of brands and a leading manufacturer of custom-fabricated single-ply roofing systems, announced today the launch of its PVC/TPO Tie-In Strip, an innovation designed to solve one of the industry’s most persistent installation challenges: creating a reliable, watertight transition between PVC and TPO membranes.

Historically, connecting dissimilar single-ply systems has required time-intensive field fabrication and inconsistent detailing, increasing the risk of variability and long-term performance concerns. The Duro-Last PVC/TPO Tie-In Strip addresses this issue with a purpose-built, engineered solution to provide contractors with a faster, more consistent approach to completing critical tie-in conditions.

“Contractors have had to improvise when transitioning between PVC and TPO for years, and that is exactly the kind of challenge we are focused on solving,” said Darren Schulz, president of Duro-Last. “The PVC/TPO Tie-In reflects our commitment to delivering meaningful innovation that makes a real difference on the roof. By engineering solutions around how contractors actually work, we are helping simplify complex details, improve consistency and elevate long-term system performance.”

The PVC/TPO Tie-In features a 10-foot strip with an 8-inch PVC skirt and a 6-inch TPO skirt, both factory-welded to PVC/TPO-coated metal to enable secure structural fastening and membrane compatibility. Prepunched fastening patterns and clearly defined welding parameters promote consistent installation across crews, reducing variability and supporting long-term watertight performance.

The introduction of this product comes at a time when hybrid roofing conditions are becoming increasingly common. Reroofing projects, retrofits and phased building expansions often require transitions between existing and new membrane types, creating added complexity for contractors in the field. The PVC/TPO Tie-In is designed specifically to meet these evolving jobsite demands, enabling contractors to complete transitions more efficiently and with greater confidence.

This innovation has already earned industry recognition, receiving the 2026 Innovative Product Showcase & Awards distinction at the 2026 International Roofing Expo and the Expert’s Choice Award for roofing products. These honors highlight the product’s role as a contractor-focused solution that addresses real-world challenges.

The PVC/TPO Tie-In Strip reflects Duro-Last’s broader commitment to innovation through engineered solutions. The brand continues to develop products designed to streamline installation, reduce complexity and enhance performance standards across the commercial roofing industry by addressing real-world challenges contractors face every day.

For more information about the PVC/TPO Tie-In Strip, as well as Duro-Last’s vast catalog of innovative commercial roofing solutions, visit duro-last.com.

About Duro-Last

Duro-Last is a leading manufacturer of custom-fabricated thermoplastic single-ply roofing systems based in Saginaw, Michigan, with eight manufacturing locations across the U.S. Known as the “World’s Best Roof®”, Duro-Last’s factory-controlled custom-fabrication can eliminate up to 85% of field seams, resulting in lower on-site labor costs and easier installation. Duro-Last’s roofing systems are sustainable and durable. More than 2 billion square feet of Duro-Last membrane has been installed throughout North America. Duro-Last is a brand of Amrize Building Envelope LLC. For more information on Duro-Last, call 800.248.0280 or visit duro-last.com.  

About Amrize

Amrize (NYSE: AMRZ) is building North America, as the partner of choice for professional builders with advanced building solutions from foundation to rooftop. With over 1,000 sites and a highly efficient distribution network, we deliver for our customers in every U.S. state and Canadian province. Our 19,000 teammates uniquely serve every construction market from infrastructure, commercial and residential to new build, repair and refurbishment. Amrize achieved $11.8 billion in revenue in 2025 and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the SIX Swiss Exchange. We are ready to build your ambition. Learn more at amrize.com. 

By Jenny Yu.  

With new plants, colors and sustainability programs, IKO Industries is laying out the groundwork for its next 75 years. 

At the 2026 International Roofing Expo (IRE), Karen Edwards of The Coffee Shops™ met with an all-star lineup of IKO Industries leaders to discuss the manufacturer’s newest solutions and company updates. 2026 marks 75 years of incredible history and legacy for the family owned and operated company, and the panelists showed no signs of slowing down. In fact, the conversation focused less on looking back than it did on building forward.  

