How would you assess the state of the roofing industry in 2026?

DH: We’re expecting commercial roofing to see single-digit growth going into 2026. In 2025, new construction remained soft and reroofing made up the majority of activity. We expect this trend to continue into 2026. Reroofing projects, particularly for high-performance buildings and essential infrastructure like hospitals, government facilities, and schools, are expected to maintain steady demand. One area we see as promising for new builds in 2026 is data centers. We’re going to need a lot of them, and they cannot afford to have low-quality roofs.

Bottom line is that we expect demand for commercial roofing to be driven largely by the ongoing need to update and maintain existing structures, rather than a surge in new builds.

USG had some big announcements and a big anniversary to celebrate in 2025. How do you continue that momentum in 2026?

DH: The first thing that stands out for USG in 2025 is the celebration of the 20th anniversary of Securock®, our high-performance roofing board that has become the standard in the industry for durability and efficiency. This is a milestone we’re quite proud of, and it highlights USG's legacy of innovation and its role in shaping roofing material standards over the past two decades.

USG’s continued momentum is driven by its dedicated team, ongoing commitment to product innovation, and its focus on solving industry challenges like durability, efficiency, and ease of installment. Ultimately, we exist to deliver the best results for our customers and meet their evolving needs. USG is proud of its track record and is determined to keep delivering resilient products and solutions that future-proof roofing systems, ensuring its presence and leadership in the industry for decades to come.

What trends from the past year will you continue to watch in 2026?

DH: There are several key trends from 2025 we’re watching closely. At the economic level, trade, immigration, and interest rates are things we know will directly impact our customers and the end users of our products, and therefore will impact us as well.

Another big one is the increasing severity and frequency of weather events, particularly hail, which has led extreme hail zones in the U.S. to expand. Insurers are more invested today than ever in making sure that the properties they cover have adequate and reliable roofing systems. This has obviously driven demand for high-performing products and better installation.

Another trend is the evolution of roofing membranes towards labor-saving designs, such as peel-and-stick and self-adhering solutions, which help address the industry's labor gaps by making products easier to use and install.

How did tariffs or increased immigration enforcement impact your mission?

DH: At USG we’re fortunate to be well positioned to weather any disruptions from trade or tariffs, because we have such a strong domestic manufacturing presence. Our roofing products made right here at home get distributed all over the country. The bigger question is how the contractors and builders that use our products will be impacted by tariffs — USG proudly supplies them with American-made products but many of them have diverse suppliers they buy from.

The same goes for changes in immigration: it’s the contractors and the builders that will feel it the most directly.

Neither of these issues have fundamentally impacted USG’s mission, but we’re still monitoring them closely.

Do you share contractors’ optimism about sales growth in 2026?

DH: There are definitely a few things we’re optimistic about — first of all the easing of interest rates will make it easier for building owners to finance reroofing projects, which supports a positive outlook. And we do see a bright future in some spaces where new construction is ramping up, like data centers, EV battery plants, and more. Most roofing contractors appear to have healthy backlogs, which is probably the strongest indicator of ongoing strength in the market segments where USG is most active.

What economic factors will play the biggest role in a roofing contractor’s success in the coming year?

DH: : Interest rates would probably be the biggest one, followed by labor quality and availability. Our labor force is getting younger, crews are getting smaller, and many of the front-line workers are coming in with less experience than they used to. That’s something roofers must grapple with.

What product categories or new technology are you excited about moving forward?

DH: Anything that simplifies installation and helps make work more efficient, such as systems with self-adhering or "peel-and-stick" technologies, we see as exciting. For example, we’re now seeing labor-saving membrane systems that require less machinery and less manpower to install, because once they’re stuck down you don't have to come back with a welding machine and try and weld the seams, like you do on regular single ply.

Fluid-applied coatings are also improving, and as they do, they can present cost-effective solutions for waterproofing and protecting roofs.

How are you responding to the growing consolidation and private equity involvement in roofing industry?

DH: These changes have enabled larger distributors and contractors to access more capital and resources, which paves the way for projects that may not have been possible otherwise. As materials suppliers we are ultimately in the relationships business. Consolidation also allows us at USG to target key customers more efficiently across broader networks, and we often benefit from relationships that are already in place.

What are you proudest of about your organization as 2026 begins?

DH: This 20-year milestone of USG being in the roofing business shows how durable and high-quality our products are, and the trust our customers have in us. I am proud to think about the fact that we will be here for decades to come, continuing to lead the way in innovation and customer service. The thing we’re most proud of is the dedication and resilience of our team. It’s a privilege to work alongside the best in the business!

What’s keeping you up and what are the biggest concerns moving forward?

DH: The roofing materials industry is probably due for some monumental innovations in the next 10 years. At USG, we have a Corporate Innovation Centre fully dedicated to thinking about what’s next, and how we can do it better. So that’s what I would say: we stay up at night thinking of ways to stay ahead of the latest innovations and not have the exciting things happening in the industry take us by surprise.

We have a 20-year legacy with a top-tier workforce and set of products, but we can’t ever rest on our laurels.