RoofersCoffeeShop https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/ Roofing Forum, Classifieds, Galleries and More! en-us RoofersCoffeeShop® Will Be at IRE 2022, Will You? https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/rooferscoffeeshop-will-be-at-ire-2022-will-you rooferscoffeeshop-will-be-at-ire-2022-will-you Mon, 17 Jan 2022 18:00:00 PST

By Cass Jacoby, RCS Reporter.  

IRE promises to be one of the biggest events of the year, check out who will be at the expo! 

This year’s International Roofing Expo (IRE) promises many exciting events, products, classes and more. The expo will take place February 1-3 in New Orleans at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.  

RoofersCoffeeShop® will be on the beat, sharing information and broadcasting live on YouTube. Additionally, you will find President Heidi J. Ellsworth moderating a panel on how to work with young people who are interested in roofing. The session takes place Tuesday at 7:45 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. CT 

The Coffee Shop will join many great manufacturers, distributors and associations as they share new ideas with roofing contractors. Make sure you stop by our booth, number 249, and visit our RoofersCoffeeShop partners too:  

Don’t miss out, register today for IRE 2022!

]]> Coronavirus Protective Products are Being Sold Right Here in the Roofing Industry https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/coronavirus-protective-products-are-being-sold-right-here-in-the-roofing-industry coronavirus-protective-products-are-being-sold-right-here-in-the-roofing-industry Thu, 09 Apr 2020 14:00:00 PDT

By Topps Products.

Topps Multiuse Cleaner is a good product to look at for roofing crew cleaning needs.

As we are all dealing with Coronavirus, we at Topps have come up with a way to help our fellow Americans with the shortages we are facing. Topps Multiuse Cleaner, a concentrated formula, when diluted 1 cup of cleaner per 1 gallon of water, meets the CDC recommended guidelines for total bleaching agents for cleaning solutions to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus. When mixed this way, one 5-gallon pail will net about 80 gallons of cleaner.

This economical, alkaline-based cleaner is incredibly versatile. As perfect for heavy duty jobs as it is for use in regular cleaning, a simple change of concentration turns the formula into a cleaning powerhouse that can be adapted for most any project.

Topps Multiuse Cleaner Concentrate has been proven effective in a variety of commercial and industrial applications. It will cut through grime across a variety of conditions while also cleaning.

The carefully designed formula combines 10 ingredients - twice that of most ordinary cleaners. Three uniquely different surfactants and an active wetting agent carry the cleaner deep between dirt particles, where it rapidly begins to dissolve the grease, oil and other airborne pollutants which bind grime to surfaces. The dirt then releases as particles suspended in water, where it simultaneously is removed while washing, without requiring a rinse in most applications.

Start with 4-6 oz. to a gallon of clean water when using a power-wash. Use more where needed. Apply full-strength directly to more heavily soiled areas.  Contractors can buy product online here.

About Topps Products

Topps® Products has been providing industry-leading roofing solutions to contractors, building owners, and facilities managers for over 30 years. Our roof repair products are second-to-none and they are backed by our dedicated support team of industry experts who are here to help you get the job done right every time.  We understand what it takes for a roofing project to be a successful one. It comes down to the quality of roofing product implemented, and the company that stands behind it. At Topps, our support team works closely with you to ensure each project goes smoothly. Unlike "pop up" private labels, our support team is experienced in the roofing industry and can provide you with the specific solution you need. Our roofing products are time tested and stand up in the harshest of climates.

Learn more at www.toppsproducts.com.

]]> Roofing Road Trip with Heidi- Wayne Altizer PODCAST TRANSCRIPTION https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/roofing-road-trip-with-heidi-wayne-altizer-podcast-transcription roofing-road-trip-with-heidi-wayne-altizer-podcast-transcription Tue, 07 Apr 2020 09:00:00 PDT

Editor's note: The following is the transcript of an interview with Wayne Altizer from Topps Products Inc. You can read the interview below or listen to the podcast here.

Heidi: Hello, welcome to Roofing Road Trips with Heidi, part of Roofer's Coffee Shop, our read, listen, watch program where you can listen, you can read, you can watch, you can learn any way that you want. The Roofing Road Trip Podcast today, I'm very excited to welcome Wayne Altizer, Vice President of Topps Products. Wayne and I've been working together now for a little while and have gotten to know each other and so I invited him here on the show to tell us a little bit about what's happening with roof coatings. It's so hot and everybody wants to know, and so Wayne's going to share with us some stuff on roof coatings and just the industry overall and a little bit about Topps Products. So Wayne, welcome to the show.

Wayne Altizer: Thank you, Heidi. Glad to be here.

Heidi: Yeah, I'm so happy to have you today. It's nice to be able to just have these conversations and share them because I get to hear from you guys all the time, all the great things you're doing, but it's nice to be able to share that out.

Wayne Altizer: Absolutely. Absolutely.

Heidi: So, okay, let's just dive right in. Wayne, what are you seeing in the industry concerning roof coatings? What's hot? What's happening? What's the buzz on the roof coatings front?

Wayne Altizer: Well, the buzz really is, it's growth. There is a tremendous amount of growth in coatings and that's been going on for several years now. It seems to be being driven by a comfort level. It seems that both contractors and building owners are becoming more comfortable and understanding what a high performance roof coating can actually do for them. They're seeing that it's a viable alternative. It's not just paint like it was in years past. They're seeing that they can get the same quality roof as they normally would with say a membrane for example, without the expense, the waste, the disruption of business, everything that goes along with the tear off. The comfort level in that regard is just driving the growth behind it.

Heidi: Yeah. We also hear about just when we're looking at this new generation coming up, the importance of the environment and sustainability and what you're saying there is the ability to just code something instead of putting it into, coat with a really good roofing system instead of putting it into landfills, that's going to be huge.

