By Jesse Sanchez. 

Learn how renting roofing equipment can reduce costs, improve productivity and streamline operations for contractors. 

For roofing contractors operating in a high-demand, margin-sensitive environment, equipment strategy plays a decisidve role in both profitability and project execution. Renting roofing equipment through providers such as Steve Garlock Equipment is increasingly becoming a practical alternative to ownership, offering contractors a way to stay agile while maintaining access to the tools required to meet evolving job-site demands. 

The financial case is straightforward. Renting eliminates the substantial upfront costs associated with purchasing equipment that may only be used periodically. Instead of committing capital to assets that sit idle between projects, contractors can allocate those funds toward labor, materials or business expansion. This shift not only preserves cash flow but also allows businesses to respond more effectively to changing workloads and project scopes. 

That financial flexibility directly supports operational performance. With access to specialized tools on demand, crews can work more efficiently, improving both speed and consistency across tasks. In some cases, contractors have reported reduced debris removal time after integrating rental equipment into their workflow, a gain that can increase job throughput and open capacity for additional projects. 

Just as important is the range of equipment available through rental providers. From generators and air compressors to tear-off tools and essential hand tools, contractors can align equipment selection with the specific needs of each project. This targeted approach reduces the burden of maintaining a large inventory while ensuring crews are equipped with the right tools at the right time. 

Safety considerations are integrated into that same model. Rental offerings often include personal protective equipment such as helmets, gloves and fall protection harnesses, along with site safety gear like barriers, lifelines and warning systems. These resources help contractors maintain compliance and protect workers without requiring long-term investment in equipment that may vary by project. 

Maintenance further strengthens the value proposition. With servicing and repairs handled by the rental provider, contractors can reduce downtime and avoid unexpected costs tied to equipment ownership. Routine inspections and upkeep ensure tools remain reliable throughout the project lifecycle, supporting consistent performance in the field. 

As roofing work continues to grow in complexity, renting provides a scalable approach to equipment management, one that balances cost control with efficiency, safety and the flexibility needed to adapt to changing project demands. 

Learn more about how renting roofing equipment helps contractors reduce upfront costs, improve job-site efficiency and maintain flexibility across changing project demands!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

A consistent maintenance routine helps contractors reduce downtime, improve efficiency and protect crews on the job. 

Maintaining roofing equipment is not just a matter of upkeep; it is a direct driver of jobsite performance, safety and long-term cost control. For contractors operating in demanding environments, companies like Steve Garlock Equipment emphasize that a structured maintenance approach becomes essential to sustaining reliable operations as weather conditions accelerate wear. 

That process begins with routine cleaning, which serves as the foundation for all other maintenance efforts. Roofing equipment, including roof cutters and membrane welders, is constantly exposed to debris, dust and tar buildup that can degrade performance over time. Clearing these materials after each use does more than preserve functionality; it prevents accumulation that can strain components, reduce efficiency and lead to avoidable repairs. 

Once equipment is clean, lubrication becomes the next critical step in protecting moving parts. Consistent use of the correct lubricants reduces friction, minimizes wear and ensures smoother operation under demanding conditions. Lighter machine oils help maintain precision in cutting equipment. Together, these measures extend the usable life of tools that contractors rely on daily. 

Regular inspections reinforce both cleaning and lubrication by introducing a layer of accountability and early detection. Identifying loose components, corrosion or signs of damage allows contractors to intervene before minor issues develop into safety risks or operational delays. This is especially important for roof cutters, where blade sharpness and alignment directly influence both efficiency and worker safety. 

Attention must also extend to specialized equipment. Deck scrapers require routine checks for blade condition and handle integrity to ensure consistent performance, while membrane welders depend on properly calibrated temperature and speed settings to maintain seam quality and prevent overheating. 

Supporting all of these efforts is thorough documentation. Detailed maintenance records create a clear operational history, helping contractors track service intervals, manage warranties and maintain consistency across crews and projects. 

Even with disciplined in-house practices, professional servicing remains an important safeguard. Scheduled evaluations by qualified technicians ensure that complex systems, particularly hydraulic and electrical components, continue to operate as intended. 

Together, these practices establish a proactive maintenance strategy that reduces downtime, strengthens jobsite safety and protects the long-term value of roofing equipment. 

Learn more about how consistent roofing equipment maintenance improves performance, extends lifespan and enhances jobsite safety!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Learn how a longtime equipment supplier is expanding its services and product offerings to better support contractors in the field and at the shop. 

At regional trade shows, contractors are not just comparing products; they are searching for ways to reduce friction in their daily operations. That focus was evident at the Roofing Contractors Association of Washington (RCAW) trade show, where Steve Garlock Equipment used its presence to highlight a broader, more service-driven approach under new ownership. Katee Williams, who purchased the company in August, said the priority is to build on an established reputation while clarifying the full scope of what the business can offer. “We’re here to get the word out of what we carry and a lot of people know us as a Leister distributor,” Katee said. “We also repair the Leister equipment and so we really want people to know what else we carry and what other services we could provide for them.” 

