By Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

Education, industry partnerships and workforce development are helping contractors capitalize on growing opportunities beyond the roofline. 

Homeowners are increasingly looking for contractors who can provide complete exterior solutions and siding has become one of the fastest-growing opportunities for roofing companies seeking to expand their services. But selling siding and installing it successfully are two very different things. True growth beyond the roofline requires contractors to build the product knowledge and installation expertise needed to deliver quality results. 

For roofing contractors, adding siding services creates opportunities that increase the potential project value while strengthening customer relationships and diversifying revenue streams. Yet success depends on much more than simply offering a new product category. Contractors need a deeper understanding of how siding systems perform and how they should be installed through strong operational processes that support quality results. 

That need for education and workforce development has become a major focus for the Polymeric Exterior Products Association (PEPA). Long recognized for its leadership in advancing vinyl siding and polymeric building products, PEPA has expanded its efforts to support the broader exterior products market by connecting advocacy and standards development with meaningful industry education. As the association continues to grow, workforce training remains one of its most important priorities, ensuring contractors have the knowledge and skills needed to meet increasing demand for siding and other exterior solutions. 

The importance of training was highlighted during the recent RoofersCoffeeShop® Coffee Conversations webinar, Beyond the Roofline: Growing Your Business With Siding. Sponsored by QXO and featuring Josh Wilens and Alex Birnbaum of QXO alongside Kristina Hill of HomeShield Roofing & Exteriors, the conversation focused on how siding has evolved from an occasional add-on into a strategic business opportunity. The panel explored how homeowners increasingly expect complete exterior solutions and why contractors who invest in training and strong operational planning are better positioned to capitalize on that demand. 

Training impacts every aspect of a siding business by helping sales teams understand product advantages, preparing crews to install systems correctly and building confidence throughout the organization. That confidence helps contractors deliver a better customer experience while reducing callbacks and warranty issues. When contractors invest in education, they create a stronger foundation for sustainable growth. 

PEPA is helping facilitate that growth by bringing together manufacturers, contractors and distributors with other industry stakeholders to address the industry's most pressing challenges. Through technical resources and educational programming supported by advocacy, the association is working to strengthen the entire polymeric exterior products sector. That commitment recently took an important step forward with the addition of QXO as the first company to join PEPA's new distributor membership category, creating stronger connections throughout the supply chain and expanding opportunities to deliver education and resources directly to contractors in the field. According to PEPA President and CEO Kate Offringa, distributors play a critical role in connecting manufacturers with contractors and builders while helping advance shared industry priorities around workforce development and market growth. She noted that QXO's leadership in distribution and technology makes the company an ideal partner as PEPA continues expanding its efforts to support the industry through collaboration, training and advocacy. 

The addition of QXO comes at a time when contractors are actively searching for ways to differentiate themselves in a competitive marketplace. With labor shortages continuing to challenge the construction industry, access to quality training and educational resources has never been more important. Distributors are uniquely positioned to help bridge that gap, connecting manufacturers' expertise with contractors who need practical guidance and support. The partnership between PEPA and QXO reflects a broader industry recognition that workforce development is essential to future growth. 

PEPA's expanding membership also demonstrates how the association has evolved beyond its traditional focus. Today, the organization represents a wide range of polymeric exterior building products, bringing together expertise from siding and roofing to trim, decking and other exterior solutions. That expanded perspective creates opportunities for cross-industry collaboration and education, helping contractors better understand how products work together across the entire exterior envelope. 

For roofing contractors considering a move into siding, the message is clear, opportunity follows education. Companies that commit to training their teams and leveraging industry resources will be better prepared to deliver quality installations and exceptional customer experiences. As the demand for complete exterior solutions continues to grow, training will remain the foundation that turns opportunity into long-term success. 

Organizations like PEPA, supported by engaged industry leaders such as QXO, are helping pave the way. By investing in workforce development and fostering collaboration across manufacturers, distributors and contractors, they are ensuring the future of siding is built on the knowledge and professionalism that lead to excellence. 

