By Emma Peterson. 

By analyzing more than 100 commercial roofing projects, APOC and Cotney Consulting Group uncovered compelling data showing how restoration can improve labor efficiency and increase profit potential. 

Earlier this year, APOC and Cotney Consulting Group released a Roof Restoration Index that showcased market research relating to the profitability, challenges and opportunities of roof restoration. To learn more about this study, we brought Johnny Walker of APOC and John Kenney of Cotney Consulting Group together for a Coffee Conversation®.  

The inspiration behind the creation of the Roof Restoration Index ties back to the Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association (RCMA). Johnny explained:  

We were talking with RCMA and realized we’ve all been out there promoting fluid applied growth restorations based on colloquial experience but we didn’t have the data and research to back up that experience...So we did this study with the goal of getting that hard data to make sure that we’re leading people the right way by recommending restoration.  

APOC brought John and Cotney Consulting Group into the study to help them manage their data and respondents. John described his team’s role, sharing, “Anybody that knows me throughout my years knows I live and die off of data. So, I was really excited to join and use my resources and databases to help get participants and information.”  

The final index was able to analyze 118 different commercial projects. John offered a high-level overview on what they were specifically comparing between these projects, sharing, “It was 118 projects of pure data that allowed us to compare restoration against both recovery and tear-off projects.” He went on, “We focused on the profitability, labor efficiency, time efficiency and return on investment by margin performance.”  

Looking at all that data together, a pattern emerged – that restorations are a valuable roof solution. Johnny explained, “I’ve always assumed that the value of restoration came from it being more productive and that by using less time on the job, you'll get more productivity elsewhere and overall higher profitability. And, overall, this study showed that we were right to think that.” John added some details, “Specifically, when we looked at performance related to crew time, there were big arguments for restoration... Take the 300 square projects. Modeled restoration growth profit was about $8,000 per crew day versus roughly $4,300 for the re-roofing option. So, almost double the profit per crew day for restoration as opposed to reroofing.”  

What does all of this mean for contractors in the field? In a world where labor is limited and margins are tight, having the capacity to not only tear off and reroof but also to restore systems is a powerful card to have up your sleeve.  

Listen to the whole Coffee Conversation or Watch the recording to learn more. 

By Emma Peterson. 

Will Lorenz shares how the Western Roofing Expo creates meaningful connections, valuable learning experiences and opportunities for professionals throughout the roofing industry. 

In a new CoatingsCast™, Will Lorenz stopped by to talk about the Western Roofing Expo (WRE) which is coming up on September 27th-29th, 2026 at the Paris Las Vegas! Will has attended many different WREs over the years, both with General Coatings and with the Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association (RCMA). When we asked him what keeps bringing him back, he highlighted the learning and community-building that happens at each show:  

When you go there, especially on the show floor, you get to see customers, contractors, distributors and more. It's really a pleasure to be a part of because these people not only care about conducting business, but they also really care about individuals and their personal growth. 

A great example of this community-focus in action is how the industry rallies around the Davis Memorial Foundation scholarship students at each WRE. Will explained, “Through the scholarship, business owners and contractors are all working together to give students access to learning and community that can help them grow into a future career, whether that’s in roofing or not.”  

And it’s this mentality, of going beyond business and money to support people, that is the heart of WRE and why it is a must-attend show. “The type of people you meet at WRE want to help you with everything – from improving your business and building better relations to introducing you to innovative products and explaining how global events are impacting roofing,” Will shared. “Whether you're a contractor or a distributor, it’s so valuable to be surrounded by people who have that mutual vested interest in seeing the roofing business grow and be successful.” 

Listen to the podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about WRE 2026! And if you haven’t already, make sure to register to attend!  

By Emma Peterson. 

This Quarterly Market Index Survey offers a clearer picture of contractor confidence, market conditions and future opportunities. 

Every quarter, the Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association (PIMA) releases a survey sharing insights into the state of the reroofing market. This survey, aptly called the Market Index Survey for Reroofing, is made in collaboration with a variety of industry associations, including the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association, Canadian Roofing Contractors Association, International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants, Metal Construction Association, Metal Roofing Alliance, National Roofing Contractors Association, National Women in Roofing, Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association and Single Ply Roofing Industry. 

To learn more about this survey, Heidi J. Ellsworth brought experts from a couple of those association, McKay Daniels of NRCA and Brian Pallasch of IIBEC, onto an episode of Roofing Road Trips®. 

McKay opened the conversation by sharing some background on the survey. He explained, “It came out of COVID and the whole supply chain debacle. One thing that the industry learned from that situation was the importance of matching supply to demand.” He went on, “And that was what the inspiration for creating the index survey was – to create a way for manufacturers and distributors to see exactly what was going on at the rooftop and how to meet the needs there.”  

