Mastering Roof Restoration Pt. 1: Pre-Application

In this first episode of the 'Mastering Roof Restoration' series, host Megan Ellsworth and Jeff Romero from Progressive Materials dive deep into the critical pre-application phase of roof coating projects. Jeff emphasizes that the most important step—often overlooked—is thoroughly qualifying the roof before any work begins, including moisture surveys via core samples or infrared scans and adhesion testing. He stresses that coating a roof that isn't structurally sound or dry leads to guaranteed failure, costly rework, and damaged reputations. The conversation then shifts to the vital cleaning and drying process, where common mistakes like failing to rinse low-slope areas and mixing repair work with pressure washing are highlighted as major risks to adhesion and long-term performance. Jeff and Megan also discuss the importance of transparency with building owners, recommending early communication, photo documentation, and involving the manufacturer during site visits to build trust and credibility. The episode concludes with a preview of Progressive Materials' upcoming presence at the International Roofing Expo, including a fun, fishing-themed booth giveaway and hands-on product demos. Key takeaways include: 1) Never skip moisture testing and adhesion checks before coating; 2) Rinse low-slope areas multiple times to remove all grime and detergent residue; 3) Keep repair and cleaning phases strictly separated to avoid water intrusion; 4) Use photo documentation and clear communication to build client trust; 5) Leverage manufacturer support for complex jobs and client meetings; 6) Treat every job—no matter the size—as a reputation-building opportunity; 7) Involve the manufacturer early to strengthen credibility; 8) Prepare thoroughly for client presentations by bringing product experts to meetings.