By Dani Sheehan. 

Jamie Atkins reflects on building a career in the trades and his time with Sherwin-Williams Roofing Solutions. 

After 35 years with Sherwin-Williams® and the last six supporting UNIFLEX® and Kool Seal® as assistant product manager, Jamie Atkins is preparing for retirement and reflecting on a career that has mirrored the evolution of the trades themselves. 

For Jamie, longevity didn’t come from standing still. It came from improvement. “I could always see the movement toward better systems and better people,” he says. “Compared to 35 years ago, it’s better. And the company really tries to vet changes before making them.” The steady commitment to progress is what has kept him with Sherwin-Williams throughout his career. 

Lessons learned along the way 

“The trades are one of the best options right now,” Jamie says. “A lot of this work can’t be replaced by AI. You need a physical person there, making decisions in real time.” Over the decades, Jamie has worked across roles that taught him the value of accountability, communication and understanding how systems actually function. One of his most formative experiences came early in his career while working in a warehouse, where reducing shortages became a daily focus. “We made huge improvements just by holding people accountable and following up,” he shares. “It showed me the importance of investing time in what matters. In the long run, it pays off.” 

This also shaped how Jamie approached leadership and collaboration. A quote from a former boss stayed with him throughout his career: “There are no easy jobs.” The lesson, he explains, was about perspective. “It’s always easy to say what someone else should do,” he says. “But when you understand their job, you realize there’s usually a reason things happen the way they do.” 

The evolution of products and technologies 

As the industry evolved, so did the tools supporting it. When Jamie started in 1990, orders were handwritten, fax machines were essential and early internal email systems were just emerging. Over time, desktops gave way to laptops, remote work became possible and communication multiplied across platforms.  

While technology made work more flexible and efficient, Jamie notes that it also introduced new challenges. “You walk into the office now and you have emails, Teams messages, texts and phone calls,” he says. “Finding information can actually be harder than it used to be.” Still, Jamie sees technology as an enabler, not a replacement for people.  

During his time with UNIFLEX and Kool Seal, Jamie watched coatings technology evolve as silicone gained traction, and urethanes became increasingly prominent. Innovation, he notes, is constant, but meaningful progress requires thoughtful decision making, especially as certification requirements grow more complex. 

Paving the way for what’s next 

As retirement approaches, Jamie is most excited about reclaiming personal time – traveling, spending time with family and stepping away from day-to-day problem solving. When asked what advice he would give to the next generation entering the trades, Jamie keeps it simple and practical: understand the process before trying to improve it. “Things can almost always be done better,” he says. “But you have to take the time to understand how they actually work first.” He also encourages patience in an era of instant gratification. New systems often take longer at first, but they catch mistakes and create long-term value, something Jamie has seen repeatedly throughout his career.  

As seasoned professionals like Jamie prepare to retire, their experience highlights what the trades offer: careers built on problem-solving, adaptability and real-world impact. For Jamie, the message is clear: The trades aren’t just where he built his career; they’re where the next generation can build theirs, too. 

Por Emma Peterson, traducido por Jessica Bravo.  

Desde herramientas hasta cursos de capacitación, el equipo de The Coffee Shops™ reúne los regalos perfectos para los profesionales del techado en esta guía para dar en grande esta temporada. 

Si tu año ha sido como el nuestro aquí en The Coffee Shops™, ¡seguro va tan rápido que apenas alcanzas a voltear las hojas del calendario! Nosotros también estamos sorprendidos, pero la temporada de regalos está a la vuelta de la esquina y es momento de empezar a planear qué dar a tus amigos, familia y compañeros de trabajo. Para hacerte la vida más fácil, si esta temporada te agarró desprevenido como a nosotros, nuestro equipo creó la guía definitiva de regalos, perfecta para cualquier contratista o profesional en tu vida. 

1 – Vas a estar triste si te pierdes este descuento de R-Club 

¿Tienes un contratista en tu vida que busca una red de apoyo u oportunidades de aprendizaje? ¡R-Club es la opción ideal! R-Club es un programa de Coffee Shops diseñado para crear un espacio exclusivo para profesionales del techado donde pueden aprender y convivir con otros expertos de la industria. Regalar una membresía al profesional del techado en tu vida es una excelente manera no solo de dar un presente, sino también de impulsar su crecimiento profesional. 

