By The Coffee Shops™. 

From freeze-thaw cycles and pool chemicals to vehicle traffic and UV exposure, outdoor concrete requires special care. 

Outdoor living spaces continue to grow in popularity, but the concrete surfaces that pave patios, pool decks, driveways and garages are exposed to constant environmental and performance challenges. In a recent episode of From the Ground Up™, Dan Hedberg, assistant product manager for concrete and floor coatings for Sherwin-Williams H&C®, explained why understanding those challenges is essential when selecting the best products for long-term protection. 

According to Dan, climate plays a major role in coating performance. Northern regions must contend with freeze-thaw cycles, road salts and harsh winter conditions, while southern climates face intense UV exposure and heat. “Whether you're up north or down south, there are lots of things to take into consideration,” Dan said. 

Different outdoor surfaces also face unique stressors. “We have some chemical exposure to worry about,” Dan explained. “Think about all the nasty things that we store in our garage or that might drip off of our car. Driveways and garage floors must withstand vehicle traffic and substances such as gasoline, oil, transmission fluid and brake fluid. At the same time, Pool decks are exposed to standing water, splash zones and chemicals that can cause some coatings to soften, discolor or fail over time.   

Those ongoing conditions make product selection especially important for contractors. Dan emphasized that choosing a coating designed for the environment can help reduce callbacks and rework. That’s why Sherwin-Williams' H&C developed Heavy Shield Plus, a concrete coating designed to protect outdoor concrete at the highest level.  

“It's designed with supreme adhesion technology, essentially formulated with a polymer with a much smaller particle size than the existing Heavy Shield product uses. Meaning, it can get down and bite into that concrete even harder, even more longer lasting,” Dan said. 

Ultimately, protecting outdoor concrete requires matching products to the realities of the environment, understanding how each surface will be used and following proper installation practices from the start. 

Listen to the entire podcast or Watch the video to learn more about protecting outdoor concrete. 

By Jenny Yu.  

Sherwin-Williams H&C highlights the value of proper concrete preparation for longer-lasting results. 

When it comes to outdoor concrete coatings, success starts long before the coating is applied. In a recent episode of From the Ground Up™, host Karol Weyman sat down with Chris A. Loaiza of Sherwin-Williams H&C® to discuss why surface preparation is one of the most important factors in achieving long-term coating performance. 

Why surface preparation matters 

According to Chris, even the highest-performing coating systems can fall short if the surface is not properly prepared. “Surface preparation is extremely important; we're only as good as what we're going over,” Chris stated. “If we're going over a surface that's not properly prepared, we simply can't expect good, long-term or durable results.” 

To help contractors address those challenges, Sherwin-Williams H&C offers its ConcreteReady® line of surface preparation products engineered to help coatings bond properly. Chris noted that prep products are often overlooked despite their significant impact on project effectiveness. “H&C has a lot of products regarding different coatings, stains, clears and water repellents, but sometimes we overlook these prep products,” he said. “They only cover a small section of the store, and they’re not talked about often, but they play a very essential role.” 

Sherwin-Williams H&C solutions 

One of Sherwin-Williams' cornerstone offerings is the H&C ConcreteReady Cleaner Degreaser, a concentrated solution designed to remove common contaminants such as motor oil, brake fluid and grease. It also targets less visible substances that can interfere with adhesion, such as sunscreen and tanning oils. “First and foremost, our Cleaner Degreaser really plays a big part in trying to effectively remove those contaminants,” Chris explained. “If [contaminants] are present, that's going to affect the adhesion or the long-term durability of the product or system that's being applied.” 

For new or existing concrete slabs, H&C ConcreteReady Phospohoric Etching Solution helps prepare surfaces by chemically opening them in preparation for coating application. Chris pointed to power-troweled garage floors as a common application where the product can improve coating performance. 

