By Cotney Consulting Group.  

Wildfire smoke has become an operational concern that many Canadian roofing contractors can no longer treat as an uncommon event. 

By mid-July 2026, hundreds of active wildfires were burning across Canada, with elevated fire danger affecting several northern and central regions. Smoke from those fires was also reducing air quality far beyond the immediate fire zones. 

For roofing contractors, the impact is not limited to projects located near an active fire. 

Smoke can travel hundreds or even thousands of kilometres. A roofing crew may be working under a clear-looking sky while still being exposed to unhealthy concentrations of fine particulate matter. Transportation routes can be disrupted. Employees may be affected at home. Customers may postpone work. Deliveries may be delayed. Evacuation orders can change access to an entire region with little notice. 

Wildfire smoke must therefore be treated as more than a weather problem. It is a worker-safety, scheduling, documentation and business-continuity issue. 

Smoke exposure is a roofing hazard 

Roofing crews perform strenuous physical work in outdoor conditions. Workers climb ladders, carry materials, move equipment and install roof systems while exposed to sun, heat, wind and changing weather conditions. 

Wildfire smoke adds another layer of risk. 

The primary concern is fine particulate matter known as PM2.5. These particles are small enough to travel deep into the lungs and can affect respiratory and cardiovascular health. Wildfire smoke may also contain carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds and other contaminants produced as vegetation, buildings and equipment burn. 

Health Canada advises that wildfire smoke can affect health even at low levels and that air quality may be poor even when workers cannot see or smell smoke.  

That point is important for roofing supervisors. The absence of a heavy visible haze does not automatically mean conditions are safe. 

Employees exposed to smoke may experience coughing, throat irritation, headaches, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest discomfort or unusual fatigue. Workers with asthma, heart disease and other medical conditions may face greater risks, but healthy workers can also be affected when smoke concentrations rise. 

Roofing contractors should not wait until employees become visibly ill before adjusting the work. 

Monitor conditions before and during the shift 

The Air Quality Health Index provides current and forecast health-risk information for communities across Canada. During wildfire-smoke events, the calculation may be adjusted to use hourly PM2.5 concentrations to reflect rapidly changing smoke conditions and their health risks. 

Someone within the company should be responsible for checking the AQHI before crews are dispatched and periodically throughout the day. That responsibility should not be left to chance. 

Conditions can change quickly as the wind shifts or smoke settles closer to the ground. The reading taken during the morning safety meeting may not reflect the conditions the crew faces several hours later. 

Supervisors should also pay attention to local air-quality statements, evacuation alerts, road closures and emergency notices issued by provincial, territorial and municipal authorities. 

The AQHI should support the contractor’s hazard assessment. Still, it does not replace the need to evaluate the physical demands of the work, individual worker exposure, local conditions and applicable occupational health and safety requirements. 

Monitoring is only useful when the company has already decided how it will respond. 

Contractors should establish action levels for modifying work, reducing strenuous activity, shortening shifts, increasing rest periods or suspending outdoor work. Those decisions should reflect applicable provincial or territorial occupational health and safety requirements, available public health guidance and the conditions affecting the individual project. 

Canada does not have one national rule governing every roofing project. Requirements and enforcement responsibilities vary among jurisdictions. Contractors must confirm the applicable rules in the jurisdiction where the work is being performed. 

Heat and smoke must be evaluated together 

Wildfire smoke frequently arrives during periods of high temperature and dry weather. That combination deserves special attention. 

Workers breathing faster because of heat and physical exertion may inhale more smoke. Respirators, protective clothing and other controls can also increase heat strain when improperly selected or managed. 

The solution cannot simply be telling employees to work through the conditions while wearing more personal protective equipment. The contractor may need to change the work itself. 

More demanding tasks can be scheduled during the best available air-quality periods. Crews can be rotated. Shift lengths can be reduced. Breaks can be increased. Workers can be provided with a clean-air or filtered recovery area away from rooftop exposure. 

