The roofing industry gets a bad rap from unscrupulous players absconding with payments and doing no work, while others try to game the system through fraudulent behavior. Reports of these contractors tend to grab headlines and attention.

But the roofing industry is also full of reputable professionals who want to do a good job for their customers, and oftentimes, go above and beyond by giving back to their communities.

That’s why we at RC highlight some of the recent positive news taking place in roofing — a reminder that this industry does a lot of good despite the negativity.

Watkins Construction & Roofing Begins First Responder Roof Giveaway

First Responders of Mississippi and Watkins Construction & Roofing are teaming up to give first responders and their families peace of mind with a free roof.

Announced on Sept. 3, Watkins Construction & Roofing and the nonprofit announced their partnership, asking first responder families living in local counties to apply online at firstrespondersofms.com to receive a new roof free of charge.

“This is our 9th roof giveaway, and partnering with a group like First Responders of Mississippi was a no-brainer for us. First responders, they protect our families; they protect our neighborhoods. They run in when everyone else is running out. So, we had to make sure that when they get to run into their home, they have a good, solid roof over their head,” Ryan Bell, director of sales at Watkins Construction & Roofing, told WLBT.

Roofing Companies Join Forces to Aid Florida Gold Star Family

Multiple roofing companies came together to support a Florida Gold Star family with a new, storm-resilient roof.

Manufacturer Polyglass USA, along with DH2 Building Associates, SPEC Building Materials, and Brandon Roofing, provided a 2,000-plus square-foot roof to the home of Army Ranger Josh, who made the ultimate sacrifice serving his country.

“At Polyglass, we believe in more than just building roofs—we believe in building community,” said Lynn Connors, director of strategic marketing at Polyglass. “Being able to support a Gold Star family here in Florida means everything to us.”

The project was completed in January 2025, and is part of Polyglass’ ongoing “Giving Back” commitment to support communities, veterans, and families affected by natural disasters.

Action Roofing Provides Free Roof to Florida Veteran

Action Roofing Services, a Florida-based contractor and member of the Peak Roofing Partners Family of Companies, partnered with the Florida Panthers and Rebuilding Together Broward to help a veteran in need.

As RC previously reported, the $50,000 project provided safe, secure housing for Bronda Lucious Williams and Paulette Richardson, both facing health challenges that made home repairs impossible.

Williams served his country for 10 years. He deals with hearing loss and mobility issues, requiring a walker. These factors made repairing or replacing the roof of his Fort Lauderdale home of 25 years nearly impossible. The roof had suffered extensive interior damage from a severely deteriorated roof, including a collapsed bathroom ceiling.

“It means everything in the world to us,” said Cynthia Williams, wife of veteran Bronda Williams. “The most important thing was this roof.”

Writer Gives Shout-Out to Roofing Contractors

This isn’t a good deed, per se, but we know roofing professionals don’t always receive the credit they deserve. One writer, however, made sure to recognize hard-working individuals in the industry.

In a Tampa Bay Times opinion piece, writer Roy Peter Clark recalls how when inspecting his new roof on a hot day, he came across “four grown men, fully-dressed, sleeping on my front lawn in the shade of our old oak tree.”

He reveals that these four workers employed by a roofing company were taking a rest after hours of toiling away in hot weather to install his roof.

“I am always grateful to the first responders who protect our communities from crime, pandemic, accidents and natural disasters. I am equally grateful to the laborers who do the toughest jobs under the most difficult conditions,” Clark writes. “I say to them: Thank you for your service. And a belated Happy Labor Day.”