By Emma Peterson. 

Learn how two men’s roofing business lives on in the next generation.  

In a recent episode of Stories from the Roof, sponsored by TopShield, Megan Ellsworth had the chance to talk to Charlie DiFalco, vice president of Action Roofing Services. With six different locations around Florida, Action Roofing’s team is ready to help with roofs across the state.  

The story of this company stars back in 1986 with a partnership between Charlie’s father and Bruce Patterson. Charlie explained, “My father opened the business in 1986 with Bruce. They were business partners for 40 years before my dad passed away in 2020... And the funny thing was my dad and Bruce were polar opposite people, but it worked well and they grew a very small business into a success over the years.” 

Charlie got involved in Action Roofing after he graduated high school in 2001. He looks back at that time with some humor, “When I first started in 2001, my dad said, ‘Hey, you're starting from the bottom and I'm not your boss. Bruce is your boss. Don't come to me for anything.’ And he didn't think I would last a month.” 

Now, 25 years later, Charlie has definitely exceeded his dad’s original expectations. He credits a lot of his success to having Bruce and his dad to learn from:  

My dad was phenomenal; he was my best friend. We went to lunch every day for 15 years, talked about everything. Obviously, we had our moments like any father and son working together every day, but I wouldn't trade it for the world...And Bruce, he is one of the most hardworking people I know. He would never miss a day and was always ready to show you what needs to be done and how to do it. I really had two amazing people guiding me on my path. 

And everything on that path has truly come full circle as Charlie carries forward his father’s legacy and Bruce’s daughter Brooke continues his (having joined the company in 2015). Oh, and the two are also married! Charlie reflected, “It really was a family business, and we were partners, her and I, and then we got married. It's a really cool company; we’re really family oriented and people love working here.” 

Listen to the whole conversation with Charlie to learn more about his time in the roofing industry.

By Emma Peterson. 

How taking risks—and refusing to quit—launched Ian Davis into industry‑leading success.  

Recently, TopShield sponsored an episode of Stories From the Roof featuring Ian Davis, the founder of Cairn Contacting. Established in 2017, Cairn has quickly raised the bar on ethics, service and quality with recognitions such the BBB Spark Award for Ethics and a business standard of Lifetime Workmanship Warranties. While the path ahead for Ian and his team seems clear now, it wasn’t always that way. 

In fact, roofing wasn’t really on Ian’s radar when he graduated high school. He shared, “My background is architecture. I went to college for architecture and I got a two-year degree in that, and then realized that I had more of an appreciation for the art than a desire to be the artist in architecture. So, I switched gears and went over to business administration.” It wasn’t until he graduated college and moved out to Colorado that Ian got involved in the trades.  

In those first few years out of school, he worked as a project manager for an exterior paint company. It was in this role that he learned more about the trades. He explained, “The company I was at actually expanded their business beyond paint to kind of doing just about everything on the exterior side. And I was the one managing those multi-trade projects.” Soon, Ian was ready for a new challenge and set his sights on new construction project management, which led him to a new company.  

At that company, he worked as a 1099 independent contractor, which made him realize that he could go a step further and just start his own company! From there, the rest was history:  

It was good timing. I was working as a 1099 and then a couple of friends came to me in 2017 and said, ‘Hey, that first company you worked for, they scaled it back. They're only doing paint now. The doors are open.’ That’s where Cairn Roofing came from. Fast forward to today, we’ve renamed to Cairn Contracting as we have grown from just roofing to just about everything on the exterior except for paint. 

Looking back at his journey, Ian’s advice for others finding their paths is to keep going. He explained, “Don't quit. It is absolutely worth it. It doesn't feel like, I've heard it said that an entrepreneur never has two great days in a row, and it's honestly true. But the other truth is that it is going to be so much more worth it and fulfilling if you just don't quit.” 

Listen to the whole Stories From the Roof episode to hear more of Ian’s insights!

By Emma Peterson. 

Check out our shortlist of popular articles from October. 

Every month at The Coffee Shops™ is a busy one, but October took it to a new level! Not only did our incredible crew publish hundreds of articles across our existing sites (RoofersCoffeeShop, MetalCoffeeShop, CoatingsCoffeeShop and AskARoofer), we also celebrated the launch of a new Coffee Shop – OutdoorCoffeeShop.com! 