Finally, Chris highlighted H&C ConcreteReady Single-Component Quick Patch and Repair as an underutilized but highly effective product for filling voids, divots and low spots often found on driveways, walkways and pool decks. The fast-setting formulation allows contractors to make repairs and apply coating soon after. “Customers can mix up what they need on site within five minutes, apply it to the surface, let it cure for about 30 minutes and then apply topcoat over it. No issues,” Chris said. 

For contractors looking to improve coating performance, reduce callbacks and deliver longer-lasting results, proper surface preparation is one of the most valuable steps in the process that you can’t overlook. 

Listen to the full podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about surface preparation best practices and Sherwin-Williams H&C ConcreteReady products!

By Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

Durable finishes and architectural metal are redefining outdoor spaces. 

Metal is rapidly expanding beyond roofing and siding into one of the most exciting areas of construction today — outdoor living. From metal garage doors and entry systems to sliding barn doors and architectural features, homeowners are embracing metal for its durability, performance and evolving design potential. At the center of this transformation is one critical component that often goes unnoticed but makes all the difference: coil coating. 

High-performance coil coatings from companies like Sherwin-Williams are essential to the long-term success of metal doors, garage doors and exterior architectural elements. These coatings are applied in a controlled, factory environment, creating a tightly bonded finish that provides superior protection against corrosion, UV exposure, fading and environmental wear. This is especially important for products like garage doors and exterior metal doors, which are exposed to constant use and harsh weather conditions. Advanced coil coating systems are designed to deliver long-term color retention, gloss stability and resistance to scratching and abrasion, ensuring that these highly visible elements maintain their appearance and performance for years. 

An additional and increasingly important benefit of metal doors is fire resistance. Unlike wood or composite materials, metal is non-combustible and does not ignite or contribute fuel to a fire. This makes metal garage doors and entry doors a valuable component in fire-prone regions or in areas where building codes and insurance requirements are placing greater emphasis on fire-resilient construction. When paired with proper design and installation, metal doors can help slow the spread of fire and provide an added layer of protection for homes and outdoor living spaces. For homeowners investing in long-term safety and resilience, this is becoming a key consideration. 

At the same time, demand for metal building products continues to rise across construction sectors. Increased investment in coil coating capacity reflects growing demand in roofing, siding and OEM applications including garage and entry doors, signaling strong growth across the entire metal building envelope. 

What makes this growth even more compelling is how metal is being used in outdoor living designs. Homeowners are no longer limiting metal to structural components. Instead, they are incorporating it into the architecture of outdoor spaces in creative and highly functional ways. Large glass-and-metal garage doors are being used to open entire walls to patios and outdoor kitchens. Sliding metal barn doors create flexible transitions between indoor and outdoor environments. Modern metal entry doors are becoming statement pieces that define the aesthetic of the home before you even step inside. 

This architectural shift is being fueled by advancements in coating technologies. Today’s coil coatings allow metal doors and panels to replicate the look of natural materials like wood and stone while delivering the durability of steel or aluminum. Rich woodgrain finishes, matte textures and metallic tones give designers and homeowners the ability to create warm, inviting spaces without sacrificing performance. 

Manufacturers like Central States Manufacturing are helping bring these opportunities to life by providing metal building components that integrate seamlessly across roofing, siding and exterior applications. This system-based approach allows contractors to design cohesive building envelopes that extend into outdoor living areas, creating continuity in both performance and appearance. 

The result is a new generation of outdoor spaces that are more durable, more functional and visually striking. Metal doors are no longer just entry points; they are architectural features that enable indoor-outdoor living, improve natural light and create flexible spaces for entertaining and everyday life while also contributing to fire-resistant design strategies. 

As outdoor living continues to grow, the role of metal and high-performance coil coatings will only become more important. For homeowners and contractors, understanding the value of these systems is key. The right coating is not just about color. It is about protecting the investment, maintaining performance and ensuring that these highly visible elements stand the test of time. 

To learn more about advanced coil coating technologies and metal building solutions, visit the directories for Sherwin-Williams and Central States Manufacturing on OutdoorCoffeeShop.com.

By Jenny Yu.  

