StrongHold™ Explained: Choosing the Right Single-Ply System

In this episode of Roofing Road Trips, host Heidi Ellsworth sits down with Shane Millwood, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at BTEC, to explore the evolving landscape of single-ply roofing systems in the commercial market. The conversation dives into the three main types—TPO, PVC (including the high-performance KEY product), and EPDM—highlighting their respective strengths based on climate, building use, durability, and lifecycle needs. Shane emphasizes that while TPO dominates market share due to cost and ease of installation, PVC and KEY offer superior longevity, chemical resistance, and fire performance, making them ideal for demanding environments like fast food restaurants and data centers. A key theme throughout is the importance of proper system selection, design, installation, and preventative maintenance to maximize roof lifespan. BTEC’s Repair Boss line and contractor training initiatives are spotlighted as critical tools for ensuring long-term performance and industry growth. The episode concludes with a strong call to action for contractors to embrace education, partnership, and service-based business models to thrive in a competitive, labor-constrained market. The episode delivers actionable insights for roofing contractors: prioritize system matching over cost alone, invest in training and certification, implement regular preventative maintenance, and leverage manufacturer support like BTEC’s technical resources and product lines. The overarching message is that success in modern commercial roofing lies not just in installing a roof, but in building a trusted, long-term service relationship with building owners through expertise and reliability.