Por Jesse Sanchez, traducido por Alberto Torres.  

Redefiniendo el roofing al combinar ingeniería de alto rendimiento con colores inspirados en la naturaleza que transforman el atractivo visual en una impresión duradera. 

Para los propietarios que buscan elevar el atractivo exterior de su hogar sin comprometer el rendimiento, TAMKO Building Products

está presentando una propuesta convincente, no solo a través de la ingeniería, sino también del color. El fabricante con sede en Missouri está cambiando la forma en que se perciben las tejas asfálticas, con una identidad visual audaz inspirada en la propia naturaleza. TAMKO llamó la atención por primera vez en la década de 1970 al desarrollar la primera línea de colores para tejas inspirada en paisajes naturales. Décadas después, esa innovación sigue vigente y evolucionando rápidamente. Hoy, TAMKO continúa ampliando los límites con paletas de colores vibrantes y mezclas propietarias de gránulos diseñadas para imitar las variaciones tonales de la piedra, la corteza y la tierra. 

La serie de tejas Heritage®, uno de los productos insignia de TAMKO, ejemplifica esta combinación de forma y función. Incluye dos colecciones destacadas: America’s Natural Colors, inspirada en terrenos naturales con tonos como marrones cálidos y grises intensos, y la Classic Colors Selection, que ofrece tonos más tradicionales y equilibrados para un estilo atemporal. Pero la estética es solo parte de la propuesta. El rendimiento es igual de importante. Por ejemplo, las tejas Titan XT® ofrecen una garantía extendida contra vientos de hasta 160 MPH* y una clasificación de impacto Clase 3†, lo que representa una ventaja en regiones propensas a tormentas. Por su parte, las tejas StormFighter FLEX® llevan estas especificaciones aún más lejos, con una clasificación de impacto Clase 4‡ y flexibilidad de instalación en climas fríos hasta 25°F.** 

Lo que distingue a TAMKO no es solo su innovación en color o sus especificaciones técnicas, sino el paquete completo. El sistema TAMKO Complete® Roof System incluye un conjunto cuidadosamente coordinado de tejas, accesorios y componentes de impermeabilización diseñados para trabajar en conjunto, garantizando tanto armonía estética como durabilidad a largo plazo. ¿Quieres ver la diferencia? El Visualizer en línea de TAMKO permite a los usuarios “probar” estilos y colores de tejas utilizando casas prediseñadas o imágenes propias. Esta herramienta permite a los propietarios visualizar resultados reales antes de tomar una decisión. 

Por supuesto, hay otros factores a considerar antes de decidir, como verificar la disponibilidad de colores por región y revisar instalaciones reales. TAMKO recomienda consultar con profesionales certificados e incluso solicitar una muestra antes de la instalación. Ya sea que estés ayudando a tus clientes a diseñar su hogar ideal o buscando protección resistente en climas impredecibles, la línea de TAMKO ofrece más que solo tejas: ofrece confianza en cada capa. 

Explora la gama completa de productos, encuentra inspiración visual y obtén asesoría experta para tomar decisiones con confianza en tu próximo proyecto de roofing.

* La garantía contra vientos de 160 MPH requiere el uso de starter y cumbrera de TAMKO®. Consulta las instrucciones completas de aplicación para altas velocidades de viento para conocer todos los requisitos y restricciones. 

† Las tejas Titan XT® están clasificadas por UL conforme a UL 2218 Clase 3 de resistencia al impacto. Las pruebas UL 2218 utilizan una bola de acero que se deja caer, lo cual puede no reflejar completamente las condiciones reales en techos ante impactos de granizo u otros objetos impulsados por tormentas. 

‡ Las tejas StormFighter FLEX® están clasificadas por UL conforme a UL 2218 Clase 4 de resistencia al impacto. Las pruebas UL 2218 utilizan una bola de acero que se deja caer, lo cual puede no reflejar completamente las condiciones reales en techos ante impactos de granizo u otros objetos impulsados por tormentas. 

** Consulta la garantía limitada y las instrucciones de aplicación de TAMKO para conocer todos los requisitos. 

Por TAMKO®. 

Reacciones reales que pueden ayudarte a vender de manera más inteligente, cerrar proyectos más rápido y mantenerte firme después de la tormenta. 

Cuando el granizo golpea una comunidad, no solo está en juego el techo, también lo está tu reputación. 