Contractors can save time and improve performance with advanced coating solutions like Heavy Shield Plus. 

As patios, pool decks and driveways take on heavier use and greater exposure to the elements, contractors are under increasing pressure to deliver long-lasting results. In this episode of From the Ground Up, Karol Weyman sat down with Dan Hedberg, assistant product manager for Sherwin-Williams, to explore how evolving outdoor living spaces are raising the bar for coating performance and durability.  

According to Dan, the challenge of a failed coating is not merely aesthetic; it impacts the performance of the end product, the customer’s satisfaction and, ultimately, the contractor’s bottom line. “Time is money, right? Contractors want to knock out a project, get paid and move on to the next one. They’re not looking to go back and fix projects they’ve already gotten paid for and spend more money,” Dan said. “That’s why it’s worth choosing a product and doing the right process upfront, making sure you get the lasting result the first time around.” 

For this reason, demand is rising for advanced solutions like Sherwin-Williams' H&C® Heavy Shield Plus, a next-generation water-based solid color coating designed for concrete and masonry surfaces. “It’s designed with Supreme Adhesion technology, formulated with a polymer that allows the product to bite into the concrete even harder and deliver a longer-lasting result,” Dan explained, noting that the product was especially designed for use in driveways, pool decks and patios. 

Beyond adhesion, Heavy Shield Plus is formulated to resist softening, discoloration and damage from standing water. “You're getting our very best water immersion resistance, so even areas like a pool deck, a mud room, a patio — anywhere you might have rain or snow — rest assured, your coating’s going to stay beautiful and protective for many, many years.” 

Finally, one of the most impactful features for contractors is its compatibility on the jobsite. Heave Shield Plus can work with both water-based and solvent-based coatings, eliminating the need for testing when an existing surface’s properties are unknown. “There’s no need to waste time trying to figure out what’s already on the ground,” Dan said. “As long as it’s clean and sound, you can go right over top.” 

Read the first article in this series or Listen to the podcast to learn more about how Heavy Shield Plus can transform outdoor living projects. 

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn about the state of the outdoor industry by reading the top OCS articles of March. 

OutdoorCoffeeShop™ (OCS) was established to create an online space for outdoor professionals and contractors to learn and grow together. To help facilitate that community, our team organizes and publishes a variety of resources, from webinars to podcast to articles. And with that much content getting made every month, it can be hard to keep up! That’s why we like to take a moment at the beginning of each new month to look back on the top articles of the previous month!  

Looking back at March, multiple of our top articles featured guest speakers from our Contractor Outlook series. In one episode, Kevin Fox of FoxWerx Group explained how AI has heralded in a new world of business operations. He went on to emphasize that the most important part of AI is not the tool itself, but how people are using it.  

Also on the topic of AI was Denver Riggleman's episode of Contractor Outlook and subsequent article. In the article, Emma Peterson highlighted Denver’s concerns for businesses who use AI without proper cybersecurity precautions.  

And the last but certainly not least Contractor Outlook guest speaker on our list was Caitlin Burke, a senior construction recruiter at Tiello. The article about her episode focuses on how building a positive company culture with competitive benefits is key to recruiting and retaining a workforce.  

March 2026’s top articles 

5 - Sharing the industry’s stories, feeling the momentum by OutdoorCoffeeShop 

4 - Sherwin-Williams Kentucky expansion more than doubles capacity of coil coatings plant

3 - Navigating a new world of technology by Emma Peterson 

2 - The state of roofing recruitment and retention by Emma Peterson 

1 - A new safety frontier by Emma Peterson 

This expansion leads the way for future industry growth.

Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings, the leading manufacturer of coil and extrusion metal coatings in the world, today announced it completed a major expansion at its coil coatings manufacturing plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky, to align production of its popular products with an expected trajectory of positive growth in the metal roofing and construction markets.

“Our Performance Coatings Group continues to invest in advanced technologies that support innovation and long-term partnerships,” said Karl Jorgenrud, president, Sherwin-Williams Performance Coatings Group. “The Bowling Green expansion will strengthen our supply chain resilience and ensure our customers receive high-performance solutions without interruption.”