Wayne Altizer: Yes, it is. Yes, it is. Speaking to that, there's no reason to add the waste to the landfills. When you've got a membrane that's nearing the end of its service life, instead of just throwing it away, like in years past, you're 100% right. You go up and you coat it and you essentially get another 10 to 20 years of service life out of that membrane that would normally just be rotting in a landfill.

Heidi: What we're seeing along with roof coatings, the other really hot trend in roofing right now is service and maintenance departments with the roofing contractors and they're able to extend the life of these roofs even further than that with the service and the maintenance and the coatings products that really Topps is known for.

Wayne Altizer: I think that's one of the most overlooked areas in roofing, in roofing in general, not just in coatings, but in the entire industry is the maintenance aspect of it. A successful contractor will sell a maintenance program to the building owner for the life of the roof he's putting on and it has so many benefits, not only to the building owner, but also to the contractor. The contractor is able to provide a solid quality product that he can stand behind. He's going to be on that roof making money every year, fixing small issues before they become large issues. Most importantly, he's in front of that building owner at least once a year. So most, not most, but a lot of building owners own multiple properties. When it comes time to fix a problem on another property, who's he going to call? He's going to call the guy that's been taking care of him for the past five, six, seven years. When his friend needs a referral, who's he going to call? The roofer that's been taken care of him. So it's really a no brainer. The contractor makes good money on it and he's able to increase his networking abilities while making money.

Heidi: Yeah. We just finished up a podcast yesterday with Michelle Boykin from Rackley Roofing and she's one of our RCS influencers, and they have I think she said yesterday, 23 service trucks now and they started out with like one just a couple of years ago. The demand for service and the ability for these contractors to, like you said, really have sustainable and scalable business with their building owners long term, it's huge.

Wayne Altizer: It is. It's really huge and it's very often overlooked and that's a shame because it's a great source of not only present income but future income for the contractors and it gives the building owner peace of mind. He's getting what he paid for.

Heidi: It's so true. Following up on that, both on the service and the sustainability or even the kindness to the environment, how do you help your contractors with the messaging to building owners on really how to talk about that? How to talk about a roof coating system that can really be good for the environment and good for their building and good for their budget and the importance of ongoing service with that to kind of continue that sustainability message. How are you positioning that?

Wayne Altizer: Every time we do a training with the contractors, that is brought up, the maintenance aspect of it because at least in my opinion, it is so overlooked. Your more successful contractors, they get it. They know that that is easy money and it's worth its weight in gold. It's your smaller guys that tend to overlook it. So when we do trainings to certify our contractors, we absolutely dive into that. It's the business aspect of the training that we provide to them.

Heidi: Yeah. That's what's so important. I think is how to use the right products, roofing products on the roof and being able to have really that strong service for the building owners with the right products. The contractors are getting that. I'm glad to hear that that's part of all of your trainings. Talk to us just a little bit about Topps Products. It's a 30-year-old company. I know there's new ownership. Can you tell us a little bit about what's going on there?

Wayne Altizer: Sure. We were able to purchase the company last year or year before last now, 2018, and what we've done is it's been a pretty seamless transition. The previous owners were ready to retire. They were well up in age and we were able to retain all of our employees, which is almost unheard of for a transition like this. But everybody seemed to be really excited about fresh new ideas and having their voice heard and being able to dive into market segments that had not been ignored, but the emphasis hadn't been placed on them in the past. And getting these fresh ideas and that the employees have been wanting to share and have been trying to share for so long and finally getting some action behind them has really just refreshed everything. Everybody's gotten a reboot out of it, if you will.

Heidi: Isn't not what we're all talking about nowadays is culture in the companies? Obviously labor shortage, but how do you keep your talented, how do you retain those talented employees? It sounds like you've really been able to put that together.

Wayne Altizer: We have. We have, and we're pretty proud of that. Retaining your talent from a business owner's perspective is so much more positive than having to try to go out and recruit new talent. Our turnover rate is almost nil. Our employees stay with us for decades and that's fantastic from our standpoint. But we do, we work really hard to keep them happy and listen to their concerns and when they're valid, we put action behind it and we do it quickly. That's one of the benefits of not having your huge culprit or corporate structure behind you. You're able to put things into practice very, very quickly.

Heidi: Well, you and I were just talking about it, for those listening to the podcast, we're actually, today is March 13th, 2020 and we're just at the very beginning of the coronavirus. So Wayne, we'll put this down and know that down the road people may be listening to this and saying, "Oh yeah, I remember that." But flexibility in business is going to be paramount over the next three to six months. Being able to be flexible, to be digital, to be able to listen to your employees, to be able to move quickly. So that's exactly what you're describing.

Wayne Altizer: Absolutely. You have to be able to adjust to market trends and the quicker you're able to do that, the better off you're going to be.

Heidi: What are some of the ways that you are looking, this is a total new question here, but how are some of the ways you're looking at staying in touch with your contractors over the next couple of months?

Wayne Altizer: Well, we do a very good job of staying in touch with them even before the outbreak and the scare that's going on in the country right now. We are constantly emailing and calling and talking to these guys. We feel like we're business partners with them, which we are because our success depends on their success. So we do a very good job of keeping in touch with our customer base, our contractor base and we like it that way. Talking to our customers is one of the highlights of my job. I enjoy it more than anything else in this world. You get to see them grow their business while simultaneously growing yours and it's just a win for everyone. That being said, with the coronavirus, beyond the common sense things at this point, it's business as usual for us.