R-Club En Español llega pronto. Por ahora disfruta del Entrenamiento de Estimación - RoofersCoffeeShop Exclusivo que ofrece uno de nuestros miembros del R-Club.  

Y como oferta especial de Black Friday, ¡te ofrecemos un 50% de descuento en la membresía usando el código HOLLYJOLLY50!

2 – No te olvides delcollarín de tubería 

Lo último que alguien quiere al prepararse para las fiestas es una gotera arruinando el ambiente. ¡Eso es justo lo que evita el collar para tubería de Wil-Mar Products! Estos productos están hechos de hule EPDM que brinda una impermeabilización duradera para tubos de ventilación, y son esenciales en el kit de cualquier techador. 

Al eliminar una variedad de problemas de filtraciones con cinta y mástico, un paquete de estos puede ayudar al techador en tu vida a evitar una avalancha de problemas más adelante.

3 – “Jingle” y socializa en el IRE 2026 

Desde soluciones innovadoras y demostraciones prácticas hasta un programa educativo dinámico y oportunidades únicas de networking, el International Roofing Expo (IRE) es el lugar para cualquiera en el mundo del techado. El próximo show será en Las Vegas, Nevada, del 20 al 22 de enero de 2026. ¿Tienes un contratista o instalador que quiera mejorar sus conocimientos y conexiones? ¡Regálale un pase al IRE! 

Si te registras usando el código promocional de The Coffee Shops (INVITES492) obtienes entrada gratis al piso de exposición o 10% de descuento en una conferencia.

4 – La cizalla rotatoria de Malco es “nieve”-especiaI 

Combinando alto rendimiento con un precio accesible, la TurboShear de Malco es un accesorio especial que ahorra tiempo y esfuerzo a los profesionales. Puede usarse fácilmente con un taladro estándar A/C o inalámbrico de 1200 rpm y corta con precisión incluso patrones curvos y cuadrados estrechos. 

TurboShear es una gran adición a la herramienta de trabajo de cualquier persona que trabaje con metal.

5 – La capacitación para contratistas de John Kenney siempre es un buen regalo 

John Kenney, CEO de Cotney Consulting Group, es un nombre muy conocido en la industria del techado. Con más de 45 años de experiencia, ayuda a contratistas de todo el país a fortalecer su conocimiento en temas como estimación, liderazgo en campo y operaciones de proyectos. Sin importar el rol de la persona para quien estás comprando, él tiene un programa que le ayudará a hacer su trabajo mejor. 

Conoce más sobre sus clases para encontrar el regalo perfecto.

6 – El KARNAK 671 brilla con fuerza 

Este increíble producto es un sellador de techo de silicón de un solo componente de KARNAK. No solo resiste la intemperie, endurecimiento, desgaste y agrietamiento (lo que lo convierte en una solución de alto rendimiento), sino que también ha demostrado adherirse en una variedad de condiciones, incluso cuando la superficie está mojada. ¿Lo mejor? KARNAK lo ofrece en tres presentaciones: cubetas, tubos de calafateo y sobres. Esto facilita que los contratistas lleven el KARNAK 671 a cualquier sitio de trabajo. 

KARNAK 671 es la manera perfecta de mejorar el kit de cualquier aplicador.

7 – ¡Ilumina la vida de alguien con una soldadora inalámbrica Leister! 

Leister es conocida por su amplia gama de soldadoras plásticas y pistolas de calor que facilitan la vida de los contratistas. Una excelente opción de regalo es el kit de soldadura inalámbrica NEXTHEAT. Este kit es una solución completa para soldadura sin cables. Incluye la NEXHEAT 300 A-LP, famosa por sus soldaduras consistentes y confiables, además de una batería Bosch de 8 amperes y su cargador. 

Conoce más sobre este práctico kit.

8 – ¡Regálales un producto Kool Seal! 

Kool Seal ha sido líder en la industria de productos para techos por más de un siglo. Sus productos ofrecen durabilidad excepcional, resistencia al clima y facilidad de aplicación. Puedes ayudar a un contratista en tu vida a elevar sus proyectos conectándolo con un representante de ventas de Sherwin-Williams para obtener muestras de sus recubrimientos premium. 

Contacta a un representante hoy mismo.