Water must remain readily available. Workers should be encouraged to report symptoms early, without feeling as though they are letting the crew down. 

Respiratory protection may be required when exposure cannot be adequately controlled through scheduling, reduced exertion, relocation or suspension of work. When respirators are used, they must be selected for the hazard and incorporated into a properly managed respiratory-protection program. Depending on the respirator and jurisdiction, this may include worker instruction, fit testing, medical assessment, inspection, storage and replacement requirements. 

A dust mask handed out at the morning meeting is not a complete respiratory-protection strategy. 

Protect the roof when work must stop

Stopping work due to smoke does not relieve the contractor’s responsibility to protect the building. That is especially important when the crew has opened an existing roof or left materials, equipment and partially completed work exposed. 

Every project should have a shutdown plan. 

The plan should identify how the crew will secure loose materials, protect roof openings, complete temporary tie-ins, remove ignition sources and make the site weather-resistant before leaving.  

Supervisors must also understand how much time is required to secure the roof. A contractor should not continue installation until the last possible minute and then discover there is not enough time to protect the building safely. 

Materials and equipment may also require attention. Smoke, ash and airborne debris can contaminate roof surfaces, adhesives, insulation and stored materials. Contractors should follow the manufacturer's requirements before installing products that may have been exposed to or contaminated. 

Once conditions improve, the roof should be inspected before work resumes. 

The crew may need to clean surfaces, evaluate stored materials, check temporary protection and confirm that changing weather has not created additional hazards. 

Document every disruption

Wildfire smoke can cause legitimate production delays, but undocumented delays often escalate into project disputes. 

Contractors should maintain records of AQHI readings, air-quality advisories, local emergency notices, evacuation orders, access restrictions, work modifications, crew impacts, customer notifications, photographs, material delays and revised schedules. 

Documentation should begin when the disruption occurs, not weeks later when someone asks why the project is behind schedule. 

Contracts may contain notice requirements for delays, changed conditions, emergencies or events outside the contractor’s control. Those requirements often include strict deadlines and specific methods of notification. 

Wildfire conditions should not automatically be assumed to qualify as force majeure or guarantee additional compensation. The contract language, facts and jurisdiction will determine the parties’ rights and responsibilities. 

Contractors should review significant contractual or insurance questions with qualified Canadian legal and insurance professionals. The project manager’s responsibility is to create a clear and timely record. 

Expect secondary operational effects 

A project does not need to be in an evacuation zone to be affected by a wildfire. 

Road closures and emergency restrictions may change delivery routes. Employees may be unable to report due to their families' or communities' being affected. Suppliers may experience interruptions. Hotels and temporary accommodations may be occupied by evacuees or emergency personnel. Fuel availability and transportation schedules can change. 

The contractor should review upcoming work and identify where one disruption could affect multiple projects. 

• Are critical materials being shipped through an affected region? 
• Are alternate suppliers available? 
• Can deliveries be moved forward? 
• Does the company have another qualified crew that can support the project? 
• What happens if a project manager, superintendent or key operator becomes unavailable? 
• Which customers must be notified first? 

The purpose is not to predict every possible outcome. It is to identify the few failures that could stop the company from operating. 

Build wildfire response into the company plan 

Emergency planning is often focused on what happens at the jobsite. Wildfire conditions require a broader view. The company’s plan should address workers, projects, vehicles, records, technology and customer communication. 

Emergency contact information should be current. Employees should know how the company will communicate when normal operations are interrupted. Project records should be accessible remotely. Important documents should be backed up. Managers should know who has authority to suspend work, move crews, authorize emergency purchases and communicate with customers. 

Contractors operating in higher-risk areas should also consider how they will respond after the immediate emergency. 

Demand for temporary repairs and restoration work may rise quickly. Existing customers may need priority service. Building owners may request inspections before contractors have sufficient labour available to respond. 

That demand can look like an opportunity. It can also overwhelm a company. 

