By Dani Sheehan. 

Contractors looking to differentiate in 2026 are finding new opportunities in spray polyurethane foam (SPF) roofing systems that solve challenges traditional systems can’t always address. 

For contractors looking to grow their commercial capabilities, spray polyurethane foam (SPF) can be more than another system to offer. It can become a strategic service line that opens the door to restoration work, complex reroofing projects and energy-focused upgrades. 

Why spray foam stands out 

Many roof systems perform well on straightforward projects. But not every roof is straightforward. Buildings with multiple penetrations, rooftop equipment, irregular layouts or curved structures often create labor-intensive installation challenges for conventional materials. 

Because the material is spray-applied and fully adhered, SPF conforms to the substrate and creates a seamless surface across transitions, penetrations and hard-to-detail areas. Instead of cutting and fitting around every obstacle, you can create a continuous insulated roofing system that helps simplify difficult applications. 

As Will Lorenz of General Coatings Manufacturing Corp shared during a live soundstage interview at the International Roofing Expo (IRE) 2026, “The more difficult the building is, the more it’s a perfect fit for spray foam.” 

A smart path for recover and restoration projects 

As more commercial roofs age, owners are increasingly interested in restoration and recover options that preserve existing assets. In many cases, a full tear-off may not be necessary if the substrate remains sound. 

Spray foam can help you answer restoration demand by adding insulation, improving waterproofing performance and renewing aging roof systems without the cost and disruption of removing the entire roof assembly. 

For owners, that can mean: 

• Reduced landfill waste from tear-offs 
• Lower disruption to occupied buildings 
• Faster project timelines 
• Improved thermal performance 
• Extended roof service life 

Training is what turns opportunity into profit 

Spray foam roofing is not a plug-and-play category. Successful installation requires an understanding of proportioning equipment, spray technique, substrate conditions, weather variables and coating application standards. Industry associations such as the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) and Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association (RCMA) continue to play an important role in advancing best practices, education and professionalism across the category. 

Manufacturers matter too. Contractors entering or expanding in SPF need partners who can provide product guidance, jobsite support, inspections and warranty pathways. As Will explained, “People install it and make it a roof.” Quality materials matter, but quality outcomes depend on trained contractors backed by responsive manufacturers. 

General Coatings is available to help you evaluate opportunities, choose the right coating systems, troubleshoot field conditions and build long-term confidence in SPF installations. If you want to expand their commercial offerings, improve margins and solve more complex problems for your customers, spray foam may be one of the smartest additions to the toolbox. 

Learn how General Coatings can help build your business with spray foam! 

By Dani Sheehan. 

KARNAK is helping move roof maintenance from a reactive service to a strategic growth driver for contractors. 

Across the industry, maintenance is creating new entry points into commercial roofing, strengthening relationships with building owners and helping contractors build more resilient, diversified businesses. 

This shift is being driven by evolving roof systems, economic pressures and a growing emphasis on extending roof life through restoration. Industry insights continue to show that building owners are increasingly choosing restoration as a cost-effective, less disruptive alternative to replacement when conditions allow. 

“There’s so many people that are new to roofing that are getting into the maintenance side first,” said Chris Huettig of KARNAK in a recent interview on The Coffee Shops™ sound stage. “That steppingstone to get into commercial roofing and repair is what they need, and they need to know which products do what.” 

Compared to full replacements, repair work often requires lower upfront investment, shorter timelines and quicker decision-making. It also allows time to gain hands-on experience with different systems while building trust with customers. If you can respond quickly, diagnose issues accurately and deliver reliable repairs, you’ll be the one who gets the call when bigger projects arise. 

Education is defining the next generation 

As more contractors enter the maintenance space, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: success depends on technical knowledge. Roofing systems today are more complex than ever, and repairs are no longer one-size-fits-all. Different substrates, membranes and coatings require specific approaches, and applying the wrong product or technique can lead to premature failure. “We need to be more technically sound getting these kinds of systems and products applied correctly so that they last and they have value,” John McDermott of KARNAK added.  