9 – Nunca tarde para pedir una bolsa de contratista Wryker 

Para el contratista que siempre está en movimiento, las bolsas de contratista de Wryker les sacarán una sonrisa cada vez que las usen. Son bolsas súper resistentes, perfectas para todo, desde pedacería de metal y paneles de yeso hasta empaques y restos de tejas. Diseñadas con película de 3 mil, tienen capacidad para 43 galones y compiten con el saco de Santa en funcionalidad. 

Conoce más sobre las bolsas de Wryker.

10 – Brrrrr… ¡ahorra con Instant Roofer! 

Diseñada por techadores para techadores, Instant Roofer conecta a los profesionales con herramientas de venta impulsadas por IA que ayudan a hacer crecer sus negocios. Entre estas herramientas están sus leads de alta calidad, reportes de medición instantánea y una calculadora integrada para techos. ¿Lo mejor? Tienen una oferta especial de un paquete que sería un excelente regalo. 

Adquiere el AI Sales Tool Bundle y obtén 30 días gratis.

11 – CIDAN no está jugando con su plegadora portátil 

Nueva este año, CIDAN Machinery Group lanzó ONROLL, una revolucionaria roladora portátil al mercado estadounidense. Está diseñada para operar en azoteas urbanas y en instalaciones remotas bajo viento y lluvia sin problema. Con una velocidad de 90 FPM y accionamiento por rodillos centrales, ONROLL es perfecta para instaladores que necesitan uniones precisas, suaves y eficientes en el sitio. 

¡Obtén la CIDAN ONROLL hoy mismo!

12 – ¡Un sellador Geocel siempre es un buen regalo! 

¿Buscas un regalo versátil que seguro será usado? El sellador adhesivo estructural 4600™ Hybrid de Geocel es un producto todoterreno que combina rendimiento poderoso con gran adaptabilidad. Puede usarse en una variedad de materiales (metal, mampostería, madera, espuma, vidrio y más) y aplicarse en condiciones tan extremas como 0° Fahrenheit. 

Regálales un producto multiusos que trabaje tan duro como ellos.

13 – Los elfos de Santa trabajan duro, pero el Catch-All Nail Catch trabaja más duro 

The Catch-All nació con la misión de mantener limpios los sitios de construcción de techos, una tarea nada sencilla. Pero sus productos llevan el reto al siguiente nivel, usando redes de caída, redes reforzadas para el suelo, postes plegables y más para evitar que los residuos toquen el piso. Como parte de su sistema de protección, también diseñaron el Nail Catch, un filtro que recolecta residuos durante las primeras semanas después del trabajo. 

El Nail-Catch es del tamaño perfecto para una media navideña. Usa el código “RCS” para obtener un 5% de descuento.

14 – Dale un regalo que dure: el Programa de Capacitación de Roofing Alliance y Clemson 

¿Buscas el regalo ideal para ese techador que siempre quiere aprender algo nuevo? Considera regalarle uno de los cursos en línea autodidactas creados por Roofing Alliance y Clemson University, diseñados específicamente para la industria del techado. Hay tres cursos disponibles: fundamentos del techado, administración del techado y negocios y liderazgo en techado. Cada curso dura 60 días, y si un contratista completa los tres, puede obtener el Roofing Professional Management Certificate. 

Si quieres dar un regalo que siga dando, esta es la opción.

Mantente al día con las últimas noticias de la industria registrándote en el eNews de Coffee Shop.

By Emma Peterson. 

From tools to training courses, The Coffee Shops™ crew wraps up the perfect presents for roofing pros in this guide to giving this holiday season. 

If your year has been anything like ours here at The Coffee Shops™, it’s going by faster than you can flip the months on the calendar! We’re shocked, too, but the gift-giving season is just around the corner, and it’s time to start planning what to get for your friends, family and coworkers. To make things a little easier if this season caught you off guard like it did us, our team has created the ultimate gift giving guide perfect for any contractor or professional in your life.  

1 – Yule be sad if you miss out on this R-Club discount  

Do you have a contractor in your life looking for a network of support or learning opportunities? Look no further than R-Club! R-Club is a Coffee Shops program created to make an exclusive space for roofing professionals where they can learn and socialize with other professionals from across the industry. Gifting the roofing professional in your life with a membership is a great way not only to give them a present but also to uplift their business savvy! 