Por eso, cada vez más contratistas están prestando atención al desempeño de las tejas HailGuard™, no solo en pruebas de laboratorio, sino también en conversaciones reales con propietarios y en proyectos reales. 

Desde la confianza en el lugar de trabajo hasta la tranquilidad después de una tormenta, los comentarios de los contratistas apuntan a una sola cosa: el rendimiento no se trata únicamente del producto, sino del valor que ofrece al propietario. 

Convierte el rendimiento en una conversación de ventas más sólida 

No tienes que depender únicamente del precio para ganar el proyecto. 

Las tejas HailGuard™ te brindan una forma de liderar la conversación con base en el rendimiento, permitiéndote enfocarte en los aspectos que realmente importan a los propietarios. 

No se trata solo de lo que instalas, sino de cómo lo presentas. Y cuando la historia es más sólida, cerrar la venta se vuelve más fácil.* 

Donde comienzan las conversaciones sobre seguros 

Cuando la conversación gira hacia el seguro, necesitas más que una respuesta estándar, necesitas una ventaja. 

Ahí es donde Mike Nguyen, copropietario de Apex Premier Roofing, nota la diferencia.†† 

Trabajando en Texas, uno de los estados con mayor actividad de granizo en el país, Mike ha visto de primera mano con qué frecuencia la conversación regresa a lo que sucede después de la tormenta. Los propietarios no solo están pensando en las tejas, también están pensando en deducibles, reclamos y en qué sucederá después de la próxima tormenta. Cuando introduces las tejas HailGuard™ en la conversación, les das una razón para mirar más allá de un reemplazo básico. 

Ahora puedes: 

• Hablar con confianza sobre posibles beneficios relacionados con el seguro** 
• Replantear el techo como una decisión a largo plazo y no como una solución temporal 
• Diferenciarte de la misma conversación sobre clasificación de impacto Clase 4† que todos los demás están teniendo 

No estás prometiendo resultados, estás ofreciendo a los propietarios una forma más inteligente de evaluar sus opciones. 

Opciones que puedes respaldar con confianza. “Si estuviera haciendo mi techo hoy,” dijo Mike, “HailGuard™ estaría en mi casa.” 

Por qué esto te ayuda a cerrar ventas 

Cuando el clima severo forma parte de la historia de alguien, la conversación sobre roofing adquiere un peso diferente. 

Esa es una realidad que los contratistas en comunidades propensas a tormentas conocen muy bien. 

Como compartió un propietario en Joplin, Missouri: “Yo estuve en el tornado de Joplin… y siento que poder comprar un producto como este y contar con esa garantía‡ para el sistema de tejas asfálticas, tiene muchísimo valor, especialmente para esta comunidad.” 

Eso no es una situación hipotética. Es una perspectiva real que está influyendo en una decisión real. 

Cuando esa mentalidad conecta, todo cambia: 

• Las decisiones suceden más rápido en la mesa de la cocina 
• Los estimados se convierten en contratos firmados con menos idas y vueltas* 
• Los proyectos generan referencias porque la experiencia deja huella* 

Porque cuando alguien ya pasó por algo así, no solo está comprando un techo, está eligiendo lo que le ayudará a sentirse más preparado la próxima vez. 

Performance that Protects™ más que solo el techo 

Al final del día, las tejas HailGuard™ no se tratan únicamente de resistencia al impacto, sino de lo que ese rendimiento respalda: 

• Tus techos — rendimiento de impacto diseñado con protección de garantía contra granizo† 
• Tu negocio — opciones de garantía que los contratistas pueden respaldar con confianza†† 
• Tu reputación — cobertura a largo plazo que refuerza la confianza incluso después de terminar el trabajo 

Ahí es donde los comentarios de los contratistas realmente importan, porque reflejan lo que sucede después de que la escalera baja del techo. 

†“Beyond Class 4” es un término de marketing y no hace referencia a ninguna clasificación oficial de impacto UL. Las tejas HailGuard™ están clasificadas por UL en cumplimiento con la resistencia al impacto Clase 4 de UL 2218. UL 2218 utiliza una bola de acero dejada caer, lo cual puede no correlacionarse con la experiencia real en techos frente al impacto de granizo impulsado por tormentas u otros objetos. Actualmente, las pruebas UL no incluyen clasificaciones superiores a Clase 4; sin embargo, TAMKO ha probado exitosamente las tejas HailGuard™ en energías de impacto superiores a UL 2218 Clase 4. Consulta la Garantía Limitada Extendida del Sistema HailGuard™ de TAMKO para conocer todos los términos y detalles. 