Heidi: Same. I tell you what, that's how we feel at the coffee shop too. Business as usual. Be careful, but our crews, the crews that are out on the rooftops who are installing these roofing systems will just hopefully, with just some real strong on safety of keeping that distance from each other a little bit and washing hands all the time, we should be able to keep the business rocking and rolling hopefully through all of this. I think what you're talking about, pick up the phone, talk to each other, get online. Don't let the relationships get lost in the middle of all this craziness is really what's going to help the industry overall and all of our businesses stay strong.

Wayne Altizer: Absolutely. Don't let the relationship suffer. That's key.

Heidi: It really is. Speaking of relationships, one of the things that I love is the fact that Topps is a one voice member of NRCA. That's a big deal because like you had said, you guys are definitely an older company, 30-years-old, but just with new ownership with all of you in the last two years, to make that kind of commitment to the industry I think really says something. Can you share a little bit about your experience with NRCA and the one voice and just getting involved in the industry so far?

Wayne Altizer: Oh, absolutely. Joining the NRCA no doubt has been one of the best things we've done as an organization. The networking alone that you are able to achieve is so positive and so helpful. It honestly opens doors that you wouldn't even know existed, not only within your organization, outside your organization, but also with customers and honestly other competitors. At the end of the day, we're all in this together. We're trying to produce a product that is going to the beneficial to the marketplace and the ability to share ideas is huge. The NRCA allows you to do that on a grand scale. It's one of the premier organizations in my opinion by far.

Heidi: Well, I know that's where I met James and James is the CEO, President, works ownership with you in the company and I have to tell you, amazing networking. Once we met, we started talking and that was all because of the NRCA and that one voice and just being involved. I really try to encourage contractors too, it's probably one of the most important memberships out there. Get involved with the NRCA because of people like you, people like James, people who are really invested in the improvement of the industry.

Wayne Altizer: Absolutely. It is the premier organization for our industry, no question about it. Every contractor should be involved in my opinion, at least to some degree. The more successful contractors absolutely are involved and the more successful manufacturers as well. I just can't say enough about it. It has been nothing but a positive experience for us, hands down.

Heidi: That's excellent. Well, I'd like to switch gears just for a little bit. One of the things that's so important to us is to be able to provide advice and feedback to our roofing contractors. So I have just a couple questions. I'd like for you to share your wisdom with our roofing contractors listening to this podcast. The first one is the fact that you all came in, you bought a company, now you're working at growing it. What pieces of advice do you have for growing a strong business in roofing?

Wayne Altizer: Well, the first piece of advice that I would have is, you hear this a lot in roofing in general, the devil's in the details. Don't overlook the smaller or the fringe aspects of your business. Being a good roofer or tradesman doesn't necessarily always translate into being a good business owner. I've been in the roofing industry for over 25 years and the successful contractors that I'm seeing are not only the ones who deliver a solid product to the building owner, but also understand the importance of building the relationships with those end users, suppliers, manufacturers and even other contractors. I can't speak to this enough. We all come across things in business where we need someone to turn to, we need some advice or we need just a sounding board even. And those contractors that have that structure in place are already a step ahead of their competition. So I guess to answer your question, having blinders on and focusing only on the roofing aspect of your business will hinder you. If you can take those blinders off and open up to the other aspects of your business, the marketing, the networking, the relationship building, the entire scope of what it takes to be in business, you will be successful.

Heidi: That is great advice. That is good. Okay, second advice question, for roofing contractors who have not used coatings that much yet, who maybe are more residential and have been doing more asphalt shingles but want to get into more service, more flat, more commercial projects, what's your advice? How do they add that to their business successfully?

Wayne Altizer: If you're a residential contractor that your background is in shingles for example, like the example you used, transitioning into coatings is a wonderful way of transitioning over from residential to commercial. The reason being is multifaceted but your liability as a contractor is so much less than it is if you're trying to do full tear offs and full re-roofs on large commercial buildings where one miscalculation could cost you tens of thousands if not hundreds of thousands of dollars. With a coatings application the crews are smaller. You can effectively apply a coating or complete a coating project with three to four crew members. So you don't need this vast army of crew members to carry material and to lay it out across the roof and cranes to bring it up to the roof. You have the flexibility of being able to take on these multi-square jobs that you would normally have to pass on because you don't have the resources. But by using a coating, you're able to do this. Not only that, you're providing that end user, that building owner with just as good a roof as he would get with a full tear off and you've the warranty and the traction to be able to back that up.

Heidi: That's great. I do think we have a lot of contractors that are looking at that. Share a little bit on what's the learning curve from your training? So these roofing contractors who want to add this to their offerings, they get in touch with you and then what's that learning curve? How long does it take to train the crews? How does that work?

Wayne Altizer: Generally only one job. We will come out and we will walk you through every aspect of it if you'd like on your first job, even your second or third job until you feel comfortable. We do a classroom exercise. We do a hands-on, several hands-on exercises, but we think it's important, we know it's important to go beyond that and actually go out to the job site and show these crews the proper way to install the coating. It's a win for everyone. We know our coating's not going to fail when it's properly installed, so we're helping you make sure that you're going to be successful in that project. We'll stay out there with you the duration of the job if that's what your needs are.

Heidi: I can vouch for this because I know, I can't remember what show it was or what event we were at together. I think it was actually the NRCA show, and James had driven to, I think it was in Kansas City. He had driven to Kansas City and he had stopped all along the way with product in the back of his truck doing trainings with contractors. That was all the way from Mississippi.

Wayne Altizer: Absolutely.

Heidi: So I think really that kind of one-on-one relationship of training and really being a part of their business, like you said earlier, being a partner, that's the type of thing that, especially for contractors who are looking to add coatings to their offerings, they need to find that type a vendor, that type of partner to really help them get there.