And for a Black Friday special, we are thrilled to offer a 50% off discount for R-Club memberships using code HOLLYJOLLY50!

2 – Don't fir-get a pipe collar 

The last thing anyone wants when getting ready for the holidays is a leaky roof ruining the festivities. That’s what the Wil-Mar Products’ pipe collar helps avoid! These products are made out of an EPDM rubber that provides long-lasting waterproof counterflashing for vent pipes and is a must-have for any roofing professional’s toolkit.  

Eliminating a variety of tape and mastic leaking problems, a case of these can help the roofer in your life avoid an avalanche of problems later.

3 – Jingle and mingle at IRE 2026 

From innovative solutions and hands-on demos to a dynamic education program and unmatched networking opportunities, the International Roofing Expo (IRE) is the place to be for anyone in the roofing world. The next show will be hosted in Las Vegas, Nevada from January 20 – 22, 2026. Have a contractor or installer in your life looking to level up their knowledge and relationships? Consider giving them an IRE pass!  

If you register using The Coffee Shops’ promo code (INVITES492) for a free expo hall admission or 10% off a conference pass!

4 – Malco’s rotary sheer is snow special 

Combining high-performance with a reasonable sales tag, Malco’s TurboShear is a special accessory that saves professionals time and labor. It can easily be used with the chuck of a standard 1200 rpm A/C or cordless drill and cuts precisely enough to navigate tight curved patterns and squares.  

TurboShear is a great addition to the toolbag of anyone working with metal on the jobsite.

5 – John Kenney's contractor training is always a sleigh 

John Kenney is the CEO of Cotney Consulting Group and a household name in the roofing industry. With over 45 years of experience, he helps contractors around the country scale knowledge across topics such as estimating, field leadership and project operations. No matter the role of the person you’re shopping for, he has a training program that will help them get the job done. 

Learn more about his classes so you can find the perfect match for your loved one!

6 – The KARNAK 671 shines bright 

This amazing product is a single-component, silicone roof sealant from KARNAK. Not only does it resist weathering, hardening, chalking and cracking (making it a well-rounded, high-performance solution), it has been proven to stick to a roof in a variety of conditions, including when it’s wet. And the best part about this product? KARNAK offers it in three different forms – buckets, caulk tubes and pouches! This makes it easier for contractors to bring KARNAK 671 with them to every job site.  

KARNAK 671 is the perfect way to level up any applicator’s toolbox.

7 – Light up someone's life with a cordless Leister hand welder!  

Leister is known for their wide range of plastic welders and heat guns that make contractors' lives easier in the field. A great gift option from their collection is the NEXTHEAT overlap welding kit. This kit is a complete solution for wireless welding. The kit not only includes the NEXHEAT 300 A-LP, which is known for consistent and reliable welds, but also an eight-amp battery from Bosch and a matching charger. 

Learn more about this handy kit!

8 – Gelt them a Kool Seal product! 

Kool Seal has been a leader in the roofing products industry for over a century. Their products reliably deliver exceptional durability, weather resistance and ease of application.  You can help a contractor in your life elevate their roofing projects with Kool Seal products by connecting them with a Sherwin-Williams sales representative to get samples of their premium roof coatings. 

Contact a representative today!

9 - Flurry up and get one of Wryker’s contractor bags 

For the contractor on-the-go, Wryker’s branded contractor bags will put a smile on your loved one’s face every time they use it! These are hyper-tough bags perfect for everything from metal scraps and drywall to packaging and shingle scraps. Designed out of 3-mil film, these bags hold 43 gallons and give Santa’s sack of toys a run for its money in functionality.  

Learn more about Wryker’s contractor bags!

10 – Brrrrr-ing on the savings with Instant Roofer 

Designed by roofers, for roofers, Instant Roofer connects professionals with AI-powered sales tools that help their businesses grow. These tools include their high-quality roofing leads, instant measure reports and the built-in roofing calculator. And the best part? There is a special deal on a bundle of the measure reports and roofing calculator that would make a great gift! 

Get the AI Sales Tool Bundle and get 30 days free!