Roofing contractors should resist accepting more emergency work than they can safely inspect, document, schedule and complete. Overcommitting during a regional event leads to rushed decisions, poor communication, quality failures and unpaid work. 

The contractor’s first responsibility is to protect its people and to uphold its existing obligations. 

Leadership matters most when conditions change 

No policy can account for every smoke event, fire location or project condition. Someone still has to make the decision. 

Good supervisors recognize when the original plan no longer fits the conditions. They listen when workers report symptoms. They understand that stopping for safety is not a failure of production management. 

It is production management. 

Roofing companies cannot control where wildfires occur or where the smoke travels. They can control whether they monitor the conditions, prepare their supervisors, protect their workers, document disruptions and communicate with their customers. 

Wildfire smoke is now part of the operating environment for many Canadian contractors. The companies that prepare for it will protect more than a day’s production. They will protect their workers, their projects and their ability to keep operating when conditions change. 

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Connected business systems can help growing roofing businesses improve visibility, accountability and efficiency as operations become more complex. 

For many roofing businesses, spreadsheets are a practical first step before moving to a connected business operating system like ContractorHUB. In the early stages of growth, one file may track leads, another may follow jobs in production and another may store material orders. Supplements, payroll and sales notes may live in separate systems, and for a while, that approach can help teams stay organized. 

But as a company grows, however, the same tools that once supported daily operations can begin to create challenges. More crews, more sales representatives, more open jobs, more supplements and more callbacks place pressure on manual processes that were not designed to scale with the business. 

Roofing operations move quickly. Production schedules can change because of weather delays, material shortages, insurance approval delays, crew availability or homeowner communication issues. When those updates depend on someone manually changing a spreadsheet, notifying another department and making sure everyone is using the right version, important details can be missed. Those gaps can lead to wrong deliveries, double-booked crews, delayed installs and customer frustration. 

The challenge becomes even greater when departments work from different information. Sales may have one understanding of a job’s status, production may have another and accounting may be missing key details. As visibility fades, accountability becomes harder to maintain across the business. 

Those hidden costs can show up in many ways. Missing supplement documents can delay payment, missed production updates can slow invoicing and untracked material issues can postpone installation. Office staff may spend more time updating spreadsheets, reconciling conflicting information, tracking missing job details and manually creating reports. 

A stronger roofing business system gives teams one reliable source of truth for job notes, photos, production status, material orders, supplements, customer communication and financial details. Clear workflow stages, real-time operational visibility and standardized processes help teams understand where each job stands, what needs to happen next and who owns the next step. 

Learn more about ContractorHUB™ and how connected business systems can help roofing companies simplify operations, improve visibility and build scalable processes!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Chris Bott’s appointment as chair brings fresh contractor insight to the association’s ongoing work around training, quality installation and collaboration across the liquid roofing and waterproofing supply chain. 

The Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA) has appointed Chris Bott, director of Everlast Group, as chair of the association, marking a new chapter in leadership for the liquid roofing and waterproofing sector. Chris was appointed following the association’s Annual General Meeting on June 3, 2026. With more than 25 years of construction industry experience, he brings a contractor perspective to a role that has historically been held by leaders from the manufacturing sector. His appointment reflects the growing contribution of contractor members within LRWA and the association’s commitment to representing the full supply chain. 

Chris shared, “For years, this position has been held by leaders from the manufacturing sector – the people who create the chemistry, technology and products our industry depends on. I am honoured to take on the role and bring a contractor’s perspective to the position.” 

His priorities will include strengthening engagement across the association, supporting professional development and promoting best practice throughout the liquid roofing and waterproofing sector. Chris also plans to champion the role of accredited contractors in delivering high-quality installations as regulatory requirements and expectations around quality assurance continue to increase. 

“The performance of any system depends on both the quality of the product and the expertise of the installer. I want to strengthen the partnership between manufacturers and contractors, ensuring that technical knowledge, training and quality installation remain at the heart of everything we do,” Chris said. He continued, “By working together, we can continue to raise standards across the industry and reinforce the value that LRWA membership brings to clients, specifiers and building owners.” 