As explained in a Coffee Shops press release, OutdoorCoffeeShop (OCS) is a site focused on creating a space for contractors and outdoor professionals to meet. In the traditional Coffee Shop model, OCS will build professionalism and networking opportunities for the industry along with one-of-a-kind educational, informational and community experiences. As Heidi J. Ellsworth, president of The Coffee Shops, put it, “For over twenty years The Coffee Shops have built trusted online communities for contractors. With the launch of OutdoorCoffeeShop.com, we are bringing that same model of connection and resources to the outdoor living construction industry.”  

In addition to this announcement, our top 10 monthly article list featured a variety of articles. We saw an emphasis on safety with an article from Dani Sheehan all about safe load distribution making the list alongside an article from our friends at Cotney Consulting Group about driving safety tips for roofing professionals. 

This month also saw an uptick in interest in sustainability, with two environmentally focused articles from Emma Peterson making the list. One concentrated on the power of biosolar roofs (roofs that use solar panels in conjunction with biophilic design) while the other covered a conversation with Alan Scott of Intertek about the overlap between resilient design and sustainable construction.  

Explore the official October 2025 top 10 article list!  

10 – Safety first, every time by Dani Sheehan 

9 – TopShield® underlayment keeps you covered and protected for the long run by Emma Peterson 

8 – Smart hiring for sales success by Cotney Consulting Group 

7 – Staying safe before you arrive on site by Cotney Consulting Group 

6 – The Coffee Shops™ Announce OutdoorCoffeeShop™ 

5 – Estimating isn't just math — It's risk management for roofers by Cotney Consulting Group 

4 – The road to IRE 2026 by Emma Peterson 

3 – Biosolar roofing in action by Emma Peterson 

2 – Construction attorney and industry veteran Zack Rippeon joins Adams & Reese 

1 – The intersection of resilience and sustainability by Emma Peterson

By Emma Peterson. 

Buy TS20 or RhinoRoof® U20 for the chance to ring in the new year in style at the 2025 Las Vegas Bowl! 

TopShield® is giving ten of their top customers the opportunity to attend the SRS Las Vegas Bowl on December 31, 2025! All you have to do to enter is buy TopShield® TS20 or Owens Corning RhinoRoof®U20 during the promotion period (September 1 – November 30, 2025).  

TopShield® TS20 

TopShield® TS20 is a synthetic underlayment designed for use on sloped roof applications. They come in 42” lightweight rolls that measure ten squares. Not only does this make it easier for your crew to transport, but it also makes your installation times more efficient. Additional features of TS20 include:  

• A non-woven surface that is slip-resistant and safer to walk on 
• Durability that is 12x that of #15 felt 
• 90 days of UV exposure resistance 
• Flexibility even in low temperatures 
• Resistance to mold growth and wrinkling due to moisture 
• ASTM E108/UL790 Class A Fire Resistance (when used in combination with asphalt shingles) 

And when you make a purchase of TS20, you’re not only entering for the chance to win two (2) tickets to the Las Vegas Bowl and hotel accommodations, but you can also earn $2 TopCash per roll! 

Owens Corning RhinoRoof®U20 

The RhinoRoof® U20 is a synthetic underlayment that is designed for use under a variety of materials like asphalt shingles, composite shingles, metal roofing and cedar shake. It offers powerful protection against adverse weather conditions, such as moisture, water and wind, and provides roof deck protection from UV exposure. Other features of the RhinoRoof®U20 include:  

• A 20-year limited warranty  
• Easy installation with 42” wide, lightweight rolls 
• A FiberGrip slip-resistant surface 
• It is Miami-Dade Product Approved 
• Carries an ASTM E108/UL 790, Class A Fire Resistance 

Register and enter for your chance to win!

By Emma Peterson. 

TopShield® underlayments from SRS Distribution provide superior moisture defense, slip resistance, thermal performance and more. 

Roof underlayment is a critical part of the roofing system. Not only does it act as a moisture barrier (preventing water damage and trouble like mold, rot and leaks), but it can also play a crucial role in achieving fire rating requirements. When it comes to finding the right underlayment for your next project, SRS Distribution has you covered! Keep reading to learn about their variety of underlayment products in the TopShield® line. 

TopShield® 30 

The TopShield® 30 is a mechanically attached underlayment that is made of 100% virgin polypropylene and contains no fillers or recycled content. The result is a lighter and stronger underlayment that is perfect to pair with asphalt, slate and metal sloped roofs. This product is a coated woven synthetic engineered to have a strength and durability 20 times stronger than that of #30 felt. It also features an anti-slip coating on the top surface that offers superior foot traction to protect against dangerous slips and falls. 