‡A partir de marzo de 2026. Consulta la Garantía Limitada Extendida del Sistema HailGuard™ de TAMKO para conocer todos los términos y detalles. 

*TAMKO no garantiza ventas, márgenes, ganancias ni utilidades. 

** Los descuentos de seguro no están garantizados. Si están disponibles, los descuentos varían según el estado y la compañía aseguradora. Contacta a tu agente de seguros para obtener información antes de instalar un techo nuevo. 

†† Los contratistas certificados por TAMKO Pro no son empleados, agentes ni representantes de TAMKO; sin embargo, pueden recibir ciertos beneficios, como apoyo de marketing, reembolsos de productos, acceso a descuentos de terceros y la posibilidad de ofrecer Garantías Limitadas Mejoradas del Sistema. 

By Jenny Yu.  

The SkillsUSA 2026 Championship will connect students, educators, contractors and manufacturers through hands-on skilled trades competitions. 

After a year of honing their skills and participating in local competitions, students from across the country are set to compete at the culminating event: the SkillsUSA 2026 Championship. Taking place at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta from June 1-5, 2026, the event brings together more that 6,700 state champions competing across 114 skilled and leadership contests as part of the broader National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC). 

On top of providing the platform for students to compete and showcase their talent, the SkillsUSA program builds the next generation of skilled professionals and elevates the value of careers in the trades. Roofing continues to expand its presence at the event as students can explore career opportunities and compete in roofing-related challenges including Commercial Roofing and Teamwork. According to the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), the competitions are designed to connect career and technical education students with real-world industry opportunities while helping address the skilled labor shortage facing roofing contractors nationwide. 

Here at RoofersCoffeeShop®, we are excited to be a sponsor of the NRCA Roofing Pavilion, the event’s central hub for students and CTE teachers to connect with industry professionals on training and career opportunities.  

Additional sponsors supporting the NRCA booth include ABC Supply, Central States Manufacturing, Georgia-Pacific Building Products, Johns Manville, Elevate™, IB Roof Systems™, Leister, National Roofing Partners, National Women in Roofing (NWIR), QXO, Roofing Alliance, Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3), SRS Distribution and TAMKO®. This robust participation reflects industry-wide collaboration to help SkillsUSA continue to grow as a pipeline for skilled professionals entering the trades. 

The SkillsUSA Championships have become a critical recruiting and education platform for the roofing industry. NRCA notes if even 5% of SkillsUSA students entered roofing careers, the industry could gain more than 5,000 new workers annually. 

To learn more about the 2026 SkillsUSA Championships, the Roofing Pavilion and ways to get involved, visit the SkillsUSA and NRCA websites. We hope to see you there! 

Asphalt roofing facilities across North America recognized for workplace safety.

The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) has completed its annual Accident Prevention Contest and is proud to recognize 82 asphalt roofing manufacturing facilities for their workplace safety, specifically low incident rates among workers.

Facilities that entered the 2025 Accident Prevention Contest were judged based on ARMA criteria derived from the standards set by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This information is gathered through quarterly safety data reports from the past calendar year.

“We are proud of the commitment that ARMA members have to a safe work environment for all employees,” said ARMA’s executive vice president Reed Hitchcock. “These facilities continue to maintain high standards in plant health and safety.”

Every year, ARMA’s manufacturer members are invited to participate in the Accident Prevention Contest by submitting data from their entire company, a specific division or an individual plant or mill in North America. Winners are honored in four different categories with a “perfect” score, meaning that zero safety incidents were recorded.

President’s Award: Recognizing the plant in each contest category with the best score over a two-year period.

• Group A: GAF (Shingle) – Shafter, California – 5 stars
• Group B: Atlas Roofing Corporation – Daingerfield, Texas – 3 stars
• Group C: Amrize – Beech Grove, Indiana – 1 star
• Group D: SOPREMA – Chilliwack, British Columbia – 1 star

Award of Excellence: Recognizing plants with three consecutive years of a “perfect” score (that are not recipients of the President’s Award).

