By Emma Peterson. 

Denver Riggleman shares his thoughts on how AI will impact jobs and the larger workforce. 

As AI and automation increasingly become present in our daily lives, a common concern is that these technologies will take jobs away from people. This type of concern is not new. Every time a new technology is introduced, people naturally have hesitation and fear how things will change. And it does change things; think about the now-obsolete jobs like switchboard operators and projectionists. But it’s also important to remember that the technology that took over for those roles also made new opportunities. 

To look at how AI might change our workplace, both in creating jobs and taking over certain roles, Heidi J. Ellsworth spoke with Denver Riggleman, the co-founder and CEO of Hootl, for an episode of Contractor Outlook all about AI.  

The honest truth is that AI might take away some jobs, just like how technological advancements over the years have changed the roles necessary for operation. Denver shared, “I'm going to be very blunt, AI will take jobs that automation can automate. Take call centers, for example. I would say in the next 15 to 20 years, they will be all AI regardless.” But at the same time, automation is also a powerful tool for enabling businesses to grow and hire more employees in other sectors. Denver explained:  

Say you ‘lose’ 10 jobs at the admin processing level because AI is automating the mundane tasks. You now have the payroll space to hire people or have the people that were working those jobs change focus to working on higher-skill level tasks. And then with more people working on those higher-level tasks, you’re able to expand your gross revenue with a higher margin. 

In other words, AI might take over certain roles. By taking those mundane and tedious tasks off of people’s plates, however, it allows them to work on high-level tasks that not only are more engaging for them but also can help your company grow. And company growth often goes hand-in-hand with hiring new employees.  

Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording to hear more insights into the role of AI in our workforce. 

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn about the partnership between the Roofing Alliance and Ronald McDonald House. 

In 2017, Charles Antis of KPost Roofing and Waterproofing stood up in a Roofing Alliance meeting and suggested a nationwide project where roofers could adopt Ronald McDonald House programs. Our very own Heidi J. Ellsworth was there that day and has seen how that idea has grown over the last decade. To talk about this initiative, she hosted Katie Fitzgerald, president and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Global, for an episode of Contractor Outlook.  

Ronald McDonald House dates back to the 1970s when a renowned pediatric oncologist named Dr. Audrey Evans realized that many of the families of her patients at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia had nowhere to stay during treatment. For families who traveled especially far for their child’s treatment, some would even sleep in waiting room chairs or on hospital floors, just to be close  

In partnership with McDonald’s and the Philadelphia Eagles, she opened the first Ronald McDonald House, which provided families with free housing so they could be close to their children and the life-saving treatment they needed. Today, there are over 400 Housesin 60countries and regions.  

The growth was incredible, but with that growth came support needs. Katie explained:  

In the United States alone, our 165 standalone Houses, which are safe havens of comprehensive support for families with social services, emotional support, meals, transportation, art therapy and even schooling, take up around six million square feet of physical infrastructure. That’s a lot to take care of and honestly, our organization is very lean. Our Houses need help with the day-to-day operations, let alone the bigger maintenance tasks. 

It's that need that Charles’ idea aimed to fill, and the best part is it worked! Heidi shared some of her first-hand experience of what the mobilization looked like after Charles’ presentation to the Roofing Alliance in 2017, saying, “Contractors were calling contractors across the country. Someone from Philadelphia was calling someone in Oregon or Washington or wherever it may be and saying, ‘Hey, we're doing this here. You guys really should think about this.’ And it was because they shared their stories of supporting Ronald McDonald House and how powerful it was that a lot of people were able to get involved, adopt and be a part of this big program.” 

For Katie and broader Ronald McDonald House System, that mobilization was game changing. She explained, “I think since that time, there's been over $3 million of support for everything from maintenance to full-on roof replacement. The partnership is saving our nonprofit partners who perform this work tremendous amounts of money that they can put into the family instead. It’s been amazing... And one of the best parts is just seeing roofers all over the country fall in love with our mission and go beyond the roof to help. I know roofers around the country have been involved in other sorts of activities to take care of the houses beyond the roofs — fundraising, volunteering, collecting holiday gifts and more! They’re really connected with this mission so beautifully and we need the help.” 

Listen to the newscast or Watch the whole episode for more about how contractors all over are supporting Ronald McDonald House’s incredible mission. 

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Protecting people, property and performance through proper coordination, education and certified expertise. 

Lightning protection is one of the most overlooked, yet critical components of the building envelope and roofing contractors are right in the middle of it. Every roof system, whether residential or commercial, plays a direct role in how a building interacts with lightning. Yet too often, lightning protection systems are treated as an afterthought rather than an integrated part of roofing design, installation and long-term maintenance.

