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.

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

The association is working to prevent local material bans and protect housing affordability through state-level reform. 

Housing affordability and building material choice are two key concerns for many professionals across the industry, and the Polymeric Exterior Products Association (PEPA) is leading the charge in voicing that concern. In the state of South Carolina, PEPA is advancing legislation aimed at preventing local governments from restricting the use of vinyl siding and other polymeric exterior products, a move supporters say would protect free-market principles and reduce housing costs. 

According to Alex Fernandez, PEPA’s vice president of government affairs and advocacy, meaningful policy change takes time and strategic engagement with lawmakers.  

“Each state has its own challenges and ways of doing things,” Alex explained. “But we always take the same approach: build relationships with key influencers and connect with leaders who support the homebuilding industry.” 

In South Carolina, it started with a lobbyist named Walker Smith. 

“We’re in our second year of working with PEPA and looking to cross the finish line,” Walker said. "In the first year, PEPA was new to the community, so building relationships and finding the right person with passion and desire to take this on was essential.” 

The right person — thanks to Walker’s research — came in the form of a young freshman House member looking for his first big win. What made Representative Blake Sanders (R-Anderson) an ideal fit to drive the PEPA initiative and serve as the bill’s primary sponsor was his background as a former mayor, city manager and landscape architect. 

“As a landscape architect who works with cities and counties from Louisiana to DC, we’re always talking about economic growth and affordability,” Rep. Sanders explained. “This bill reduces construction costs and contributes to local economic development.” 

To galvanize more support, Alex had a great idea involving one of the PEPA members with operations in South Carolina. 

“Alex recommended a plant tour at [PEPA member company] Cornerstone Building Brands in Gaffney last September,” Walker explained. “It was a brilliant opportunity to bring the issue home about accessible home ownership and employment concerns. South Carolina is a strong manufacturing state, and we need these jobs to support families.” 

Joining Rep. Sanders on the Cornerstone site visit were House colleagues Brian Lawson (R-Cherokee), Brandon Guffey (R-York), Melissa Oremus (R-Aiken) and Don Chapman (R-Anderson). The success of the tour inspired greater interest in the form of follow-up meetings that Walker, Rep. Sanders and Alex conducted with Carla Schuessler (R-Horry), Wendall Jones (D-Greenville), Roger Kirby (D-Florence) and Mark Smith (R-Berkley). 

“I have spoken to many legislators in the follow-up to the tour. It provided a strategic moment to engage with the proper committee members,” Walker said. “It will pay huge dividends. The new materials on display were beautiful. One rep came from a city that has banned vinyl siding and vinyl shutters. Watching these products come off the line made them appreciate the economic benefits.” 

Walker invited the entire House LCI Committee of 18 members, and there was a nice turnout. The individuals who could not attend were grateful to be invited, which, according to Walker, opened up the discussion. 

“This is the third most powerful committee in the state,” Walker said. “We have had great conversations, including one with a likely subcommittee chair, so we’re very encouraged.” 

These advocacy efforts have shed light on how some counties are overstepping state law and on the additional costs associated with traditional materials. 

“We forget the cost of maintenance and not just the cost of the materials drives the house price up,” Walker noted. “With vinyl siding, you don’t have to paint or re-treat it. Just wash it with your garden hose.” 

“Affordable housing is extremely essential to our workforce and our economic resilience,” Rep Sanders added. “We have an opportunity to lower the cost of living or maintain market costs with market reality.” 

Next steps 

Alex, Walker and the rest of the “team” have worked diligently on a bill this year. They want it to be perfect before presenting and have decided to wait until the 2026 legislative session, which runs until May. It is essential that this draft includes reasonable exceptions for historic preservation and that the focus be on enabling free-market and economic development opportunities. 

“We have enough provisions so that this is not a blanket approach,” Rep Sanders explained. “We’re trying to preserve affordable housing. Historic districts and TIFD districts still have the ability to manage growth on their own terms.” 

