By Jesse Sanchez. 

Contractors are increasingly using impact-resistant roofing systems to help homeowners manage rising storm damage costs and insurance challenges. 

In a recent Read Listen Watch® (RLW) webinar sponsored by TAMKO, the conversation focused on helping contractors navigate growing demand for resilient roofing systems in hail-prone regions. The discussion explored how contractors can better educate homeowners about long-term roofing performance, insurance trends and impact-resistant products designed to withstand severe weather. 

During the webinar, TAMKO® representatives Brian Dunn and Jon Abernathy* discussed the increasing frequency of hailstorms across the United States and the financial pressure homeowners are facing as deductibles and insurance premiums continue to rise. According to Jon, many homeowners in hail-prone regions are now paying significantly more out of pocket after repeated storm events. “We're starting to see that change, and the homeowners are actually becoming customers,” Jon said. “They're having to pay the bill now.” 

The conversation centered heavily on TAMKO’s new HailGuard™ shingle, which was released earlier this year. Brian explained that the product was developed in response to ongoing insurance market shifts and increasing storm severity. He noted that the product incorporates an upgraded fiberglass mat and proprietary coating designed to improve flexibility and impact resistance beyond traditional Class 4 testing standards.† 

Contractors are also being encouraged to shift conversations away from reactive storm restoration work and toward long-term roof system performance. Brian said contractors can help homeowners better understand the long-term financial implications of repeated roof replacements by discussing deductibles, premium increases and manufactured-backed limited system warranties during the sales process. ‡ 

Jon emphasized that contractors who educate homeowners on premium roofing systems and manufacturer warranties can create stronger differentiation in competitive markets. ‡ “I’m all about offering premium,” Jon said. “Premium sells to homeowners and at least offering them what's best for them and really educating them on what it means and what could happen if they don't.” 

The webinar also highlighted TAMKO’s ongoing contractor training initiatives, including in-person storm response events, virtual education programs and expanded warranty offerings tied to certified contractor programs. 

Listen to the podcast or Watch the webinar to learn more about storm-resistant roofing systems and contractor education strategies. 

* The views and opinions expressed are based on the author’s long tenure and personal experiences as a roofing contractor prior to coming to TAMKO. As such, his views are intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice regarding insurance, financing, legal matters, or business transactions. Readers are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals before making any decisions related to their business operations. 

†“Beyond Class 4” is a marketing term and does not refer to any official UL impact rating. HailGuard™ shingles are classified by UL for compliance with UL 2218 Class 4 impact resistance. UL 2218 utilizes a dropped steel ball which may not correlate with real world rooftop experience with the impact of storm driven hail or other objects. Currently, UL testing does not include classifications higher than Class 4; however, TAMKO has successfully tested HailGuard™ shingles at impact energies exceeding UL 2218 Class 4. See TAMKO’s HailGuard™ Extended Limited System Warranty for complete terms and details. 

‡ TAMKO Professional Certified Contractors can offer certain Enhanced Limited System Warranties. See tamko.com/edge for details.

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Regional Sales Manager Blake Reed shares how FlashCo products help contractors save time while supporting code-compliant roofing installations. 

At the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA) show, FlashCo Regional Sales Manager Blake Reed joined Megan Ellsworth on The Coffee Shops™ Sound Stage, sponsored by TAMKO®, to discuss the manufacturer’s commercial roofing accessories, expanding presence in the Southeast and newest edge metal offering. Blake recently joined FlashCo after working elsewhere in the roofing industry. His new position marks his first oppertunity to work on the manufacturing side of the business, where he now oversees a territory stretching from Mississippi to North Carolina and from Tennessee to Florida. 

FlashCo manufactures commercial roof accessories and flashings designed to arrive ready for installation. According to Blake, contractors visiting the company’s booth quickly recognized how these products could simplify work in the field. He shared, “Light bulbs are clicking. These are ready-to-install products that we can throw on our roof. Super easy and saves a lot of time.” 