Find additional information about PEPA's advocacy, education and workforce development initiatives through the PEPA directory and learn more about QXO's expanding role in distribution, training and contractor support through the QXO directory on RoofersCoffeeShop.  

By The Coffee Shops™. 

Zoning and permitting reforms may help reduce regulatory barriers to affordable homebuilding. 

*Editor’s Note: Since this article was written, the conversation around housing affordability has continued to gain momentum. A recent industry announcement from the American Building Materials Alliance (ABMA), supported by more than 200 organizations, renewed the call to reduce unnecessary regulations that increase housing costs and limit supply. Read the announcement here. The Polymeric Exterior Products Association (PEPA) has long advocated for eliminating costly, aesthetic-based material restrictions that reduce consumer choice without improving safety or performance. The post below explores how zoning and permitting reforms can help make housing more affordable. 

Affordable housing has been a pressing issue for decades, and it’s a rarity that does not seem to be changing in availability anytime soon. As Alex Fernandez, the Polymeric Exterior Products Association (PEPA)’s vice president of government affairs and advocacy, put it simply, “Interest rates are still very high. Affordable housing stock remains low.” 

But there are a few paths for the industry to take towards a more affordable future. One is advocating for the reform of homebuilding regulations. How do regulation reforms relate to affordable housing? Well, there are regulations in municipalities that limit material options for homeowners, not based on safety or efficiency, but rather on aesthetic opinions. As explained in a previous PEPA article: 

Many areas have something called a “home rule.” The theory behind a home rule is that local government (mayors and councils) are in the best position to determine what a locality needs or wants. The issue is that local governments have taken this concept and stretched it beyond reason and practicality. Local governments in these states want to circumvent their building code and dictate to individuals what color their house must be, the size of their living room, the direction their garage faces and more under the guise of “zoning.” 

This aesthetic-based and opinion-focused approach is something that PEPA has been fighting against for over three decades now. And there have been solid wins. In eight different states, they have been able to eliminate local bans on vinyl siding and other polymeric exteriors so that homeowners can, in Alex’s words, "build safe, attractive homes without being forced to pay more for building materials consumers may not necessarily want.”And more states are already looking to reevaluate their homebuilding regulations. Gabe Maser, executive vice president of innovation and growth at the International Code Council (ICC), recently released a paper that showcased how different municipalities are addressing regulatory costs related to the shortage of between 4 million and 7 million homes. It highlighted what four regions are working on:  

• San Antonio, Texas, has centralized applications, plan reviews, fee payments, inspections and certificate issuance through an online portal.  
• Fairfax County, Virginia, has implemented partial permitting and expedited temporary occupancy certificates. 
• Raleigh, North Carolina, has adopted zoning reforms allowing duplexes, accessory dwelling units, townhomes and modular housing in areas previously limited to single-family homes. 
• Seattle, Washington, is exploring comparable changes, particularly for land currently zoned for detached single-family housing. 

While each approach is different, the throughline is that each of these municipalities recognizes the importance of reconsidering regulations that affect construction timelines and housing costs in pursuit of affordable housing. And it is through this type of reflection that we will actually start solving the nationwide housing crisis.  

Alex shared, "These local agencies are willing to change the status quo for zoning and permitting. And that means they are much more likely to be open to eliminating bans on more affordable materials – especially materials like vinyl siding that ticks all the other boxes like design, sustainability, fire safety and durability.” 

Learn more about addressing costly municipal bans, zoning and permitting policies by contacting Alex Fernandez at afernandez@polymericexteriors.org. 

By Emma Peterson. 

Industry experts break down how innovation and awareness are gaining polymeric roofing traction across the industry. 

Recently, the polymeric roofing market has been growing in popularity. To talk about the momentum behind these products, Megan Ellsworth hosted Dylan Faust, Zach Stopyro and Thomas Knuckey for an episode of Roofing Road Trips®. Dylan is the technical service manager at EcoStar, Zach is the director of technical services and installation Westlake Royal Roofing Solutions, Thomas is the director of product management at Brava Roof Tile and all three of them are members of the Polymeric Exterior Products Association (PEPA). 