The company significantly upgraded the 32-year-old facility with state-of-the-art technology, advanced automation, larger batch capabilities and expanded production capacity to meet accelerating demand in roofing, metal building and OEM manufacturer markets.

The expansion adds a 60% overall increase from 2025 — and enables larger batch production. Sherwin-Williams says enhanced automation will also improve formulation accuracy, reduce any defects, increase consistency and strengthen the plant’s ability to meet lead-time commitments.

“Industry experts predict demand increasing across roofing and siding markets and this expansion bolsters our ability to deliver our products in less than five days, which is advantageous to our many customers,” said Drew Waldroup, vice president of sales for the Sherwin-Williams. “Increased capacity and automation also enhance our reliability, provide greater operational flexibility and allow us to collaborate seamlessly with other Sherwin-Williams manufacturing sites nationwide.”

The Bowling Green facility manufactures polyester coil coatings (PolyPREMIER™) designed for interior and moderate exterior applications such as lighting fixtures, appliances, garage and entry doors and building products. These polyester systems deliver the toughness and flexibility required for reliable interior performance.

For exterior environments, the plant produces siliconized modified polyester (SMP) coatings (WeatherXL™), which offer enhanced UV resistance, gloss retention and long-term weatherability for metal roofing, siding, agricultural buildings and industrial panels. The expansion strengthens Sherwin‑Williams ability to scale production and support growing customer demand.

Sherwin-Williams is a global leader in coil and extrusion metal coatings, serving coaters, roll formers, OEMs and construction professionals worldwide with innovative, high-performance finishing technologies.

For more information about the expansion check out the fact sheet.

By Jenny Yu.  

New H&C innovations are designed to help contractors deliver efficient, profitable results. 

As demand grows for durable outdoor living spaces that don’t compromise on visual appeal, Sherwin-Williams is introducing new concrete coating solutions through its H&C brand to help contractors meet performance and profitability goals. The brand’s latest innovations reflect a focus on efficiency, protection and long-term value for professionals working on patios, driveways and other concrete surfaces. 

A key example is the upcoming Heavy Shield Plus, a high-performance concrete coating designed to deliver both protection and visual impact. According to Dan Hedberg, the brand’s assistant product manager, the value of coatings goes well beyond appearance. 

“Coatings like Heavy Shield Plus provide both aesthetic value as well as protective value,” Dan said. “They protect investments and ensure patios, driveways or whatever it may be, hold up for years to come even when exposed to harsh weather and abuse.” He added that taking on concrete coatings projects backed by Heavy Shield Plus allows contractors to “grow their businesses and offer even more valuable services to their customers.” 

Marketing Manager Garrett Harris echoed that sentiment, emphasizing performance and profitability. “Coatings aren’t just cosmetic; they are an investment in longevity and performance,” Garrett stated. “Choosing the right system can elevate your portfolio and turn an average job into a highly profitable job.” 

Dan said Heavy Shield Plus was designed with contractor efficiency in mind. “It’s easy to apply and can go on bare surfaces or surfaces that have been previously coated,” he explained. “It dries fast and even large projects can be knocked out in a single day.” He also pointed to its durability and flexibility without sacrificing aesthetic value, noting, “With thousands of color options, contractors can pick the right color for any kind of job.” 

On top of product innovation, Sherwin-Williams and H&C emphasize hands-on support to help professionals select the right solutions for their projects. “Our field teams provide hands-on training, specification guides and personalized support to ensure every project gets the right solution,” Garret shared. “At the end of the day, our mission is simple: help professionals deliver beautiful, durable spaces that stand the test of time.” 

Learn more about H&C products like Heavy Shield Plus!

By Emma Peterson. 

From residential patios to industrial manufacturing plants, H&C is delivering durability, aesthetics and ease of installation.  