That time-saving focus was central to FlashCo’s presence at the show. The event also allowed the company to connect directly with contractors, strengthen relationships with distribution partners, and meet with private-label strategic partners. Blake said, “One of the big things that we wanted to present is our new ES1-compliant edge metal system.” Although FlashCo has offered edge metal in the past, he explained that the system is new to the market and was being introduced to attendees on the show floor. 

The response was encouraging, particularly in a region where code compliance and reliable performance are major priorities. Blake said customers need confidence that the products they install will work as intended without requiring repeated service visits. FlashCo is also strengthening its Florida presence through local representative Aaron Foster, a former contractor who brings established industry relationships and firsthand knowledge of contractor needs. 

Watch the full interview to learn more about FlashCo’s time-saving commercial roofing accessories, new ES-1-compliant edge metal system and growing presence in the Southeast!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

TAMKO® leaders explain how contractors can help homeowners evaluate resilient roofing systems, warranties and long-term costs. 

As harsh weather conditions and natural disasters continue to regularly impact communities across the country, roofing contractors are being asked to help homeowners navigate more than immediate repairs. During this Read, Listen, Watch (RLW®) webinar, Brian Dunn, director of sales enablement at TAMKO®, and Jon Abernathy, director of contractor engagement, joined host Megan Ellsworth to discuss how resilient products, manufacturer-backed warranties and homeowner education can support stronger long-term decisions. 

The conversation examined changing insurance conditions and growing demand for impact-resistant roofing. Jon said, “Today we're starting to see that change and the homeowners actually becoming the customer.” That shift creates an opportunity for contractors to move beyond responding to insurance claims and instead guide homeowners through their options. Brian encouraged contractors to discuss a homeowner’s deductible, premium and history of storm exposure before comparing the initial and long-term costs of different roofing systems. 

That homeowner-focused approach also gives contractors a natural opening to introduce products designed for hail-prone markets. Released in early 2026, TAMKO’s HailGuard shingle features improvements to the fiberglass mat and a proprietary coating designed to increase flexibility and impact resistance. Brian said, “This is a totally new product.” 

To understand how those design changes could hold up beyond a single storm, TAMKO tests HailGuard beyond the Class 4 impact standard. Its additional evaluations include accelerated aging, ice projectiles and repeated impacts, along with testing for granule adhesion and ultraviolet erosion. Together, those measures help the company assess how the shingle may perform as it faces continued exposure over time. 

Still, selecting a resilient product is only one part of building a stronger roof and only one part of the conversation contractors can have with homeowners. Contractors can also explain the value of complete roofing systems, enhanced warranties and manufacturer-backed workmanship coverage. Jon said, “The first thing you do is [offer] what nobody else is doing. That is how you create distance between you and your competitor.” 

For contractors, staying competitive will require continued training, a stronger sales process and the ability to explain how premium roofing options may reduce disruption and repeated replacement costs over time. 

Listen to the podcast or Watch the Conversation to learn more about TAMKO’s products, contractor resources and upcoming training opportunities!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Industry leaders explain why financial discipline, diversification and customer education matter as roofing businesses navigate economic and insurance pressures. 

During a live Coffee Conversations® discussion at the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Association (FRSA), roofing professionals examined the pressures impacting contractor success across the United States. The panel agreed that shrinking backlogs, insurance changes and aggressive pricing are forcing companies to strengthen their operations rather than chase every available project. 

What market shifts are creating the most concern for contractors? 

As contractors adjust to a changing business environment, John Kenney, chief executive officer of Cotney Consulting Group, said several challenges are creating uncertainty at the same time. He shared: 

“I think insurance claims and understanding the industry’s new insurance rules are causing a lot of angst for contractors. AI, robotics and other technologies are also major issues people are trying to understand. Contractors are also watching prices, fuel costs and shrinking backlogs.”  