• Owens Corning – Compton, California
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Denver, Colorado
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Kearny, New Jersey
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Linnton, Oregon
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Medina, Ohio
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Memphis, Tennessee
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
• TAMKO Building Products – Ennis, Texas
• TAMKO Building Products – Green Cove Springs, Florida
• Tarco Roofing – North Little Rock, Arkansas

Perfect Employee Safety Certificate: Recognizing plants with a “perfect” score for the reporting year.

• Atlas Roofing Corporation – Clinton, Iowa
• Building Products of Canada – LaSalle, Quebec, Canada
• CertainTeed – Jonesburg, Missouri
• GAF – Ennis, Texas (Shingle)
• GAF – Fontana, California
• Johns Manville – Plattsburgh, New York
• Johns Manville – South Gate, California
• Malarkey Roofing Products – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
• Owens Corning – Compton, California
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Compton, California
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Denver, Colorado
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Irving, Texas
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Kearny, New Jersey
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Linnton, Oregon
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Medina, Ohio
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Memphis, Tennessee
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
• Polyglass USA – Phoenix, Arizona
• Polyglass USA – Waco, Texas
• SOPREMA – Walsworth, Ohio
• TAMKO Building Products – Ennis, Texas
• TAMKO Building Products – Green Cove Springs, Florida
• TAMKO Building Products – Phillipsburg, Kansas
• Tarco Roofing – North Little Rock, Arkansas

Certificate of Safety Improvement: Recognizing plants that demonstrated an improvement of at least 25% over their previous year’s performance.

• Atlas Roofing Corporation – Meridian, Mississippi
• Building Products of Canada – Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
• Building Products of Canada – LaSalle, Quebec, Canada
• CertainTeed – Fremont, California
• CertainTeed – Jonesburg, Missouri
• CertainTeed – Little Rock, Arkansas
• CertainTeed – Norwood, Massachusetts
• CertainTeed – Oxford, North Carolina
• GAF – Baltimore, Maryland
• GAF – Dallas, Texas
• GAF – Ennis, Texas (Shingle)
• GAF – Michigan City, Indiana
• GAF – Mt. Vernon, Indiana
• GAF – Savannah, Georgia
• GAF – Tuscaloosa, Alabama
• Johns Manville – Plattsburgh, New York
• Johns Manville – South Gate, California
•  IKO Midwest – Kankakee, Illinois
•  IKO Pacific – Sumas, Washington
• IKO Southeast – Sylacauga, Alabama
• IKO Southwest – Hillsboro, Texas
• Malarkey Roofing Products – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
• Malarkey Roofing Products – Portland, Oregon
•  Malarkey Roofing Products – Southgate, California
• Owens Corning – Atlanta, Georgia
• Owens Corning – Brentwood, New Hampshire
• Owens Corning – Denver, Colorado
•  Owens Corning – Houston, Texas
• Owens Corning – Memphis, Tennessee
• Owens Corning – Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Compton, California
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Irving, Texas
• Polyglass USA – Fernley, Nevada
• Polyglass USA – Waco, Texas
• SOPREMA – Gulfport, Mississippi
• SOPREMA – Wadsworth, Ohio
• TAMKO Building Products – Columbus, Kansas
• TAMKO Building Products – Frederick, Maryland
• TAMKO Building Products – Joplin, Missouri – High
• TAMKO Building Products – Knoxville, Tennessee
• TAMKO Building Products – Phillipsburg, Kansas
• TAMKO Building Products – Tuscaloosa, Alabama

ARMA extends congratulations to all of this year’s award recipients.

About ARMA

The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) is a trade association representing North America’s asphalt roofing manufacturing companies and their raw material suppliers. The association includes the majority of North American manufacturers of asphalt shingles and asphalt low slope roof membrane systems. Committed to advances in the asphalt roofing industry, ARMA is proud of the role it plays in promoting asphalt roofing to those in the building industry and to the public.

By TAMKO®.

Real-world reactions that help you sell smarter, close faster and stand stronger after the storm.

When hail hits a neighborhood, the roof isn’t the only thing on the line — so is your reputation.

That’s why more contractors are paying attention to how HailGuard™ shingles are performing — not just in testing, but in real conversations with homeowners and on real jobsites.

From jobsite confidence to post-storm peace of mind, contractor feedback is pointing to one thing: performance isn’t just about the product — it’s about the value it delivers to the homeowner.

Turn performance into a stronger sales conversation

You don’t have to rely on price alone to win the job.