TS20 

Another great option for a steep-slope roof underlayment is the TopShield® TS20. This synthetic underlayment is perfect for shingles (both asphalt and synthetic), steep-slope metal and cedar shake. Sold in lightweight 10 square rolls (42” wide rolls), TS20 is easier to handle and install on the roof. And it does not sacrifice strength for that maneuverability, measuring 12x stronger than #15 felt. 

PS MAX HT 2.0 

If you are looking for something specifically engineered as a secondary water barrier, look no further than the TopShield® PS MAX HT 2.0. This underlayment is perfect for sloped roof systems that will be exposed to harsh weather and environmental conditions as the modified bitumen formula is highly protective against elements like water, snow and ice. Further, with the incorporation of easy peel dual film technology, the PS MAX HT 2.0 is also quick and straightforward to install. 

SecureGrip 30 

As for the TopShield® SecureGrip30, this synthetic underlayment is designed to work flawlessly beneath fiberglass and asphalt shingles, shake roofs, stone coated steel, synthetic slate and standing seam panels. It’s 100% synthetic design means that it is perfect for long-term roof deck moisture protection as it is inert to mold growth.  

Defender 

For those who need an advanced roof underlayment that can stand up to the heat, the TopShield® Defender TU and Defender HT are great options. These self-adhesive products can withstand temperatures as high as 257º F (125º C) and as low as -49º F (-45º C). These underlayments are not only highly resistant to weather fluctuations but also come with up to 180 days of UV-resistance and are easy to install with a convenient split-back release film.  

Explore all of SRS’ TopShield® underlayments yourself online!

By Emma Peterson. 

Hold it all together with TopShield’s versatile and reliable residential fasteners.  

In roofing and construction, fasteners may be small, but their role is anything but. By securing shingles, panels and other parts of the roofing assembly, the right fastener is key to a successful project. At TopShield, they have developed a variety of residential fastener products, each tailored to the different needs of contractors. In this article we’ll dive into how their high-quality offerings help contractors match the right hardware to the right job for better performance and long-lasting results. 

Roofing staples  

TopShield’s roofing staples are a high-quality exterior grade product, ideal for use on any project, great for use on any project. They offer uncompromising performance and incredible versatility with a design engineered to fit “most major brands of pneumatic tools.” Perfect for tacking insulation, roofing felt, house wrap, vapor barriers and more, these staples come in A11, N17, 5010C and P10 sizes.  

Coil nails 

Made of steel, TopShield’s coil nails are just what you need to secure your roofing project. Designed with a reinforced shank to prevent damage or injury from nail heads snapping, this product provides a superior holding power that is perfect for securing roofing shingles, shake, felts, insulation, fiberboard and tiles. Not only do they make your job easier by reducing “frustration and wasted time from nail gun jams,” they prevent damage or detachment caused by rust and corrosion – reducing the number of callbacks you get!  

Collated cap nails 

TopShield’s NailPac is a pneumatically-driven cap nail, which (when paired with the STINGER® CN100B) dramatically speeds up install, enhances worker safety and can reduce repetitive stress injuries over time. The caps are made of a high-grade virgin plastic that lasts up to 10 times longer under UV exposure than traditional hand-drive caps do, ensuring the dry-in stays secure for several months. Ideal for installing roofing underlayment, these caps are also great for installing house wrap, lumber shrouds and foam boards (up to 1/2"”)! 

Plastic caps 

Last but not least, TopShield manufactures a line of pre-assembled plastic cap nails. These are perfect for holding roofing felts, base sheets, insulations, sheathings, wraps and barriers in place. The engineered plastic cap creates a strong outer rim that both minimizes the “heat sinking effect of metal to the building materials” and lowers the risk of tears and ruptures in your materials. Further, the TopShield team engineered these plastic cap nails with an angular ringed shank for additional pull-out resistance, making them the ideal combination of securing the material. 

Learn more about TopShield’s time-tested fasteners online.

Reduce, reuse and recycle with eco-friendly alternatives for everyday usage.

In the realm of versatile cleaning solutions, the TopShield® Reclaimed Multi-Purpose T-Shirt Rags offer unparalleled absorbency and functionality. Designed to handle a wide range of spills and messes, these rags are an essential addition to any toolkit, whether for professional use or household chores.

Exceptional absorbency for diverse applications

The TopShield® Reclaimed T-Shirt Rags excel in absorbency, making them highly effective for managing various spills and cleaning tasks. Their superior capacity to soak up liquids ensures that you can tackle messes quickly and efficiently, whether you're dealing with spills from paint, stains or other substances.