John encouraged contractors to use slower periods to improve their companies and pursue work that fits their established capabilities. Bridget Jenkins Wilson, owner of Cardinal Roofing, added that roofing is cyclical and contractors should prepare during strong years for the slower periods that follow. 

How can contractors move from storm-dependent work to retail sales? 

Changes in the insurance market are also pushing some roofing businesses to pursue more retail work. Adam Bensman of TAMKO® and the Roofing STRONG Alliance said this transition requires more than simply finding a different type of customer. He explained: 

“The hottest trend in roofing is the shift from storm-dependent to retail-driven business. I am seeing roofing companies that were built to catch or chase storms, but lack formal sales processes and structure, now trying to learn how to sell retail.”  

Adam warned that companies without structured sales processes may respond to pressure by discounting projects below sustainable levels. Bridget emphasized educating homeowners about policies, deductibles, materials and payment responsibilities rather than relying on high-pressure sales tactics. 

What should contractors prioritize during an economic slowdown? 

Although contractors cannot control the economy, John said they can improve their decision-making by developing a detailed understanding of their financial position. He noted, “Right now, you need to know your numbers, understand exactly what your overhead is and focus on the work your business is best suited to perform.”  

That financial clarity can help contractors avoid pursuing unprofitable work simply to keep crews busy. Marc Hansen of JobNimbus agreed that contractors need reliable systems for estimating, customer communication, payment collection and follow-up. Bridget also encouraged companies to examine everyday expenses, material waste and internal financial controls. 

The panel’s message was clear: Contractors cannot control market cycles, but they can control their pricing, processes and customer experience. Companies that understand their costs and serve homeowners transparently will be better positioned for the next phase of the market. 

Listen to the entire podcast or Watch the conversation to learn more about adapting a roofing business to economic and insurance changes. 

Por Emma Peterson, traducido por Alberto Torres. 

Desde el campo de golf hasta el piso de exhibición, la WRE 2026 ofrece a los profesionales del roofing innumerables oportunidades para aprender, conectar y hacer crecer sus negocios. 

¡Estamos a menos de dos meses de la Western Roofing Expo (WRE)! Este evento, que se llevará a cabo del domingo 27 de septiembre de 2026 al martes 29 de septiembre de 2026 en el Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino en Nevada, es el encuentro más importante de la Western States Roofing Contractors Association’s (WSRCA). Con una exposición comercial de dos días, más de 30 seminarios educativos, demostraciones de productos y una gran variedad de eventos especiales, este es el lugar ideal para estar este otoño. 

Para ayudarte a planear tu agenda durante la WRE, aquí te compartimos algunos de los eventos más destacados. 

Torneo de Golf Bob Porter 

La WRE dará inicio oficialmente el domingo 27 de septiembre a las 5:30 p.m. con la fiesta de bienvenida. Sin embargo, antes del arranque el evento oficialmente, tendrás la oportunidad de salir al campo de golf a las 7:30 a.m. junto a tus colegas en él Davis Memorial Foundation Bob Porter Golf Tournament!  

Patrocinado por QXO, este torneo te permite disfrutar del recorrido de 18 hoyos del Revere Golf Club, de 7,143 yardas y par 72, mientras apoyas una buena causa. Todos los fondos recaudados benefician al Fondo de Becas de la Davis Memorial Foundation, que ofrece apoyo económico a estudiantes de preparatoria, licenciatura y posgrado vinculados con la industria del roofing. 

¿Te interesa poner a prueba tus habilidades en el campo de golf, convivir con colegas y apoyar una gran causa? Regístrate hoy mismo.

Torneo de Tiro al Plato 

Si el golf no es lo tuyo, pero buscas una forma divertida de convivir y apoyar a la  Davis Memorial Foundation antes del inicio oficial de la WRE, también podrás participar en el Sporting Clays Tournament que se realizará la mañana del domingo 27 de septiembre a partir de las 9:00 a.m.