HailGuard™ shingles give you a way to lead with performance, so you can focus the conversation on the things that truly matter to homeowners.

It’s not just about what you install — it’s how you position it. And when the story is stronger, the closing gets easier.*

Where insurance conversations start

When the conversation turns to insurance, you need more than a standard answer — you need an advantage.

That’s where Mike Nguyen, co-owner of Apex Premier Roofing, sees the difference.††

Working in Texas — one of the most hail-active states in the country — Mike has seen firsthand how often the conversation comes back to what happens after the storm. Homeowners aren’t just thinking about shingles — they’re thinking about deductibles, claims and what happens after the next storm. When you bring HailGuard™ shingles into the conversation, you’re giving them a reason to look beyond a basic replacement.

Now you can:

• Talk through potential insurance-related benefits** with confidence
• Reframe the roof as a long-term decision — not a short-term fix
• Separate yourself from the same Class 4† impact rating conversation everyone else is having

You’re not promising outcomes — you’re giving homeowners a smarter way to evaluate their options.

Options you can confidently stand behind. “If I was doing my roof today,” Mike said, “HailGuard™ would be on my house.”

Why this helps you close

When severe weather is part of someone’s story, the conversation about roofing takes on a different weight.

That’s a reality contractors in storm-prone communities understand well.

As one homeowner in Joplin, Missouri shared: “I was in the Joplin tornado… and I feel like being able to buy a product like this — and to have that asphalt shingle system warranty‡ — it is really valuable, especially for this community.”

That’s not a hypothetical. That’s real-world perspective shaping a real decision.

When that mindset clicks, everything changes:

• Decisions happen faster at the kitchen table
• Estimates turn into signed contracts with less back-and-forth*
• Jobs turn into referrals because the experience sticks*

Because when someone has lived through it, they’re not just buying a roof — they’re choosing what helps them feel more prepared next time.

Performance that Protects™ more than the roof

At the end of the day, HailGuard™ shingles aren’t just about impact resistance — they’re about what that performance supports:

• Your roofs — engineered impact performance with hail warranty protection†
• Your business — warranty options contractors can confidently stand behind††
• Your reputation — long-term coverage that reinforces trust after the job is done

That’s where contractor feedback matters most — because it reflects what actually happens after the ladder comes down.

†“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.

‡As of March 2026. See TAMKO’s HailGuard™ Extended Limited System Warranty for complete terms and details.

*TAMKO does not guarantee any sales, markups, margins or profits.

** Insurance discounts are not guaranteed. If available, discounts vary by state and insurance company. Contact your insurance agent for information before installing a new roof.

†† TAMKO Pro Certified Contractors are not employees, agents or representatives of TAMKO; however, they may receive certain benefits, such as marketing support, product rebates, access to third-party discounts and the ability to offer Enhanced Limited System Warranties.

By Jenny Yu.  

Contractors will gain practical insights from leading experts while connecting with top manufacturers and suppliers. 

The Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA) is hosting its 104th Convention & Expo from June 10-12, 2026, at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in in Kissimmee, Florida. With a strong lineup of sponsors and an educational program packed with timely topics, this year’s event is set to provide contractors with practical insights and valuable networking opportunities. 

A wide range of industry leaders are lending their support for the event, underscoring its importance across the roofing and metal construction sectors. Platinum sponsors include Eagle Roofing Products, ABC Supply and TAMKO®; while gold sponsors CertainTeed LLC, Polyglass and SOPREMA further highlight the depth of industry participation. Additional support from emerald sponsor Adams & Reese LLP; sapphire sponsors BITEC, Drexel Metals, MetalForming LLC and Sika Corporation; silver sponsor SRS Building Products; bronze sponsors Duro-Last®, IB Roof Systems™, PAC-CLAD Petersen and Roof Hugger; and affiliate sponsor, Roofing Contractors Association of South Florida (RCASF), reinforce the event’s focus on innovation, performance and contractor success. 

Educational sessions 

Education remains the cornerstone of the convention, with sessions designed to address today’s most pressing challenges in the industry while providing attendees with opportunities to earn CE credits. Legal and compliance topics are a hot topic with multiple sessions led by Trent Cotney, RoofersCoffeeShop® Influencer and partner at Adams & Reese LLP, including: 

• “Building an OSHA Inspection SOP” - Wednesday, June 10, 8:00 a.m. 
• “Roofing Legal, Labor and Policy Trends” - Wednesday, June 10, 12:30 p.m. and Friday, June 12, 7:00 a.m. 
• “Artificial Intelligence in Roofing” - Thursday, June 11, 7:00 a.m. 
• “ICE Raids and I-9 Audit Defense” - Thursday, June 11, 8:15 a.m. and Friday, June 12, 8:15 a.m. 

