Finding technology that fits a commercial roofing business

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Successful technology adoption begins with understanding operational gaps and choosing a partner that knows commercial roofing. 

Technology can help commercial roofing contractors scale, but a platform must align with the company’s work, people and long-term goals. In an episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Aaron Weinstein, Terial co-founder and CEO, and Brad Sutter, president of Sutter Roofing, discussed how contractors can identify technology that supports both field and office operations. 

What led to the development of a commercial roofing platform? 

Aaron’s experience of investing in construction businesses showed him that contractors did not always have access to the specialized technology available in other industries. He saw an opportunity to create software around the specific needs of commercial roofing. 

“I looked at the roofing industry as this huge market that had been underserved. When in 2023, I decided to leave my last role, I said, I want to be building best in class technology and I want to be a part of the solution for helping close the gap in access for the commercial roofing industry.”  

That industry-specific focus shaped Terial’s approach. Rather than adapting a general business platform to roofing, Aaron said the goal was to create technology that reflects the workflows and operational demands of commercial contractors. 

Which operational needs should roofing technology address? 

For Brad, the right platform needed to support the full life cycle of commercial roofing work rather than concentrate primarily on lead generation. That meant documenting installations and supporting ongoing service and maintenance. 

“We install roofs and we take care of them. If you look at it on that simple thing, then the Terial platform helps us to document the installation of roofs and it helps us track and document how we repair, maintain, take care of those roofs.”  

Bringing those functions together gives contractors a more complete view of their operations. It can also improve communication between office teams and field crews by keeping project, service and maintenance information within one system. 

Why must contractors understand their gaps before selecting software? 

A clear picture of existing limitations gives contractors a stronger foundation for evaluating a platform. It also allows prospective technology partners to demonstrate how their tools could support measurable business goals. 

“The first thing starts with just making sure that you have an understanding of where your gaps are. Making sure that you, whether you're using spreadsheets, other technologies or otherwise, where are you hoping to go in 12 months, five years, whatever that time horizon is.” 

Defining those goals before entering the selection process helps contractors move beyond a feature comparison. It creates a practical framework for determining whether a platform can support current operations while also preparing the company for future growth. 

Finding the right fit requires more than comparing features. Contractors should understand where they are going, involve the people who will use the system and seek a partner prepared to learn the nuances of their business. 

Listen to the entire podcast or Watch the conversation to learn more about choosing commercial roofing technology!