If you’ve ever thought about repainting your walls, you’ve probably heard the name Sherwin-Williams. With almost 5,000 storefronts and locations around the world, they are a household name in the paint world. But did you know that their offerings extend far beyond your walls? To learn more about Sherwin-Williams' outdoor coating offerings, we hosted Garrett Harris and Dan Hedberg from the Sherwin-Williams H&C team.  

H&C is a Sherwin-Williams brand specifically focused on decorative concrete products. Garrett shared, “We are a part of the Sherwin-Williams umbrella, which means we benefit from the same research, technical expertise and distribution network that Sherwin-Williams has built.” But H&C’s story goes beyond that. As Dan put it, “The H&C brand has been around since 1929, so it has a unique and rich legacy even beyond its role in the Sherwin-Williams family.” 

This legacy includes products like their Heavy Shield Plus™ Concrete & Driveway Enamel/Stain. Heavy Shield Plus is an industry-leading concrete coating that not only delivers maximum durability, but also unbeatable aesthetics. Dan talked a bit about the product, sharing, “Heavy Shield Plus is a very versatile product, it's perfect for outdoor living spaces like driveways, patios, pool decks, walkways and even some indoor living spaces. Ultimately, whether it be a high traffic area like a residential driveway or a light industrial setting like a loading dock, this product is a great choice.” 

How does it achieve this incredible versatility and durability? Heavy Shield Plus is formulated with a polymer that adheres to concrete better than competing coatings. This not only means it lasts longer with fewer reapplications, but it can be used on a wider variety of surfaces. Dan explained, “Heavy Shield Plus can go over water-based and solvent-based coatings. This is a big one for our pros because you don’t always know what the existing coating is when you get to a job site. Because Heavy Shield Plus can go on both water- and solvent-based surfaces, you don’t have to spend time doing a xylene test to see what the existing coating is. Saving that time is saving money.”  

At the end of the day, Heavy Shield Plus is a prime example of the performance of H&C’s products. As Garrett put it, “Heavy Shield Plus is the next generation of its kind for protective coatings designed to be used in high traffic and extreme condition areas. It's a catch-all product, you can use it really anywhere, and a great example of how H&C works to help people get the most out of their concrete surfaces.”  

Learn more about Heavy Shield Plus and other H&C products on their website.

By Jenny Yu.  

Sherwin-Williams and H&C continue to innovate as contractors demand stronger, more resilient exterior solutions. 

For almost 160 years, Sherwin-Williams has provided professional contractors and DIYers alike with coating solutions for inside and outside their homes. In a recent From the Ground Up™ episode, Karol Weyman spoke with Dan Hedberg, assistant product manager for Sherwin-Williams, about how the company and its H&C brand continue to expand their product lines to meet growing demands.  

“We've been around for a long time. We've been focusing on exterior spaces and concrete specifically for a very long time,” Dan stated. “With a brand like H&C and Sherwin-Williams, you can be assured that you're getting a company that really knows what they're doing and has tested out the market.” 

One way H&C and Sherwin-Williams have established themselves as leaders is by addressing durability concerns for outdoor surfaces that take a beating from various extreme climates. “Whether you think about northern states like Ohio, we get brutal freeze-thaw cycles and salt in the winter, and down in Florida, you have very harmful UV rays. There are unique things to consider depending on the environment,” Dan said. “But, regardless of whether you’re up north or down south, we not only want our surfaces to be protected, but we want it to be beautiful, too.”  

Another demand Dan spoke to was the importance of water resistance when engineering new coating products. “On things like pool decks, you have water immersion to think about,” Dan explained. “You have water sitting, not being wiped up right away, oftentimes with an inferior coating that’s going to lead to softening of the coating, and it’s going to fail that way. You also have discoloring and fading to worry about.” 

Furthermore, Dan discussed chemical exposures on spaces like driveways. “Think about all the nasty things that we store in our garage or that might drip off our cars: gasoline, oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, all that nasty stuff,” Dan said. “These try their best to eat away or at least stain a coating.” 