These sessions will provide contractors with actionable guidance on navigating regulations, mitigating risk and adapting to emerging technologies.  

Business operations are also a key focus. John Kenney, Influencer of The Coffee Shops™ and CEO of Cotney Consulting Group, will lead “Estimating for Small Business” on Wednesday, June 10, at 9:15 a.m. and Thursday, June 11, at 7:00 a.m., offering practical strategies to improve accuracy and profitability for contractors of all sizes. Meanwhile, Chad Westbrook, founder of Service Alignment, will present “Documenting a Roofing Project” on Thursday, June 11, at 9:30 a.m. and Friday, June 12, at 7:00 a.m., helping attendees strengthen processes that support accountability, communication and long-term project success. 

Additional sessions cover critical issues including Florida Building Code updates, metal roofing best practices and safety topics such as heat illness prevention. The “SkillsUSA: Build a Workforce Pipeline” session on Thursday, June 11, at 9:30 a.m., will also highlight strategies for developing the next generation of roofers, a growing priority for contractors facing ongoing workforce shortages. Together, these seminars provide well-rounded education opportunities tailored to both roofing and sheet metal professionals.  

Register to reserve your spot and take full advantage of everything the 104th FRSA Convention & Expo has to offer!

Together, TAMKO and RSRA are building the Alliance to deliver expanded training, resources and greater value for contractors.

TAMKO Building Products, a leading independent manufacturer of residential roofing shingles and waterproofing products, acquired the assets of Roofing & Solar Reform Alliance (RSRA), an industry-leading contractor community built on collaboration, education and service. Together, RSRA and TAMKO will relaunch as The Roofing STRONG Alliance by TAMKO™ community, with the RSRA team remaining intact.

This milestone builds on TAMKO’s previously announced alignment with RSRA and reflects a shared focus on serving contractors, strengthening communities and advancing the roofing industry through integrity, transparency and collaboration. The decision to come together was driven by a shared belief in doing things the right way, with a focus on collaboration, integrity and raising the standard for contractors across the industry.

“Contractors are at the center of everything we do,” said Alex Hines, TAMKO’s vice president of sales and chief revenue officer. “RSRA has built a strong and respected community by prioritizing quality, accountability and real value for contractors. We’re proud to welcome RSRA into the TAMKO family and continue building on that momentum as we strengthen relationships and deliver solutions that support our partners’ growth.”

Adam Bensman, founder of RSRA, echoed that sentiment. "I feel like I found my people. TAMKO is building something special, and how we do business is wholly aligned. I am over the moon excited about joining forces to create an industry-leading contractor community. That starts by helping create STRONG people, teams and relationships. Because your company is only as STRONG as you are.”

Bensman will continue to lead The Roofing STRONG Alliance™ while upholding the strict community standards and guidelines that have been in place since inception. He is also taking on a broader role with TAMKO, helping shape the future of the contractor community and driving continued innovation across the business. 

Following this announcement, The Roofing STRONG Alliance™ will continue to operate as an extension of The TAMKO Edge® program. This marks a significant milestone in TAMKO’s initiative to create an industry-leading contractor community. TAMKO will expand training, resources and contractor engagement opportunities through the Roofing STRONG Alliance™ community. 

Membership will be offered at no cost to The TAMKO Edge® contractors. As a privately held, independent manufacturer, TAMKO is focused on innovation, long-term relationships and delivering valuable products and education to contractors and homeowners. This announcement reflects TAMKO’s continued investment in programs, partnerships and people that move the industry forward.

By bringing these strengths together, TAMKO further reinforces its promise, Performance that Protects™ — delivered through products that perform as promised, programs that support contractor growth and leadership guided by integrity.