Sarah Spink, CEO of LRWA, called the appointment a significant moment for the association, noting Chris’ contracting expertise and commitment to raising industry standards. The association’s strengthened leadership team also includes Richard Aldred of Sika Ltd. as vice chair, maintaining manufacturing representation at the highest level. 

Chris succeeds Gary Hemmings, managing director of WestWood Liquid Technologies Ltd., who will remain on the LRWA board to provide continuity and support. 

Learn more about the Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association, its leadership, membership and work to raise standards across the liquid roofing and waterproofing sector!

By The Coffee Shops™. 

Contractors who lead with education can strengthen customer relationships and improve project outcomes. 

In the article “Shingles, metal or tile: How to lead a customer to the right answer for them,” Marco Industries highlights an important lesson for roofing contractors: homeowners are often seeking guidance, not just product recommendations. 

When customers ask whether shingles, metal or tile is the best roofing option, they encourage contractors to approach the conversation as trusted advisors. Rather than immediately recommending a material, contractors can start by discussing factors such as budget, how long the homeowner plans to stay in the home and desired curb appeal. This consultative approach helps build credibility and trust while leading customers toward the roofing solution that best fits their needs. 

Asphalt shingles remain a popular choice because of their affordability, availability and ease of repair. For homeowners seeking a dependable roofing system without a significant upfront investment, shingles often provide a practical solution. Contractors are encouraged to discuss both the advantages and limitations of shingles, including their shorter lifespan compared with premium roofing materials. 

For homeowners focused on long-term value, metal roofing offers a compelling alternative. While the initial investment is higher, metal roofs can last decades longer than traditional shingles and often provide enhanced resistance to severe weather. Energy efficiency is another benefit, as metal roofing can help reflect solar heat and potentially reduce cooling costs. Addressing common misconceptions about noise and appearance can also help homeowners better understand modern metal roofing systems. 

Tile roofing, whether clay or concrete, is positioned as a premium option that combines durability with distinctive aesthetics. The article notes that tile roofs can provide decades of performance and complement a variety of architectural styles. However, contractors should also discuss considerations such as structural requirements, installation costs and specialized repair needs. 

Ultimately, there is no universal roofing solution. By asking thoughtful questions and providing honest, transparent guidance, contractors can help homeowners make informed decisions while strengthening customer relationships. 

No matter which roofing material a homeowner chooses, Marco Industries supports contractors with ventilation products and roofing accessories designed for shingle, metal and tile roof systems. Its tested and certified solutions help protect roof assemblies and contribute to long-term performance. 

Read the full article and learn more about Marco Industries' roofing ventilation and accessory solutions!

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. 

Strong certificate management can help contractors and trade businesses reduce risk, document coverage and protect financial stability. 

For contractors and trade businesses, certificates of insurance (COIs) can seem like routine paperwork; something exchanged before a job begins, filed away and rarely revisited. But Integrity Insurance & Bonding emphasizes that when subcontractors or vendors are part of a project, properly managing those certificates becomes an important layer of protection against unexpected liability and financial loss. 

Businesses across construction, landscaping, logging, brewing, salon services and other service-based industries take on additional risk when they hire outside companies. A COI helps verify that those businesses carry active insurance coverage, including liability and workers’ compensation protection. Without that verification, a company may be relying on assumptions instead of documentation. 

That gap can become costly when something goes wrong. If a subcontractor causes property damage, an injury occurs or an uninsured employee is involved in an accident, the hiring business may also become part of the claim. In those situations, missing or outdated documentation can complicate the response and create expensive consequences. 

Insurance carriers are also placing greater emphasis on subcontractor management. Many insurers now ask how businesses verify coverage, track certificate expiration dates and manage written agreements. Inconsistent procedures or poor documentation can affect insurance costs and coverage options, making certificate management a business issue as much as an administrative one. 