Benefits and features

• Exceptional absorbency: Engineered to handle a variety of spills and messes with ease, these rags absorb liquids efficiently, reducing cleanup time and effort.
• Crafted from pre-washed material: Made from soft yet strong pre-washed fabric, the rags are gentle on surfaces while offering robust durability for repeated use.
• T-shirt style versatility: The classic T-shirt style of the rags enhances their versatility, making them suitable for a broad range of tasks including polishing, painting, staining, dusting and general cleaning.
• Conveniently cut to wipe size: Pre-cut to an ideal size for easy handling, the rags are ready to use straight out of the package, streamlining your cleaning process.
• Long-lasting durability: Designed to withstand rigorous use, these rags offer reliable performance across diverse applications, ensuring they remain effective and dependable over time.

Ideal for various uses

The TopShield® Reclaimed Multi-Purpose T-Shirt Rags are highly versatile, making them suitable for:

• Polishing: Achieve a high shine on various surfaces with ease.
• Painting and staining: Manage spills and clean up after painting or staining projects.
• Dusting: Efficiently remove dust and debris from surfaces.
• Cleaning: Handle everyday cleaning tasks with effectiveness and ease.

Conclusion

The TopShield® Reclaimed Multi-Purpose T-Shirt Rags offer a high-performance solution for managing spills and maintaining cleanliness. With their exceptional absorbency, pre-washed and sanitized material and versatile T-shirt style, these rags are an invaluable tool for a range of tasks. Whether you're polishing, painting, staining, dusting or cleaning, TopShield® rags provide durability and efficiency, ensuring reliable results every time. Enhance your cleaning toolkit with these top-quality rags and experience the difference in performance and convenience.

By SRS Distribution.

StormGear™ continues to set the benchmark for high-performance roofing with its innovative SA Cap and SA Base products.

These self-adhesive roofing membranes provide advanced solutions for both low and steep slope roof systems, offering significant improvements in installation efficiency, durability and ease of use.

StormGear™ SA Cap: Superior cap sheet membrane

The StormGear™ SA Cap is a premium polyester-reinforced, self-adhesive modified bituminous cap sheet membrane. Formulated with Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) and protected with granule surfacing, this cap sheet is engineered to deliver exceptional performance across a variety of roofing applications. Its benefits and features include:

• Enhanced durability: The polyester reinforcement ensures outstanding tensile strength, making the SA Cap highly resistant to tears and physical damage.
• Cost-effectiveness: The cap sheet’s efficient design allows for a 30-40% faster installation compared to traditional roofing materials, reducing labor costs and project time.
• Safe installation: With its dual compound SBS peel-and-stick membrane, the SA Cap eliminates the need for adhesive and hot asphalt, thereby removing associated fumes and odors.
• Versatile application: Suitable for both low and steep slope roofs, the SA Cap adapts seamlessly to various roofing needs.
• Color options: Available in a range of colors to match shingles including Black, White, Cedar, Dark Brown, Hickory, Weatherwood, Slate Grey, Green and Red, allowing for aesthetic flexibility to match building designs.
• Storage requirements: The SA Cap must be stored indoors in a dry location to maintain optimal performance.

StormGear™ SA Base: Advanced base sheet solution

The StormGear™ SA Base offers a high-quality SBS modified base sheet reinforced with glass fiber and self-adhesive characteristics. Designed as a versatile component for various roof systems, the SA Base provides an efficient alternative to conventional roofing methods such as torching, hot asphalt mopping, and cold applied adhesives. This product has a variety of benefits and features, including:

• Versatile application: The SA Base can be used in multiple applications, including self-adhered, torched, hot mopped, and cold applied systems, providing flexibility for different roofing projects.
• Durability and stability: Featuring an ultraviolet resistant polyolefin film surface and glass fiber reinforcement, the SA Base ensures exceptional dimensional stability and longevity.
• Exposure limit: Certified for a 30-day exposure limit, it offers robust protection during the installation phase.
• Weather resistance: Its SBS modified formulation enhances the base sheet's resistance to environmental stressors, making it a reliable choice for various weather conditions.

Conclusion

StormGear™' SA Cap and SA Base represent cutting-edge advancements in roofing technology, designed to provide superior performance, faster installation, and enhanced durability. By integrating these products into your roofing projects, you benefit from innovative solutions that streamline application processes and deliver long-lasting protection. Trust StormGear™ for your next roofing project and experience the difference in quality and efficiency.