At its core, a lightning protection system is designed to safely intercept, conduct and dissipate lightning energy into the ground. These systems use highly conductive materials such as copper or aluminum to create a low-resistance path that directs electrical current away from the structure, preventing fire, structural damage and injury.

For roofing contractors, that means every penetration, attachment point, retrofit and reroof project has the potential to impact how that system performs. Roofing is where lightning protection lives. Air terminals, conductors and bonding components are all installed on or through the roof system. When roofing contractors are unaware of how these systems function, even routine work can compromise protection.

During reroofing projects in particular, the risks increase significantly. Removing and reinstalling lightning protection components without proper expertise can lead to system failure or non-compliance. In fact, re-roofing is rarely as simple as reinstalling existing components, and unqualified handling is a major source of substandard systems. Additionally, changes to rooftop equipment, foot traffic or weathering can degrade both the roof and the lightning protection system over time. Without coordination, roofing work can unintentionally break continuity in the system, reducing its ability to safely direct lightning energy.

For residential roofing contractors, the importance of lightning protection is growing as homes incorporate more technology, solar systems and complex roof designs. A properly installed system helps protect not only the structure but also electronics, appliances and occupants. On the commercial side, the stakes are even higher. Larger structures are more likely to be struck by lightning due to their size and height. A single strike can damage roofing systems, disrupt operations and result in major financial loss or safety risks. For facility managers, this makes coordination with roofing contractors essential throughout the life of the building.

One of the most important takeaways for roofing contractors is this: Lightning protection is a specialized trade. Working with certified lightning protection professionals is not optional, it is essential. Organizations like the Lightning Protection Institute (LPI), found at lightning.org, emphasize the importance of certified specialists who are trained in design, installation and inspection. And these professionals do more than install systems. They educate roofing contractors and facility managers on how to properly work around these systems during installation, service and reroofing. This includes understanding proper bonding, maintaining conductor continuity and ensuring that any rooftop additions are integrated into the system. 

Industry leaders like Kelley Collins of the LPI continue to advocate for education and collaboration across trades. Through conferences and industry engagement, they help bridge the gap between roofing contractors, engineers and lightning protection experts. Lightning protection is not a one-and-done installation. Like roofing systems, it requires ongoing inspection and maintenance. Industry standards recommend regular visual inspections and periodic comprehensive testing to ensure continued performance.

For roofing contractors, this creates an opportunity to add value by working alongside certified lightning professionals during maintenance and service work. Whether replacing the roof, adding rooftop equipment or performing repairs, coordination ensures the system remains intact and effective.  The message coming from industry organizations is clear. Collaboration between trades is critical. Roofing contractors, lightning protection specialists, engineers and facility managers must work together to ensure systems are properly designed, installed and maintained. 

This is not just about compliance. It is about protecting lives, preserving property and ensuring long-term building performance.  As roofing continues to evolve with new materials, technologies and system complexity, understanding lightning protection will only become more important. Contractors who take the time to learn, partner with certified professionals and integrate these systems into their workflows will be better positioned to deliver complete, high-performing roofing solutions. Because when lightning strikes, the roof is the first line of defense, and it has to be ready. 

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 Emma Peterson. 

How the Farnsworth Group fosters business growth by helping contractors and other professionals better understand the market around them. 

One of the hardest parts of running a business is balancing the day-to-day tasks while also working on big picture planning. To dive into how data can help you run your company, Eric Voyer, a senior consultant at the Farnsworth Group, came by for an episode of Contractor Outlook™.  

The Farnsworth Group is a consulting firm that serves two primary functions – to provide insight into the industry on a whole and to help customers utilize that information in their businesses. As Eric put it, “We help manufacturers, retailers, trade associations and other professionals in the building products and home improvement space answer questions. They come to us with challenges and then it's our job to help them try and sort that out in a strategic fashion and just answer the question of how they can get more business based on their understanding macrotrends in the larger industry.”  

In our conversation with him, Eric highlighted two macrotrends that the Farnsworth Group consultants are talking to their clients about:  

    The rise of data centers: Overall, there have been some drops in construction, specifically on the commercial side. Eric shared, “It used to be that commercial construction was running around $80-70 million, now it's dropped somewhere around half of that.” But what’s really interesting is the rise of data centers as the loss replacer in this sector. This not only is rewarding businesses that build new data centers, but also those who work with the infrastructure around the data center, like distributors of copper and HVAC inspectors.  

