United Asphalts navigates industry shifts amid Valero exit

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Asphalt and built-up roofing see rising demand due to industry shifts and extreme weather. 

In this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, hosted by Heidi J. Ellsworth, industry expert Josh Willey of United Asphalts discussed the significant impact of Valero's exit from the keg asphalt business on the roofing industry. The conversation centered on the increasing demand for built-up roofing (BUR) systems, driven by technological advancements and market shifts. 

"Their decision to not use that resource that they have to sell as keg asphalt is really a big deal," Josh said. Valero, known as the largest independent refiner of crude oil globally, has left a substantial void in the Gulf Coast's asphalt supply. This shift has intensified demand for products like those from United Asphalts, which has stepped in to fill the gap. "We're located right next to the Suncor refinery in Commerce City, Colorado. So, we have a great source for our materials right next to us," Josh added. 

The conversation covered the resurgence of built-up roofing systems, which are seeing renewed interest due to their durability and adaptability. "Built-up roofing is incredibly reliable, maintainable and adaptable," Josh noted. The multilayered, monolithic membrane of BUR provides robust protection against extreme weather, a critical factor in areas prone to severe storms. 

The longevity of BUR reduces landfill waste, and innovations like United Asphalts' recyclable FastPack packaging demonstrate the industry's commitment to sustainability. Josh explained that their FastPack box is 100% recyclable and designed for easy handling, significantly reducing work-related stress and environmental impact. 

As the conversation turned to industry regulations and insurance mandates, Josh spoke on the role of BUR in meeting stringent requirements. "We are definitely seeing some of the insurance mandating the spec go back to built-up (BUR) because they do have data on the reliability of the systems," he said. This is particularly relevant for schools, data centers and other high-security buildings that require long-lasting roofing solutions. 

Read the Transcript or Listen to the Podcast to learn more about United Asphalts response to the changing industry!