The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) is now accepting submissions for its 2027 Excellence in Asphalt Roofing Awards Program. Roofing contractors across North America can submit their best low- and steep-slope asphalt roofing projects completed within the past three years for a chance to win by December 1, 2026.
“Asphalt roofing continues to prove itself project after project, and we’re excited to see this year’s entries,” stated Reed Hitchcock, ARMA Executive Vice President. “Contractors are showing us systems that perform under real-world pressure, hold up to the elements, and still look exceptional. That combination of durability and design is exactly why asphalt remains a top choice.”
The program gives contractors a platform to highlight their work, build their professional reputation, and connect with industry peers who share their passion for asphalt roofing.
There is no cost to enter, and contractors are welcome to submit multiple projects. Each entry should reflect strong asphalt roofing craftsmanship and include a detailed project write-up along with high-quality images or videos.
How Does Judging Work?
After the submission window closes, a panel of experienced roofing industry judges will review and score each entry against 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 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
Beyond the medal winners, judges may also recognize standout projects across five Best-in-Class Categories, each honoring one winner, with annual recognition at the judges’ discretion. This year, ARMA has introduced a new Sustainability category and expanded the Technical Difficulty category to include resilience and hardening considerations.
- In the Neighborhood – This category showcases homes that combine affordability with style, highlighting 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, which involve numerous components working together to create a water-resistant system for commercial, industrial, educational, data center, hospital, retail, and other non-pitched roof applications. Entrants explain why asphalt was chosen and may highlight challenges overcome or the versatility of asphaltic products.
- 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 on large flat roofing projects exceeding 1,000 squares. This category is open to both low- and steep-slope applications.
- Technical Difficulty – This category emphasizes operational and installation challenges, including projects involving multiple penetrations, work during nighttime, skyscraper steeples, cold weather applications, and resilience and hardening considerations, such as design, material selection, and installation practices that help asphalt roofing systems perform against high winds, hail, heavy rainfall, temperature extremes, and other disaster-related conditions.
- Sustainability (NEW) – This new category recognizes projects that demonstrate environmental stewardship across the lifecycle of an asphalt roofing system, from recycled content and shingle recycling programs to green roofs, LEED certification, cool roofing technologies, and integrated solar or alternative energy systems. This category is open to both residential and commercial applications.
What Do Winners Receive?
Top-scoring projects earn monetary prizes: $2,000 for Gold, $1,000 for Silver, and $500 for Bronze. Every winning company receives an official ARMA certificate, promotional materials, trade media exposure, and features on ARMA’s website and social media channels. Winners will also be recognized at the 2027 International Roofing Expo.
To submit a project for the 2027 Excellence in Asphalt Roofing Awards Program or view the complete guidelines, please visit www.asphaltroofing.org/excellence.