When asked about the rise of polymeric products in the roofing industry, Zach started by sharing some background about the history of polymeric roofing products:  

Years ago, when they first were released, many polymeric products were much higher priced than more mainstream products. The cost was what always drove people away from those products. And slowly that gap has closed a little more. Also, technology has gotten a lot better, building manufacturing has gotten a lot better, so polymeric is able to be made much better and much quicker, which helps close that gap. 

In addition to the price of polymeric becoming much more competitive these days, there has also been a lot of work done to raise awareness of polymeric as an option. Dylan explained, “Polymeric has been around since the nineties, but a lot of people don't know about it and don’t understand how polymeric products are going to perform compared to more well-known materials, like slate, shake and concrete. So a lot of what we’re seeing as a rise in popularity right now is just a rise of awareness.”  

And a lot of the rise in awareness of polymeric can be credited to the work of organizations like PEPA. Thomas explained:  

PEPA’s work is three-tiered. First, it's focused on expanding the synthetic or composite market that we're all in through codes and testing standards and development. The second tier is education and workforce development; so really focused on preparing a workforce on what it takes to install and work with polymeric products. And then the third tier is fostering innovation and building community. And that’s focused on continuing to pick momentum up and really raising awareness so that this niche keeps moving into a mainstream solution. 

Want to learn more about the rise of polymeric roofing products and PEPA’s role in that? Listen to the whole episode!

By The Coffee Shops™. 

PEPA’s proposed new fastener table for vinyl siding installations was accepted into the building codes. 

Traditionally, codes have dictated that there is a single prescriptive way to install vinyl siding – 16 inches on center into the studs. However, this has been limiting for contractors in the field as polymeric exterior products are installed over a wide range of wall sheathings and framing spacings, and not all of them work well with that traditional installation method.  

In response to this issue, the Polymeric Exterior Products Association (PEPA) had their technical committee test a variety of fasteners in relation to the installation of vinyl siding, backed vinyl siding and insulated vinyl siding products. When it became apparent that other options besides the traditional method could work, PEPA submitted code changes to the model code development process and they were accepted. 

The result of the work group’s efforts is a new fastener table has been added to ICC’s 2027 International Residential Code (IRC) and International Building Code (IBC).  

What exactly is in this fastener table?  

The table’s contents shift away from the idea that there is one correct installation method for vinyl siding and instead presents six standardized approaches. An example of these new approaches is the recognition of the usability of ring shank nails. While smooth shank roofing and siding nails have long been common in the industry, ring shank nails actually provide better hold in some nailable substrates because of the friction created by the rings. 

The table also specifies that polymeric claddings with furring should be used over masonry construction, applications with foam insulation for super-insulated structures and fasteners placed 24 inches on center in normal non-high-wind areas. 

Overall, the expansion of the approved code installation methods promises to help builders and installers address different construction situations, including new construction, remodeling and installation over masonry concrete masonry units (CMUs). 

Learn more about PEPA’s fastener table and what it means for contractors installing vinyl, backed vinyl and insulated vinyl siding.

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Through workforce development, housing advocacy and practical jobsite resources, PEPA is helping contractors and manufacturers meet today’s challenges with confidence. 

The construction industry is moving through a time of change that is affecting contractors, manufacturers and the communities they serve. Workforce needs continue to shape business decisions, while housing demand and installation expectations are pushing the industry to think more strategically about how products are made, specified and installed. The Polymeric Exterior Products Association (PEPA) is meeting the moment with a practical, industry-minded approach that helps connect opportunity with real solutions.

A strong example of PEPA's work is their collaboration with the Building Talent Foundation. At a time when contractors continue to look for skilled labor, this effort helps connect employers with job seekers while also creating more visible pathways into the trades. It goes beyond simply filling open positions by connecting workforce access with training and certification programs that help new entrants build confidence and prepare for long-term success. 