“Rep. Sanders, as the sponsor, was quite helpful in mitigating material size limitations,” Walker said. “Being a former mayor and city administrator has made him a valuable asset to our cause.” 

The timeline for moving the bill forward is as follows: 

• Checking to see if the LCI’s subcommittee is reconvening in December 
• Endeavoring to get a subcommittee hearing in January or the first/second week of February 
• Walker is arranging a meeting with a Senator soon to get movement in the State Senate 

“We want to get the bill passed in both chambers by the second week in May before the legislature adjourns,” Walker said. 

Political climate looks optimistic 

Walker feels optimistic about the bill’s chances of passing this year. The approach for this bill is to emphasize personal choices. 

“Here in South Carolina, we don’t want people to tell us what to do with our lives,” Walker said. “We are very strong on private rights, especially when it comes to personal property. Builders are still capable of making all brick neighborhoods. We’re more focused on preventing the government from telling us what materials to use or how to build your house. It’s about limiting government.” 

According to Walker, the homebuilders have also been supportive of the bill, which is helpful given their influence with the State Legislature. There has also been little or no opposition, which seems manageable. 

“The Association of Counties and the Municipal Association may be concerned, but we’ve allowed for purposeful exceptions,” Walker noted. “I’ve had conversations with a county lobbyist who will oppose the bill, but I don’t know how hard they’re going to fight.” 

There may be hurdles with installation, but Walker feels that education and training could address that. “I have not had any one person say, ‘I think this is a horrible idea.’” 

Rep. Sanders agrees. “Based on my planning experience, I can provide a list as to why a certain type of home doesn’t belong in a neighborhood, and the exterior product is never a factor. Nobody mentions the exterior.” 

To learn more about addressing local bans in your state, contact Alex Fernandez at afernandez@polymericexteriors.org. 

Original article and image source: PEPA

Distributor category launch fuels broader partnership and long-term growth across the polymeric exterior products industry.

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, is pleased to announce that QXO has joined the association as its newest member company.

QXO’s membership also marks an important milestone for PEPA: the official launch of its new distributor membership category, designed to bring leading distributors into boots-on-the-ground partnership with product manufacturers and other industry stakeholders on advocacy efforts around market access, workforce training and recycling.

Headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut, QXO is the fastest growing publicly traded distributor of building products in North America. The company specializes in helping contractors, distributors and suppliers streamline operations, improve efficiency and grow their businesses with confidence. With deep roots in the building materials sector, the company supports both commercial and residential markets through technology that enhances product availability, inventory management, order tracking and customer service.

With a network of approximately 8,000 professionals across North America, QXO is committed to growing to $50 billion in annual revenues, providing the scale contractors and distributors need to win in a rapidly evolving marketplace. Through strategic investments in digital tools and a customer-first mindset, QXO ensures customers have access to the right products, at the right time, with the right information.

“We are thrilled to welcome QXO as PEPA’s newest member and the first to join under our distributor category,” said Kate Offringa, president & CEO, PEPA. “Distributors play a critical role in connecting manufacturers with contractors and builders across the country. By bringing distributors into our membership, we create new opportunities to advance shared industry priorities.”

As PEPA expands its membership to include distributors, the organization aims to foster greater impact on key issues affecting the building materials sector, including workforce challenges, sustainability and recycling and market growth.

“QXO’s leadership in distribution and technology makes them an ideal partner as we unlock this new chapter,” Offringa said. “We look forward to working alongside QXO and welcoming additional distributors who share our commitment to strengthening the polymeric exterior products industry and driving meaningful progress across the marketplace.”

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.

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

Data-driven design tools increasingly favor materials that deliver durability, efficiency and code compliance. 

Here at Polymeric Exterior Products Association (PEPA), we know that artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to become a standard component of residential and commercial design workflows in 2026. As technology grows smarter and more adaptive, AI-driven platforms are increasingly used to evaluate building materials based on performance data, regional conditions and long-term value. From early design concepts through specification, AI is reshaping how architects and builders approach efficiency, resilience and predictability in the built environment. This evolution creates a natural advantage for vinyl siding, synthetic roofing and other polymeric exterior building products. 