Expanding operations with new manufacturing plants 

First, Jack Gottesman, director of marketing for IKO, shared some big moves that IKO made toward the end of 2025 and continues to unfold in 2026. “Last summer, we opened a metal roofing plant in Texas, and we broke ground in Missouri for a granule plant,” Jack stated. “Then, over the next couple of weeks, we're going to be opening three new manufacturing facilities, and more are on the way.” 

One of the newer plants will be dedicated to manufacturing wet chopped fiber, the raw material that goes into fiberglass mat, as well as a fiberglass mat plant just a mile away. The addition of these plants, located in Chester, South Carolina, contributes to IKO’s commitment to being a vertically integrated company. Furthermore, a new shingle manufacturing plant in Jacksonville, Florida, marks the company’s eighth in North America alone. 

Keeping up with color trends 

IKO also took the opportunity to show off some of its newest shingle color offerings: Old Style Weatherwood, available in the Dynasty and Nordic lines, and Harbor Black, available in the Dynasty line.  

“Harbor Black is one of our darkest color blends in our Cool Colors Plus™ line, which is actually really difficult to achieve because of solar reflectivity,” Dyana Sweigart, marketing services manager, explained. “We’re really happy with this color blend. It's been received very well in the marketplace, and we're always just looking to launch new colors and keep up with the demands in the marketplace.” 

Sustainability in each business component 

As consumers and building codes continue to demand products that meet higher environmental standards, IKO is integrating sustainability into its business decisions, not only at the company level but in each business component as well. 

Darren Rafter, IKO’s director of sustainability, shared how the company recently formalized its sustainability program and released it to the public in September 2025. “This was really exciting because we talked about what we're doing at our plants in terms of recycling shingles, commercial roofing recycling, and integrating solar panels and energy resilience, all while engaging our suppliers and customers,” Darren shared.  

Overall, the panel emphasized the driving motivation behind these exciting developments.  “Everything that we do, we do it for the roofers that are here, and of course, the homeowners, who are the end customers,” Jack expressed. 

Watch the full interview to learn more about what’s coming up next for IKO Industries!

By Jenny Yu.  

RCMA’s new membership program gives contractors the opportunity to expand their expertise, grow their business and contribute to the advancement of coatings in the marketplace. 

After dedicating over 10 years in the construction industry working for big firms, Jon Hudson and Brody Christenson realized it was time to start their own business. About four years ago, they cofounded Crow Commercial Contracting, a commercial roofing company set in the heart of Kansas City, Missouri. “We wanted to be smaller, more hands-on and less stressed,” Jon shared. “We're strategically low overhead, so we target projects that we want to be a part of. We're on every project, every day.” 

With their combined experience in the field, Jon and Brody were well equipped to establish themselves as a premier choice for businesses needing top-tier roofing solutions. Still, they know that in order to grow a competitive, sustainable business, they need to prioritize ongoing learning and networking in the industry.  

“Knowledge is power: the more you know, the better equipped you are to handle problems that come at you — not if, but when problems come at you, because it's going to happen. That's just the name of the game,” Brody stated. This commitment to continuous learning led Jon and Brody to attend the 2026 International Roofing Expo, where they rubbed shoulders with plenty of industry leaders and associations.  

One association that especially caught their eye was The Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association (RCMA) , the national trade association dedicated to advancing the market for roof coatings through education, advocacy and technical innovation. “What drew us into RCMA in the first place is that we really, really like the idea of coatings,” Brody said. “We are trying to be a sponge; anybody that has any information or knowledge about coatings, we want to hear what you have to say. The more we know, the more [competitive] we can be out here.” 

After speaking with RCMA representatives, Jon and Brody decided to join the association’s new contractor membership program, a program dedicated to ensuring that the voice of professional contractors is represented in the organization’s discussions about standards, advocacy, education and best practices.  

“Coatings is a really interesting category of roofing, but there's a lot of misinformation about coatings out there,” Jon said, noting the stigma that is still sometimes attached to the roofing solution. “If a roof is a good candidate for coating, it's the best system you can do for a lot of reasons. But the coatings segment of the roofing industry is lacking from a lot of industrial standards, so anything that we can do to help regulate it, bring professionalism, have customers with good experiences and change the assumptions people have about coatings — that is something that we want to be a part of.” 