About TAMKO

TAMKO Building Products LLC is a leading independent manufacturer of residential roofing shingles and waterproofing products, proudly delivering high-performance roofing solutions for over 80 years, known as America’s Shingle®. Trusted by homeowners and contractors alike, TAMKO’s popular Heritage® shingle series and Proline® shingle series, including the award-winning Titan XT® shingles and StormFighter FLEX® shingles, offer innovative designs, performance and colors. The TAMKO Edge® Contractor Program is designed for roofing contractors to build stronger businesses and better serve homeowners. Rooted in a rich history and guided by core values of honesty, integrity and quality, TAMKO is a trusted authority among building professionals and a proud supporter of the communities it serves. For more information, visit www.tamko.com.

About Roofing STRONG Alliance by TAMKO™

Formerly the Roofing & Solar Reform Alliance (RSRA), Roofing STRONG Alliance by TAMKO™ (RSA) is a membership-based contractor community built on accountability, education and collaboration. RSA takes a people-first approach to building great roofing companies. The Roofing STRONG Alliance™ also serves as a contractor growth engine helping contractors adapt their businesses in today’s fast-changing times while providing top notch service to homeowners. Members get access to weekly live coaching and roundtable discussions, service-first sales training, marketing assets, AI coaching, homeowner education resources, a collaborative peer network and more. Members work together to raise the standards of the roofing industry through leadership, accountability and collaboration. To learn more, visit RSA.pro.

By Jesse Sanchez. 

TAMKO aims to help contractors extend seasons, boost performance and educate homeowners on risk and value. 

As colder temperatures arrive and storm activity shifts, TAMKO’s Director of Contractor Engagement Jon Abernathy* and veteran roofer Jon Broce** are using the brand’s contractor program to help roofing companies view the off-season as a period for growth rather than a forced slowdown. Abernathy explained, during this Read Listen Watch® (RLW), that he played “a key role in developing TAMKO's new contractor program that went to market early this year,” noting that his work now centers on “hearing from contractors, understanding what their needs are and helping educate them within their business.” Alongside him, Broce, a fourth-generation roofer who helped build and scale Day 41 Thrive, brings firsthand experience in operational efficiency and training to the initiative. 

This guidance comes at an important time for contractors navigating uneven demand. Abernathy acknowledged that the fourth quarter has been a little softer, particularly in markets where the new construction segment is slowing. He attributed that shift largely to high interest rates and inflation, which are making homebuilding more difficult for buyers to justify. Despite the slowdown, he pointed out that unusual late-season storms are still emerging in some regions, noting that seeing that kind of activity in Kansas is “kind of uncommon this time of year in the Midwest.” 

Those weather patterns reinforce the value of winter-ready systems, especially products designed for colder installation temperatures. Abernathy pointed to TAMKO’s StormFighter Flex® polymer-modified shingle as an example, calling it “the only one in the industry that can install down to 25 degrees.”*** He contrasted that capability with products that must be installed above 40 degrees to maintain warranty coverage. The added flexibility, he said, “adds a lot of opportunity for contractors to continue to install roofs through the winter season,” effectively helping them keep crews active and revenue flowing. 

The advantages of winter-ready systems extend beyond scheduling. Broce emphasized that contractors who lean into premium products and documented performance can create clearer value for homeowners, especially when deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses are rising. He pointed out that roofers need to move beyond a transactional mindset and structure their conversations around risk and long-term outcomes rather than simply installation. As he put it, strong communication should help customers understand what it actually looks like to deliver value and teach contractors to focus on the details that move the needle in the business, rather than getting lost in volume alone. 

Maintenance programs are another area where Broce sees opportunity for contractors to separate themselves. He explained that recurring inspections and proactive documentation can protect both homeowners and contractors, because tracking conditions over time helps avoid disputes and clarifies responsibility when claims arise. Drawing from his experience, Broce stressed the importance of disciplined systems, comparing strong maintenance processes to the same operational structure needed for financial success. “Some simple numbers to know are just closing rates,” he said, emphasizing that contractors who measure and document consistently are better positioned to make informed decisions. By pairing stronger product performance with systematic maintenance and recordkeeping, contractors can create a more defensible position with insurers and a more trusted relationship with customers. 

Collectively, these strategies frame the off-season not as a slowdown but as a strategic window, one that allows contractors to extend their season, introduce higher-performing systems and reinforce long-term relationships built on protection, documentation and education. 

Listen to the podcast or Watch the conversation to learn more about how TAMKO’s winter-ready products and programs help contractors grow through the off-season! 

* 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. 