11 – CIDAN is not elfing around with their portable break 

New this year, CIDAN Machinery Group launched ONROLL, a revolutionary portable roll former, to the U.S. market! This roll former is designed to operate on urban rooftops and at remote installs through wind and rain without a problem. Combined with a 90 FPM speed and center-driven pinch-roller drive, ONROLL is perfect for the installer that needs accurate, smooth and efficient seams on site.  

Get the CIDAN ONROLL today!

12 – A Geocel sealant is always a n-ice gift!  

Looking for a versatile gift that will definitely be used? Geocel’s 4600™ Hybrid Structural Adhesive Sealant is a jack-of-all-trades sealant that combines powerful performance with amazing adaptability. It can be used on a variety of materials (metal, masonry, wood, foam, glass, etc.) and can be applied in conditions as harsh as 0° Fahrenheit.  

Get them a multi-tasking product that works as hard as they do.

13 – Santa's elves work hard, but the Catch-All Nail Catch works harder 

The Catch-All was founded on the goal of keeping roofing construction sites clean – far from an easy goal. But their products rise to the challenge every time, using chute nets, reinforced ground nets, collapsible support poles and more to keep roofing debris from hitting the ground. As a part of their extensive protection system, they also designed the Nail Catch, which is a filter system that collects debris in the first few weeks after the job.    

The Nail-Catch is the perfect size for a stocking stuffer! Use code “RCS” to get a 5% discount on your purchase.

14 - Make a fa-la-la-la-lasting impression with the Roofing Alliance Clemson Training Program 

Looking for a gift for the roofer in your life who’s always looking to learn new skills? Consider gifting them one of Roofing Alliance and Clemson University’s self-paced online courses tailored to the roofing industry! There are three different courses to choose from: roofing fundamentals, roofing management and roofing business and leadership. Each course is 60 days long and if a contractor finishes all three, they can earn a Roofing Professional Management Certificate! 

If you want to give the gift that keeps giving, look into the Roofing Alliance Clemson Training Program.

Stay up to date with the latest industry news when you sign up for the Coffee Shop eNews. 

By Dani Sheehan. 

Kool Seal Tundra keeps roofs cooler, longer, with lasting durability that stands up to sun, rain and time. 

When the summer sun turns rooftops into frying pans, building owners need a coating that can stand up to heat, and help keep it out of their building. Tundra™ Silicone Rubberized Roof Coating by Kool Seal® is a brilliant white finish with an impressive Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) of 110, making it a clear winner in the fight against rising temperatures, higher energy bills and the urban heat island effect. 

The power of a high SRI 

In roofing, a higher SRI means a cooler roof – and Tundra’s 110 rating is well above the standard even for cool roofs. This number reflects how efficiently a surface can bounce solar heat back into the atmosphere while radiating absorbed heat away. On a sunny day, that translates into: 

• Lower roof surface temperatures 
• Reduced cooling costs in air-conditioned spaces 
• More comfortable interior temperatures in buildings without air conditioning 

A reflective roof coating like Tundra can stay up to 55° F cooler than a darker, less reflective roof under the same sun exposure. 

Protection beyond the sun 

Tundra Silicone Roof Coating still delivers the all-weather durability building owners expect from Kool Seal: 

• Ponding water resistance for peace of mind after heavy rains 
• UV resistance to maintain performance and appearance 
• Outstanding adhesion to most roofing materials 
• Elongation of 425% for flexibility through seasonal expansion and contraction 

Roof coatings like Tundra extend roof life, reduce the need for costly tear-offs and help prevent roofing materials from ending up in landfills. With 98% solids content and ultra-low VOCs, it’s an environmentally conscious solution that delivers lasting performance and comes backed by a limited lifetime warranty. 

When the heat is on, help your customers stay cool season after season with the right roof coating. Learn more about Kool Seal Tundra Silicone Rubberized Roof Coating and how it sells itself to building owners.

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn how Kool Seal® Tundra™ handles the demands of roofs in the Caribbean and Latin America. 

Every region and climate has different needs when it comes to roofing materials. In this episode of CoatingsCast®, Megan Ellsworth sits down with one of Sherwin-Williams' Regional Managers, Giovanny Pazimino, to dive into what makes roofing in his area of expertise, the Caribbean, Central America and Mexico, unique.  

One unique factor Giovanny brought up was the materials that roofs are made of in the region he’s in. “It’s a little different than the States, in Latin American architecture and the islands we find a lot of concrete. Some buildings don’t have what we call a roof, they just have the highest level of concrete,” he shared. Subsequently, different roofing products are popular in the region because of the concrete base they have to work on.  