The new RCMA contractor membership program is aiming to do just that! 

Learn more about RCMA’s contractor membership program and apply to join to make sure your voice is heard!

By Jenny Yu.  

Carlisle Architectural Metals simplifies complex roofing projects with integrated systems and hands-on support across every stage of construction. 

At the 2026 International Roofing Expo in Las Vegas, Lauren White of The Coffee Shops™ stopped by the Carlisle Architectural Metals (CAM) booth to learn about how the company continues to be a leader in delivering comprehensive building envelope solutions under one umbrella. 

Mike Weis, vice president of sales, said the company’s evolution into a multi-brand platform is reshaping how it serves the industry. “We’re not just one company anymore supporting the contractor. We’re five brands. It’s a building solution,” he said, pointing to the integration of its five brands: PAC-CLAD Petersen, Drexel Metals, Hickman Edge Systems, Metal-Era and Citadel Architectural Products. 

That growth has required a deliberate approach to sales and support. Rather than relying on a centralized model, CAM emphasizes localized expertise supported by robust internal resources. “We have very localized support through our reps,” Mike explained. “Behind the reps, you have a full team of technical support, inside sales, estimating and engineering. We try to bring all that to every market we touch.” 

For contractors, that structure translates into faster response times and more cohesive project execution. Mike noted that having team members positioned close to job sites allows for real-time troubleshooting and collaboration. “If we have an issue in a market, we usually have somebody within an hour or two who can be on site to help solve problems and come together on design solutions,” he said. 

The approach reflects the relationship-driven nature of the construction industry, where evolving codes and architectural demands require constant communication. “It’s a very personal business,” Mike stated. “We want to be part of the solution from the design aspect all the way until the job gets closed out.” 

As building design grows more complex, Carlisle Architectural Metals is positioning itself as a single-source partner capable of supporting all aspects of the building envelope. “We’re covering all six sides of the building,” Mike said. “We want to be that one-stop solution for contractors and architects.” 

Watch the full interview to learn more about the CAM advantage of complex, integrated solutions.

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Learn how integrated attachment systems help contractors secure rooftop equipment, meet code requirements and ensure system performance. 

At the International Roofing Expo (IRE) in Las Vegas, one challenge came into clear focus for contractors and manufacturers alike; how to secure rooftop equipment in a way that meets evolving code requirements without compromising the roof itself. For Anchor Products, that challenge is driving greater attention to integrated attachment systems that are designed to improve speed, simplify installation and support long-term performance. Speaking on The Coffee Shops™ sound stage sponsored by SRS Distribution, Mark Vargas, director of business development for Anchor Products, and Justin Smith, national sales manager, described how the company’s systems are designed to replace more traditional rooftop attachment methods. “Our product line is all about attachments for everything on the roof,” Justin said, pointing to solutions developed for single-ply thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) roof systems. 

The value of these products lies in consolidation. Instead of relying on wood sleepers, ballast blocks or separate flashing details, the attachment integrates directly into the roof assembly. Justin described it as a watertight maintenance-free solution that is both heavy and strong. By combining multiple functions into one system, the approach can help contractors reduce installation time while lowering the overall cost of attachment. 

At the same time, performance is only part of the story. According to Mark and Justin, code compliance is becoming an increasingly important factor in how rooftop equipment is supported. As standards continue to change, systems that once relied on non-penetrating supports or counterweight designs are being replaced by attachment methods intended to meet stricter wind and safety requirements. As Justin stated, “Code is the big driver.” 

That shift is also creating a need for better coordination across trades. While roofing contractors may already understand how these systems work within warranted roof assemblies, Mark said that familiarity is often less common in other sectors. “We bridge that gap,” he said, noting that certified roofers are essential to proper installation and warranty protection. 

As wind exposure and weather risk continue to affect more parts of the country, secure rooftop attachment is becoming a more urgent part of overall roof design. For contractors, systems that support compliance while protecting roof performance are becoming increasingly important in the field. 