The push for education is being driven across the industry, including through organizations like the Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association (RCMA), where manufacturers like KARNAK are actively working to bring contractors into the conversation. By expanding contractor involvement, RCMA is helping bridge the gap between product development, technical standards and real-world application. The goal is to ensure that as coatings and restoration systems continue to grow in popularity, they are installed and repaired correctly, so they deliver long-term performance. 

Practical innovation on the roof 

Solutions like Karna-Seal 671 are examples of how manufacturers are responding to the evolution of roofing systems and system-specific solutions. Silicone coatings, for example, have seen widespread adoption across commercial roofing, creating a new set of challenges. “Over the last decade there’s been 10 million gallons of silicone coating applied in the U.S. on commercial roofs every year. So, there’s just a lot more of that out there. You have to have a really good repair component for silicone because nothing else will stick to it,” John shared. 

Not only is Karna-Seal 671 compatible with silicone coatings, but it also offers excellent adhesion across multiple substrates. KARNAK now also offers Karna-Seal in two-liter pouches and caulk tubes in addition to their two and a half gallon buckets. Transporting materials onto a roof, often while climbing ladders or navigating tight access points, requires solutions that are easy to carry and quick to use. This thoughtful change in packaging helps crews stay mobile and perform more effectively on each project. 

Partnering with manufacturers like KARNAK and investing in training to deliver consistent quality will position your business for any changing market conditions. Because increasingly, growth in roofing isn’t starting with tear-off. It’s starting with maintenance.  

By Jenny Yu.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Join RCMA this October in Atlanta for the 2026 Fall Meeting.

At The Coffee Shops™, we are committed to sharing timely industry information while supporting the associations that move roofing forward. Organizations like the Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association (RCMA) play a vital role in advancing education, advocacy and innovation, and we are proud to help promote their work and encourage membership across the industry. 

That momentum is clear in 2026. Under the leadership of President Josh Poole, RCMA continues to expand its impact through growing contractor engagement, strong technical initiatives and new leadership guiding the association forward. 

RCMA recently welcomed new board leadership, including George Daisey of Dow Chemical Company as supplier vice president, along with Brent Crenshaw of EPS Materials and Jayne Rollason of Polyglass USA, Inc. as directors. Their experience and commitment reflect the strength of leadership shaping the future of roof coatings. 

A key focus continues to be RCMA’s growing Contractor Membership, bringing applicators into the conversation around codes, standards and best practices. This inclusion ensures that real-world insights are helping guide the industry while giving contractors access to technical resources, education and valuable industry connections. 

RCMA is also advancing technical excellence with resources like Coatings Tech Note 6 on white roof coatings, providing practical guidance on performance, application and energy efficiency. At the same time, member companies are driving innovation across the industry, with SOPREMA USA and Fluid Applied Roofing (FAR) recognized at the 2026 International Roofing Expo (IRE) for their award-winning technologies. Collaboration remains at the core of RCMA’s success, with new members like BITEC® and AB Specialty Silicones strengthening the association’s network and expertise. 

Looking ahead, the RCMA 2026 Fall Meeting, taking place October 7–8 in Atlanta, Georgia, will bring together industry leaders, technical experts and decision-makers for two days of collaboration and forward-thinking discussion. For contractors, manufacturers and suppliers, this is the time to get involved.

Plan to attend the Fall Meeting and be part of the conversations shaping the future of roof coatings. 

The survey is an industrywide effort to collect information about the reroofing market spearheaded by a coalition of trade associations.

The National Roofing Contractors Association encourages roofing professionals to join industry trade associations representing contractors, consultants and manufacturers in the U.S. and Canada in taking part in the latest Quarterly Market Index Survey for Reroofing to evaluate business conditions during the first quarter of 2026.

For more than two years, the survey has taken the pulse of the reroofing industry and continues to serve as a regular barometer of the industry’s business conditions. By asking a handful of business questions and measuring responses across several demographics, the survey helps indicate the reroofing market’s strength and trajectory. Your response provides valuable insight.

The results of the Quarterly Market Index Survey for Reroofing are made available to all survey participants via an online dashboard that enables users to filter results by region and other metrics.

For the previous survey that measured business activity during the fourth quarter of 2025, 75% of responses came from roofing contractors and 25% came from roof consultants.