That kind of alignment is important because bringing people into the industry is only the beginning. The greater opportunity is to create a system that helps them contribute at a higher level. By connecting recruitment with education and advancement, PEPA is helping strengthen the labor pipeline in a way that benefits contractors, manufacturers and the broader exterior products industry. 

Additionally, through articles and advocacy, PEPA is addressing housing affordability by connecting the national housing conversation to regulatory costs, zoning reform and access to code-compliant exterior products. In a PEPA article, “Addressing the Housing Crisis with Modern Zoning and Permitting,” the association points to the national shortage of affordable housing and notes that local permitting and zoning improvements can help reduce costs without compromising safety or quality. For contractors and manufacturers, that conversation matters because material choice can directly affect how efficiently homes are built and how accessible those homes are for buyers. 

They go on to highlight the work that PEPA has done to eliminate local bans on polymeric exteriors and describes zoning and permitting innovation as part of the broader housing solution. Articles and advocacy like this, aimed at protecting access to vinyl siding and other polymeric exterior products where local restrictions could limit options for builders and homeowners, position the association as both an advocate for material choice and a voice for practical construction solutions that support affordability, durability and long-term performance. 

That same practical focus shows up on the jobsite. PEPA’s updated Alternative Fastener Table is designed to support the decisions contractors make every day. Crews need installation guidance that is clear, accurate and aligned with code requirements and resources like this help simplify choices while supporting consistent application in the field. For crews, clearer guidance creates greater confidence in their work and more consistency from project to project. For building owners, it supports durability and performance over time. For the industry, it reinforces the quality standards that continue to build trust in polymeric exterior products. 

Overall, these efforts showcase PEPA’s ability to support the industry from several important angles without losing sight of the contractor experience. Workforce development, housing advocacy and jobsite resources all connect back to the same goal of helping professionals build better, work smarter and prepare for the future of exterior construction. 

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

How industry advocacy helps preserve material choice, affordability and innovation in exterior construction.

The conversation around building materials continues to evolve across North America as lawmakers, regulators and local governments weigh sustainability, affordability and performance. For manufacturers, contractors and homeowners, maintaining access to a wide range of building products is essential to meeting diverse project needs and budgets. That is why the state's Senate Bill 5571 continues to serve as an important example of how industry advocacy can help protect material choice. 

The Polymeric Exterior Products Association (PEPA) has been actively engaged in efforts to ensure that vinyl siding and other polymeric exterior products remain viable options for builders and homeowners. Those efforts received a significant boost with the passage of Senate Bill 5571, legislation designed to prevent local governments from banning or mandating specific exterior cladding materials when those materials already comply with state building codes. 

The law established state preemption over local restrictions related to exterior cladding materials. Under Senate Bill 5571, cities and counties are prohibited from excluding or requiring particular exterior cladding products if those materials meet the standards established within the Washington State Building Code. This means local jurisdictions cannot create design requirements or regulations that effectively eliminate the use of vinyl siding or other approved cladding products. 

For PEPA and its members, the passage of Senate Bill 5571 represented more than just a legislative victory. Washington became the eighth state in the nation to enact protections for builders and remodelers seeking to use code-compliant vinyl siding and polymeric exterior products, and notably, the first state in the Western United States to do so. According to PEPA, this milestone demonstrates growing recognition that material choice plays an important role in addressing housing affordability, sustainability and consumer needs. PEPA noted that the legislation helps clear the way for more affordable homes, economic growth and sustainable communities while protecting access to modern building materials. 

The effort was the result of more than a year of advocacy work. PEPA began discussions in Washington during 2024 through presentations and outreach with the Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW), focusing on the relationship between building material restrictions and housing affordability. Those conversations helped build momentum for Senate Bill 5571, which ultimately received strong bipartisan support throughout the legislative process. Sponsored by Senators Jessica Bateman and T'wina Nobles, the bill passed both legislative chambers before being signed into law by Governor Bob Ferguson on May 13, 2025. 

