What Does the Future of Roof Coatings Look Like?

By Lauren White, RCS Reporter.

Seeing growth during times of uncertainty, roof coatings are a valuable option for contractors to offer.

When roofers shared they wanted to consume content the way they want and when they want, RCS responded with Read Listen Watch (RLW).  Now, roofers have the option to read a transcript before bed, listen to the podcast on the way to work, or watch the webinar and drink their morning coffee.  The latest RLW was with Mike Swartzer, the National Sales Manager for IB Roof Systems.  During the webinar Mike spoke with Heidi J. Ellsworth, RoofersCoffeeShop® partner, about Understanding the Future of Roof Restoration.

Mike has significant experience working with roofing contractors on the best ways to use roof coating and membrane solutions for both recover and re-roof.  He notes that the roof membrane market is growing as more building owners want to increase their roofs' longevity with stronger recover and re-roof solutions.  

Roof restoration has become a mainstay in most roofing companies over the last 12 years.  During economic downturns is when roof coating really takes over the market, such as during the recession in 2008-2009, and now.  People are trying to save money, not knowing what the future holds.  According to Mike, “We’re already starting to see a lot more activity.”  Roof restoration is an option that allows people to accomplish their roofing goals of being watertight, while also holding onto some of their money by not completing a full reroof.

For contractors who want to add coatings to their repertoire of offerings, Mike recommends partnering with a good manufacturer that has quality and long-lasting products, has been in the industry for a long period of time, and will come out and help train crews.  Mike shares, “All of my sales guys have been doing coatings for a long period of time.  Our tech team has as well.  They can come out and actually walk the roof with you, make sure, first, it is a candidate for coating.  Go over the steps of what it’s going to take to clean that roof, and then help you with some adhesion tests to make sure it’s going to stick.”

Currently, and in the future, Mike suggests that contractors provide “good, better, best” options when bidding projects.  In doing this, “Contractors have the ability to go out and say, ‘What is your budget?  Let’s work within that.  Maybe we do one section of the roof now.  Maybe we do just the seam sealing of everything now, and we work towards a solution in the future.’”  During this time of uncertainty, people may not have the money for a full coating restoration or roof replacement.  When contractors diversify their offerings they appeal to people with varying budgets.

During the webinar, Mike also dives into the chemistries of different roof coatings, explains the percent of solids, describes factors to consider when estimating roof coating jobs and answers participant questions.  

Roof coatings provide building owners with solutions to extend the life of their roof or protect it until a new roof can be put on.  Roof restoration has seen significant growth throughout the years and continues to be added to contractors service offerings.  

To Read, Listen or Watch more from Mike about understanding the future of roof restoration, visit RoofersCoffeeShop RLW.  

Learn more about IB Roof Systems.

About IB Roof Systems

Since 1978, IB Roof Systems has been a nationwide leader in providing high-performance PVC membranes and systems for the commercial and residential industry. The company is headquartered in Irving, Texas and has facilities across the U.S. in Springfield, Oregon, Las Vegas, Nevada, and Chicago, Illinois to serve contractors in any location. Learn more at www.ibroof.com.