And the best part? It has helped more than just the distributors and manufacturers! Brian gave some examples, saying, “It confirms things for contractors in the field. Different regions in the country are facing different economic pressures and benefits and the survey helps contractors contextualize their experiences with that context. It also gives people a sense of where the industry is heading.” McKay added, “It really is a sentiment survey, asking contractors, company owners or other professionals how they’re doing this quarter versus last. And that creates insight into the state of the industry so that everyone knows more and can be more prepared going forward.”  

The result is not only more informed individuals but a stronger industry. As Brian put it, “The goal of the survey is to get a broad sense of what's going on out there in the roofing industry. And it really has gotten us all together, as the group of associations we all meet more frequently as a result, which helps the entire industry.” 

Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording to learn more about the PIMA Quarterly Market Index on Reroofing. 

By Alex Tolle.

Coatings professionals can explore two days of education, technical sessions and networking.

The Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association (RCMA) has released the full agenda for its 2026 Fall Meeting, bringing manufacturers, suppliers, contractors and industry leaders together for education, collaboration and networking. The event will take place October 7-8, 2026, at the Renaissance Atlanta Midtown Hotel in Atlanta, with a welcome reception and registration scheduled for October 6.

Programming begins Tuesday evening with an informal welcome reception at the hotel bar, giving attendees an opportunity to collect registration materials and connect with other RCMA members. 

Wednesday’s agenda includes a presentation from Gabriel Eckert, CEO of BOMA Georgia, as well as an International Roof Coatings Day session featuring Jayne Rollason, national process product manager for Polyglass. The day concludes with an off-site reception and dinner at the World of Coca-Cola.

Thursday continues with a wildfires update presented by Dwayne Sloan, director and principal engineer for Built Environment. Attendees can also participate in a contractor panel session and view a spray demonstration presented by Graco. Additional speakers and panelists are expected to be announced.

Megan Ellsworth, the multimedia director for The Coffee Shops®, will be moderating the panel. She leads content strategy and production across podcasts, webinars, video and digital media for the roofing and exterior construction industries for The Coffee Shops®. With a background in music and storytelling, Megan brings creativity and energy to industry education and engagement. She is an active advocate for workforce development and community building and serves in leadership roles with National Women in Roofing (NWIR). Megan is passionate about amplifying voices in the trades and connecting people through meaningful media. 

RCMA encourages attendees to review the online agenda for complete session times, room assignments and future meeting updates. A special hotel rate of $239 per night is available for reservations made by September 14, 2026, including availability for two days before and two days after the event. 

Learn more about the educational sessions and networking opportunities by viewing the full RCMA 2026 Fall Meeting agenda.

By The Coffee Shops™. 

The RCMA Quarterly Gallon Report breaks down coating demand and the roof coatings marketplace. 

Reliable market intelligence can help roofing coatings manufacturers navigate changing demand and identify new opportunities. The Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association’s (RCMA) Quarterly Gallon Report gives participating members exclusive access to industry data designed to support more informed business decisions. 

Compiled from confidential member submissions, the report provides visibility into quarterly changes in coating demand, market activity and shifting market share. This information allows manufacturers to compare their company’s performance with broader market trends and use those insights to strengthen business strategy. 

The value of the report extends beyond tracking industry movement. It allows members to benchmark their business for more informed decision making. Because this is a members-only resource, it also provides an edge to those with access. With their updated review process, members can count on a high degree of accuracy. These efforts reflect the association’s commitment to delivering timely, accurate information that members can rely on as the roofing coatings marketplace evolves. 

Member participation remains essential to the report’s success. Data submissions help create a more comprehensive industry picture, giving participating companies a clearer view of overall market performance. As more members contribute, the report becomes a stronger resource for identifying trends and understanding emerging opportunities. 

Access to the Quarterly Gallon Report is one of several benefits available through RCMA membership. Members also gain access to industry advocacy on legislative, regulatory and environmental issues, educational resources, technical research and communications covering industry developments. Additional benefits include opportunities to influence building codes and standards, connect through the RCMA Membership and Suppliers Directory and participate in networking and sponsorship opportunities at association meetings. 

Together, these resources help members stay informed, build industry connections and take an active role in advancing the roof coatings industry. 

Learn more about RCMA membership and its exclusive industry resources by visiting the RCMA membership application. Become a member or login to view the report! 

Industry professionals, contractors and building owners invited to submit technical and business-focused presentations for October 2027 event in Dallas.

The Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association (RCMA) is inviting coatings manufacturers, consultants, contractors, researchers and other stakeholders to submit abstracts and presentation proposals for the 2027 International Roof Coatings Conference (IRCC), taking place October 18–21, 2027, at The Westin Dallas Stonebriar Golf Resort & Spa in Dallas, Texas.