El evento se llevará a cabo en el Pro Gun Club de Boulder City y también es patrocinado por QXO. Está diseñado tanto para principiantes como para expertos, ya que las estaciones cambian constantemente para ofrecer nuevos desafíos durante toda la competencia.

Al igual que el torneo de golf, todos los ingresos se destinarán al Davis Memorial Foundation Scholarship Fund, que ha ayudado a cientos de estudiantes relacionados con la industria del roofing a alcanzar sus metas educativas.

Inscríbete hoy mismo.

Almuerzo legislativo 

Durante el primer día completo de la WRE, la National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) ofrecerá un evento que no te puedes perder: un almuerzo legislativo. Esta será una excelente oportunidad para que los profesionales se mantengan al día sobre los desarrollos políticos y regulatorios que impactan a la industria del roofing.

El almuerzo se llevará a cabo de 11:30 a.m. a 1:00 p.m. y contará con la participación de Craig Brightup (The Brightup Group) y Chad Collins (NRCA). Además de presentar un resumen anual de los acontecimientos más importantes del sector, durante el evento se anunciarán los nominados para la Junta Directiva de la WSRCA y se reconocerá a los beneficiarios de las Becas Davis Memorial 2026.

Si planeas asistir a la WRE, asegúrate de agregar este almuerzo al registrarte.

The Roofing Games™ 

Patrocinados por Malarkey Roofing Products®, The Roofing Games son la primera serie oficial de competencias avaladas por una asociación de roofing y producidas en conjunto con la Western Roofing Expo. Estos juegos se han convertido en una de las tradiciones más emblemáticas de la WRE y destacan el conocimiento técnico, las habilidades y la calidad artesanal de los participantes. ¿Quieres competir? Visita el stand de Malarkey Roofing Products (#429) antes de que comiencen las competencias. 

Ya sea que participes o simplemente observes, no te pierdas la competencia el lunes 28 de septiembre de 4:00 p.m. a 5:00 p.m. en el escenario de demostraciones. 

Conferencista principal 

El martes 29 de septiembre se llevará a cabo otro almuerzo especial, programado de 11:30 a.m. a 1:00 p.m. Patrocinado por Malarkey Roofing Products, este evento contará con la presentación de Shereen Thor, conferencista principal de la WRE 2026. Shereen es comediante y coach profesional que trabaja con personas en todos los niveles de una organización, desde colaboradores de inicio de carrera hasta ejecutivos de alta dirección. Su misión es ayudarlos a desarrollar su máximo potencial y alcanzar sus objetivos.

Conoce más sobre su presentación.

Capacitación de IIBEC 

Después de concluir la expo, el miércoles 30 de septiembre de 2026, el International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) ofrecerá una jornada especial de capacitación. El programa se desarrollará de 9:00 a.m. a 2:30 p.m. e incluirá dos presentaciones diseñadas para fortalecer los conocimientos de los profesionales de la industria de envolventes de edificios. 

La primera sesión será sobre los fundamentos de los sistemas de techado y otorgará 3.0 CEH de IIBEC. La segunda analizará las actualizaciones 2027 al International Building Code y al International Energy Conservation Code, otorgando 1.5 CEH de IIBEC. Ambas sesiones han sido enviadas para aprobación ante AIA CES. 

El costo es de $295 USD para miembros de IIBEC y $450 USD para no miembros. Regístrate aquí.

Eventos adicionales 

¡Y eso no es todo! La WRE 2026 está llena de oportunidades para aprender, hacer networking y desarrollar relaciones de negocio. Aquí te compartimos algunos eventos adicionales. 

Domingo 27 de septiembre de 2026 

• La Davis Memorial Foundation celebrará su fiesta anual de bienvenida y subasta de 5:30 p.m. a 7:30 p.m. Este año el evento es patrocinado por GAF. Al igual que los torneos, los fondos recaudados se destinarán al programa de becas.