To address these growing demands and concerns, Dan expressed how Sherwin-Williams and H&C continue to be trusted partners for contractors and end-users alike with innovative solutions like their newest addition, Heavy Shield Plus. “We're testing those from top to bottom and keeping very rough and abusive conditions in mind when developing products,” Dan shared.  

Listen to the podcast to learn more about how H&C and Sherwin-Williams deliver high-performance products for evolving outdoor spaces.

By Jenny Yu.  

Sherwin-Williams leaders explain how innovation and concrete-focused expertise drive the next generation of H&C coatings. 

Sherwin-Williams continues to expand its leadership in concrete coatings with new innovations from its H&C brand, a line dedicated solely to protecting and enhancing concrete surfaces. We spoke with Assistant Product Manager Dan Hedberg and Marketing Manager Garrett Harris about how the company’s history and forward-looking strategy shape the next generation of high-performing products, including the upcoming Heavy Shield™ Plus. 

A history of quality and innovation 

Dan said Sherwin-Williams’ long record of durability and market leadership stems from its commitment to innovation. “From introducing the first ready-mix paint and first resealable paint can in the 1870s, to introducing the first water-based house paint and first roller applicator in the 1940s, to introducing the first custom color mixer and first paint can shaker in the 1950s and 60s, innovation is nothing new to us,” Dan stated. “It’s the lifeblood of our company and what has made us so resilient over our close to 160-year history.” 

With nearly 5,000 stores worldwide and over 60,000 employees, Sherwin-Williams continues to grow in reach and reputation. “We deliver not only a physical product that is good, but we also provide a good experience,” Garrett shared. “Contractors and property owners trust us because we deliver solutions and stand behind our products. Because of that, people continue to come back to us.” 

H&C also boasts a long history of consistency and proven performance on a specific focus. “Since 1929, H&C’s focus has always been, and will always be, concrete.” Dan said. “With H&C, you know you’re getting the muscle of Sherwin-Williams in terms of research, technical expertise, distribution, elite talent and next generation facilities, but also a hyperfocus on concrete surfaces and the concrete industry specifically.”  

“Think of it as the go-to brand for protecting and beautifying outdoor concrete,” Garrett added. “What sets H&C apart is its focus: we specialize in coatings that transform hardscapes without the cost and disruption of replacement. We have teams only dedicated to concrete coatings and how that interacts both with contractors, with homeowners and with people trying to expand their business.” 

Outdoor concrete opportunities and challenges 

Extreme climate, foot and vehicle traffic, and durability are the most pressing concerns H&C strives to address when innovating for outdoor concrete performance.  

"Concrete is assumed to protect itself, and that's not always the case,” Garrett shared. “So, we try to provide that education so we can help everyone overcome the challenges and present opportunities with our products. Our coatings protect against moisture, UV and wear, helping contractors deliver long-lasting results that save clients money and elevate curb appeal.” 

Dan agreed. “That’s where H&C shines. At the end of the day, it is always going to be cheaper to protect your existing concrete than to let it ride and end up needing to repair or replace it,” Dan emphasized. “No matter kind of finish you’re looking for or what kind of surface you’re coating — H&C has you covered.” 

With products including clear sealers, penetrating waterproofers, decorative stains and high-performance epoxies, H&C meets the needs of both contractors and homeowners in providing the best solutions possible. 

What’s next: Heavy Shield Plus 

One of the brand's newest solutions is Heavy Shield Plus, a breakthrough in adhesion and abrasion resistance. “H&C Heavy Shield Plus is our next generation, super-premium, water-based solid color concrete stain designed with Supreme Adhesion Technology to maximize resistance to flaking and peeling even in high-traffic areas.” 

“It’s a next-generation protective coating designed for high-traffic and harsh environments — think commercial walkways, patios and outdoor entertainment spaces,” Garrett added. “What makes it unique is its advanced abrasion resistance, ability to withstand ponding water and its very much improved adhesion.” 

Learn more about Heavy Shield Plus and the full H&C product lineup today.