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Award-winning projects illustrating the beauty, affordability, and reliability of asphalt roofing

The ARMA Excellence in Asphalt Roofing Awards Program celebrates the most outstanding steep- and low-slope asphalt roofing projects across North America, evaluated in four key categories: Why Asphalt, Project Challenges, Distinction, and Beauty.

Each year, roofing professionals from various sectors submit their projects, highlighting the benefits of asphalt roofing for residential and commercial applications. The awards program has evolved into a highly regarded industry competition, encompassing the full range of asphalt roofing systems.

To be considered for an award, winners must exhibit exceptional skill in asphalt roofing, focusing on meticulous attention to detail and the use of high-quality materials. Top-scoring projects are awarded Gold, Silver, or Bronze medals, with additional honors available in Best-in-Class categories, such as In the Neighborhood, Commercial/Mixed Use, Craftsmanship, and Technical Difficulty.

A panel of industry experts assesses all submissions and has selected the following winners of the 2026 Excellence in Asphalt Roofing Awards Program. These projects set the standard for excellence in the industry, showcasing innovative design, visual appeal, and the reliable performance of asphalt roofing systems.

GOLD: HER ROOFING CO. INC.

When it came time to restore the roof of the historic 1892 Settlemier House, HER Roofing Co. Inc. delivered a solution that balanced preservation, performance, and architectural integrity. The project involved a full shake tear-off and re-roof of a steep-slope system, including a technically demanding cone roof that defines the building’s silhouette.

After careful evaluation, asphalt roofing was selected as the optimal solution. In this rural, fire-prone area, a Class A asphalt roofing system provided critical fire resistance, durability, and long-term peace of mind. Malarkey Legacy® Shingles with Scotchgard™ in Black Oak offered polymer-modified asphalt technology ideally suited for the Pacific Northwest’s variable climate, while delivering an elegant, historically appropriate aesthetic.

The project presented significant technical challenges. The cone roof featured spaced sheathing with vertical gaps, requiring HER Roofing Co. Inc. to score and install plywood vertically—more than 50 feet in the air—to create a solid deck suitable for permitting and underlayment installation. The crew used an 80-foot lift to safely complete the work.

Additional complexity arose when the team discovered rotted, curved wooden gutters surrounding the cone. HER Roofing Co. Inc. sourced a custom solution, coordinating the fabrication and installation of curved wooden gutter sections, sealing the seams, and restoring functionality. Once complete, the team reinstalled the original copper spire atop the cone, returning the structure to its historic form.

Completed in two weeks by a seven-person crew, the Settlemier House exemplifies exceptional craftsmanship. This project demonstrates how a properly installed asphalt roofing system can successfully address architectural challenges while preserving beauty, safety, and durability for generations to come.

SILVER: WEDGE ROOFING

The California Mid-Century Gothic project presented San Francisco Bay Area’s Wedge Roofing with one of the most architecturally complex steep-slope projects in Northern California. Built in the mid-1960s, the church showcases a rare hyperbolic paraboloid roof whose curves rise from a 6/12 pitch to true vertical, making the roof itself the building’s most striking feature and its greatest challenge.

Asphalt roofing was selected to meet the structure’s geometric and performance demands. Owens Corning® TruDefinition® Duration® Shingles in Brownwood provided the flexibility needed to follow the roof’s compound curves while allowing secure mechanical fastening on near-vertical surfaces. Lighter than tile or slate and far more adaptable than large metal panels, asphalt made it possible to restore the continuous sculptural form without overloading the original 1967 structure.

The project required extensive coordination and craftsmanship. Long-term leakage at the ridge had caused visible dry rot, necessitating removal of the failing fiberglass cap and reconstruction of the ridge with Douglas fir tongue-and-groove decking, sheathing, and structural plywood for strength and stability. The team integrated Velux curb-mounted skylights, both solar-powered operable and fixed, integrated into the rebuilt ridge, bringing daylight and ventilation back into the sanctuary.

Across approximately 6,000 square feet of steep-slope roof, crews installed shingles from closely spaced toe-jacks and planking, secured with full fall protection. Upper high-angle areas received a two-ply modified bitumen assembly, while lower flat sections were restored with high-solids silicone coating, creating a unified roofing system across dramatically different planes.

Completed in two mobilizations over three weeks, the renewed roof preserves the church’s iconic profile while resolving decades-old leaks.

BRONZE: PRIDDY ROOFING AND EXTERIORS

When homeowners sought to replace the roof on a highly unconventional residence defined by dual interconnected geodesic domes, Priddy Roofing and Exteriors was faced with one of the most challenging asphalt roofing installations. The structure consists of 238 individual facets, each with its own pitch, angle, and drainage direction, leaving no two planes alike and no straight or repeatable runs across the roof.