Lunes 28 de septiembre de 2026 

• Se llevará a cabo un Spanish Lunch and Learn de 11:45 a.m. a 1:00 p.m. Esta primera sesión estará enfocada en maximizar reclamaciones comerciales. Es patrocinada por SRS Distribution y GAF, contará con Victor Maya, de Advantage Roofing, como presentador invitado.
• Polyglass realizará una demostración en el piso de exhibición de 1:30 p.m. a 2:00 p.m.
• A las 2:30 p.m., TAMKO Building Products tomará el escenario de demostraciones.
• Posteriormente, de 3:30 p.m. a 4:00 p.m., el equipo de Johns Manville realizará otra demostración en el área de exhibición.

Martes 29 de septiembre de 2026 

• El segundo Spanish Lunch and Learn se llevará a cabo de 11:45 a.m. a 1:00 p.m. Esta sesión será patrocinada por National Women in Roofing (NWIR). El evento inicia a las 7:00 a.m. y ofrecerá una hora y media de conversaciones dinámicas en formato rotativo. La inscripción cuesta $55 USD e incluye desayuno.
• El segundo Spanish Lunch and Learn se llevará a cabo de 11:45 a.m. a 1:00 p.m. Esta sesión será patrocinada por CertainTeed y contará con Imelda Pérez, quien abordará el concepto de "bueno, mejor y excelente". 
• También habrá más demostraciones en el piso de exhibición. La primera comenzará a las 2:30 p.m. y será patrocinada por nosotros en RoofersCoffeeShop. En ella participarán el presidente entrante y el presidente saliente de la WSRCA Ron Lloyd y Stan Robinson, respectivamente.

Obtén más información sobre estos eventos y el resto del programa en el calendario oficial de la WRE. Y si aún no lo has hecho, asegura tu lugar en la WRE 2026. 

By Jesse Sanchez.  

Contractors must embrace data, disciplined budgeting and risk management to stay profitable in softer markets.  

As economic uncertainty, shifting storm patterns and evolving insurance rules reshape future demand, TAMKO leaders are urging contractors to approach data, risk mitigation and retail strategy as core business functions rather than optional add-ons. During this Read Listen Watch® (RLW), Director of Contractor Engagement Jon Abernathy and consultant Jon Broce discuss how they have sat down with contractors across the country to discuss what it takes to endure a softer market.*  

Abernathy has spent recent months observing how demand has cooled in many regions, especially within new construction, while storm cycles have become less predictable. He described today’s environment as “very competitive,” where relying solely on projects following weather events is no longer enough to sustain growth. That reality is also reflected in business survival rates. After reviewing recent LLC filings, Abernathy found that only a small percentage of new roofing companies remain active after five years, with most folding long before that mark. He ties this directly to production risk, noting that installation errors remain the leading cause of warranty claims and long-term liabilities.  

The consequences can be steep. Abernathy recalled a contractor who accumulated more than $400,000 in warranty costs within just a few years due to overlooked installation mistakes. His advice to avoid those setbacks is straightforward: slow the pace of growth, tighten quality checks and prioritize best practices on every job.  

While Abernathy focuses on production risks, Broce turns attention to financial discipline. He encourages contractors to move away from anecdotal decision-making by tracking closing rates, average tickets and multi-year revenue patterns. Budgeting, he explained, should include realistic baselines and stretch targets while analyzing “trends, anomalies and patterns” to understand whether performance stems from storms or replicable systems.  

Both leaders agree that relying entirely on insurance work can leave companies exposed. Retail sales provide steadier revenue, while disciplined job costing and monthly reviews help owners identify what is working and what is not.  

Listen to podcast or Watch the conversation to learn more about how TAMKO’s contractor program and expert guidance can help you strengthen financial discipline!  

*The views and opinions expressed in this video are those of the participating roofing contractors and are based on their personal experiences in the roofing industry. These discussions are intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice regarding insurance, financing, legal matters, or business transactions. Viewers are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals before making any decisions related to their business operations. 

By Emma Peterson. 