One product that Giovanny called out specifically is the Kool Seal® Tundra™ Rubberized Roof Coating. He explained, “The Kool Seal Tundra silicone coatings is the product most  sold in the whole Caribbean and the whole of Central America.” This coating is designed to provide a long-lasting and durable roof solution for materials like metal and concrete.  

Furthermore, it comes with a limited lifetime warranty and is resistant to ponding water and UV exposure. These features make it even more suitable for the region Giovanny works in, which faces both extreme UV exposure and intense tropical storms. He explained, “We can see that in different constructions you have these coatings on that can stand for years, even through natural disasters, usually all that's needed is to repair a few affected areas and the rest stays intact and performing well.”  

Read the transcript, Listen to the episode or Watch the recording to learn more about how roofing in different regions. 

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn how to handle the unique challenges that crop up when restoring concrete roofs. 

About a month ago, we had the chance to sit down with James “Jamie” Atkins, assistant product manager for UNIFLEX and Kool Seal, to talk about metal roof restorations. Recently, we got to chat with him again, this time about concrete roofs and the unique challenges that contractors need to be aware of when restoring them.  

The biggest point that Jamie made was about the discrepancy of concrete as a material to work with. He explained, “I would say that concrete is the most inconsistent substrate used on a modern roof. EPDM is EPDM, there's not going to be much of a difference between a roll from one place and a roll from another. But when you talk about concrete, it's so affected by who applied it and how they applied it.”  

Take water intrusion for example. This is something that occurs in a lot of concretes as they ages due to exposure to moisture, temperature changes and chemicals that can lead to both aesthetic and structural issues. But the true level of damage due to moisture and what that means for the person restoring a concrete roof can vary depending on what the original installer did and how long ago they worked on it. This is because different concrete construction methods utilize additives and coatings that can change the resulting concrete’s durability in the face of moisture intrusion.  

However, contractors often do not have detailed information about the installation process neatly handed to them at the beginning of the project. That’s why it’s crucial to get up there and evaluate the roof before work starts, to make sure it is a good candidate for restoration. 

Making that evaluation starts with an inspection. Jamie elaborated, “You’re going to do a review of the roof first and foremost. And when you’re doing that, there are a couple things that you need to focus on, mostly moisture and adhesion. You want to make sure you are using tools to check the moisture in the concrete and performing adhesion tests.” Performing these tests and reviews will be key to making an educated and informed choice about what primers and topcoats will be needed for a successful project. 

In general, Jamie advises that contractors look for a primer specific to concrete. He explained, “Concrete's a very unique substrate in that sense. It's not like any other substrate that is on a roof and because of that you need a primer specific to concrete.” These primers can be made out of a variety of materials and each have unique strengths:  

• Silicone: Tends to be really good for water and UV resistance and has elasticity that is helpful for the natural expansion and contraction of concrete. 
• Urethane: While less elastic, this is much more durable and can support more foot traffic on the roof. 
• Acrylic: Comes in more color options, but not as durable or resistant as silicone or urethane. 

At the end of the day, it is important to approach every concrete restoration project as new and unique, given the inconsistency of concrete and the specific needs for the building.  

Want more resources on different types of roof restorations? Visit the Sherwin-Williams Roofing Solutions' directory to learn more! 

By Dani Sheehan. 

Metal roof restoration is a valuable service for building owners and a smart offering for roofing contractors looking to expand their business. 

Metal roofs are some of the most durable and long-lasting systems on the market, but even they need some attention over time. When a roof is showing signs of age or wear, restoration can be a smart, cost-effective alternative to full replacement. Still, restoring a metal roof comes with its own unique set of challenges. We spoke with James “Jamie” Atkins, assistant product manager for UNIFLEX and Kool Seal, to break down what contractors need to know for a successful restoration project. 

Why restoring metal is different 

One of the major difficulties of restoring a metal roof is the possibility of rust. Jamie explained, “Rust is the biggest challenge because metal is the only substrate in the roofing industry that can rust. It compromises the integrity of the roof and needs to be addressed right from the start.” If rust is present, be prepared to remove and replace any severely compromised panels. When left untreated, rust can spread beneath coatings and continue to degrade the roof, no matter how well it’s sealed afterward. 