Strong COI practices do not have to be complicated. Businesses should collect updated certificates before work begins, confirm that coverage limits meet project requirements and use written contracts that clearly outline responsibilities and insurance expectations. Organized records are also essential, and digital tracking systems can help monitor expiration dates and prevent gaps in documentation throughout the year. 

Certificates of insurance may appear to be a small administrative detail, but they play a meaningful role in reducing risk and supporting long-term stability. 

Learn more about Integrity Insurance and Bonding Inc.’s services for contractors and trade businesses!

By Anna Lockhart.  

Get to quoting faster with quick takeoff turnaround from Central States Manufacturing. 

Correctly calculating a metal roof takeoff is an important part of the estimating process, and a measurement that, if inaccurate, can lead to serious consequences. This is why Central States Manufacturing, is finding ways to simplify the takeoff process – so distributors and contractors can get to accurately quoting and ordering faster.  

Takeoffs must be calculated by taking roof geometry, panel layouts, trim details, waste management and other details all into account. It’s no small task, and it’s certainly time consuming. For contractors looking to cut back on the labor and time required for these estimations, Central States is offering a premium takeoff service at no additional charge to their customers and promising a turnaround time of 48 hours or less.  

Working with Central States, distributor reps and contractors can trust that something as simple as an address can be turned into an accurate takeoff and an actionable quote.  As a metal panel manufacturer, the Central States Takeoff Team of metal experts knows first-hand the intricacies of takeoffs, and aims to tackle the challenges that work can bring. With their partnership, contractors can expect clear, ready-to-use quotes and a simple submission process that helps reduce admin time.  

Creating an accurate estimate that aligns with real-life product systems can be a gamble if your team isn’t an expert in the product line, but this is where Central States shines. Their team knows intimately the ins and outs of each product line item, and how those measurements should be reflected in detailed cut lists and quotes.  

Protect your margins and execute projects with confidence. Central States aims to be a partner that can be depended on to provide high-quality materials as well as a reliable resource to turn to when you need fast and accurate takeoffs and quotes.  

Learn more about Central States Manufacturing and their mission to simplify tearoffs.

By John Walker, APOC.

Compared with traditional tear-offs and reroofs, roof restoration has emerged as a cost-effective, minimally disruptive and effective option for professional roofing contractors and their customers alike.

Reroofing a commercial building can be a cumbersome but necessary task for major structures anywhere. Such projects can last for weeks, cause disruption to internal activities and can invite the potential for installation error that can compromise long-term performance. 

But the truth is that a full reroof is not always as necessary as it may seem. And that means opportunity for both roofing contractors and their customers.  

Commercial roof restoration has emerged as a increasingly viable alternative for any roof type. Restoration techniques that are performed with high-quality materials are effective in ensuring commercial roofs regain and maintain their full performance potential over the course of their lifetimes and at a fraction of the cost for a full replacement. Not only does restoration reduce the likelihood of failure, but it also extends the longevity of your commercial roof, regardless of type.  

Recent research proves this to be true. Cotney Consulting Group, a business consulting firm specializing in the commercial roofing industry, recently conducted a thorough study comparing commercial roof restoration performed with high-performance coatings versus reroofing, including recover and tear-off methods. The results were significant, showing that roof restoration can lead to improved profit productivity, enhanced labor efficiency, greater time efficiency and stronger margins for contractors.  

Indeed, restoration can be an effective and profitable strategy. In this article, we’ll explore how to determine if a roof is a good candidate for restoration, the basics of sound restoration techniques and specific findings from the Cotney Consulting Group’s report. Let’s explore:  

Determining if a roof is a good restoration candidate 

First, contractors must determine if the existing roof is in good enough condition for restoration techniques to be effective. To start, a good rule of thumb is that roofs that are 20%-25% (or more) saturated will likely need to be replaced in their entirety based on varying building codes and standards. But a thorough assessment of the roof is necessary to get the full picture.  