From the fairway to the expo floor, WRE 2026 offers roofing professionals countless ways to learn, connect and grow. 

We’re less than two months away from the 2026 Western Roofing Expo (WRE)! This show, which will be hosted from Sunday, September 27, 2026, to Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino in Nevada, is Western States Roofing Contractors Association’s (WSRCA) premier event! With a two-day trade show, 30+ education seminars, product demonstrations and countless exciting events, this is the place to be this fall. 

To help you plan out your days at WRE, here are some of the events to look forward to!  

Bob Porter Golf Tournament 

WRE officially kicks off Sunday, September 27 at 5:30 p.m. with the welcome party. But, before the official kick off of the show, you have the chance to tee off at 7:30 a.m. with your peers in the Davis Memorial Foundation Bob Porter Golf Tournament!  

Sponsored by QXO, this tournament gives you the opportunity to explore Revere Golf Club’s 7,143-yard, par-72 layout in the name of charity. All proceeds of the tournament “benefit the Davis Memorial Foundation Scholarship Fund. These scholarships are made available to aspiring high school, undergraduate and graduate students involved in the roofing industry.” 

Interested in a day testing your shot-making capabilities, spending quality time with your peers and supporting a great cause? Register today!

Sporting Clays Tournament 

If golf isn't your thing but you’re still looking for a fun way to bond and support the Davis Memorial Foundation before WRE officially kicks off, there will also be a Sporting Clays Tournament hosted the morning of Sunday, September 27 (start time is 9:00 a.m.)!  

Hosted at the Pro Gun Club in Boulder City and sponsored by QXO, this tournament is perfect for both the masters and the beginners as “stations are changed frequently so shooters will never get bored at seeing the same targets over and over again.”  

And like the golf tournament, all proceeds will benefit the Davis Memorial Foundation Scholarship Fund, which has enabled hundreds of students involved in the roofing industry to pursue their education goals. 

Get registered today!

Legislative luncheon 

On the first full day of WRE, the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) has planned a can’t miss event – a legislative luncheon! It promises to be a great opportunity for professionals to keep up to date on the latest political developments impacting roofing.  

The luncheon will be held from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and feature speakers Craig Brightup (The Brightup Group) and Chad Collins (NRCA). In addition to hearing the Year in Review from this duo, attendees will get to be in the room when the nominees for the WSRCA Board of Directors are announced and the 2026 Davis Memorial Scholarship recipients are recognized. 

Make sure to add a ticket to this luncheon when you register for WRE!

The Roofing Games™ 

Sponsored by Malarkey Roofing Products®, The Roofing Games “are the industry’s first official set of competitions sanctioned by a roofing association and are produced in conjunction with the Western Roofing Expo.” They are an iconic part of WRE and a great showcase of knowledge, skill and craftsmanship. Interested in entering the competition? Stop by the Malarkey Roofing Products booth (#429) before the competition.  

Whether you’re participating or watching, you’ll want to make sure you’re at the demo stage on Monday, September 28 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 pm. to watch the games!  

Keynote speaker 

For the second day, Tuesday, September 29, there will also be a luncheon event hosted from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Sponsored by Malarkey Roofing Products, the luncheon will feature WRE 2026 keynote speaker Shereen Thor. Shereen is a comedian and coach who works with clients of all levels (from entry level to C-suite executives). Her goal? To help empower them to reach their full potential and goals.  

Learn more about her keynote.

IIBEC education 

And after the show, on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) will be hosting a special education day! Running from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. this day features two presentation designed to “elevate your expertise in the building enclosure industry.”  

The first presentation is all about the fundamentals of roof assemblies. Professionals can get 3.0 IIBVEC CEHs from attending. The second dives into the 2027 updates to the International Building Code and International Energy Conservation Code. This session gives participants 1.5 IIBEC CEHs. Both have been submitted to AIA CES for approval. 

Cost for attendance is $295.00 for IIBEC Member and $450.00 for non-members. Register now!