Held in conjunction with the RCMA 2027 Fall Meeting, the IRCC builds on a longstanding tradition of bringing together manufacturers, formulators, contractors, building owners, facility managers, designers, researchers and public-sector stakeholders to share practical learning and advance roof coating technologies. Past programs have combined peer-reviewed technical presentations with real-world case studies, structured session tracks and dedicated networking opportunities.

“The International Roof Coatings Conference provides an important forum for experts from across the industry to exchange knowledge, explore emerging technologies and discuss the issues shaping the future of roof coatings,” said Jenn Brake, RCMA’s executive director. “We encourage professionals with compelling research, field experience, innovative technologies and practical insights to submit proposals and contribute to a strong, well-rounded program.”

The 2027 program will feature technical and business-focused sessions addressing innovation, performance, sustainability, standards and market adoption of roof coating technologies. Suggested presentation topics include sustainability; water exposure and ponded-water performance; innovation and emerging technology; field application and quality; roof system decision-making; and building owner and facility manager perspectives. Other relevant topics are also welcome.

Presentation proposals may take the form of a 30-minute oral presentation, including Q&A; a case study or lessons-learned presentation; or a panel proposal featuring a moderator and three to five panelists. Abstracts should be 250–400 words and clearly identify the problem or opportunity being addressed, the proposed approach, key findings or expected outcomes and the topic’s practical relevance to roof coatings. Submissions should also include the presentation title, presenter name(s), affiliation(s), contact information, presentation type and a short biography of 50–100 words.

Submissions will be evaluated based on technical quality and credibility of methods and data; originality and relevance to the roof coatings industry; practical applicability; clarity and completeness; and their contribution to a balanced conference program encompassing technology, economics, sustainability and innovation.

The deadline to submit an abstract is October 1, 2026. Presenters will be notified of acceptance by December 1, 2026, and final presentation materials will be due October 1, 2027. The conference will be held October 18–21, 2027. Full details regarding the abstract can be found on RCMA’s website: https://members.roofcoatings.org/news/Details/international-roof-coatings-conference-call-for-abstracts-338923.

Abstracts should be submitted electronically to Ralph M. Paroli at rparoli@roofcoatings.org with the subject line “IRCC Call for Papers – [Your Last Name].” Questions regarding submissions may also be directed to Paroli at the same email address.

About the Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association

The Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association (RCMA) is the national trade association representing manufacturers of asphaltic and solar reflective roof coatings and the suppliers of materials, equipment and services to the industry. RCMA is committed to advancing the roof coatings industry through education, advocacy, technical development and the promotion of roof coating technologies.

By Jesse Sanchez. 

ICP’s Jay Doubman shares how coatings help protect, restore and extend the life of surfaces across roofing, sports and building materials. 

From rooftops to courts, coatings play a powerful role in helping surfaces last longer and perform better. At the American Sports Builders Association (ASBA) show in San Antonio, Texas, Jay Doubman, CEO of ICP Building Solutions Group, joined Heidi J. Ellsworth to talk about the many ways coatings support the built environment; including rooftops, building envelopes, sports surfaces, parking garages and flooring systems. 

ICP has grown through acquisition into what Jay described as “a rollup of coatings, adhesives and sealants companies” serving the building materials industry. Today, that includes product lines connected to architectural coatings, sports surfaces, polyurethane products and roof coatings, which Jay noted is one of the company’s larger segments.  

Across all of those markets, one thing remains consistent: coatings are at the center of the work. “We are really all about coatings,” Jay said, explaining that ICP’s research and development teams often collaborate across categories. That shared technical knowledge allows expertise from one market to help support innovation in another, strengthening the company’s broader coatings portfolio. 

One of the biggest opportunities Jay sees across the coatings industry is restoration. Whether it is a low-slope commercial roof, a playing court or another surface that still has a sound structure beneath it, coatings can offer a practical way to protect existing materials and extend their service life. “If you think about a commercial roof, a flat roof or low slope roof on a factory that’s reached an end of life or started to leak, you can take a very expensive option of taking the whole roof off or oftentimes you can coat it,” Jay said. “If it’s in good structural condition, you can coat it and extend the life.” 

That same protection mindset applies beyond roofing. In sports surfaces, ICP has seen strong international activity, including a notable presence in Australia. Jay highlighted Cool Top, a pigment system developed in Australia to help reduce playing surface temperatures and support better performance for athletes and facilities. 

But even the best coating depends on the people putting it down. Jay emphasized that proper installation, contractor training and strong installer relationships are essential across ICP’s markets. He noted, “No coating is going to really perform if it’s not installed correctly.” 

