SPRI, the association representing sheet membrane and component suppliers to the commercial roofing industry, announced that SPRI RP-4 2022 “Wind Design Standard for Ballasted Single-Ply Roofing Systems” is being revised and will be re-canvassed for approval as an American National Standard.

This standard provides a method of designing wind uplift resistance of ballasted single-ply roofing systems. It is intended as a design and installation reference for those individuals who design, specify and install ballasted single-ply roofing systems. It shall be used in conjunction with the installation specifications and requirements of the manufacturer of the specific products used in the ballasted single-ply roofing system.

The RP-4 Standard was first approved as an ANSI standard in 2019. This standard is now undergoing its regular review as required by SPRI’s ANSI procedures.

Those wishing to participate in the canvass process may contact SPRI at info@spri.org.

SPRI, the association representing sheet membrane and component suppliers to the commercial roofing industry, announced that SPRI NT-1 “Detection and Location of Latent Moisture in Building Roofing Systems by Nuclear Radioisotopic Thermalization” is being revised and will be re-canvassed for approval as an American National Standard.

This standard provides a minimum set of procedures for conducting surveys of moisture in membrane roofing systems and for the analysis of the data obtained in such surveys. Included are operating, verification and reporting procedures, as well as operator qualification criteria.

The NT-1 Standard was first approved as an ANSI standard in 2012. This standard is now undergoing its regular review as required by SPRI’s ANSI procedures.

Those wishing to participate in the canvass process may contact SPRI at info@spri.org.

A coalition of industry trade associations representing contractors, consultants and manufacturers in the U.S. and Canada has completed its Quarterly Market Index Survey for Reroofing for the third quarter of 2025.

The survey is an industrywide effort spearheaded by a coalition of trade assocations, including the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association, Canadian Roofing Contractors Association, Chemical Fabrics & Film Association Inc., EPDM Roofing Association, International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants, Metal Construction Association, Metal Roofing Alliance, National Roofing Contractors Association, National Women in Roofing, Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association, Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association and Single Ply Roofing Industry.

Seventy percent of survey responses came from roofing contractors, and 30% of responses came from roof consultants. Forty-eight percent of respondents indicated they primarily work on low-slope roof systems; 39% indicated they primarily work on a blend of low-slope and steep-slope roof systems; and 13% indicated they primarily work on steep-slope roof systems.

Participants who identify as roofing contractors were asked to report the number of squares of reroofing material installed by their companies during the first quarter of 2026 compared with the same quarter in 2025. Thirty-two percent of respondents reported the volume of reroofing materials installed increased, 32% reported no change and 36% reported a decrease in materials installed year-over-year.

Thirty-six percent of all survey respondents indicated their customer inquiries increased. Forty-three percent of respondents reported no change in activity, and 21% indicated a decrease. Project contracts increased for 33% of respondents, 40% reported no change in activity and 27% indicated a decrease in project contracts.

Additionally, two indices offer insight regarding customer inquiries and project contracts across market segments. The indices are based on a 0 to 100 scale. A score of 50 or higher suggests expansion or optimism; a score below 50 indicates contraction or pessimism.

• The customer inquiries index score for the total industry increased to 57.1 compared with 39.0 for the fourth quarter of 2025. The score for the steep-slope reroofing market is 50, the score for the low-slope reroofing market is 59.1, and the score for the blended low- and steep-slope reroofing market is 57.1.
• The project contracts index score for the total industry increased to 52.9 compared with 45.2 for the fourth quarter of 2025. The score for the steep-slope reroofing market is 50.0, the score for the low-slope reroofing market is 56.1, and the score for the blended low- and steep-slope reroofing market is 50.0.

As of April 2026, 26% of respondents reported no project backlogs, 40% indicated project backlogs of one to two months and 21% indicated backlogs of three to four months. Thirteen percent of respondents reported project backlogs of five or more months.

The complete results of the Quarterly Market Index Survey for Reroofing are available to those who participate in the survey via an online dashboard that enables users to filter results by region and other metrics. Any contractor or consultant who wants to participate in the next quarter’s survey can sign up for a notification at http://bit.ly/37ank7D.