Asphalt shingles were the ideal roofing solution, capable of performing on this level of geometric complexity. Owens Corning® TruDefinition® Duration® Shingles in Williamsburg Gray provided the flexibility needed to conform to compound curves while maintaining strong mechanical fastening and sealant adhesion. Rigid systems such as metal, tile, or slate could not accommodate the constant changes in slope or integrate effectively with the dome geometry. The team installed full-coverage ice and water shield across the entire surface to provide water resistance on the continuously changing planes.

Priddy Roofing and Exteriors installed the roof one facet at a time, with each shingle individually measured, cut, aligned, hand-sealed, and hand-nailed. All flashings, including those around triangular and irregularly shaped windows, were custom fabricated on site.

Ventilation posed another significant challenge. Dome structures naturally trap heat, and the original roof lacked functional airflow. The team engineered a custom solution incorporating perimeter intake ventilation and a continuous, site-built circular metal ridge vent and apron system that integrated cleanly with the asphalt field.

The completed roof demonstrates both technical excellence and visual cohesion. Despite its extraordinary geometry, the finished system reads as a unified architectural surface, proving that asphalt shingles can deliver durability, weather resistance, and beauty on even the most demanding residential forms.

BEST-IN-CLASS AWARD: COMMERCIAL/MIXED USE CATEGORY: KPOST ROOFING & WATERPROOFING

The National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, Texas, presented KPost Roofing & Waterproofing with a complex low-slope roofing challenge on a building of profound national significance. Designed by world-renowned Rafael Viñoly Architects to honor the service and sacrifice of the nation’s most decorated heroes, the museum demanded a roof system that combined performance and aesthetic precision across multiple elevations, sloped planes, and more than 450 structural steel penetrations.

SOPREMA’s SBS-modified bitumen system, paired with Alsan RS liquid-applied detailing, was selected to meet the building’s technical and environmental demands. The exhibit hall roof incorporated a lightweight insulating concrete system for slope-to-drain performance, while metal panel roofing and insulated Kingspan panels were installed on the amphitheater and pumphouse, respectively. Each system was integrated carefully to ensure continuity, long-term water resistance, and compliance with manufacturer specifications.

The project presented operational and sequencing challenges, including coordination with numerous trades working overhead and adjacent to critical roof areas. Every penetration required custom flashing, and installation occurred in tight spaces with stringent safety protocols, including perimeter guardrails and 100% tie-off protection.

What sets this project apart is the combination of technical execution and purpose-driven significance. The roof systems were installed with meticulous care, preserving the architectural intent while supporting the museum’s mission to inspire reflection and honor courage. The result is a reliable and durable asphalt roof that complements the building’s bold, floating exhibit hall and modern aesthetic. KPost Roofing & Waterproofing’s work elevates both function and design, delivering a roof that will protect the museum and stand as a lasting tribute to the heroes it commemorates.

MEET OUR JUDGES

Art Aisner - 2026

Art Aisner
Roofing Contractor | Roofing Supply Pr0
As Editor-in-Chief of Roofing Contractor and Roofing Supply Pro, Art has led content development and editorial strategy since joining the RC team in 2015. His background in multimedia journalism supports his ongoing efforts to deliver trusted and informative content to roofing audiences nationwide.

Glenn Clapper - 2026

Glenn Clapper
National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)
With a career that spans carpentry, roofing, masonry, and architectural engineering, Glen brings a unique, hands-on perspective to building design and construction. A Registered Architect and LEED AP, he represents NRCA at ASHRAE, ASTM, ICC, and USGBC, helping advance technical knowledge in the industry.

Heidi Ellsworth - 2026

Heidi J. Ellsworth
RoofersCoffeeShop®
With over 30 years in the roofing industry, Heidi brings exceptional expertise as the president of RoofersCoffeeShop® and owner of HJE Consulting. A co-founder of National Women in Roofing (NWIR) and recipient of the 2020 WORLD Award, Heidi is dedicated to supporting the continued growth and advancement of the roofing industry through collaboration and leadership.

Aaron Phillips - 2026

Aaron R. Phillips
Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association
With over 35 years in the industry, Aaron serves as ARMA’s primary technical voice, managing technical activities and advocating for asphalt roofing in scientific and technical discussions. He has dedicated more than 25 years to ARMA as a volunteer and industry leader.

Brian Terry - 2026

Brian Terry
Building Operating Management | Facility Maintenance Decisions
An expert in media serving the facility management market, Brian has a proven track record in building successful sales teams, driving profitability, and developing impactful print and digital media products. Through his leadership, he continues to contribute to the growth and strength of industry media.

2026 Excellence in Asphalt Roofing Awards Winners January 15, 2026