By Emma Peterson.  

These standout stories explore the trends, people and products shaping the future of the outdoor contracting industry. 

As another month comes to a close, it’s time for our usual article recap! This month, the OutdoorCoffeeShop™ readers were especially interested in construction growth, sustainability, innovative products and the return of one of the pool industry's most respected builders, as reflected by our July 2026 top five article list!  

In July, readers were keen to celebrate the return of pool legend Bryan O’Neil.  As quoted in the article, “Bryan O'Neal, one of the most respected names in luxury pool design in the Charlotte, North Carolina area, has returned to the industry he helped define with the launch of O'Neal Shiers Aquatics, a new family-owned and operated company specializing in high-end custom swimming pool construction and renovations across North and South Carolina.” 

Additionally, they were intrigued by Tremco's Vulkem® Pro Series, which serves the sealant, adhesive and concrete repair needs of professional contractors and DIY-enthusiasts alike, as well as an article about the rising popularity of green homes.  

Closing out the list are two articles reporting on episodes of Contractor Outlook. One of the episodes dives into infrastructure investment and commercial expansion predictions with Paul Trombitas, an FMI Corporation partner, while the other explores construction market research from the Farnsworth Group with their Director and Senior Consultant, Eric Voyer. 

Read our top July articles 

5 - He's back: Legendary pool builder Bryan O'Neal returns with O'Neal Shiers Aquatics, partnering with second-generation master builder Sean Shiers by O'Neal Shiers Aquatics. 

4 - One product line, endless applications by Emma Peterson. 

3 - Green homes and real returns by Emma Peterson. 

2 - Connecting the dots between data and strategy by Emma Peterson. 

1 - Construction growth expected in the next year by Emma Peterson. 

By Emma Peterson. 

Tremco’s Vulkem® Pro Series delivers sealants, adhesives and concrete repair solutions for any jobsite challenge. 

Tremco® has established a name for itself among both professional contractors and DIY-enthusiasts for their high-quality and innovative products. Further, they are known for effectively simplifying product use across multiple applications, providing comprehensive offerings that can be used on any project you may encounter.  

A great example of their commitment to efficiency and customer satisfaction is the Vulkem® Pro Series. This product line is incredibly versatile with top-performing sealants, superior bond adhesives and durable concrete repair solutions. 

1 – The sealants 

Tremco’s Vulkem® Pro Series sealants were designed for every job. They come with incredible features and benefits, such as self-leveling, flexibility, waterproofing and high temperature thresholds. In the Vulkem® Pro Series, there are five sealants: 

• Vulkem® 116: This is a textured, single-component polyurethane sealant that is perfect for general uses on exterior applications such as windows, doors, expansion joints and masonry. 
• Vulkem® 45 SSL: Another single-component polyurethane sealant, this product is semi-self-leveling and is especially suited to sealing concrete expansion joints. 
• Vulkem® MAX: Designed for use with dynamic joints, this hybrid polymer sealer is “a permanently flexible, 100% waterproof, weather- and UV-resistant seal for perimeter caulking.” 
• Vulkem® SIL: 100% silicone, clear and non-sealant. It is ideal for waterproofing and weatherproofing windows and doors. 

2 – The adhesives  

Vulkem® Pro Series also includes a rapid and exceptional bond strength adhesive. Perfect for even the most demanding project as it provides long-lasting, all-weather durability. Tremco’s Vulkem® Pro Series adhesive is:  

• Vulkem® Grip: Engineered with hybrid polymer technology, this adhesive provides instant grab and reliable bonding to a variety of substrates, eliminating the need for fasteners or clamps. It is also resistant to UV, weather and aging while providing a lasting, durable bond. 

3 – The concrete repair 

And rounding out the Vulkem® Pro Series is their heavy-duty concrete repair products. From high-strength microfiber resurfacers to easy-flowing, self-leveling underlayments, the Vulkem® Pro Series has everything you could need when it comes to concrete:  

• Vulkem™ Cure & Seal: This water-based pure acrylic coating is non-yellowing and water-based. It aids in curing fresh concrete and cement-based mortars, along with sealing and protecting concrete. 
• Vulkem™ Microfiber Resurfacer: A cement-based mortar that features polymers for superior bonding, making this product ideal for resurfacing old, spalled and damaged concrete surfaces to restore them to a new appearance. Designed for weather resistance, it withstands harsh winter conditions, including freezing and thawing, and features microfiber technology to reduce cracking. 
• Vulkem™ Non-Sag Sealant: A multi-purpose non-sag polyurethane sealant that works for both vertical and horizontal construction applications. It is 100% waterproof, weather/aging resistant and remains flexible throughout its entire lifespan. 
• Vulkem™ Self-Leveling Floor Underlayment: Designed for preparing and leveling concrete, solid hardwoods, exposure plywoods and OSB equivalent subfloors prior to installation of floor coverings, this underlayment is free-flowing, cement-based and self-leveling.  
• Vulkem™ Self-Leveling Sealant: This self-leveling polyurethane sealant provides exceptional all-weather durability and flexibility, while providing exceptional wear and tear resistance in high traffic areas. It is paintable with latex paints and rain-ready in 2 hours.  

With this suite of products in your toolbox, you can enter each job site confidently and ready to tackle whatever challenges might come your way.  

Learn more about the Vulkem line.