Surface prep: The make-or-break step 

Any successful roof restoration starts with one thing: inspection. “Walk the roof,” Jamie emphasized. “Look for rust, loose fasteners, seam issues, failing sealant – everything. Correcting those problems upfront will make a difference in the long term. The more prep work you do, the more successful you’ll be.” 

He likened it to painting a room in your house. If you don’t sand or patch holes beforehand, no amount of premium paint will make it look good or last as long – the same goes for metal roof coatings. Proper surface preparation means longer-lasting performance, better aesthetics and fewer callbacks. 

Choosing the right products 

When restoring a metal roof, your success depends heavily on choosing the right combination of products: primer, coating, sealant and accessories. Each component must work together and be compatible with the others to deliver lasting protection. 

Start with the primer. If rust is present, select a rust-inhibiting option. Alkyd primers are often recommended due to their strength and ability to encapsulate existing corrosion. Just as importantly, make sure the primer is compatible with both the substrate and your chosen topcoat.  

When it comes to coatings, acrylic systems are often the most economical and flexible. They offer reliable protection, tend to be easier to work with across different surfaces and allow more versatility with the types of sealants and caulks you can use. Silicone coatings, while more expensive, offer excellent waterproofing and UV resistance. 

No matter what system you choose, Jamie advised, “We always recommend performing a pull test to make sure that you have adhesion.” A pull test involves applying a small section of the full system, allowing it to cure and then testing the bond to ensure the coating is adhering properly to the roof surface. This test helps avoid premature failure, and if adhesion is poor, it’s a sign that the surface prep needs to be revisited or that a different primer or coating may be required. 

Be sure to also consider: 

• Surface and ambient temperature 
• Cure times and weather windows 
• Manufacturer specs for application thickness, equipment and recoat timelines 

All of this information can typically be found on the product’s label or technical data sheet. Taking the time to align your product choices with your real-world jobsite conditions will help you avoid headaches and callbacks down the road. 

Restoration is also an opportunity to build long-term customer relationships. Offering a maintenance program or a follow-up inspection after completing the job shows professionalism and helps spot issues before they turn into major repairs. 

Want resources on coatings, primers and application tips? Learn more about Sherwin-Williams Roofing Solutions so you can deliver long-lasting results that protect your customers’ investment and strengthen your reputation. 

By Emma Peterson.  

Learn about some of the unique challenges Giovanny Pazimino faces as an international Sherwin-Williams regional manager. 

One of the cool things about roofing is that you can tell a lot about the environment and region it is located in based on its design. For example, some roofs are made to be more reflective because where they’re located gets more sun whereas others might be more focused on incorporating snow retention into their design. In this episode of CoatingsCast®, Megan Ellsworth sat down with Giovanny Pazimino, who manages Sherwin-Williams' Caribbean, Central America and Mexico regions, to talk about some of the unique considerations for roofs in his areas.  

When it comes to selling Sherwin-Wiliams products, Giovanny noted that before they even get installed, there are unique challenges to overcome. He explained, “Every single country, even if they are really small, has different regulatory systems. That means some of our products from the U.S. cannot be sold in some islands because there's a lot of red tape.” And even after you get products properly regulated and through the red tape there are more regional considerations to be aware of. Every market will have unique demands because of cultural preferences and environmental demands. For example, Giovanny’s regions face unique natural disasters and tend to favor concrete in their architecture.  

So how does a company like Sherwin-Williams navigate these challenges? The first part of their success is selling more than just a product, selling their brand’s quality and trustworthiness. Giovanny explained, “Many prefer big companies or North American products, in my area it's usually Kool Seal. I think the main differentiator is reliable quality... Kool Seal is a company that started over one hundred years ago and they were acquired by Sherwin-Williams in 2006, who has also been in the industry a long time.” By highlighting their history of success, Giovanny is able to navigate a lot of the red tape that can trip up companies that are less established than Sherwin-Williams.  