The survey is an industrywide effort to collect information about the reroofing market spearheaded by a coalition of trade associations, including the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association, Canadian Roofing Contractors Association, Chemical Fabrics & Film Association Inc., EPDM Roofing Association, International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants, Metal Construction Association, Metal Roofing Alliance, National Roofing Contractors Association, National Women in Roofing, Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association, Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association and Single Ply Roofing Industry.

The Quarterly Market Index Survey for Reroofing is available at bit.ly/RoofingSurvey. Survey responses may be submitted through April 20.

About National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)

Since 1886, the National Roofing Contractors Association has been the home for generations of entrepreneurial craftsmen and enterprises who shelter and protect America’s families and businesses and each other. Our vision is the recognition of our members as professionals and to unite the industry to that purpose. NRCA is one of the construction industry’s most respected trade associations and the voice of roofing professionals and leading authority in the roofing industry for information, education, technology and advocacy. It represents all segments of the roofing industry, including contractors; manufacturers; distributors; architects; consultants; engineers; building owners; and city, state and government agencies. For information about NRCA and its services and offerings, visit www.nrca.net.

By Dani Sheehan. 

This is advocacy in action. See what Mississippi’s House Bill 1730 means for commercial contractors. 

Earlier this year, a piece of legislation in Mississippi quietly gained momentum, but its impact would have been anything but quiet for roofing contractors. Mississippi House Bill 1730 (HB 1730) proposed a seemingly straightforward requirement: all new publicly funded buildings must have a minimum roof slope of 3:12. This would have reshaped how public buildings are designed and roofed for Mississippi and potentially elsewhere. 

A simple requirement with complex consequences 

For anyone in commercial roofing, the implications of this bill are clear. A 3:12 minimum slope would have effectively eliminated low-slope roofing systems from publicly funded projects like schools, hospitals and government buildings. What made the proposal especially challenging wasn’t just the restriction itself, but what it overlooked. Low-slope systems have a long, proven track record. They’re widely used because they work – both from a performance standpoint and a cost perspective. 

By introducing a one-size-fits-all requirement, the bill risked creating a ripple effect: limiting design flexibility, conflicting with established building codes and potentially increasing costs without delivering measurable benefits. 

When the industry comes together 

As the bill moved through the Mississippi House, the response from the roofing industry was swift and unified. The Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association (RCMA) joined forces with the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC), working alongside the Coalition for Sustainable Roofing to present a clear message to lawmakers.  

Roofing systems, they explained, aren’t interchangeable. The right solution depends on the building, the environment and the intended use. Mandating a single approach ignores the realities contractors and designers navigate every day. By backing that perspective with technical data, real-world performance history and practical cost considerations, the coalition helped to reframe the conversation. 

After passing the House, HB1730 ultimately failed to advance in the Senate, halting the mandate before it could take effect. This is a huge win for contractors in Mississippi, whose projects can continue to be designed with the flexibility they require, using systems that make sense for each building. Just as importantly, it avoids introducing unnecessary cost pressures on publicly funded construction, where budgets already face scrutiny. 

Why this moment matters beyond Mississippi 

It would be easy to see this as a localized issue and move on, but the broader implications tell a different story. At its core, this was a question of who gets to shape roofing decisions. When policies are created without input from the people doing the work, they risk missing the mark in ways that might easily be overlooked. This outcome reinforces the value of contractor expertise in those conversations. It also protects something fundamental to our industry: the ability to choose the right system for the job. 

There’s also a bigger takeaway in how this unfolded. No single company or organization drove the result. It was the alignment of manufacturers, contractors, consultants and associations speaking with a consistent, fact-based message. 

Legislation like HB 1730 often starts with good intentions. But as this situation shows, even well-meaning proposals can have unintended consequences when they don’t fully account for real-world applications. The impact of these decisions shapes the systems you can install, costs you have to manage and the way projects come together from start to finish. 

When the industry stays informed, participates through trusted associations and brings field experience to the conversation, it can influence outcomes in meaningful ways. Mississippi is a clear example of that. 

And it’s a reminder that protecting the integrity of our industry doesn’t happen passively – it happens when we choose to show up.