Alex Fernandez, PEPA's senior vice president of government affairs and advocacy, described the legislation as a significant achievement because previous victories had largely occurred in states where vinyl siding already maintained strong market share. Washington's action demonstrated that policymakers in regions with different building traditions also recognize the value of maintaining access to durable, affordable and code-compliant exterior cladding products. Fernandez noted that the legislation received overwhelming bipartisan support and reflected the understanding that material choice is not a partisan issue but rather one focused on fair market competition, affordability and consumer choice. 

Housing affordability was a key factor behind the legislation. Supporters argued that limiting material options can increase construction costs and reduce housing availability. By allowing builders greater flexibility in selecting exterior materials, lawmakers sought to help control construction expenses while expanding opportunities for affordable housing development throughout the state. 

For contractors and exterior professionals, the legislation reinforces an important principle that building product decisions should be based on performance, code compliance and project requirements rather than material-specific prohibitions. Vinyl siding continues to be one of the most widely used exterior cladding products in North America because it offers durability, low maintenance requirements and cost-effective installation while meeting applicable building code standards. 

At the same time, the legislation recognizes that some communities have unique circumstances that justify additional design requirements. The law includes several important exceptions that allow local regulations to remain in place for historic districts and registered landmarks where preservation efforts are necessary. Communities with established architectural themes, such as those featuring traditional Bavarian-style designs, may also continue enforcing design standards that support their distinctive character. 

The legislation further allows restrictions in areas subject to wildland-urban interface requirements where fire-resistant materials may be necessary to address wildfire risks. In addition, homeowners associations and communities governed by recorded covenants or plat restrictions retain the authority to establish material requirements for their neighborhoods. 

The victory also highlights PEPA's broader mission of representing the growing category of polymeric exterior building products used throughout the building envelope. Formerly known as the Vinyl Siding Institute, PEPA now represents a wide range of exterior products including cladding, roofing, trim, decking, fencing, windows, doors, railing and gutters. The association works across advocacy, workforce development, sustainability and technical education initiatives to advance the use of resilient, durable and aesthetically diverse polymeric exterior products. 

Although this legislation has been in effect for more than a year, it remains important for contractors, manufacturers and industry professionals to view Washington's as a model for balancing housing affordability, consumer choice and local building requirements. 

PEPA's support for legislation like Senate Bill 5571 reflects the association's broader commitment to ensuring that building product decisions are based on performance, code compliance and consumer needs rather than material-specific prohibitions. As local governments across the country continue exploring policies related to sustainability and construction practices, industry organizations are increasingly working to educate policymakers on the importance of maintaining material neutrality within building regulations. 

As PEPA continues its advocacy efforts, roofing and exterior professionals should pay close attention to similar legislative developments across the country. Material choice plays a critical role in delivering cost-effective, durable and sustainable building solutions. Protecting that choice helps ensure contractors can continue offering property owners the best products for each project's unique needs while supporting innovation throughout the exterior building products industry. 

To learn more about PEPA's advocacy efforts, workforce programs, sustainability initiatives and technical resources, visit polymericexteriors.org. Additional information about the Washington state legislation can be found in PEPA's blog, "Another Big Win for PEPA! This Time in Washington State." Roofing and exterior professionals can also learn more by visiting the PEPA directory on RoofersCoffeeShop®.

By Jesse Sanchez. 

A look at how vinyl siding and polymeric trim can preserve South Carolina’s architectural heritage while improving long-term performance. 

Editor’s Note: This article is repurposed from an original piece by Don Browne, contributing writer and blogger for the Polymeric Exterior Products Association (PEPA), and first appeared in the trade association’s Imagine This newsletter in March 2026. 

South Carolina’s Georgian-style architecture continues to define the character of its coastal communities, where historic design remains deeply embedded in the built environment. That enduring presence now intersects with a broader industry challenge: how to preserve architectural authenticity while adopting materials capable of meeting modern performance demands.  

This intersection has made South Carolina a focal point for advocacy efforts led by the Polymeric Exterior Products Association (PEPA). Over the past two years, the organization has worked to build partnerships, educate stakeholders and advance legislation aimed at preventing local bans on vinyl siding and other modern exterior materials. According to PEPA, such restrictions extend beyond regulatory preference, limiting the ability of property owners and contractors to maintain and even enhance Georgian-style aesthetics using contemporary solutions. 