Why AI loves polymeric exterior materials 

AI-driven design platforms evaluate materials based on a matrix of performance metrics: cost, durability, sustainability, regional suitability and aesthetic flexibility. Polymeric exteriors check all these boxes: 

• Affordability: Vinyl siding offers cost-effective solutions that AI can prioritize for budget-conscious builds. 
• Durability & low maintenance: AI systems favor materials with long lifespans and minimal upkeep, such as polymeric roof tiles, reducing lifecycle costs. 
• Fire & termite resistance: These safety features are flagged by AI as critical in risk mitigation simulations. 
• Climate adaptability: In coastal zones, AI can recommend polymeric exteriors for their resistance to salt, humidity and wind stress. 
• Sustainability: Many polymeric products are recyclable and/or made from recycled content, aligning with AI’s sustainability scoring, which should factor in green building credits for LEED Certification and other green building authorities. 
• Compliance with regulatory codes: Thanks to the proactive efforts of the Polymeric Exterior Products Association’s (PEPA) Code Development Work Group in advocating for key building code additions and amendments over the years, AI will favor vinyl siding  for specification to meet the latest regulations for continuous insulation, energy efficiency, wind and fire resistance and other aspects of the developing building code. 

How architects can manifest these benefits in AI-driven design 

If AI doesn’t automatically surface polymeric options, architects can proactively shape the conversation: 

• Feed the algorithm: Input polymeric materials into generative design tools with clear specs on performance, cost and environmental impact. 
• Simulate scenarios: Use AI to model polymeric materials under stress tests — fire, wind, moisture — to showcase their resilience. 
• Highlight lifecycle value: AI thrives on data. Architects can present lifecycle analyses demonstrating long-term savings and reduced maintenance costs. 
• Pair with smart systems: Polymeric exteriors can be integrated with sensors or smart coatings (i.e., UV-reflective layers) that AI systems can monitor and adjust. 

Blending material science and AI 

In an AI-enhanced design landscape, polymeric exterior building products aren’t just compatible; they’re strategic. Their common-sense benefits become data-backed advantages when filtered through AI’s analytical lens. 

Architects who understand both the material and machine learning can ensure these smart, sustainable choices rise to the top of every design iteration. 

Original article and photo source: PEPA

The Polymeric Exterior Products Association  provides expertise in resilient exteriors and industry advancement. 

The Coffee Shops™, the award-winning online communities where the industries meet for technologies, safety, information and education for the construction trades of roofing, metal, coatings and outdoor living, are pleased to welcome Polymeric Exterior Products Association (PEPA) into their community.   

PEPA brings a clear mission centered on defending and expanding markets for polymeric products by promoting their benefits to both the industry and its consumers. The organization supports a growing workforce through expanded installation training and certification programs and champions its members’ interests throughout government and code bodies. That includes work tied to proposed changes to ASTM standards and legislation that protects the right to choose polymeric exteriors. The association also invests in sustainability through life cycle inventory studies and environmental product declarations that elevate credible industry data. 

From PEPA, you can expect: 

• A unified voice advocating for the right to choose polymeric exteriors 
• Industry training and certification programs that strengthen the workforce 
• Reliable technical resources backed by data on performance, affordability and sustainability 
• Collaborative opportunities that connect manufacturers, suppliers, dealers, builders and installers 
• Support that helps professionals grow alongside rising demand for resilient exterior products 

The Coffee Shops are proud to welcome PEPA!

About PEPA 

Members can expect a strong focus on workforce development through installer trainee programs and certified installer pathways. These efforts support newcomers and seasoned professionals with structured training that reflects best practices and the latest installation standards. PEPA’s resource library further expands access to information on performance, affordability, energy efficiency and sustainability that professionals rely on when navigating material choices.