They are also careful to send products to these markets that are well-adapted not only to regulations but also to the environment. Giovanny shared a bit about his Latin American regions, saying, “Latin American architecture and the islands use a lot of concrete on the roofs. Because of that, I would say the system that is trending is silicone and that's why our sales are coming from our brands like Kool Seal Tundra.” In addition to working well with the existing architecture, these silicone systems are set up to perform well against the natural disasters that Giovanny’s regions face. He elaborated, “We have systems that could go for 7, 10, 15 or 20, years. It is important to note that we can’t calculate the exact impact of natural disasters, but just by experience, we can see that in constructions you have our products consistently stand for years.”  

But beyond Sherwin-Williams' and their brands’ longstanding reputation of quality and ability to offer products that perform in a variety of climates, it’s the presence of team members like Giovanny that really helps them thrive and sell in foreign markets. Giovanny explained, “The advantage I see in past disasters was that Sherwin-Williams was located in all those islands. It makes it easier for us to react faster than other companies. When other companies are just relying on exporting as they go, we have locations. It is a little more costly to operate, but I think that it is also the key to the success for the growth of Sherwin-Williams brands internationally.” 

Read the transcript, Listen to the episode or Watch the conversation for more about Sherwin-Williams and their international operations. 

By Emma Peterson.

Learn about why primers are so important for coating system success and how to pick the right one for your project.  

Recently, Megan Ellsworth sat down with Chris Underwood and James Atkins for an episode of CoatingsCast® to discuss primers and how to find the right one for your project. Chris is the product manager for roof coatings at Sherwin Williams, directly working with two brands, UNIFLEX and Kool Seal. James is the assistant product manager at KST Roofing and has been working with Chris for the last five or six years. Chris gave a look at the background of the role of primer in different coatings systems. He shared, “Primers are generally formulated to enhance adhesion and to seal the roof.” In general, there are four different types of primers — metal, concrete, single-ply and asphalt. When it comes to picking the right one for your project, James explained, “You would start by inspecting the roof to see what sort of condition it is and what substrates are already on the roof. It could even be multiple substrates.”  

Inspections are important because the condition of the existing surface can change the needs of the primer. For example, if you are working with an asphaltic surface, you want to ensure that the primer you choose not only seals and enhances adhesion but also prevents bleed through. If you are unsure exactly what you are working with, it is a good idea to do a pull test to make sure it will grab properly and the adhesion to the surface is good.  

Once you have determined what primer adheres properly and has the right performance for the substrate you are working with, it’s time to think about application. At its core, primers are applied much like any other coating. The main thing to make sure you get right when working with primers is the timing. Chris explained, “Typically a roofer may take a day to apply a primer, then allow it to get to a certain point of curing so that you can provide another, uh, coating over top of it and so that you get the proper inter coat adhesion between the two.” By making sure it has the time to cure, you give the primer the best chance to maximize the roof’s lifetime performance and avoid call backs.  

Read the transcript, Listen to the full episode or Watch the recording to learn more about picking the right primer!

By Dani Sheehan.

This premium, low solids silicone rubber roof coating is the solution for building owners looking for protection against leaks caused by ponding water.  

Ponding water is a major concern when it comes to maintaining roof performance on low-slope commercial roofing. From leaks to structural damage, the destruction over time can lead to costly repairs. For building owners looking to prevent this, Kool Seal® offers a premium solution with exceptional ponding water resistance.

Kool Seal Tundra Low Solids Silicone roof coating tackles ponding water head-on, delivering reliable protection even in the rainiest climates. This coating extends the life of roofs and has a Limited Lifetime Product Warranty, providing building owners with even greater peace of mind.

With a solar reflectance index of 103, Tundra Low Solids Silicone also reflects more heat, helping to keep buildings cooler and reducing energy costs. Its impressive elongation and tensile strength ensure the roof remains flexible and durable even in harsh weather conditions.   

For contractors, this roof coating makes roofing projects smoother and more efficient. Its low solids formulation allows for easy application, as the thinner viscosity improves spread ability and results in a smoother, more even finish than high solids coatings. Finish your projects faster, saving you time and labor costs on every job.  

By choosing Kool Seal, you’re not only getting a premium product, but you’re also partnering with Sherwin-Williams Roofing Solutions, a trusted name across the country with a reliable distribution network. With Kool Seal Tundra Low Solids Silicone roof coating, you can deliver a long-lasting, durable solution to your customers, especially for problem areas where ponding water occurs.

Elevate your next roof restoration project with this advanced, reflective silicone coating and experience the difference in performance and protection.