From packed aisles and live demonstrations to soundstage interviews and meaningful conversations, WOC 2026 showcased the innovation and heart of the industry. 

World of Concrete (WOC) 2026 defined the scale and energy of the construction trades coming together this year. Our crew had the unique opportunity to be present at both the International Roofing Expo (IRE) and World of Concrete, moving between two massive shows, two soundstages and countless conversations. Here’s a closer look at how it went and what it means to capture the stories that matter most to the industry. 

For Heidi J. Ellsworth, president and CEO of The Coffee Shops™, the week was all about participation: 

We were able to really tell the stories of those in this industry through interviews on the floor, live conversations on our soundstage and just through all the activities that we participated in, from National Women in Roofing Day to Roof Coating Manufacturers Association (RCMA) meeting, ROOFPAC, Roofing Alliance Student Competition and RT3 panel. I feel that we not only told the stories, but we participated in a way that really helps to elevate the industry.  

It was a truly spectacular week, and big shout out to Informa and NRCA for everything that they do to make this show such a success.  

Experiencing the scale and energy 

Moving between both shows gave the crew a front-row seat to the size, diversity and momentum of the construction and coatings industries. Dani Sheehan, content strategist, described the experience of opening day at WOC: 

Day one, when everything opened, Camden and I had the chance to walk the show floor and people were literally shoulder to shoulder. You couldn’t move; it felt like a school of fish just moving through the crowd, but the energy was palpable. It was so cool to see it, to witness it and to watch as that energy carried into conversations and demonstrations with our partners. 

World of Concrete offered the opportunity to explore new dimensions of familiar brands. Dani and Camden highlighted time spent with manufacturers and coatings experts: 

Our first interview of the day was Sika. Learning about all their wall coatings and the trainings they lead was really interesting – it was a part of their business I was unfamiliar with. Then, we got to hang out in the outdoor demonstration area with our friends from ICP Group. APF Polymer Surfaces and Pli-Dek were there showing us some amazing decorative floor coatings. It was almost hard to get to the interview because so many people were at the demo. We loved engaging in these conversations and having the chance to ask them questions in real time. 

Bringing the industry together 

While much of her week centered around IRE, Karen Edwards, COO of The Coffee Shops, had some time to experience WOC firsthand, emphasizing that whether our crew is on the soundstage or walking the show floor, the mission remained the same: 

In the last two hours of the show, I was able to go over to WOC with Heidi, visit some existing customers, talk to some new customers and really see the size and breadth of the show. It’s really impressive and incredible. We’ve been using the tagline recently, ‘Your industry, Your stories,’ and that’s our goal, really, is to focus on the industry, telling the stories, having those conversations, sharing those interviews and uplifting the entire industry. 

For Karol Weyman, product and business development director, WOC was unlike anything she had experienced before: 

World of Concrete did not disappoint — it was the largest show I’ve attended in my career. CoatingsCoffeeShop™ was located right in the lobby, and we had an incredible number of people stop by to share their stories. The passion across the industry was contagious. My role at the show was to oversee the booth and serve as a soundstage host, which gave me the opportunity to connect with contractors who have been in the industry for over 40 years, as well as manufacturers, distributors and service providers who are truly committed to supporting and advancing the industry. We also attended several outstanding charity-focused events, which reinforced one clear takeaway: this is an industry that genuinely values giving back and paying it forward. 

Evelyn Witterholt, content developer, shared a similar sentiment: 

World of Concrete lives up to its name, both in size and impact. It was our first time exhibiting at WOC and being positioned in the lobby meant we got to be on the frontlines of this incredible show. We got to meet people from all sectors of the industry, many of which were excited to talk to us about their businesses. With three indoor halls and two outdoor exhibits, there was plenty of exploring to do at the show. I particularly enjoyed watching the concrete double disc trowel agility course competition. I can't wait to see what WOC 2027 has in store! 

Training, competition and innovation 

From outdoor exhibits to emerging technology, innovation was everywhere. Megan Ellsworth, multimedia director, was struck by how much hands-on learning and competition took place throughout the event: 

There was the brick layer competition, and that was super fun to watch all the brick laying teams competing out in the bronze lot exhibit area working so hard to get every brick laid right.