** The individual featured is not an employee, agent, or representative of TAMKO; however, they may maintain a contractual relationship with TAMKO and receive certain benefits in connection with that relationship. The views and opinions expressed are based on their personal experience and are provided for general informational purposes only. TAMKO has not independently verified these statements, which may include inaccuracies, and they should not be relied upon for product, installation, warranty, or purchase decisions. Viewers are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals before making business or purchasing decisions 

***Please consult TAMKO’s Limited Warranty and Application Instructions for requirements. 

By Jesse Sanchez. 

What contractors can expect from TAMKO® as storm season, technology and training converge. 

Storm season may still feel weeks away, but for roofing contractors, preparation often begins long before forecasts turn active. At the International Roofing Expo (IRE) 2026 in Las Vegas, conversations on The Coffee Shops™ soundstage sponsored by SRS Distributions reflected that urgency as TAMKO® leaders outlined how performance, protection and contractor training are shaping their message for the year ahead. 

Jon Abernathy, director of contractor engagement at TAMKO® and Brian Dunn, director of sales enablement, joined the discussion before the show floor officially opened. Both emphasized that contractors visiting the booth would see a focus on tools and resources designed to help crews stay connected and better prepared as weather risks increase. 

One highlight they shared was a preview of their new contractor app, which Jon described as a way to simplify everyday tasks and keep contractors informed in real time. “You need an app. You got to stay connected. It works better than emails and logging into a website,” he said. The app is designed to support warranty registration, allow contractors to see how they rank among peers and help identify past customer locations when hailstorms occur. 

Brian connected that technology to a broader message centered on performance and protection. He noted that TAMKO®’s booth messaging emphasizes products that perform, innovation across systems and a commitment to protecting both homeowners and contractors. That focus builds on momentum from the company’s contractor program, which launched the previous year and has continued to expand. 

As storm season approaches, training remains a key component of that strategy. Brian said education now extends beyond products to include insurance considerations and installation practices. “The deductibles are going up for homeowners,” he said, adding that contractors are increasingly being asked to help customers understand long-term risk and consider higher-performing options that may reduce the need for future claims. 

Training efforts include in-person installation sessions, business-focused education and recurring virtual events designed to improve accessibility. TAMKO® has also partnered with several industry thought leaders to deliver additional value and insights throughout the year, placing an emphasis on preparation, protection and professionalism. 

As weather patterns grow more unpredictable and insurance pressures intensify, that integrated approach is becoming increasingly strategic. Contractors who align high-performing products with ongoing education and deliberate planning are entering storm season with a stronger position, both operationally and competitively. 

Watch the interview to learn more about preparing for storm season through performance-driven products, contractor training and technology designed to help crews plan ahead as weather risks increase!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

This upcoming webinar explores insights to helphow contractors can strengthen their roofing performance and business strategy in hail-prone markets. 

In an upcoming Read Listen Watch® (RLW) on April 29, 2026, at 11 a.m. PT/2 p.m. ET, Megan Ellsworth meets with Brian Dunn, Jon Abernathy and Clayton Putman of TAMKO® to explore how contractors can better protect homes and strengthen their business in hail-prone markets using advanced solutions like HailGuard™ shingles. 

As hail events continue to challenge residential roofing performance, contractors are navigating increasing pressure to deliver durable systems while helping homeowners understand long-term value. This webinar addresses that need directly, focusing on how contractors can move beyond reactive repairs and begin positioning themselves as partners in storm preparedness. With insurance trends evolving and homeowner expectations rising, having a clear strategy is becoming essential to sustained success. 

TAMKO brings a strong foundation to this conversation, combining product innovation with ongoing research into impact resistance and real-world performance. Their work around technologies like ImpactCore™ and advanced testing methods reflects a broader commitment to improving how asphalt roofing systems perform under stress, particularly in hail-prone environments. 

Contractors attending the session will gain practical insights into how hail impacts roofing systems, what UL 2218 Class 4 ratings mean in application and how testing beyond standard benchmarks translates into performance in the field. The discussion will also explore how to communicate these benefits to homeowners, helping them better understand the financial and structural importance of long-term roof protection. 

For contractors looking to stay competitive, strengthen customer trust and deliver more resilient roofing systems, this is a conversation worth attending. 

Join Megan Ellsworth, Brian Dunn, Jon Abernathy and Clayton Putman from TAMKO on April 29, 2026, to learn more about preparing for hail in residential roofing. 

Register for this RLW and start applying strategies that support long-term performance and proactive storm protection!