    Overall uncertainty: We’re all probably sick of this word, but uncertainty really is one of the biggest trends that Farnsworth Group is helping their clients navigate. Eric explained, “We're seeing drops on a regular basis because people just don't know. Are we going to have tariffs? Are we not going to have tariffs? Are we going to have material shortages? Just this month we saw a 40% increase in diesel cost that we couldn’t have predicted two months ago.” 

These trends are just two examples of the key areas of focus that the Farnsworth Group is able to identify as a third-party consulting firm. And by identifying them, they are able to help their clients find an effective balance between managing their day-to-day operations and the long-term success of their companies. 

Listen to the newscast or Watch the recording to learn more!  

By Emma Peterson. 

April showers bring...a lot of interesting articles to The Coffee Shops™!  

As we leave the month of April behind and look towards May’s summer sunshine and peak construction season, we wanted to take a moment to look back at all the articles we published in the last month that captured our readers’ interests. And there were a lot – over 300 in fact! To make it easier to look back at the highlights, we’ve put together this list of the top ten!  

One such article shared a huge announcement from The Coffee Shops™ – We’re partnering with International Federation of the Roofing Trade (IFD)! This partnership is part of our international initiative and goal of fostering global collaboration on our sites. As Gary Howes, IFD board member explained, “By working together, [The Coffee Shops and IFD are] creating more opportunities for contractors, manufacturers and young professionals to connect, learn from one another and strengthen the future of the roofing industry on a truly international level.”  

Also on the top ten list were a variety of articles about the importance of community care and giving back! Writer Jenny Yu shared two heartwarming stories of roofers using their workmanship and talent for good! One highlighted the joint efforts between Rebuilding Together Philadelphia and a local contractor to fix the roof of a family’s home. The other was about YellowBall Roofing and Solar's donation of a new roof to Cherly and Marty Ash of Billings, Montana.  

In addition to these individual stories, Dani Sheehan wrote an article based on our Contractor Outlook Newscast with Ronald McDonald House Global President & CEO Katie Fitzgerald. Dani’s article dives into how contractors are working with Ronald McDonald House to donate their time, skills or resources to families in need. 

The top ten articles of April 2026 

10 - How contractors are supporting families through partnership with Ronald McDonald House by Dani Sheehan 

9 - Turning new hires into long-term talent by Emma Peterson 

8 - The importance of thinking outside the box by Emma Peterson 

7 - 4 practical takeaways on what AI use looks like in practice 

6 - What first-time attendees can expect at Roofing Day by Dani Sheehan 

5 - RoofersCoffeeShop® partners with International Federation of the Roofing Trade to strengthen global roofing connections 

4 - Improving performance in products and processes by Emma Peterson 

3 - Veteran surprised with free new roof by Jenny Yu 

2 - Neighbors helping neighbors by Jenny Yu 

1 - Extension cord safety for roofers by Cotney Consulting Group

By Emma Peterson. 

Ronn Levine’s article dives into the challenges and opportunities in the roofing industry presented by labor, economic and technology trends. 

Recently, award-winning writer and editor Ronn Levine wrote an article for LBM Journal diving into the roles technology, relationships and training play in the roofing industry. The article provides great insight into how roofing professionals can find success in a challenging economic and labor market.  

Throughout the article, Ronn spoke to industry experts, such as Jack Gottesman (marketing and brand director at IKO), Sarah Lograsso (director of marketing and product management for Westlake Royal Building Products), Brian Cross (operations manager of Rocky Mountain Snow Guards),  David Ellis (VP for residential marketing at GAF) and The Coffee Shops™ President Heidi J. Ellsworth!  

In their conversation, Ronn and Heidi dove into the challenges and growth that Heidi has seen through the lens of RoofersCoffeeShop®, which will be celebrating its 25th anniversary next year!  

First she highlighted the labor shortages, which has been a persistent issue over the years, explaining, “Contractors and associations are working very strongly on workforce development, getting back into the high schools, the vocational schools, and thinking, ‘How do we get more skilled labor?’”  

From there, the conversation shifted to the economic outlook for roofing. One thing Heidi specifically mentioned was the semi-recent advancement of private equity firms, sharing, “The mergers of many companies into regional and national players, along with the influx of private equity funds, has changed the competitive marketplace.”  

Interested in the rest of Ronn and Heidi’s conversation, as well as the experts he interviewed? Read the whole article on LBM Journal’s website!

By Dani Sheehan. 

See how you can donate time, skills or resources to support an incredible cause. 