The outdoor exhibits were my favorite – it was really cool to see big name brands like DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee and even more! One thing that I love that is growing in the trades right now is women joining crews. There weren't many out there, but there were more than I have ever seen before, and I loved seeing that. I spoke to so many companies that were exploring the world of 3D printing, especially with concrete and that fascinated me. Quikrete was a standout in their capabilities of 3D printing with concrete, and the creations they had on display were somewhat mind-blowing. It is brilliant to see the innovations and what will be taken back home with contractors from the show and how the building trades industry grows after shows like World of Concrete. 

For our crew, World of Concrete was inspiring to participate in – listening, learning and amplifying the voices shaping what comes next. 

Check out our YouTube playlist for more insights from industry experts!

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn how roofing associations are able to strengthen the industry by uniting our voices. 

Looking at the news today, it is impossible to ignore the continuous fluctuation of immigration policies in the United States. This nebulous environment has had a devastating impact on the roofing and construction industries where it is estimated that one in three workers are foreign-born. Here at The Coffee Shops™, we have heard stories from across the industry of raids and other harsh policy implementations that are harming crews and industry professionals who are just trying to do their jobs.  

But there are ways that we as an industry can come together to create a better future where borders are secure and our hardworking roofers are protected. To learn how industry leaders and associations are working towards this goal, we sat down with Will Lorenz of General Coatings for an episode of Roofing Road Trips®. 

The importance of associations 

Will is the president of General Coatings and an active member of many industry associations, such as the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA), Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association (RCMA) and National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). In each of these different facets of his professional life, immigration policy has been a huge topic of discussion, and one he has taken seriously. He shared, “The big thing is that these aren’t just local issues, they’re federal. So, to figure out how to navigate them, associations are key.”  

Why are associations so important for issues like this? As Will explained, they have the ability and resources to listen to each individual member and turn those concerns and opinions into cohesive, group action. As Will puts it, “Associations bring together contractors and manufacturers from every area to share what's important to them and what can help the economy grow so we can all work towards getting more people roofs that keep them clean and dry.” 

NRCA and the Dignity Act 

A great example of a roofing association unifying industry voices is the NRCA’s support of the Dignity Act. The Dignity Act is a bipartisan effort to create legal paths for foreign-born workers in the U.S. The bill was brought to the House of Representatives by Veronica Escobar (D-TX) and Maria Salazar (R-FL). Representative Salazar explained the goal of the Act:  

The Dignity Act of 2025 is a revolutionary bill that offers the solution to our immigration crisis: Secure the border, stop illegal immigration and provide an earned opportunity for long-term immigrants to stay here and work. No amnesty. No handouts. No citizenship. Just accountability and a path to stability for our economy and our future. 

Will added, “The Dignity Act is about people who are already here working, not people standing at the border...These are people who are good citizens, who have clean records, who are responsible and offer benefits to America because they have capabilities that we need here to keep our economy moving forward and our industry successful.”  

By publicly supporting the Dignity Act, NRCA is helping professionals like Will get their concerns heard by policymakers on a federal level. "What I really love about NRCA and the Roofing Alliance," Will stated, "is that they're committed to not only just putting on good roofs but building the industry long term with a payback mentality to help lift people up.”  

Listen to the full episode to learn more about how to make your voice heard through industry associations.

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

This year’s conversations reflected continued growth in roof coatings as building owners seek sustainable, cost-effective solutions and contractors look for ways to diversify their businesses.

CoatingsCoffeeShop® was proud to be a part of the Roof Coating Manufacturer Association (RCMA) 2026 meeting in Las Vegas. As an RCMA partner and sponsor, our team attended the event to connect with the industry, participate in educational sessions and continue our mission of supporting contractors through information, technology and collaboration. 

With Megan Ellsworth moderating a key panel discussion, CoatingsCoffeeShop had the opportunity to engage directly with roof coating manufacturers, material suppliers, contractors and consultants who are shaping the future of roof restoration. 

The RCMA annual meeting serves as an important gathering for the roof coating industry, providing a platform for open dialogue, education and reporting on the state of the market. The 2026 meeting was proudly sponsored by Western Colloid whose continued support helps make these important industry conversations possible. 