Wayne Altizer: Absolutely. It's very important because the last thing you want is a contractor to commit to doing this job and he gets on the job and he feels like he's on his own with no support whatsoever from anyone. He has nowhere to turn. If he completes the job, it's probably going to be the last one he does because he's going to migrate back to the safety zone.

Heidi: Exactly. Exactly.

Wayne Altizer: But by providing support for your contractors in your customer base, everybody wins. It's a positive experience for the contractor and the building owner.

Heidi: Exactly. I'm going to do a little shameless plug here, but I just think it's important. One of the areas on Roofer's Coffee Shop that we've brought on in the last year is a section called Buy Online. So for contractors who do want to be able to try to order online, they can do that. And there's a lot of contractors we all know, with 14,000 coming to our site every month, we know that the contractors are looking to be able to do that. I love the fact that they can buy Topps online and that they can just have those orders when they need them and work directly with you. I know it's a little bit of a different business model, but what kind of success are you seeing with that?

Wayne Altizer: We're doing very well with it actually. The products that we offer online are the products that don't take a tremendous amount of training to install. For instance, our repair product or [polyprene 00:24:53]. Every roofing truck, every roofer service truck or contracting truck should have a pail of this. It comes in handy in so many places. It's got a two year shelf life after it's opened so you're honestly getting what you're paying for. We have maintenance crews from several different school systems that keep a pail or two pails or three pails in each school and there's whole school system so their maintenance guys can respond just as quickly as possible to roof leaks and problems. By allowing the online sales, it's good for everyone because they are foolproof for the most part and you can fix the problem quickly and efficiently.

Heidi: That's excellent. And for the full systems, that's through distribution?

Wayne Altizer: That's through distribution generally, yes. Sometimes it's direct to contractor in an area where we may not have distribution in place, but generally it is through distribution. Yes.

Heidi: Perfect. So they give some real great options of how to get in touch with you, how to continue this conversation. I love this conversation about the training, the relationship, how to use coatings in your business and move it forward. It's just been a great, great, great interview, Wayne. Thank you. Anything else to share before we wrap it up?

Wayne Altizer: You're right. It has been a lot of fun. I've really, really enjoyed it and I hope we can do it again. The only thing that I would add is what we talked about earlier. I'd just like to emphasize for the guys that are maybe a residential or light commercial roofing contractor that want to find something else to add to their product offering, coatings are a tremendous way to get into that market segment without sticking your neck so far out and having to have such deep pockets to fund these larger jobs. It's a fantastic transition. We have so many that have transitioned over and they're like, "Why didn't I do this earlier? I'm not doing shingles anymore. It's too hard on my back. It's too hard on my crew. I can make more money doing coatings." And they'll go buy the spray rigs. They'll go get it set up for it. But it's a wonderful thing to do.

Heidi: That is great. I agree. I agree. And you know what? We need to have all of the tools in our tool belt in the back of our trucks that we can in order to stay flexible, to take care of the customers and protect the families and businesses of this country. That's really what roofing does.

Wayne Altizer: Yes, it does.

Heidi: It is great. Well, Wayne, thank you so much. Thank you everyone listening to this podcast. We appreciate you listening. Please listen to all of the podcasts on Roofers Coffee Shops. The Roofing Road Trips with Heidi Podcast happens every week, and we're just trying to bring information that can help your business. So thank you and we will see you again soon. Bye.

]]> Spring Specials for Roof Repairs with POLYPRENE® https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/spring-specials-for-roof-repairs-with-polyprene spring-specials-for-roof-repairs-with-polyprene Mon, 02 Mar 2020 14:00:00 PST

By Marie Moser, Topps Products

Why Polyprene by Topps Products is leading the way to spring repairs.

Maintenance pays and spring maintenance of commercial and residential roofs is critical! After a crazy winter of all types of weather, it is the perfect time for contractors to connect with their customers for spring inspections and repairs. 

The most important reason for performing maintenance on any roof is to protect the capital investment and the assets that roof protects.  When you buy a car, taking it in for service helps keep it in good shape and running smoothly. Plus, if there's a problem, a good mechanic will identify it before it gets too bad and causes too much damage, which can be costly. The same principle goes for roof maintenance!

Ongoing, proper roof maintenance will add years to the life of a roof and will, most likely, catch damages and leaks before they cause problems to the interior of the building.  At Topps Products, we believe in strong maintenance which results in more sustainable, durable roofing for our customers.  Topps’ products are meant to help extend the life of the roof and keep it functioning at a high level of performance.

We know contractors are busy inspecting and repairing roofs and need the right materials for their crews.  That is why we are committed to running spring stocking opportunities that will get the best products in the back of every roofing crew’s trucks and up on the roof to protect the customers’ buildings, preparing them for rainy spring and the hot summer ahead.

For our current spring special, we are highlighting Polyprene®, a rubber, universal roof repair cement used for flashings, seams, pitch pans, cracks, splits and for making seamless repairs.  This product has extra chemical agents that provide maximized adhesion.  It is perfect for roof maintenance, offering a water-tight and long-lasting seal. The heavily fibered, high-solids content prevents mud cracking, making it ideal for pitch pans, sealing seams/cracks, affecting repairs around vibrating rooftop equipment, as well as skylights, vents, flashings, and more.

Roof maintenance crews find that Polyprene® applies quickly and easily, reinforcing critical areas.  This 100% synthetic rubber flashing cement product is fiber reinforced, allowing it to always remain flexible and to never crack when cold.  As a “Welcome to Spring” special, we are offering 10% lower pricing and free PolyCore™ samples with each order.  PolyCore™ is a stitch bonded 100% polyester reinforcing membrane that makes every repair stronger. The precisely spaced warp in the material provides integrated channels for liquid rubber to flow through, interlocking and further increasing dimensional integrity.  Its flatter profile permits complete encapsulation with less coating.