Additional events 

But wait, there’s more! There are so many opportunities to learn, network and grow at events during this year’s WRE that we don’t have time to dive into every single one of them! Here are some of the other events happening around the show:  

Sunday, September 27, 2026 

• The Davis Memorial Foundation will be hosting their annual welcome party and auction from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This year the event is sponsored by GAF and, like the tournaments, auction proceeds support the scholarship fund!  

Monday, September 28, 2026 

• There will be a Spanish Lunch and Learn hosted from 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This is the first of two luncheons and will focus on maximizing commercial claims. It is sponsored by SRS Distribution and GAF and will feature Victor Maya of Advantage Roofing as a guest speaker.  
• Polyglass will be hosting a demonstration on the exhibit floor from 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. 
• At 2:30 p.m. TAMKO Building Products will take the demo stage. 
• Then from 3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. the team from Johns Manville will be hosting a demonstration. 

Tuesday, September 29, 2026 

• Open the day with a table talks with National Women in Roofing (NWIR)! The event kicks off at 7:00 a.m. and promises attendees an hour and a half of engaging round-robin-style discussion. Registration is only $55 and includes breakfast.
• The second Spanish Lunch and Learn will be hosted from 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Day two is sponsored by CertainTeed and will see Imelda Pereze dive into the idea of good, better and best.  
• There will be more expo floor demos, kicking off at 2:30 p.m. with one sponsored b us here at RoofersCoffeeShop! This expo will feature a discussion between the incoming and outgoing WSRCA presidents, Ron Lloyd and Stan Robinson respectively.  

Learn more about these events and the rest of the show at westernroofingexpo.com/wsrca-western-states-commercial-residential-roofing-waterproofing-contractors-association-schedule-events/. And if you haven’t already, make sure to get your tickets for WRE 2026!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Staff Sgt. Patrick Leet and his family will receive a TAMKO Complete® roof system through a partnership between TAMKO and the Kansas City Chiefs. 

TAMKO® Building Products and the Kansas City Chiefs have named Staff Sgt. Patrick Leet, a U.S. Marine serving on recruiting duty in Kansas City, Missouri, as the 2025 Operation Rooftop recipient. Patrick and his wife, Erika, will receive a new roof featuring Titan XT® shingles. The annual initiative recognizes current and former U.S. military members by providing a roof while sharing stories of service, sacrifice and dedication throughout Chiefs Kingdom. 

“I’ve been a Marine for about 12 and a half years and my wife Erika has been with me the whole way,” Patrick said. “In that time, we’ve gone through six home moves and three deployments overseas. We just moved to Kansas City earlier this year and to receive a new roof through this program is truly a blessing. We’re incredibly thankful to the Chiefs and TAMKO for their generosity and support of military families.” 

Patrick and Erika grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, where they met in high school before reconnecting during college. They married shortly after he joined the Marines and now have three children. Their recent move to Kansas City also marked the family’s first home purchase. TAMKO launched Operation Rooftop with the Chiefs in 2024. The partnership combines the company’s roofing products with the team’s efforts to recognize military families. 

“TAMKO is proud to partner with the Kansas City Chiefs in honoring heroes like Staff Sergeant Leet,” said Chris Freeborg, TAMKO vice president and chief marketing, communications and product development officer and a U.S. military veteran. “His dedication, resilience and service to our country embody the same values we build into every TAMKO product — strength, integrity and lasting performance. We’re thrilled to provide his family’s home with Titan XT® shingles for enhanced protection for years to come.” 

Titan XT® shingles carry a 160 mph wind warranty when installed with required TAMKO starter and hip and ridge products. The shingles are also classified by UL for compliance with UL 2218 Class 3 impact resistance. Testing results may not reflect real-world impacts from hail or other objects. Together, these performance features will help provide the Leet family with lasting protection and greater peace of mind in their new home. 

Learn more about how TAMKO and the Kansas City Chiefs honored Staff Sgt. Patrick Leet and his family through Operation Rooftop!