Our industry is built on protecting what matters most, and roofing contractors across the country are finding a deeper purpose through their work with Ronald McDonald House. In a recent episode of Contractor Outlook™, Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down with the President and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Global, Katie Fitzgerald, to learn more about the organization's history and its powerful partnership with the Roofing Alliance. 

As Katie explains, Ronald McDonald House was born out of a very real and painful gap in the healthcare system. Families traveling for lifesaving treatment had nowhere to go, and in some cases, were forced to make impossible decisions. That changed in 1974 with the creation of the first Ronald McDonald House: a place where families could stay, free of charge, while their child received care.  

“Our whole mission is to make sure that we’re supporting families so that they can support their children on what is without question the most unimaginable healthcare journey,” Katie emphasizes. Today, that mission spans more than 400 Ronald McDonald House programs in over 60 countries. But these spaces are more than temporary housing. They are fully integrated support systems designed to carry families through the hardest moment of their lives. 

A simple realization, a powerful industry response 

For the roofing industry, involvement began with a straightforward, but deeply human, realization. Katie shares, “When you think about Ronald McDonald House, we have millions of square feet of physical infrastructure. And our houses are these safe havens of comprehensive support for families... I think there was this ‘aha’ moment – all these Houses have roofs. And as nonprofit organizations, we really need support from the broader community.” 

Across the United States, Ronald McDonald House locations require constant upkeep to remain safe, comfortable and fully operational. But for a nonprofit, those costs can quickly pull resources away from the families who need their support the most. That “aha moment,” as Katie describes it, helped spark a partnership with the Roofing Alliance in 2017, in large part thanks to Charles Antis. 

“The idea was to have the Roofing Alliance, its members, come together and make sure that all 165 standalone houses in the United States got support – everything from maintenance to roof replacements,” Katie continues. 

What followed has been nearly a decade of hands-on support and a measurable impact. “There’s been over $3 million of in-kind support... which is obviously saving our nonprofit partners tremendous amounts of money that they can put into their families,” Katie explains. 

From inspections and repairs to reroofing projects, contractors have helped preserve these homes, ensuring they remain safe, reliable havens for families in crisis. 

A model worth building on 

“If you go into a Ronald McDonal House or you get a chance to meet a family, you are hooked... You can’t not want to do more,” Katie shares. Contractors who initially show up for a project often find themselves returning in new ways, driven by the families they meet and the stories they hear. Across the country, roofing professionals are stepping beyond the jobsite to support Houses in ways that reflect the heart of the industry: 

• Preparing and serving meals for families 
• Hosting fundraising events like golf tournaments 
• Volunteering during holidays and special events 
• Helping with day-to-day operations and upkeep 

The value contractors bring is felt not only in their technical skills, but also in their willingness to show up, lend a hand and invest in their communities. 

The partnership between Ronald McDonald House and the roofing industry is a powerful example of what can happen when professionals align their expertise with a greater purpose. At its core, it’s about stability, safety and giving families one less thing to worry about during the most difficult time in their lives. As Katie’s perspective makes clear, sometimes all it takes is stepping inside a House to understand the impact, and to realize just how much more there is to build. 

Listen to the full podcast episode to learn more about this incredible partnership and find a way to make a difference in your own community.

By Dani Sheehan. 

What began as a simple idea quickly became something much bigger: a shared effort powered by generosity, teamwork and the belief that even small acts of kindness can create lasting impact. 

At The Coffee Shops™, community means showing up for neighbors, lending a hand when it’s needed and using our collective reach to make a real difference. Throughout the beginning of 2026, we ran a nationwide food and supply drive, where crew members and our partners across the country gathered pantry staples, hygiene products and everyday essentials for local food banks and community organizations. 

With crew members and supporters participating from multiple regions, donations were delivered to organizations helping families, children, students and individuals facing food insecurity. From in-person drop-offs to online contributions through Amazon wishlists, the drive made it easy for people to take part however they could. 

A crew united by compassion 

For many crew members, participating in the drive was deeply personal. Drake Porter, industry relations coordinator, shared: 

I love giving back! The opportunity to give to those in my community that needing everyday basics warms my heart. Kindness doesn't have to be complicated. The simplest act — providing a pair of socks — can mean the world to someone. 

Emma Richardson, account manager, was integral in bringing this drive together and reflected on why taking action was so important: 

It was important to me to run a food drive because food insecurity is a critical issue in my community. Late last year, the strain on local resources reached a breaking point, and we were forced to confront the fragility of systems so many people depend on for survival. While we couldn't fix everything, it was impossible to do nothing. Our food drive is a drop in a very large ocean, but strong communities are built on collective effort, and this is an exciting first step! 