Polyprene® has a 24-month shelf life after opening, making it one of the most flexible, easy to use products in the market.  We truly believe in our products and offer 100% Satisfaction Guarantee – just return unopened product freight prepaid for a full product cost refund!

Topps Products is a Veteran Owned, 100% American Owned, 100% American Made, Independent manufacturer (not private label) of high performance protective coatings and repair products for waterproofing, building maintenance and energy savings.  This special is our way of saying “Welcome to Spring!”   

Find the Polyprene® flyer with full details at RCS Promos and Rebates and Buy Online.

]]> Unique Use of Polyprene® https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/unique-use-of-polyprene unique-use-of-polyprene Sat, 01 Feb 2020 14:00:00 PST

By Lauren White, RCS Reporter.

See how well, and quick, Polyprene stops leaks.

Topps Products, Inc. has developed a product that effectively repairs, doesn’t split or crack, and can be applied to wet surfaces.  Known as Polyprene, it is made of 100% rubber and is waterfree. Topps has been providing contractors, building owners, and facilities managers, with roofing solutions for more than 30 years.  Their industry-leading roof repair products are backed by the dedicated support team of industry experts at Topps.

Topps Middle East distributors shared a (video above) demonstrating just how well Polyprene works.  Viewers watch as leaks are stopped, simply by applying Polyprene to the problem areas!  It is an excellent solution for emergency repairs since the wet surface adhesive agents allow repairs even to damp metal.  This video shows the durability of Topps repair products and their ability to stop leaks fast and permanently. Immediately after application, even while still wet, Polyprene seals and prevents leaks(video below).

Voted the #1 repair compound among roofing professionals, Polyprene is the ideal product to repair flashings, seams, pitch pans, cracks, and splits. Available in the colors gray, black and white, Polyprene is packaged in 10-ounce tubes, 3-gallon, 5-gallon and 55-gallon pails/barrels. International customers can order in metric units, if desired. Specialty colors can be manufactured upon request and volume.

Polyprene can be used on most roof types and existing membranes such as acrylics, BUR, Mod-Bit, EPDM, TPO, and PVC. It seals seams, cracks, around vibrating rooftop equipment, skylights, vents, flashings, and more. A single layer can be applied thick, without having to worry about mud cracking. And Polyprene stays flexible and won’t crack, even when it gets cold.

Topps is dedicated to helping roofing professionals get the job done right every time. Polyprene is just one of multiple high quality products from Topps. This rubber sealant is fiber reinforced, spreads quickly and easily, and holds tight to seal out moisture. Penetrations and seams don’t stand a chance with Polyprene. Use this video to show your clients how well Polyprene performs.

Discover the benefits of becoming a Topps® Certified Installer and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn,and Instagram as well.

Original article source: Topps Products

About Topps Products

Topps® Products, now a Veteran-Owned company, has been providing industry-leading roofing solutions to contractors, building owners, and facilities managers for over 30 years. Our roof repair products are second-to-none and they are backed by our dedicated support team of industry experts who are here to help you get the job done right every time.

We understand what it takes for a roofing project to be a successful one. It comes down to the quality of roofing product implemented, and the company that stands behind it. At Topps, our support team works closely with you to ensure each project goes smoothly. Unlike "pop up" private labels, our support team is experienced in the roofing industry and can provide you with the specific solution you need. Our roofing products are time tested and stand up in the harshest of climates.

We offer a wide range of products for your roofing project, many of which can prolong the life of your roof for many years, even decades! From fixes for leaks to upgrades we have the roofing products you need to make your roof last.

]]> Roofing Road Trips Podcast: Wayne Altizer https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/roofing-road-trips-podcast-wayne-altizer roofing-road-trips-podcast-wayne-altizer Wed, 01 Jan 2020 12:23:00 PST

By Lauren White, RCS Reporter.

Topps continues to be successful with roof coatings and multi-use cleaner.

The Vice President of Topps Products, Inc., Wayne Altizer, has been in the roofing industry for 25 years.  Wayne is helping to grow the 30-year-old company, which recently changed ownership.  With a seamless transition in 2018, Topps was able to retain all of their employees, which is rare.  Wayne speaks with Heidi J. Ellsworth, RoofersCoffeeShop® partner, about how quickly contractors can get trained in roof coating application, Topps’ incredible employee retention, and how the company has responded to the coronavirus.  

For the last few years, roof coatings have seen tremendous growth in the industry.  Wayne attributes this to contractors and building owners becoming more comfortable with and understanding the value of a high-performance roof coating.  “They [contractors] are seeing that they can get the same quality roof as they normally would with say a membrane for example, without the expense, the waste, the disruption of business, everything that goes along with the tear off,” Wayne explains.

Typically, it only takes one job to get fully trained in using Topps roof coatings.  The training includes a classroom exercise and hands-on exercises, but Wayne shares that, “we know it’s important to go beyond that and actually go out to the job site and show these crews the proper way to install the coating.”  They’ll even come out to the second and third job until contractors and their crews are comfortable with installing the product. “By providing support for your contractors in your customer base, everybody wins. It’s a positive experience for the contractor and the building owner,” according to Wayne.

With a turnover rate that is nearly nonexistent, Topps has great success in retaining employees.  Wayne shares, “We work really hard to keep them [employees] happy and listen to their concerns and when they’re valid, we put action behind it and we do it quickly.”  

The company relies on digital means of communication to stay connected with their customer base.  Their use of technology has helped tremendously during this pandemic as employees transitioned to working remotely.  Topps is constantly emailing, calling, and talking to their customers. “We feel like we’re business partners with them, which we are because our success depends on their success,” Wayne reveals.  “Talking to our customers is one of the highlights of my job...You get to see them grow their business while simultaneously growing yours and it’s just a win for everyone.”

