Nailing Down Roofing Accessories With Garrdal

By Adam Cabrera. 

Two-part flashings adapt to roofing challenges, offering easy installation without sacrificing aesthetics. 

A recent episode of Roofing Road Trips shines a spotlight on essential equipment in the roofing industry: rooftop accessories. In a conversation between host Heidi J. Ellsworth and industry veteran Dennis Vowles, founder of Garrdal, the importance of innovation and adaptability in rooftop accessories becomes strikingly clear. 

Garrdal, known for its innovative rooftop accessories, was born out of Dennis's frustration with conventional roof flashing methods. As the roofing industry evolves, so do the demands for more effective solutions that can handle obstacles like pipes, wires and dangerous weather conditions. 

One significant area of innovation is Garrdal's two-part pipe flashing solution. "This is designed to go around those obstacles rather than over them. It's two parts that nest together, and there's seven inches of overlap. They will last decades longer than any shingle roof," Dennis said. The solution isn't just about weather resistance; aesthetics and ease of installation are also crucial factors. 

“You can repair a fouled pipe flashing with Garrdal without having to replace any of the shingles,” Dennis notes. “So when you do the repair, the roof still matches.” Such adaptability ensures that the products are installed easily and quickly while still preserving the aesthetics of a structure. 

Reflecting on his 40 years in the industry, Dennis emphasized the importance of being open to change. As solar arrays start to replace old installations such as TV Dishes and venting for low efficiency furnaces, it's necessary for the industry to adapt. “We will get another product out there if the demand is there,” he says. But for now, Dennis is putting his inventive spirit towards a new product designed for steep-slope roofs.  

Dennis shares, “One in a thousand can come up with an idea, and a lot less than that will chase that idea. The first five years during development and the first couple years selling it, yeah, you got your everything into it.”  

Listen to full episode of Roofing Road Trips to hear all about innovative rooftop products and what Dennis has learned as an inventor and entrepreneur in the industry.