About NRCA

Since 1886, the National Roofing Contractors Association has been the home for generations of entrepreneurial craftsmen and enterprises who shelter and protect America’s families and businesses and each other. Our vision is the recognition of our members as professionals and to unite the industry to that purpose. NRCA is one of the construction industry’s most respected trade associations and the voice of roofing professionals and leading authority in the roofing industry for information, education, technology and advocacy. It represents all segments of the roofing industry, including contractors; manufacturers; distributors; architects; consultants; engineers; building owners; and city, state and government agencies. For information about NRCA and its services and offerings, visit nrca.net.

By Emma Peterson. 

How SPRI and DORA help the roofing industry prepare for increasingly extreme weather events. 

As each year passes, we see the intensity and frequency of storms, fires and other weather events continue to increase. In fact, NASA data released in 2025 found that “Extreme events are becoming more frequent, longer-lasting and more severe, with [2024’s] figures reaching twice that of the 2003-2020 average.” What can we do in the face of the increasing storms? Build stronger.  

To learn more about the role of tested, code-compliant roofing products and assemblies in combatting rising weather concerns, Heidi J. Ellsworth hosted Chadwick Collins, the technical director of the Single Ply Roofing Industry (SPRI), for an episode of Roofing Road Trips®. 

Addressing weather concerns is not a new initiative at SPRI. Chadwick explained, “The first standards we worked on were around roof edge design to avoid wind uplift. That was in the 1990s. So, we've always been supportive of investigating the problems and providing the best solutions out there to help people address those issues and we continue to do that to this day.” 

One of the results of this dedication is DORA, also known as the Directory of Roof Assemblies. DORA provides contractors, designers and other construction professionals with a comprehensive, third-party list of roof assembly and product performance in the face of extreme winds and other weather concerns. Chadwick added some context, saying, “The original mission when DORA was created was to create a database to help anyone that wanted to identify a roof system to meet Chapter 15 of the International Building Code. We started with wind resistance requirements. We have since added impact data to those requirements in Chapter 15 and are working to incorporate fire classification information in the future.”  

Interested in using DORA for an upcoming project? It’s both free and easy to use! Chadwick gave a brief explanation:  

When you go to the SPRI website, there's a big button that says DORA on it. Once you click that, you’ll be on DORA’s page. The home page has instructions and then there’s a search button on the top left. By clicking that, you’ll see a bunch of different boxes with different categories of dropdown menus.  

From there, you can use those menus to search the database from a number of different perspectives. Maybe you prefer a certain manufacturer and want to find a high-performance product from them, or maybe you have a specific wind uplift number to reach – you can search based on both or either of those criteria in DORA.  

At the end of the day, as Chadwick put it, “The only limitation to finding a result in DORA is that if a manufacturer has put the information in the database and made it available.” 

Listen to the whole podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about SPRI and DORA.

The survey is an industrywide effort to collect information about the reroofing market spearheaded by a coalition of trade associations.

The National Roofing Contractors Association encourages roofing professionals to join industry trade associations representing contractors, consultants and manufacturers in the U.S. and Canada in taking part in the latest Quarterly Market Index Survey for Reroofing to evaluate business conditions during the first quarter of 2026.

For more than two years, the survey has taken the pulse of the reroofing industry and continues to serve as a regular barometer of the industry’s business conditions. By asking a handful of business questions and measuring responses across several demographics, the survey helps indicate the reroofing market’s strength and trajectory. Your response provides valuable insight.

The results of the Quarterly Market Index Survey for Reroofing are made available to all survey participants via an online dashboard that enables users to filter results by region and other metrics.

For the previous survey that measured business activity during the fourth quarter of 2025, 75% of responses came from roofing contractors and 25% came from roof consultants.

The survey is an industrywide effort to collect information about the reroofing market spearheaded by a coalition of trade associations, including the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association, Canadian Roofing Contractors Association, Chemical Fabrics & Film Association Inc., EPDM Roofing Association, International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants, Metal Construction Association, Metal Roofing Alliance, National Roofing Contractors Association, National Women in Roofing, Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association, Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association and Single Ply Roofing Industry.