This year’s conversations reflected continued growth in roof coatings as building owners seek sustainable, cost-effective solutions and contractors look for ways to diversify their businesses. 

Throughout the day, attendees participated in educational sessions focused on sustainability, technology, safety and profitability. One session highlighted RCMA’s Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) initiatives and how industry-wide EPDs are helping manufacturers improve transparency and consistency while supporting long-term sustainability goals. 

Technology also played a central role in the discussions with sessions focused on roof diagnostics, measurement accuracy and tools that support smarter decision making. These conversations reinforced the importance of data and documentation in delivering successful coating projects. 

A highlight of the day was a presentation by Will Lorenz, president of General Coatings, who shared the story of using roof coatings on one of the most recognizable architectural focal points in Las Vegas. The project involved a complex sphere-shaped structure that required both spray foam and roof coatings to achieve performance, protection and long-term durability. 

Will walked attendees through the unique challenges of working on curved architecture, the importance of selecting the right materials and how application methods played a critical role in the project’s success. The presentation showcased real-world problem solving and emphasized how coatings can be used creatively and effectively on complex structures when paired with proper planning and expertise.  

Another highlight of the meeting was the panel discussion titled The Competitive Edge, moderated by Megan Ellsworth of CoatingsCoffeeShop. Panelists included Josh Poole with Tremco Construction Products Group and RCMA president, Ryan Blad with 838 Coatings, Chris Huettig with KARNAK Corporation and Cody Wilson with Unicoat Industrial Roofing Corp. 

The panel explored how coatings are helping contractors grow their businesses while providing effective solutions for building owners. Panelists shared how restoration systems extend roof life, reduce disruption and offer owners alternatives to full replacement. 

A strong theme throughout the discussion was the growing number of residential roofing contractors entering the commercial market and finding roof coatings to be a natural starting point. Coatings allow contractors to expand into commercial work without the same level of labor demands, equipment investment or jobsite disruption required for full reroofing. 

As more contractors make this transition, training was emphasized as essential. Onsite training supports proper application, improves crew confidence and ensures contractors get the most from both materials and equipment. Well-trained crews deliver better performance and stronger outcomes for customers. 

The panel also addressed how coatings create opportunities for recurring revenue through maintenance programs, helping contractors build long-term relationships with building owners while stabilizing workflow. 

Equipment selection was another key topic with discussion around spray rigs, rollers and application strategies. Contractors shared the importance of aligning equipment choices with business goals and gradually introducing spraying into operations. One of the most common contractor requests discussed was the growing need for sprayable mastics to improve efficiency and consistency. 

Labor savings were identified as one of the strongest business drivers behind coatings. Compared to full replacement, coating systems can reduce crew size, shorten project timelines and improve overall productivity. 

Panelists also emphasized the importance of evaluating roof conditions honestly before recommending a coating system. Moisture testing and clear communication with building owners are essential. Coatings are not the right solution for every roofand transparency builds long-term trust. 

Cody in particular highlighted the value of working closely with manufacturer representatives during roof walks and evaluations. When contractors and manufacturers collaborate onsite, stronger diagnostics are achieved and better recommendations can be made. This partnership ultimately leads to better outcomes for building owners. 

Manufacturers shared how they continue to support contractors through onsite assistance, evaluations and technical diagnostics. This collaborative approach ensures coating systems are installed correctly and perform as intended. 

CoatingsCoffeeShop is proud to partner with RCMA and sponsor the association as part of our commitment to advancing education, communication and connection across the roof coating industry. Events like the RCMA meeting reinforce the importance of bringing the industry together to share knowledge and support contractor success. 

As the meeting concluded, one message stood out clearly, roof coatings are not simply a product category, they are a strategic solution helping contractors grow, diversify and deliver long-term value to building owners. 

For more information about the Roof Coating Manufacturer Association visit www.roofcoatings.org and for ongoing industry news, education and contractor resources visit CoatingsCoffeeShop.com. 

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Collaboration, innovation and contractor engagement highlight a strong start to the year.

The Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association (RCMA) started the year with energy and purpose, hosting a highly successful Spring Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada, alongside its participation at the International Roofing Expo (IRE). The week brought together manufacturers, suppliers and contractors and industry leaders for meaningful conversations focused on innovation, collaboration and the future of roof coatings.

RCMA extended appreciation to the attendees, presenters, sponsors, exhibitors, committee chairs and members whose engagement helped shape a productive event. Their continued involvement is a testament to the association’s mission to advance the roof coatings industry through technical leadership, advocacy and education.

One of the most significant announcements from the meeting was the launch of RCMA’s new Contractor Membership category, expanding the association’s reach by formally welcoming roofing contractors into the community and strengthening alignment across the entire coatings value chain. The move reflects a growing recognition that collaboration between manufacturers and applicators is essential for driving best practices, quality standards and long-term performance.

Marking the occasion, Unicoat Industrial Roofing of Bradenton, Florida, was introduced as RCMA’s first contractor member. President Cody Wilson accepted the membership certificate from RCMA President Josh Poole during the meeting, symbolizing a new chapter for the association and increased contractor representation within the organization.

Education, innovation and real-world success stories

A highlight of the Spring Meeting was an engaging panel moderated by Megan Ellsworth of CoatingsCoffeeShop®. The session brought together suppliers and contractors to discuss how roofing companies can grow their businesses by adding roof coatings and liquid-applied systems to their offerings. Delivered in a dynamic Q&A format, the panel encouraged audience participation and provided practical insights on diversification, profitability and meeting evolving building owner needs.

Attendees also heard from Will Lorenz of General Coatings, who presented a compelling project spotlight featuring the application of spray polyurethane foam and coatings on a spherical centerpiece structure in Las Vegas. The presentation demonstrated how the combined system delivered an ideal balance of durability, energy performance and long-term protection, underscoring the versatility of spray foam and coatings for complex architectural designs.

The Spring Meeting was proudly sponsored by Western Colloid, whose support helped make the educational programming and industry collaboration possible.

Technical guidance supports growing metal roofing market

RCMA also unveiled Coatings Tech Note 5, a new resource dedicated to best practices for metal roof maintenance and coating applications. As metal roofing continues to gain traction for its durability and longevity, proper evaluation and coating strategies remain critical to maximizing system performance.

The tech note delivers expert recommendations on coating options such as acrylics, polyurethanes and modified asphalt, along with guidance on rust identification, seam and fastener inspections, priming, cleaning and recoat techniques. Whether addressing aging galvanized steel, Galvalume® panels or exposed fastener systems, the document is designed to help industry professionals extend roof life while improving energy efficiency.

Supplier spotlight: Innovation driving the market

The meeting also highlighted the contributions of supplier members helping move the industry forward.

H.B. Fuller, a global leader with more than 130 years of expertise in adhesives, sealants and specialty chemicals, continues to innovate across construction and clean energy markets while delivering responsive service and long-term customer partnerships.

Ravago Chemicals, serving more than 15,000 customers across 24 countries, brings creative technical solutions and a relationship-driven approach to the specialty chemical sector. With over 50 years in North America, the company remains focused on quality, sustainability and innovation.

Get involved and help shape the future of roof coatings

RCMA committees continue to address critical priorities including regulatory developments, environmental product declarations, field studies and technical standards while the Communications, Membership and Education Committee drives industry engagement and growth initiatives such as Roof Coatings Day. At the same time, RCMA’s industry-wide Environmental Product Declaration project is entering its final phase, built on the Product Category Rule published in November 2025 that establishes a 75-year expected service life, incorporates fabric systems and defines service life tiers based on dry film thickness. Draft industry-average EPDs are now in development with final data due February 28, 2026, followed by internal and external reviews.

For professionals looking to play a larger role in the industry, joining one of RCMA’s committees offers a direct path to influencing the future of roof coatings while collaborating with leading experts across the market. Now is the time to be a part of the organization advancing innovation, advocacy and technical excellence. Whether you are a manufacturer, supplier, contractor or industry professional, membership provides access to critical resources, research and a powerful network committed to elevating industry standards.

Learn more about the benefits of membership and how to join by visiting www.roofcoatings.org.