In Bend, Oregon, Lauren White, our editor-in-chief, saw firsthand what can happen when communities collaborate. She shared: 

Being a part of this supply drive for our local communities has been a meaningful experience. It's amazing to see our crew come together to support so many different groups of people. The Central Oregon National Women in Roofing council agreed to partner with The Coffee Shops (TCS) to help further expand the reach of this drive and we received a lot of donations here! Having the Amazon wishlist was really convenient for people who weren't able to drop items off at a physical location. 

We wish we could have donated to all of the organizations in Central Oregon who are serving our neighbors in need. We decided to donate our supplies to The Giving Plate because of their mission: ‘To end hunger by reimagining what food relief looks like, creating a place where guests feel seen and cared for. A community that affirms every person’s inherent worth and dignity.’ They also have a food pantry for kids (Kid's Korner & Kid’s Korner Mobile Pantry) as well as provide weekend food bags for K-12 students in over 30 Bend/La Pine schools with food for the weekend to eliminate gaps in access to food.  

I dropped off the donations at The Giving Plate, and they were very happy to receive all of the food items and travel size shampoo and conditioner bottles that were donated by various people in Central Oregon. 

I'm proud of our efforts and grateful to be a small part in the TCS Supply Drive and look forward to even more supply drives in the future! 

For Emma Peterson, senior content developer, the drive also connected to personal experience: 

Food resources like food banks and pantries are so important. I remember how game-changing the local one was for me when I was in school, and last fall truly showed how crucial these community programs are to our neighbors’ wellbeing. This drive was a great opportunity to pay it forward after the help I have received and support the communities around us. 

More than a donation drive 

While the boxes of food and supplies made a tangible difference, this effort was about more than what was collected. It highlights connection, coworkers rallying around a cause, partners stepping up to help and communities seeing that they are not alone. 

We’re incredibly grateful to every person who donated, shared the drive, partnered locally or helped coordinate efforts behind the scenes. Your generosity turned a company initiative into something truly meaningful. 

The need for community support continues year-round. We hope this effort inspires others to look around their own neighborhoods and ask how they can help, whether that means donating food, volunteering time or supporting local organizations doing essential work every day. 

We believe strong communities are built when people show up for one another. Thanks to our crew and supporters nationwide, that belief was put into action.

By The Coffee Shops™. 

Industry feedback is sought as review considers potential market impacts. 

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is seeking views on the anticipated merger between Akzo Nobel N.V. and Axalta Coating Systems Ltd. The request for input forms part of the CMA’s standard review process and is intended to help regulators understand how the transaction could affect competition within the U.K. market. 

Both companies are established global suppliers of coatings used across a wide range of industries, including products relevant to metal roofing, cladding and broader building envelope applications. As part of its initial assessment, the CMA is gathering information from stakeholders to evaluate whether the proposed merger could influence factors such as product availability, pricing, innovation and customer choice. 

The current invitation to comment runs from 16 April to 1 May 2026. At this stage, the CMA has not yet formally launched its Phase 1 investigation, but the consultation represents the first step in its information gathering process. Feedback submitted during this period will help determine whether a fuller review is required. 

For those involved in roofing and construction, coatings play an important role in long-term performance, durability and appearance, particularly in environments exposed to changing weather conditions. Any significant change in the coatings marketplace can be of interest across the supply chain. Protective finishes can help defend against corrosion, UV degradation and moisture, while specialist systems may also improve aesthetics and energy efficiency. 

The proposed transaction would combine two major international manufacturers with extensive product portfolios and global reach. In their original announcement, the companies said the merged business would generate approximately $17 billion in annual revenue, operate across more than 160 countries and bring together well-known brands serving sectors such as powder coatings, marine, industrial, aerospace and decorate paints. 

The review provides an opportunity for contractors, manufacturers, distributors and specifiers to share perspectives on how the market currently operates and how it could be affected by a combined entity. Businesses may wish to comment on supplier choice, technical support, lead times, product development or the availability of specialist coating systems. 

The CMA’s role is to ensure markets continue to work effectively for businesses and consumers. Input from industry participants can help build a clearer picture of sector-specific considerations and whether any competition concerns may arise. 

Stakeholders across the roofing and construction supply chain who work with protective and performance coatings may wish to consider participating in the consultation before the 1 May 2026 deadline. Responses will contribute to the CMA’s evaluation as it determines the potential implications of the proposed merger for the U.K. market.