The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) is excited to announce that the 2026 Excellence in Asphalt Roofing Awards Program is now open for submissions. Roofing contractors across North America can submit their top low- and steep-slope asphalt roofing projects from the past three years for a chance to win by December 1, 2025.
“ARMA’s awards program celebrates the talent and innovation within the roofing industry,” stated Reed Hitchcock, ARMA Executive Vice President. “Year after year, we see incredible projects that reinforce asphalt roofing’s position as the trusted solution for both residential and commercial applications.”
The program provides contractors a platform to display their work, strengthen their professional reputation, and share their passion for roofing.
Participation in the awards program is free of charge, and contractors may submit multiple entries. Submissions must demonstrate exemplary skills in asphalt roofing and include detailed project write-ups and high-quality imagery.
How Does Judging Work? Once the submission period closes, a panel of esteemed judges experienced in asphalt roofing will evaluate and score each project based on four criteria.
- I. Why Asphalt – Why was asphalt the roofing solution? What circumstances existed with the building, and what benefits made it clear that asphalt was the best roofing choice?
- II. Project Challenges – Were there any technical, operational, or environmental challenges successfully overcome through the innovative use of asphalt roofing materials? Does the project demonstrate the reliability, durability, and overall system strength of asphalt roofing?
- III. Distinction – Why is this project different from its peers? Was the quality of the craftsmanship extraordinary, and were there any circumstances, pre-existing conditions, or challenges that made it stand out? Can this project be considered a step above the rest?
- IV. Beauty – Does the project showcase an aesthetic appeal or exhibit impressive technical complexity? Does it possess visual allure or intrigue, elevating the skyline, building use, or design?
Medal Winners Based on the judges’ evaluations, the projects with the highest scores will receive Gold, Silver, or Bronze medals.
Best-in-Class Categories Aside from the medal winners, judges may recommend projects for specific Best-in-Class Categories, each recognizing one winner per category, with annual acknowledgements optional:
- In the Neighborhood – This category showcases homes that combine affordability with style. It focuses on how color and design choices can elevate the appearance of a typical neighborhood home.
- Commercial/Mixed Use – This category focuses on the complexities of flat roof projects. These projects are multifaceted, involving numerous components that work together to create a water-resistant roofing system.
- Craftsmanship – Roofing is an art, and it takes a true craftsman to install roofing materials on complex structures such as steeples, turrets, and geodesic designs or large flat roofing projects exceeding 1,000 squares.
- Technical Difficulty – This category emphasizes operational and installation challenges, including projects involving multiple penetrations, work during nighttime, skyscraper steeples, and cold weather applications.
What Do Winners Receive? The top projects are awarded monetary prizes: $2,000 for Gold, $1,000 for Silver, and $500 for Bronze. All winning companies will receive an official ARMA certificate, promotional materials, trade media exposure, and features on ARMA’s website and social media platforms. Winners will also be recognized at the 2026 International Roofing Expo.
To submit a project for the 2026 Excellence in Asphalt Roofing Awards Program or view the complete guidelines, please visit www.asphaltroofing.org/excellence.