That message reflects a deliberate shift from recognition to understanding. While the company has long been associated with specific equipment lines, its capabilities extend beyond distribution and repair. Founded in 1997 by Steve Garlock, the business built its foundation serving commercial contractors with equipment, maintenance services and essential jobsite tools. Under new ownership, that foundation is being expanded rather than replaced. 

Katee said the company is broadening its reach to include both commercial and residential contractors, with an increased focus on every day jobsite needs. The growing inventory includes safety equipment, ropes, harnesses and tarps; items crews depend on consistently but often source through multiple channels. 

To address that inefficiency, the company is placing greater emphasis on access and delivery. By supplying materials directly to contractor shops, the goal is to simplify procurement and give crews immediate access to the tools they use most. Katee stated, “If we can streamline that for people and they can have it right there at their shop, I think that would make it a lot easier.” 

The expansion also includes new product categories and service capabilities. Compressors have been added to the lineup, and the company is working to certify a technician to service generators, extending its support beyond traditional offerings. 

As the show continues, Katee said the focus remains consistently to strengthen connections with contractors while demonstrating how expanded services can improve efficiency both in the field and at the shop. 

Watch the full interview to learn more about how expanded equipment offerings and delivery-focused services can help streamline your day-to-day operations!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

A closer look at how proper harness systems, setups and training courses reduce risk for roofing professionals. 

Roofing continues to demand a high level of precision and awareness, with fall protection playing a central role in maintaining safe and controlled jobsites, a priority reinforced by companies like Steve Garlock Equipment. For contractors working off the ground, proper safety harness use is not just a procedural step, it is a key part of staying compliant, supporting team safety and ensuring work is performed with confidence and control. 

That reality has reshaped how the industry approaches fall protection. What was once treated as a compliance measure is now embedded into the structure of daily operations. Falls remain a leading cause of construction-related deaths, reinforcing the need for systems that perform consistently under real working conditions. In most roofing applications, that responsibility rests with a personal fall arrest system (PFAS), designed to stop a fall in progress and limit the forces placed on the body. Unlike guardrails, which are often impractical on residential projects, PFAS allows roofers to move across the roof while maintaining continuous protection. 

The reliability of that protection depends on how well each component is integrated. Anchor points must be installed on structural members capable of supporting substantial force, establishing a secure foundation for the system. From there, the full-body harness distributes impact across the worker’s body, while the lifeline, rope grab and lanyard maintain constant connection and lock into place if a fall occurs. Each element plays a defined role and failure in any one part can compromise the system as a whole, making proper selection, installation and inspection essential before work begins. 

That focus on setup extends directly into execution. Before each shift, crews must inspect harnesses for wear, confirm a secure and properly adjusted fit and verify that all connections are intact. Once work is underway, movement across the roof becomes a critical safety factor. Maintaining consistent lifeline tension and staying within range of the anchor point helps reduce the risk of swing falls, while carefully planned transitions, including the use of multiple anchor points on larger roofs, support safer, more controlled movement across the work area. 

Compliance requirements reinforce these practices. In the United States, fall protection is required at heights of six feet or more, with stricter application on steep-slope roofs. Those standards reflect a broader shift across the industry, where safety is built into workflow rather than addressed after the fact. 

Ultimately, the effectiveness of fall protection is determined by consistency. When harness systems are properly fitted, inspected and used as intended on every job, safety becomes integrated into the process itself, not a backup measure, but a standard that defines how roofing work is performed. 

Learn more about how proper safety harness use, system setup and on-the-job practices support safer, more controlled roofing operations at height!

A trusted roofing equipment provider supporting contractors with sales, rentals and roofing services across the Western states. 

The Coffee Shops™, the award-winning online communities where the industries meet for technologies, safety, information and education for the construction trades of roofing, metal, coatings and outdoor living, are pleased to welcome Steve Garlock Equipment into the community.  

Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Portland, Oregon, the company specializes in roofing equipment sales, rentals and quality customer service for contractors throughout Oregon, Washington and other Western states. With delivery along the Interstate 5 corridor and shipping extending into Alaska and Hawaii, the company supports both local and regional jobsite needs. Operations are designed to help contractors access reliable tools while minimizing downtime. The addition expands contractor access to dependable equipment resources within The Coffee Shops network. 

From this company, you can expect: 

• New and used roofing equipment sales 
• Short-term and long-term equipment rentals 
• Authorized Leister service and repairs 
• Generators, powered tear off tools and deck equipment 
• Contractor supplies and safety equipment 
• Responsive service and regional delivery support 

The Coffee Shops are proud to welcome Steve Garlock Equipment!

About Steve Garlock Equipment Inc. 