This process begins with a visual inspection, which should involve clearing off any trash or accumulated debris that could disguise hidden problem areas. Some initial clues may include:  

• A splitting membrane that is visible to the naked eye for experienced professionals
• A soft area underfoot that is an indicator of saturated insulation
• Rusted, rotted or cracked decking that can be seen from the inside of the building
• Ponding water that could indicate structural sagging in the deck

Infrared thermography along with field verification can be deployed for a more thorough assessment of wet insulation. Small, hand-held infrared cameras are great for smaller roofs. For very large roofs, aerial infrared photography, when possible, can be effective.  

Visual findings should be confirmed through a series of tests, including:  

• A peel adhesion test that can help determine the viability of coating solutions
• Core cutting, which while destructive, can be eye-opening, helping to validate the visual moisture survey and helping to confirm how many layers of roofing actually exist
• Wind uplift testing when necessary can be used to determine the state of the membrane—remember that membranes can become decimated by a storm but may stay in place

Finally, a licensed structural engineer should be retained if there is any evidence of structural failure or additional loading on the roof (condensing units, blowers, metal screens, ballasted antennas, etc.).  

When the roof inspection is complete, it’s time to determine a path forward. Roofs with low to moderate damage and saturation levels are often good candidates for roof restoration rather than a full reroof and can be a cost-effective option when the circumstances call for it. Reroofs will be required in more extreme scenarios such as elevated levels of insulation saturation, decking deterioration and more. 

Evaluating a building’s needs 

In addition to the physical characteristics and condition of the roof, it is also worth evaluating the anticipated service life of the building.  

Not every structure merits the same level of repair work. For example, a small retail store that sits in the path of a proposed freeway expansion might not need a repair that ensures 20 years of performance. A major museum in the hub of a cultural district, by contrast, will require a long-term solution.  

Also worth consideration is potential expansion plans for the structure. It is generally more economical to reroof a structure in conjunction with an expansion rather than splitting the project across multiple years. The need for roof access and the impact on building operations can be greatly reduced if both projects can be performed at the same time. 

In any case, proven repair solutions are available to best suit the needs of the given situation. 

The basics of roof restoration 

It’s helpful to explore the basics of roof restoration and the benefits restoration can bring for contractors and building owners alike when compared to tear-off and replacement jobs. Generally, a restoration project looks like this: 

1 - Contractors can begin by removing any debris and thoroughly cleaning the roof (performed in conjunction with your initial assessment and inspection) to best uncover areas that are to be repaired and to create a workable surface for the rest of the project.  

2 - A high-performance primer is applied to the roof membrane to ensure good adhesion for patching, stain blocking and rust inhibition.  

3 - A high-performance patch system is applied to seal the roof and ensure all parts of the system are watertight and deliver reliable waterproofing protection.  

4 - Supplemental protective coatings can be applied to better protect against common forms of roof damage, helping to ensure greater overall longevity for the roof system. 

This work generally does not require specialized equipment and does not leave the building interior exposed while the job takes place. And if you can successfully bring an existing roof back up to its original performance level with restoration methods, you can move on to your next job more quickly. 

It’s also important to remember that performing quality restoration work requires sourcing reliable, proven products from a trusted supplier. High-performing primers, coatings, adhesives, caulks, sealants and other materials will help to ensure longevity and performance your customers can trust.  

Major benefits for contractors 

In its recent study, Cotney Consulting Group sought to compare restoration with reroofing based on four key factors: Profit productivity, time efficiency, labor efficiency and margin strength. The study evaluated 118 commercial roof restoration projects, analyzing actual costs, contract value and gross profit metrics. This data was cross-referenced with historical project data from the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and adjusted for inflation. 

The findings were significant, including: 

Improved profit productivity. Findings showed that restoration generates ~85% higher modeled gross profit per crew day vs. reroof options. Further, restoration can deliver nearly double the profit per crew day compared to reroofing. From a dollar perspective, restoration averages ~$8,000 in gross profit per crew day compared to ~$4,300 for reroof projects. 