Not only is Topps able to continue helping their customers, but they found a way to help fellow Americans during this pandemic as people face shortages of cleaning supplies.  Topps discovered that their MultiUse Cleaner™ can be used for interior cleaning when diluted.  “A concentrated formula, when diluted 1 cup of cleaner per 1 gallon of water, meets the CDC recommended guidelines for total bleaching agents for cleaning solutions to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.  When mixed this way, one 5 gallon pail will net about 80 gallons of cleaner.” 

Topps is dedicated to supporting, training, and communicating with their customers.  And in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, they have managed to find a way to provide much needed cleaning supplies.  While the company is now under new ownership, they are still coming up with fresh new ideas and diving into new market segments.

Listen to the podcast to hear more about roof coatings from Wayne.  Check out the RoofersCoffeeShop® podcast page for even more. 

]]> Restoring a Chronic Leaky Roof https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/restoring-a-chronic-leaky-roof restoring-a-chronic-leaky-roof Tue, 24 Dec 2019 10:00:00 PST

By Lauren White, RCS Reporter.

After 13 years of persistent roof leaks, something needed to be done.

When faced with a leaky roof of 13 years, the facility manager started looking for solutions.  Tearing off the existing waterproof membrane was going to be cost-prohibitive, and replacing the roof would be expensive and more time-intensive.  That's when he found a Topps-certified Installer to help him explore restoration options from Topps Products, Inc.  

The company manufactures roof repair products, maintenance systems, roof sealants and coatings, masonry sealers, and specialty products.  For 30 years, Topps® Products has provided contractors, building owners, and facilities managers with “industry-leading roofing solutions.”  Topps repair products are fast, resilient, and economical for roof leaks.

Installation of Topps Seal is a timely option for roof maintenance.  Watch this time-lapse video to see how the facility manager’s leaky roof is restored with Topps Seal.  “Now the roof is waterproofed and cooled with a 100%, low permeable seamless water-free coating!” Topps explains.  ‘

Able to withstand some of the harshest climates, Topps products can help prolong a roof’s life for years.  Topps offers a variety of products that can help with your next roofing project.  Their roof repair products are high quality and are endorsed by their support team of industry experts.  They work closely with you to ensure your next project is successful.  

Using Topps Seal, minor problems are corrected and the roof gets a barrier that protects it from the elements.  As Topps puts it, “Not a new roof, but a better roof.” And that’s exactly what the facility manager got, a better roof.  He didn’t have to worry about a full replacement and he won’t have to worry about the roof leaking again for many years.

Discover the benefits of becoming a Topps® Certified Installer and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram as well.

Original article source: Topps Products 

About Topps Products

Topps® Products has been providing industry-leading roofing solutions to contractors, building owners, and facilities managers for over 30 years. Our roof repair products are second-to-none and they are backed by our dedicated support team of industry experts who are here to help you get the job done right every time.

We understand what it takes for a roofing project to be a successful one. It comes down to the quality of roofing product implemented, and the company that stands behind it. At Topps, our support team works closely with you to ensure each project goes smoothly. Unlike "pop up" private labels, our support team is experienced in the roofing industry and can provide you with the specific solution you need. Our roofing products are time tested and stand up in the harshest of climates.

We offer a wide range of products for your roofing project, many of which can prolong the life of your roof for many years, even decades! From fixes for leaks to upgrades we have the roofing products you need to make your roof last. Visit https://www.toppsproducts.com/.

Learn More about Topps.

]]> How Building Owners Can Save Time and Money https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/how-building-owners-can-save-time-and-money how-building-owners-can-save-time-and-money Tue, 10 Dec 2019 14:00:00 PST

By Topps Products.

Below is a typical situation when a building owner realizes that it's time to take care of the thing he really hates to have to spend money on...new golf clubs! Just kidding, it's his roof.

We're sure you've experienced this scenario. The building owner usually starts out having his facility manager, if he has one, research local contractors and products, only to find there are too many and it seems they all have their own remedy - which none of them agree on.

The next part of the process begins with gathering quotes that range from roof repair to complete restoration to total replacement. What ever happened to simple roof maintenance?!

Knowing he only has a few leaks, he can't understand why no one comes up with a solution of simple roof maintenance and making the repairs, so he can get those new golf clubs which he really needs. ;)

You know that some roofs do need complete replacement, but it helps the owner to find out first hand from you - the real expert -  just what is really necessary, and whether the roof is a candidate for repairs and restoration.

Work with a manufacturer like Topps Products, with a completely integrated line of roof restoration, maintenance and repair products to help the building owner. Topps Products' applicators are trained to accurately diagnose roofing problems and propose solutions that work to meet owners' needs, from simple repairs to complete restoration .

At Topps Products, we stand behind our product. So when you're ready to get to the heart of the problem with your customers' roofs come to Topps Products first.

Discover the benefits of becoming a Topps® Certified Installer and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram as well.

Original article source: Topps

]]> How To Choose the Best Elastomeric Roof Coating https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/how-to-choose-the-best-elastomeric-roof-coating how-to-choose-the-best-elastomeric-roof-coating Tue, 26 Nov 2019 14:00:00 PST

By Topps Products.

What is an Elastomeric Roof Coating?

An elastomeric roof coating is an elastic coating applied to a variety of roof types to protect and seal the underlying roofing material, help stop and prevent leaks, and limit future weathering. They are designed to move with the roof and be more forgiving rather than remain rigid, a quality that makes them especially durable. Some coatings are also designed to cool the building. The term elastomeric comes from the coating’s elastic quality to stretch and move.