Steve Garlock Equipment Inc. opened as a roofing equipment specialist and has steadily expanded its reach across residential and commercial markets. The company is led by owner Katee Williams, who brings more than 25 years of roofing industry experience across distribution, operations and management. With locations in Portland, Oregon and Tukwila, Washington, the team emphasizes consistent service, strong customer relationships and practical equipment solutions. The company continues the service-focused standards established by founder Steve Garlock while supporting contractors across the West. 

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Leister showcases compact cordless heat welding technology designed to streamline repairs, demos and jobsite mobility.   

Leister is preparing to spotlight the NEXHEAT cordless welder during the International Roofing Expo (IRE). The compact unit stood out during hands-on evaluations for its familiar form factor and mobility advantages on active jobsites. Cordless operation supports service crews looking to shorten setup time, reduce equipment loads and move more safely across constrained rooftop conditions. 

Early impressions centered on familiarity and scale. Dave Lusk of Steve Garlock Equipment reflected on how quickly crews recognized the tool’s form. “The gun was very compact and that it looked like a cordless drill,” he noted. That resemblance helped shorten the learning curve, allowing users to focus on application rather than orientation during initial handling. 

Once in use, attention shifted to control and visibility. Dave shared, “I liked that the temperature dial and display screen is on top of the gun making it very easy to see what the temp is at all times.” Clear, constant feedback supports precision during repair welding where temperature accuracy matters. 

Performance quickly became the next point of comparison. Dave noted, “Our customers that have had similar products said that the Leister NEXHEAT put out more heat than other competitors,” setting expectations for output from a cordless platform. Practical advantages followed just as quickly. Dave added, “Unlike corded models, you do not have to cool the NEXHEAT down after use.” This upgrade removes a common delay between tasks. 

Consistency under demanding conditions also stood out during demonstrations. Dave explained that heat output remained steady throughout use. “Very consistent and customers are very impressed with how hot the NEXHEAT really gets,” he said. That reliability often surprised first-time users. “It is very deceiving by its size and I warn them don’t get too close and they immediately will pull back with a look of surprise.” 

Usability rounded out the experience. “Very easy. The battery switch out is the same as a Dewalt or Makita cordless drill,” Dave said. Battery changes require no additional tools or adapters. Extended operation was also addressed. “It does have a trigger lock and is very user friendly.” 

“The NEXHEAT is without a doubt a game changer,” Dave said. “This gun allows a repair guy to find a leak and fix quickly without bringing up a generator, cords or a hand welder up on the roof, saving time and labor.” 

Contractors can see the NEXHEAT in action and explore its repair-focused advantages during live demonstrations at IRE this year!

By Dani Sheehan. 

GAF recently hosted a hands-on training event offering attendees the opportunity to work with single-ply products and innovative equipment. 

The Coffee Shops™ crew members Brenda Littau and Caitlin Ieng recently joined the National Women in Roofing (NWIR) Seattle Council at the GAF Roofing Academy in Lakewood, Washington, for an afternoon of getting their hands on the tools and real-world scenarios that define single-ply construction.  

GAF hosted 13 NWIR members for a deep dive into single-ply fundamentals, led by Pacific Northwest instructor Chad Osterholtz. Not only did Chad talk through TPO welding, but he also opened up the equipment, passed around samples and explained exactly what makes a weld strong or weak: consistent heat, consistent pressure and consistent speed. Miss one of these and you’re holding a bad weld in your hands. Seeing and feeling the difference made it click for everyone in the room. 

Chad also shared how the GAF Roofing Academy is helping more people enter the industry with confidence. Their two-week class often includes students transitioning out of the military or correctional programs looking to enter the trade. GAF pays them during training, equips them with basic tools and connects them with contractors through a nationwide team of recruiters. In turn, contractors get graduates who show up at 7 a.m., work hard all day and understand the basics before they ever step onto a jobsite. There’s even a three-day course built specifically to help office staff understand what happens on the roof, which is solving a major disconnect that many companies feel. 

After lunch, Jerry Herbek from Steve Garlock Equipment took the floor for a session rich in practical “wish someone had told me sooner” knowledge. Using Leister tools, he walked the group through common mistakes that lead to callbacks. Things like running too many tools off the same generator, shutting down welders before they cool properly or mismanaging power surges. These issues can crack ceramic elements, cause inconsistent welds and ultimately lead to leaks. According to Jerry, many of these problems happen simply because the right information doesn’t reach the crews on the roof. 

Brenda, Caitlin and the other council members learned that Steve Garlock Equipment sells their used rental tools once a year, giving crews the chance to pick up well-maintained welders without gambling on online marketplaces. Jerry and his colleague, Katie Johnson, also shared a preview of their growing safety equipment line, something many contractors don’t realize the company offers. 

Between GAF’s technical instruction, Steve Garlock’s equipment knowledge and Leister’s dependable tools, NWIR members walked away with practical takeaways they can bring back to their teams. For Brenda and Caitlin, it was exciting to see these manufacturers investing so intentionally in the next generation of roofing talent. 

If events like this are any indication of what’s to come, the future of single-ply looks more skilled, more supported and more connected than ever.