Enhanced labor efficiency. Results showed that restoration can require materially lower labor intensity—up to ~85% less vs. tear-off benchmarks. Time on job decreases significantly as well, with restoration requiring up to ~50% fewer labor hours than recover scenarios. For contractors, these figures show that restoration jobs can be performed with a 33% smaller crew required compared with reroof projects. 

Greater time efficiency. Restoration averages ~eight crew days compared to 13 for recovery and 26–30 for tear-off. Findings also showed that restoration can be completed in roughly one-third the time of tear-off projects. These results were consistent across a range of building square footages. 

Stronger margins for contractors. Results found that restoration generates stronger average gross margins compared to study comparison ranges for reroof alternatives by a weighted average gross margin of ~43%. That can make a major impact for roofing contractors and their businesses. 

Overall, roof restoration offers commercial building owners a practical, cost-effective way to extend roof life and restore performance without the disruption and expense of a full replacement. For roofing contractors, it also represents a valuable growth opportunity that can help meet customer needs, strengthen long-term relationships and support a more profitable business.

By Cotney Consulting Group.

Turning compliance into culture on roofing jobsites.

Safety isn’t just a program, a manual or a meeting. It’s what happens when leadership, training and accountability come together on a jobsite day after day, without exception. Yet, too often in roofing, safety culture gets reduced to slogans and paperwork. Crews sit through meetings, sign forms and nod in agreement, but the real question remains: Is safety part of how your people work or just something they’re told to care about? 

The difference between compliance and culture can't be overstated in an industry where one mistake can have life-altering consequences. Compliance checks boxes. Culture changes behavior. And when it’s built the right way, it doesn’t fade when the safety director leaves the site; it sticks. 

It starts at the top, but lives in the field 

Safety culture always begins with leadership, but it can’t survive on directives alone. Crews will mirror what they see, not what they’re told. When management cuts corners, workers notice. When supervisors wear their harnesses correctly, insist on clear walk paths and follow lockout procedures, that behavior becomes contagious. 

The best leaders don’t have to shout about safety — they show it. They stop unsafe work even when it slows production. They hold their supervisors accountable. They clarify that safety isn’t a line item — it’s a core value. 

If safety feels like an “extra task,” leadership hasn’t made it part of the workflow. The companies that get it right build safety into planning, scheduling, budgeting and bonus structures, not as a side note, but as a measure of operational excellence. 

Train for thinking, not just remembering 

Many companies still treat safety training as a compliance exercise, one-size-fits-all PowerPoints and sign-in sheets. That’s not how adults learn, and it’s not how safety culture grows. 

Real training teaches people how to think, not just what to memorize. It explains why procedures exist and how to make the right call when something goes wrong. It gives crews ownership. 

Toolbox talks shouldn’t be monotone lectures; they should be discussions. Ask the crew where they see risks that morning. Let them identify hazards and solutions. If your people are engaged, you’ll learn more from a 10-minute conversation than from an hour-long presentation. 

Measure what matters 

You can’t improve what you don’t track, but too many companies measure safety by what doesn’t happen: “no incidents this quarter.” That’s not culture, that’s luck. 

Instead, measure what drives results: 

• Training completion rates 
• Near-miss reporting 
• Supervisor engagement in field audits 
• Employee participation in safety planning 

If you’re not tracking these leading indicators, you’re reacting instead of leading. Numbers matter, but the correct numbers tell a story about prevention, not just performance. 

When workers see leadership tracking what they do right, not just punishing mistakes, the tone changes — accountability shifts from fear to ownership. 

Turn conversations into action 

Safety culture fails when communication dies. A company can have the best-written safety manual in the industry, but if nobody listens, it’s useless. 

Great contractors close that gap. They use feedback loops from toolbox talks to post-job debriefs to turn small observations into meaningful change. When a crew reports an issue and sees it corrected, they learn that their voice matters. When they report it and nothing happens, they stop talking. 

Every supervisor should ask a weekly question: “What’s making your job unsafe, and what can we fix?” Then follow through. That’s how you create a safety culture in real time. 