The Quarterly Market Index Survey for Reroofing is available at bit.ly/RoofingSurvey. Survey responses may be submitted through April 20.

About National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)

Since 1886, the National Roofing Contractors Association has been the home for generations of entrepreneurial craftsmen and enterprises who shelter and protect America’s families and businesses and each other. Our vision is the recognition of our members as professionals and to unite the industry to that purpose. NRCA is one of the construction industry’s most respected trade associations and the voice of roofing professionals and leading authority in the roofing industry for information, education, technology and advocacy. It represents all segments of the roofing industry, including contractors; manufacturers; distributors; architects; consultants; engineers; building owners; and city, state and government agencies. For information about NRCA and its services and offerings, visit www.nrca.net.

Single-Ply Roofing Industry (SPRI) is thrilled to announce Brian Chamberlain as its president for the 2026–2027 term.

Chamberlain brings nearly 40 years of experience with Carlisle Construction Materials and a long history of leadership within SPRI. His contributions include supporting technical task forces, helping expand the organization’s educational programs and founding the SPRI Education Committee. He has previously served as both education committee chair and treasurer.

As president, Chamberlain will guide SPRI through several key priorities, including advancing standards development, strengthening industry education, addressing regulatory challenges and supporting integration of new technologies.

“One of the things I’m tasked with is AI integration within our organization,” Chamberlain said. “At the same time, we’re continuing the standards and code work that makes a real impact across the industry.”
SPRI also recognized outgoing president Scott Carpenter for his leadership and service for the past two years. Carpenter reflected on his term with gratitude, noting the organization’s progress in strategic planning, advocacy and membership engagement.

SPRI looks forward to continued progress under Chamberlain’s direction as the organization advances technical excellence and industry collaboration.

Please join SPRI in welcoming Brian Chamberlain as its 2026–2027 president and in thanking Scott Carpenter for his impactful leadership and service.

About SPRI

SPRI is the leading association representing sheet membrane and component suppliers to the commercial roofing industry. Its mission is to be the recognized technical and statistical authority on single-ply roofing. Through the development of standards, publications, and educational programs, SPRI is dedicated to advancing the performance and long-term value of single-ply roofing systems. Visit www.spri.org to learn more.

Coalition unites to protect roofing diversity and to defend sound building science.

A broad coalition of roofing industry organizations has successfully defeated Mississippi House Bill 1730, legislation that would have imposed a mandatory minimum 3:12 roof slope on all new public buildings constructed in the state.  

The measure, which passed the Mississippi House of Representatives before stalling in the state Senate, would have effectively prohibited low-slope roofing systems on public construction projects and eliminated proven, cost-effective roofing solutions used on schools, hospitals, government buildings and other public facilities nationwide. 

"This outcome proves the power of a united industry speaking with one voice," said Ellen Thorp, CAE, president and managing director of Coalition for Sustainable Roofing (COSUR). "Low-slope roofing systems have a decades-long track record of performance on public buildings. This legislation was well-intentioned but based on a fundamental misunderstanding of building science, and we're grateful the Mississippi Senate recognized that." 

"Low-slope roofing systems are a staple of commercial and public construction in Mississippi," said Christee Roberson, owner and president of Graham Roofing, Inc. in West Point, Mississippi. "This bill would have tied the hands of architects, building owners and contractors, and driven up costs for taxpayers in the process. We're glad the industry mobilized quickly and effectively to make sure that didn't happen." 

The Coalition for Sustainable Roofing (COSUR) led the advocacy effort, working in close coordination with the EPDM Roofing Association (ERA), the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC), the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA), the Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association (PIMA), the Single Ply Roofing Industry (SPRI), the Mississippi Roofing Contractors Association and approximately a dozen additional roofing-related organizations and industry partners. 