Elastomeric roof coatings can be used on many industrial and commercial roof types such as metal roofs, concrete roofs, bitumen, modified bitumen or BUR roofs, EPDM roofs, or as a sealant over new SPF roofs.

When to Coat a Roof

The best value from a roof coating comes when you apply it at the first sign of aging. By making needed repairs early, installing a full protective barrier at the same time, you create your “stitch in time that saves nine.” Wait too long and it is likely to cost the owner more. Too often, it costs a new roof, at three or four times the expense of a roof coating, which could have been avoided by paying attention to early signals.

After reviewing all of the many elastomeric roof coatings on the market, how do you select the best quality and value roof coating for your customers' needs?

Understand the Roof Restoration Process

Understanding the entire roof restoration process will help you to choose which elastomeric roof coating best suits your customers' needs. Most every roof has conditions requiring more of a coating's particular physical properties than it does of the others. It pays to compare all the physical properties because it only takes a weakness of one to result in failure. Some roof conditions, such as rust or leaks at seams or flashings, may make it necessary to apply specialized products in addition to a coating. If you believe the roof may need more than just a coating, we suggest researching roof restoration options from Topps roof restoration systems here.

To learn more about the full roof restoration process, read our full guide and watch the video below:

Physical Properties to consider in Elastomeric Roof Coating Purchases

When determining the best elastomeric roof coating to use on the roof, there are many physical properties that need to be taken into consideration.

Every roof is different in terms of construction, location, weather, sunlight, etc. It is impossible to ever know which physical characteristic will prove most important to the durability of a particular roof system, so we highly recommend you compare every one of them when you are reviewing the available roof coating products. The best roof coatings should perform well for your customer on every count.

Here are the properties to evaluate:

  • Elasticity/Elongation: Elasticity is the ability of a material to stretch. The ability to stretch and also recover means that a roof coating can move with the expansion and contraction of the roof as the temperature changes without cracking. Remember, only products which recover after being challenged are ready to take on the next needs. Bubblegum for example has tremendous elasticity. But because it has no recovery, stretching it only makes it thinner and ultimately a mess. The higher the elasticity, the more likely the product will endure your customers' needs and fluctuations in the roof structure. When you couple this with recovery you get a product which can keep on performing.
  • Tensile Strength (new): Tensile strength measures the ability of the product to hold together and avoid breaking. Roof coating companies typically only report tensile strength when the product is new and in the lab. Spoiler: It always changes once outside exposure and aging begins.
  • Tensile Strength (aged): The tensile strength of a roof coating can deteriorate rapidly over time with exposure to the weather. We highly recommend that you select a manufacturer that can provide written, third-party tensile strength measurements of their coatings when they are aged and have been exposed to the elements. It provides an added level of comparison. The aged measurements of the best roof coatings often beat those of competitors’ new product measurements. That signifies a serious difference in coating quality and value over time.
  • Perm Factor: The perm factor is the coating’s resistance to moisture vapor passing through it. A lower number shows less moisture can pass through it.
  • Moisture Gain by Weight: Moisture gain by weight measures the coating's ability to absorb water vs repel water and protect the roof beneath. You want a roof coating that repels water away from the roof, rather than absorbing it into the roofing material which can accelerate aging and deterioration of the roof itself.
  • Peel Adhesion: Peel adhesion measures the ability of the coating system to remain adhered to the roof surface under adverse conditions. If the roof coating doesn’t stay firmly attached, then it can’t properly protect the roof.
  • Tear Resistance: The tear resistance of a coating is, just as it sounds, the resistance to tearing which can happen due to foot traffic, from roof movement, or from other shifts in the environment.
  • Reflectivity: Reflectivity measures how much solar heat is reflected away from the roof by the coating. A cool, reflective roof surface allows all building components to work more efficiently and reduces maintenance needs and premature roof failure caused by UV damage and thermal shock.

Comparing Elastomeric Roof Coating Performance

When choosing the right elastomeric coating option for a particular roof, there’s more to consider than just the coating’s properties. Some sealants perform better than others relative to industry standards. Comparing performance between brands can help you decide which option is best for your customers' needs.

The chart below shows how Topps Seal® compares in performance against other alternatives based upon the ASTM Miami-Dade standard on some of the key properties for an elastomeric roof coating.

Roof Coating Standards Provide a Necessary Point of Reference

ASTM MIAMI-DADE STANDARD

The American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) supplies national standards for testing procedures of elastomeric roof coatings. This allows purchasers to have a reliable set of standards when evaluating the best elastomeric roof coating. 

Miami-Dade County, Florida, assigns to roof coating products what they consider to be minimal requirements for use in this challenging environment. In order to be approved for lawful use in the county, a product must undergo testing by a government-approved third-party laboratory to ensure that it meets the county's minimum standards (as shown under 100% Acrylic in the chart above).

The ASTM includes testing standards for elasticity, tensile strength, perm factor, moisture gain by weight, peel adhesion, and tear resistance. They stress that ALL of these characteristics hold equal importance when evaluating a roof coating. Having good results on just one element is not enough to use for selection criteria.

Selecting the best roof coating can have serious long-term implications, so at Topps, we actually recommend that you take your questions a few steps further than simply the ASTM standards, and focus on the entire package and how it might affect the outcomes. You can risk everything by choosing instead to focus on only certain features while overlooking the rest.

Consider real physical properties over the manufacturer's claims. Only the former will provide you with maximum benefits. Make certain that the product you choose is the most desirable option for the range of conditions in your customers' climates. Selecting a coating that can withstand any climate will be of benefit. Climates often involve various extremes during different seasons, and the more versatile and durable the coating, the better off the roof will be.

Third-party independent testing, beyond standards used only for marketing purposes, can be invaluable.