That position is rooted in the history of the style itself. South Carolina’s Georgian architectural identity is closely tied to Irish architect James Hoban, who arrived in Charleston in the 1780s. His influence is visible in some of the city’s most prominent structures, including the Charleston County Courthouse, modeled after Dublin’s Leinster House. Hoban’s work gained national recognition following George Washington’s 1791 visit to Charleston, which led to an invitation to design the White House; a commission Hoban secured before later restoring the building after the War of 1812. 

While that architectural legacy remains intact, the conditions surrounding it continue to challenge traditional construction methods. South Carolina’s climate, marked by sustained heat, humidity and periodic high winds, places ongoing stress on wood exteriors, often resulting in repeated cycles of maintenance, repainting and material replacement. 

In response, PEPA points to vinyl siding and polymeric exterior systems as a practical extension of Georgian design rather than a departure from it. These materials are engineered to replicate defining architectural details, including cornice molding, pilaster bases and decorative window trim, while delivering improved durability, thermal movement, wind resistance and energy efficiency. Through its design resources, the association illustrates how these elements can be integrated in a way that maintains visual continuity while addressing long-term performance concerns. 

As conversations around material restrictions continue, the issue increasingly centers on alignment rather than opposition, balancing preservation with performance. For contractors, designers and policymakers, that balance is shaping how Georgian architecture is sustained, adapted and built upon for the future. 

Learn more about how vinyl siding and polymeric exteriors are helping preserve Georgian-style design while improving durability and performance in South Carolina’s demanding climate!

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vinyl siding members perspective 

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

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

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

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

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

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

PEPA polymeric roof members perspective 

Higher performance, less labor needed 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The sweet spots for polymeric exteriors in 2026 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Original article and photo source: PEPA

Industry-leading distributor becomes latest member in trade association’s new distributor category.

The Polymeric Exterior Products Association (PEPA), the trade association representing the wide range of polymeric exterior building products used to build resilient, beautiful homes across North America, today announced that Lansing Building Products has joined the organization as its newest member company, further strengthening PEPA’s recently launched distributor membership category.

Founded in 1955 and headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, Lansing Building Products is a leading supplier of exterior building materials to professional contractors across the U.S. The company operates more than 100 branches and offers a broad portfolio of products, including siding, windows, doors, decking, railing, gutters, tools and related accessories. Known for its strong contractor relationships and service-focused culture, Lansing supports residential new construction, repair and remodeling markets with local expertise backed by national scale.

Lansing’s membership reflects continued momentum behind PEPA’s distributor category, which was strategically designed to bring distributors into closer partnership with manufacturers and other industry stakeholders on key efforts, including advocacy, workforce development, market access and recycling initiatives.

“We are thrilled to welcome Lansing Building Products to PEPA,” said Kate Offringa, president & CEO, PEPA. “Lansing has built its reputation on trusted relationships, operational excellence and a deep understanding of contractors’ needs. That perspective is invaluable as we work to strengthen the entire polymeric exterior building products’ value chain.”

Offringa added that distributors are where strategy meets the jobsite. “By having respected leaders like Lansing at the table, we’re ensuring that real-world insights help shape our work on numerous initiatives,” she said. “Lansing has long been a partner in our VSI Certified Installer Program. Their nationwide footprint and influence will help amplify our collective impact across other PEPA initiatives. We’re excited to have them on board and look forward to expanding our distributor community with companies that share our commitment to advancing the industry together.” 

About the Polymeric Exterior Products Association (PEPA)

The Polymeric Exterior Products Association (PEPA) is the trade association representing the wide range of polymeric exterior building products used to build resilient, beautiful home exteriors across North America. Our goal is to create more relevance, value and impact for our products for all those in the value chain. By uniting members across our category, we aim to promote the benefits of polymeric products to the homebuilding industry and drive a more significant impact than ever before.