About Coalition for Sustainable Roofing

COSUR (Coalition for Sustainable Roofing) is an advocacy coalition representing leading U.S. roofing manufacturers committed to holistic roof system design and sustainable roofing assemblies. The coalition advocates for informed, system-level decisions and opposes overly restrictive policies not supported by local, real-world performance and field-verified outcomes. 

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

SPRI is helping move the roofing industry toward a safer, healthier and more supportive future for all.

The Single Ply Roofing Industry (SPRI) is continuing its commitment to workforce well-being through its active Mental Health Task Force. The objective is clear and urgent: to identify and implement opportunities and solutions for mental health support and suicide prevention across the roofing industry by leveraging SPRI’s membership and extensive professional networks. 

Chaired by Lynsey Hull, CEO of Tyelus, and Joel Stanley, CEO of Anchor Products, the task force brings together industry leaders who are passionate about creating safer, healthier workplaces. Their leadership is helping guide meaningful conversations and actionable strategies that support roofing professionals at every level. 

“The statistics for suicide in construction are unacceptable, as is the ongoing crisis of mental health, and we want to do something as the Single Ply Roofing Industry,” said Lynsey. “We believe we have the influence and channels to really help spread the message of mental health and suicide prevention. Our objective is to help the entire roofing industry.” 

Roofing is demanding work, physically and mentally. Long hours, high-risk environments, weather pressures, workforce shortages and the stress of running complex businesses can take a serious toll. The SPRI Mental Health Task Force recognizes that addressing mental health is not only a personal issue but also an industry responsibility that directly affects safety, productivity and long-term sustainability. Their efforts are focused on practical actions, including promoting accessible resources, encouraging open dialogue within companies and associations and helping leaders understand how to build cultures where mental health is treated with the same importance as physical safety. 

Additionally, SPRI has made it clear that mental health and suicide prevention are not concerns limited to the jobsite. They also impact professionals in manufacturing plants, corporate offices, distribution centers and leadership teams throughout the roofing industry. By broadening the conversation beyond the field, SPRI is reinforcing that every role matters and every individual deserves support. 

To strengthen its impact, SPRI is working closely with the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and its mental health and suicide prevention initiative. By aligning efforts, the organizations are focused on sharing resources, reducing stigma and ensuring consistent messaging that reaches contractors, manufacturers, designers and the entire building enclosure community. 

A key component of this collaboration is support for Be Tough Enough, an industry-recognized nonprofit dedicated to mental health education, awareness and suicide prevention within construction. Through education, training and peer-driven conversations, Be Tough Enough provides tools that help individuals recognize warning signs, start difficult conversations and connect with help when it is needed most. 

At the end of the day, mental health challenges affect every segment of roofing, from the jobsite to the boardroom. SPRI’s ongoing commitment sends a strong message that no one has to face these challenges alone and that the industry is stronger when it takes care of its people. Through collaboration with NRCA and support of Be Tough Enough, SPRI is helping move the roofing industry toward a safer, healthier and more supportive future for all. 

If you or anyone you know is struggling with mental health, 988 is a great resource. This is a phone line for people struggling with mental health and for those trying to support someone who is struggling.  

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Roofing professionals assemble nearly 700 snack packs for Tucson-area students. 

Community service continues to define the culture of the roofing industry and members of the Single Ply Roofing Industry (SPRI) demonstrated that commitment during this year’s annual meeting! Held February 13–15, 2026, in Tucson, Arizona, this meeting brought leading manufacturers and suppliers of single ply roofing systems together with the purpose of advancing technical standards, research and education across the commercial roofing industry. 

For the second consecutive year, the service project was sponsored by Tyelus, a strategic process architect firm that helps construction and manufacturing companies align people, process and technology to build scalable and sustainable growth. In partnership with JustServe, a national nonprofit that connects volunteers with meaningful community opportunities, SPRI organized a hands-on event assembling food care packages for children in a local school within the Marana Unified School District. 

Lynsey Hull and Ashley Thompsen of Tyelus worked alongside Joel and Calli Stanley of Anchor Products, a leading manufacturer of engineered roof attachment systems and components for commercial roofing, to coordinate the effort. Their collaboration ensured the project was organized and efficient while creating an experience that was impactful not only for the children it served but also for the SPRI members who participatedin assembling the food packs. 