Watch the full interview to learn more about integrated attachment systems that help contractors secure rooftop equipment, meet evolving code requirements and improve installation efficiency!

By Jenny Yu.  

Scope Technologies unveiled new integrations and an updated API designed to simplify how contractors access building measurement data. 

The 2026 International Roofing Expo marked Scope Technologies’ 13th appearance at the show. Zac Armstrong, one of their senior account executives, joined Karen Edwards on The Coffee Shops™ sound stage to discuss the company’s latest platform updates and how they are designed to simplify contractor workflows.  

Known for its aerial measurement solutions, Scope Technologies helps contractors gather property data without having to get on the roof. “Our flagship product is RoofScope®,” Zac said. “We do aerial measurements of the entire building envelope: roof, gutter, siding, paint, insulation and concrete.” 

This year, the company announced a major platform update designed to help improve integration with contractor software programs.  Zac shared, “Scope API 2.0 now allows our integrated partners to extract all of the data that we provide contractors. All of that is available now through integration, which makes us the first measurement provider in the industry to provide the entire building envelope through API.” 

According to Zac, Scope Technologies has 10 different integrations on the Q1 docket, with several integrations already live. This update arrives at a time when automation and efficiency are top priorities for contractors navigating tight margins and increasing competition. 

“Right now, the name of the game is streamlining everything; sharpen the pencil wherever you can,” Zac stated. “The more consistent and repeatable we can make the workflow, the less opportunity for mistakes and the faster that these contractors can move. And that's money back in their pocket.” 

Feedback from attendees of the show was enthusiastic. “People are super excited. People have always loved our reports, but this is a big step forward in putting us on the same stage as everybody else,” Zac said. “We provide the best data in the industry, and now that data is available through the workflows that the industry is comfortable with.” 

Watch the full interview to learn more about Scope Technologies’ latest innovations and how integrated measurement data is helping contractors streamline their workflows.

By Jenny Yu.  

All Weather Insulated Panels highlights speed, simplicity and structural benefits at IRE 2026. 

At the 2026 International Roofing Expo, All Weather Insulated Panels (AWIP) made a statement with a two-story booth showcasing its engineered roofing system, OneDek®. Lauren White of The Coffee Shops™ had the opportunity to explore the impressive booth and chat with Gary Sweeney, AWIP’s director of low slope roofing, about how OneDek provides a solution for long-standing industry challenges.  

“OneDek is an insulated metal panel, but it’s an engineered roofing system. I refer to it as the evolution of traditional roofing,” Gary shared. With 10 years in the traditional roofing space, Gary has seen firsthand the issues the industry has faced. “The issues that have plagued the industry for 10 years are the same issues that plague it today. There's a lack of innovation, extended installation times and lack of skilled labor.” 

OneDek is a solution that addresses these issues, consolidating the elements of traditional roofing into a simplified package. “A traditional roofing system consists of a B deck, a vapor barrier, insulation, coverboard and then a membrane,” Gary explained. “OneDek is a multi-layer system that's condensed down into a single tongue-and-groove product. So, we're taking a five-step installation and shortening it down to a two-step process.”  

AWIP’s focus on speed and simplicity makes jobs easier for contractors, especially during a labor shortage. “Speed is becoming the most important aspect of commercial roofing,” Gary stated. “If you're going to put down a roof in 120 hours with a five-person crew, we're probably looking at 40 hours here, about a third of the time it would take for traditional roofing systems. So, it's massive labor savings with a smaller crew.” 

Beyond speed, Gary highlighted the structural rigidity and energy efficiency that the system achieves by incorporating AWIP’s InnovaCELL™ technology. “We’re standing on it right now. It’s a metal steel design; it’s very rigid. Traditional roofing components don't provide structural integrity,” Gary said, taking Lauren upstairs and onto the OneDek demo. “From an insulation standpoint, it provides the highest R value, unrivaled by any other manufacturer.” 

The view from the AWIP second-story booth showed a promising future. As building owners become more engaged in long-term performance and energy efficiency, Gary is confident that OneDek provides the perfect solution.  

Watch the full interview to see the OneDek system in action at IRE 2026!