ICP also continues to stay active in industry associations, including ASBA, the Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association (RCMA) and the American Coatings Association (ACA). For Jay, these organizations give the industry a shared voice on challenges, opportunities and issues that no single company can solve alone. 

From restoration to surface protection, ICP’s work shows how coatings can help contractors, building owners and facility managers get more life and value out of the surfaces they already have. 

Watch the full interview to learn more about ICP’s coatings, restoration and surface protection solutions!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

The Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association is inviting contractors to help shape education, advocacy and the future of the growing roof coatings industry. 

The Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association (RCMA) has expanded its membership to include roofing contractors, creating new opportunities for collaboration among manufacturers, suppliers and the professionals applying coating systems in the field. Chris Huettig, vice president of technical services and client relations at KARNAK, and Cody Wilson, president of Unicote Industrial Roofing, discussed how the new membership category can strengthen communication across the industry. 

Dedicated solely to roof coatings, RCMA represents manufacturers, raw material suppliers and companies providing tools and services to the industry. Its work centers on education, technical expertise, advocacy and promoting the benefits of coatings, including roof protection, extended service life, energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness. 

Chris emphasized the value of bringing contractors into those efforts, explaining, “You need that voice from the customer, the voice from the field that people like Cody can bring.” That field perspective can inform RCMA’s work on regulatory developments, building codes, testing standards, application guidance and industry best practices. Contractor members can participate in the association’s Government Affairs Committee and Technical Affairs Committee while accessing meeting minutes, technical bulletins and educational modules covering surface preparation, roof coating technology and application best practices. 

As a contractor specializing in spray foam and coating systems throughout Florida and much of the Southeast, Cody joined RCMA when the new membership category opened. He noted that the association helps contractors monitor developments they may not encounter while managing their daily operations. Cody shared, “We’re so busy in our own day to day that we’re not necessarily paying attention to what’s going on at the higher level, at the state level, at the national level. And RCMA has our backs when it comes to that.” 

In addition to its educational and advocacy resources, RCMA holds two in-person meetings each year and is exploring additional online and regional networking opportunities as contractor participation grows. By bringing manufacturers and contractors together, the association is working to improve communication, strengthen industry knowledge and build a more unified voice for roof coatings. 

Listen to the podcast or Watch the conversation to learn more about how RCMA contractor membership supports roofing professionals through education, advocacy and industry collaboration! 

A coalition of industry trade associations representing contractors, consultants and manufacturers in the U.S. and Canada has completed its Quarterly Market Index Survey for Reroofing for the second quarter of 2026.

The survey is an industrywide effort 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.

Sixty-eight percent of survey responses came from roofing contractors, and 32% of responses came from roof consultants. 44% of respondents indicated they primarily work on low-slope roof systems; 44% indicated they primarily work on a blend of low-slope and steep-slope roof systems; and 12% indicated they primarily work on steep-slope roof systems.

Participants who identify as roofing contractors were asked to report the number of squares of reroofing material installed by their companies during the second quarter of 2026 compared with the same quarter in 2025. 35% of respondents reported the volume of reroofing materials installed increased, 28% reported no change and 37% reported a decrease in materials installed year-over-year.

37%  of all survey respondents indicated their customer inquiries increased. 32% of respondents reported no change in activity, and 31% indicated a decrease. Project contracts increased for 38% of respondents, 32% reported no change in activity and 30% indicated a decrease in project contracts.

Additionally, two indices offer insight regarding customer inquiries and project contracts across market segments. The indices are based on a 0 to 100 scale. A score of 50 or higher suggests expansion or optimism; a score below 50 indicates contraction or pessimism.

• The customer inquiries index score for the total industry decreased to 53.5 compared with 57.1 for the first quarter of 2026. The score for the steep-slope reroofing market is 31.8, the score for the low-slope reroofing market is 60.2, and the score for the blended low- and steep-slope reroofing market is 52.4.
• The project contracts index score for the total industry increased to 54.3 compared with 52.9 for the first quarter of 2026. The score for the steep-slope reroofing market is 40.9, the score for the low-slope reroofing market is 63.3, and the score for the blended low- and steep-slope reroofing market is 48.8.

As of July 2026, 30% of respondents reported no project backlogs, 32% indicated project backlogs of one to two months, and 24% indicated backlogs of three to four months. 14% of respondents reported project backlogs of five or more months.

The complete results of the Quarterly Market Index Survey for Reroofing are available to those who participate in the survey via an online dashboard that enables users to filter results by region and other metrics. Any contractor or consultant who wants to participate in the next quarter’s survey can sign up for a notification at http://bit.ly/37ank7D.

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 second 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 give an indication of 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 first quarter of 2026, 70% of responses came from roofing contractors and 30% 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 https://bit.ly/RoofingSurvey. 

Survey responses may be submitted through July 20.

About 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 nrca.net.