Because Miami-Dade County Florida has what most consider to be the gold standard set of requirements for roof coating characteristics, where passage is required for legal use in those areas, it can be an excellent starting criteria. Miami-Dade has an incredibly complex set of potential weather conditions (think heat, high humidity, hurricanes, etc.) and thus, needs very high standards for performance in building materials. The cost difference for higher quality products, if there is one, will be negligible in the scheme of things.

In addition to having requirements for performance when new in the lab, Miami-Dade Country approved products also require roof coatings to be tested when they are aged. After a coating is aged, you can get a much better understanding of the rate at which it deteriorates and changes. This will tell you much more about its value than initial lab testing on a new product. Their reporting shows you how it compares.

Ask your vendor about the use of their products across various conditions, but also Miami-Dade standards. Are they approved for Miami-Dade county? Can they provide you with the results of tests conducted on their aged products after exposure to the weather? This information is critical to finding the very best roof coating product available.  Avoid products having the weakest link in the chain among important physical properties.

ENERGY STAR® RECOGNITION

Last, but not least, the ability of the roof coating to provide a cool roof is incredibly important. UV rays and thermal shock can cause serious damage and deterioration to a roof. A white elastomeric roof coating, having proven solar effective properties, provides protection against heat and therefore can also help to dramatically reduce the energy required to cool the building. We recommend seeking out products that carry the ENERGY STAR® mark to ensure that the roof coating product you are applying is providing your customers with these important cooling benefits.

Again, this is one component among a number that can be valuable to your customer. So consider the entire package. If a white roof coating degrades quickly over time it loses the energy and cooling benefits it initially offered. Consider those instead who also use CRRC Cool Roof Rating Council® for third-party verification on cool roof retention over time if this is important to your customer. Here again, coatings which diminish more quickly in cooling qualities typically offer less value in the other important physical factors above. You don’t want it to be the weak link in your “value chain”. CRRC reports this.

Reviews

ELASTOMERIC ROOF COATING REVIEWS

Outside of some highly specialized venues, it can be difficult to find detailed reviews of elastomeric coating products. How do you decide which products hold up best on metal roofs? Or which sealants are right for your roof conditions?

One way to evaluate an elastomeric coating product is to review 3rd party independent reviews such as Cool Roof Rating Council®, MiamiDade County (approval carries verification), and Energy Star®. These give you facts.

Check to see that the manufacturer actually recommends their products for the specific roof type and be sure all products recommended for the project are included. 

You may also benefit from reading about the experiences of others who have used particular products themselves. There are few better sources of product information than certified independent test results verifying the outcomes, together with customers who have used elastomeric roof coatings whose conditions are identical to your customers' situation. 

Conclusion

Selecting an elastomeric roof coating is an important decision that can have a significant impact on the longevity of a roofing project and on the roof itself. Be sure when you select a product that you ask questions about all of the physical characteristics of the product and how it is rated by third parties like ASTM and CRRC.

Go in wise. Know that comparing literature reports of a product new and in the lab are good as a starting point. Be sure to dig deeper to ensure the that you select the best roof coating for all of your customers' needs. The coatings that perform better on more areas are more likely to meet your needs over time.

Have questions? Feel free to contact Topps for information on roof coating standards and how our products stack up.

Original article source: Topps

]]> Should I Be Concerned About Trapped Moisture Before Coating a Built-Up Roof? https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/should-i-be-concerned-about-trapped-moisture-before-coating-a-built-up-roof should-i-be-concerned-about-trapped-moisture-before-coating-a-built-up-roof Tue, 12 Nov 2019 14:00:00 PST

By Topps Products.

To answer the question specifically, trapped moisture within a roof can be an issue at certain times on certain roofs.

Here’s the scenario and how it plays out: When a flat roof system, whether it’s a BUR, TPO, PVC or EPDM, starts leaking it gets into the insulation where damage occurs and rot begins. Left alone and trapped, it only gets worse.

We recommend an infrared scan on these types of roofs to check for trapped moisture within the roofing system, which provides tremendous insights that can save your customers money in the long run. A moisture scan will determine where the trapped moisture is in these types of roofs, if in fact it does exist. Remedial action required is to cut out the wet areas and re-ply the affected area prior to coating the roof. Roof vents typically don’t vent a large enough area to be effective in these scenarios and they don’t correct the “cancer” below.

Can you coat a roof with trapped moisture? Sure you can. But it will most certainly require maintenance moving forward and usually sooner as opposed to later. Once the underlying substrate is wet, the moisture that is trapped in the insulation will vaporize. Vapor always rises, and it will try to escape from the bottom up. As it tries to get out of the roof, it finds any crack and crevice it can to try and get out, but after a roof is coated, those cracks and crevices go away. If it can’t get out, it cooks. This results in the coating being damaged and the roofing and substrate continuing to be damaged, all of which would have provided better results if addressed properly in the first place.

Discover the benefits of becoming a Topps® Certified Installer and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram as well.

About Topps Products

Topps® Products has been providing industry-leading roofing solutions to contractors, building owners, and facilities managers for over 30 years. Our roof repair products are second-to-none and they are backed by our dedicated support team of industry experts who are here to help you get the job done right every time.
We understand what it takes for a roofing project to be a successful one. It comes down to the quality of roofing product implemented, and the company that stands behind it. At Topps, our support team works closely with you to ensure each project goes smoothly. Unlike "pop up" private labels, our support team is experienced in the roofing industry and can provide you with the specific solution you need. Our roofing products are time tested and stand up in the harshest of climates.
We offer a wide range of products for your roofing project, many of which can prolong the life of your roof for many years, even decades! From fixes for leaks to upgrades we have the roofing products you need to make your roof last.

Original article source: Topps Products

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