JustServe’s model makes volunteer engagement simple and accessible for associations and industry groups, allowing participants to focus on the purpose behind the project. During the event, SPRI members assembled nearly 700 packs filled with quick meals, snack bars, fruit and other nutritious items. These packs will be distributed to children facing food insecurity in the Marana Unified School District, helping bridge meal gaps outside regular school hours. 

Calli Stanley shared during the event that showing up for the communities that host industry meetings is an important part of leadership. The spirit of teamwork and generosity was evident as members worked side by side, reinforcing the roofing industry’s strong culture of service. She emphasized why Tyelus continues to support the initiative:  

Community giving is not an add-on to what we do; it is a responsibility. When our industry gathers, we have an opportunity to leave a positive mark beyond business. Supporting projects like this allows us to invest directly in the communities that support us. When I heard that our donation would cover the kids for the rest of the school year plus some extra it was truly amazing to me. 

The service project was a powerful reminder that while innovation, education and advocacy are central to SPRI’s mission, giving back remains equally important. By combining collaboration with compassion, SPRI members once again proved that roofing is about more than roofing, it is about people. 

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

NRCA shares construction outlook at SPRI Winter Meeting.

When roofing associations collaborate, meaningful progress follows. That spirit was on full display at the Single Ply Roofing Industry (SPRI) Winter Meeting when National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) Chairman Alex Hernandez, president of Clark Roofing Co. Inc., delivered a comprehensive and candid outlook on construction and roofing in 2026. Speaking on behalf of the NRCA, Alex addressed economic trends, federal policy, labor realities and the long-term responsibilities shared by contractors and manufacturers. 

He began his talk focusing on the economy and the projection for construction overall to rebound in 2026. Looking closer at this projection, data centers lead the way, remaining strong with growth in that sector expected to normalize. Residential single-family construction is showing modest recovery, while multifamily continues to lag due to oversupply in certain markets. All in all, Alex described the broader economy as operating on a “knifes edge,” explaining that while total dollar volumes of construction starts are increasing due to scale and material inflation, the actual number of projects are not growing at the same pace. 

Larger and more complex industrial projects are also dominating the market, leading to sector decoupling and continued consolidation across construction. Federal infrastructure and incentive programs are also fueling activity. Between $25 billion and $150 billion in direct annual spending and tax incentives are flowing from recent legislation, with total economic activity on jobsites projected to exceed $400 billion when private capital is included. For every federal dollar invested through programs such as CHIPS or IRA initiatives, the private sector is contributing between $2 and $5 in matching capital. 

Labor remains one of the industry’s most pressing concerns. Alex noted detentions increased sharply in 2025. He underscored the fragility of the labor pipeline and emphasized the need for thoughtful legislative reform and expanded workforce development. The NRCA is committed to helping solve the workforce challenges, including advocacy for career technical education, immigration and training. 

As for consolidation, it continues to accelerate. More than 35 private equity backed groups are actively acquiring roofing companies, with a large number of residential roofing companies already consolidated under major platforms. Roofing continues to attract investors because repair and replacement are essential services that persist through economic cycles. While economies of scale and shared best practices can strengthen operations, Alex cautioned that flexibility and local control may be diminished. 

Last but not least, Alex touched on mental health and suicide prevention. He shared that construction accounts for 18% of all suicides while representing only 7.5% of the population. He stressed that substance abuse and suicide claim more roofing lives than jobsite accidents. Alex urged industry leaders to remove the stigma, increase awareness and encourage workers to seek help around mental health and suicidal thoughts. Collaboration, he noted, is critical in addressing this silent crisis. 

Overall, Alex’s message was clear – the roofing industry is navigating economic volatility, regulatory shifts, workforce challenges including suicide and overall consolidation, yet it remains resilient and essential. By working together, SPRI as an association of single ply roofing manufacturers and suppliers and NRCA as an association of roofing contractors, can create even greater opportunities to strengthen and advance the industry overall.