Respect the realities of roofing work 

Roofing isn’t an easy trade. Heat, heights, weather and constant movement create challenges that other industries don’t face. Workers deal with fatigue, changing crews and pressure to hit production targets. Pretending otherwise hurts credibility. 

True safety leaders respect that reality. They don’t push for “perfect compliance”; they build realistic systems that make safety practical. That might mean designing more efficient material layouts to reduce trips, rotating crews during heat waves or ensuring breaks are enforced even when schedules are tight. 

Culture isn’t created by preaching perfection; it’s built by removing excuses. 

Recognize and reinforce 

Culture thrives on reinforcement. Positive recognition works far better than punishment regarding long-term behavioral change. Recognize crews that identify hazards early, maintain clean worksites or report near-misses. Make it public and genuine. 

Incentive programs should reward the right things, such as proactive safety behavior, not just “no injury” streaks. Rewarding luck breeds silence, while rewarding participation builds engagement. 

Accountability is the glue 

No safety system survives without accountability. That doesn’t mean discipline for its own sake; it means clear expectations and consistent follow-through. 

It can't be brushed off when a worker ignores PPE rules or skips a pre-lift check. Respectful corrective action reinforces standards. As importantly, management must hold itself accountable when a deadline pushes unsafe behavior; leadership owns that, too. 

Safety culture doesn’t crumble from one mistake. It erodes from inconsistency. Every time a rule is enforced one day and ignored the next, your credibility weakens. 

A strong safety culture doesn’t happen by hiring the right person or posting the right sign. It occurs when every level of your company, from ownership to apprentice, understands its role and takes pride in doing the job right. 

Compliance is the floor, culture is the ceiling and the difference between the two is leadership that practices what it preaches. 

In roofing, you can’t build trust or longevity without safety that sticks. When safety becomes second nature, planned, practiced and led by example, you’re not just running safer crews. You’re running a better business. 

By The Coffee Shops™. 

Scottish roofing contractor Bain & Irvine celebrates a milestone that reflects generations of dedication to preserving historic structures. 

In the article "Bain & Irvine Marks 80 Years in Scotland’s Heritage Roofing Sector," Bain & Irvine reflects on eight decades of craftsmanship, growth and preservation of some of Scotland’s most significant historic buildings. Founded in 1946 by George Irvine and Jimmy Bain, the company has evolved from a small local roofing contractor into one of Scotland’s most respected specialists in heritage roofing and restoration. 

Established in the years following World War II, Bain & Irvine built its reputation on delivering high-quality roofing services while preserving Scotland’s architectural heritage. Over the decades, the company has contributed to the restoration of notable landmarks including Fettes College and Donaldson’s School, earning industry recognition and multiple National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) awards along the way. 

The article traces several key milestones in the company's history, including the acquisition of Bain & Irvine by fourth-generation slater Andrew Millar in 1974. Under his leadership, the company modernized while maintaining its commitment to traditional craftsmanship. Another pivotal moment came in 1987 when Graeme Millar joined the business and helped expand operations significantly, growing the workforce and strengthening the company's presence throughout the United Kingdom. 

Graeme Millar’s involvement in industry organizations, including the National Federation of Roofing Contractors and the Institute of Roofing, further elevated Bain & Irvine’s profile. His leadership eventually extended to the international stage, serving as president of the International Federation of the Roofing Trade from 2019 to 2024. 

The article also highlights the company's most recent chapter. In 2024, Jamie Anderson and Brian McIntyre joined Bain & Irvine following the merger of their company, Newtown Roofing & Building, with the historic contractor. Their leadership, combined with Bain & Irvine’s acquisition by The Durable Slate Company, positions the organization for continued growth while preserving its long-standing values. 

Reflecting on the milestone, company leaders emphasized that while tools, technology and business structures may change, the principles of quality workmanship, employee care and customer service remain central to Bain & Irvine’s success. 

Read the full article to learn more about Bain & Irvine’s 80-year journey and its ongoing commitment to preserving Scotland’s roofing heritage.