New shingles design exceeds industry standards.

Hailstorms are becoming more prevalent in Northern Colorado. University of Colorado Boulder says hail events are becoming more frequent in towns across Boulder County - the hail capital of North America. Climate change could make hailstorms worse in Northern Colorado, according to Denver 7 News.In response, Tamko Building Products has created a roofing shingle that's more resistant to hail than any other, and Bob Behrends Roofing, LLC, can install them for you.

In response to the growing threat of severe hailstorms, Tamko Building Products has engineered what they call the residential roofing industry's first and only asphalt roofing shingle system backed by a hail warranty - their HailGuard asphalt roofing shingles.

Tamko Building Products LLC is known for their innovation. In 2021, they introduced their Stormfighter IR shingles featuring an unheard-of installation temperature of 25º and the industry's highest wind warranty of 160 mph. This year, Tamko breaks another industry standard with their brand new HailGuard roofing shingles. In addition to offering a 160mph wind warranty and the ability to be installed at temperatures below freezing, these asphalt roofing shingles have been tested to exceed Class 4 impact rating standards.

If you live in a part of Northern Colorado that's prone to hailstorms, consider Tamko's new HailGuard asphalt roofing shingles. If you need a professional roofing company in Northern Colorado to install your new Tamko HailGuard shingle roof, contact Bob Behrends Roofing, LLC, for a free consultation and estimate. A Tamko MasterCraft Pro Certified Contractor, all new roof installations are covered by their 5-year workmanship guarantee.

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Contractors can use slower months to strengthen their teams, improve installation quality and build repeatable processes for 2026. 

As roofing contractors prepare for 2026, the off-season offers an opportunity to address weaknesses that can become expensive during peak production. In this Read Listen Watch® (RLW) webinar, TAMKO® Director of Contractor Engagement Jon Abernathy and consultant Jon Broce explained how structured training can help companies improve sales performance, installation quality and operational consistency. 

Why should contractors prioritize training during the off-season? 

Abernathy said companies that invest more time in deliberate practice are more likely to see stronger performance when business accelerates. Abernathy noted, “The more time you spend training your team, the better results you're gonna get in 2026.” 

That preparation should include more than having a new sales representative shadow an experienced employee. Abernathy encouraged contractors to create formal onboarding programs, role-playing exercises and documented processes that help employees understand what to say to homeowners and how to represent the company professionally. 

Broce said his former companies approached training as an ongoing discipline rather than an occasional event. He stated, “Broce said the company held one- or two-week boot camps during the off-season and continued training every Thursday morning from 9 to 11.” 

The boot camps provided concentrated preparation for new representatives, while weekly practice reinforced those skills throughout the season. 

How can production training reduce financial risk? 

Abernathy said reducing installation-related problems begins with following the product manufacturer’s requirements. He shared, “Number one thing is read installation instructions on products.” 

Contractors must understand approved substrates, ventilation requirements, underlayment procedures and other installation specifications. Even experienced installers can repeat incorrect practices for years, leaving contractors responsible when an installation-related failure is not covered. 

Broce recommended using the slower season to review project checklists, jobsite safeguards and previous mistakes. That includes confirming plant and lot numbers, examining costly problems and strengthening procedures before crews return to full production. 

What should contractors examine before the next season begins? 

Broce described the off-season as a reset period when contractors can assess each part of the business and determine where changes are needed. “What do we need, what we need to fix, what do we need to correct?”  

Answering those questions allows contractors to review sales, production and internal operations before demand accelerates. Companies can identify what worked, address recurring problems and prepare employees to follow more consistent processes. 

Intentional training gives contractors more than refreshed skills. It creates clear expectations, reduces preventable risk and establishes the repeatable systems needed to grow without sacrificing quality. 

Listen to the podcast or Watch the conversation to learn more about transforming the off-season through TAMKO training, technology and partnerships for competitive growth!