Behind the booth: Tri-State Commercial Roofing 

Tri-State Commercial Roofing has built its reputation through consistent delivery, hands-on leadership, and word-of-mouth trust. Serving New York, New Jersey, and parts of Connecticut and Pennsylvania, the company focuses exclusively on commercial roofing, with an emphasis on flat roof systems and long-term performance. Ahead of New York Build, we spoke with President Stuart Roberts about staying independent, embracing new tools on site, and why relationships still matter in a consolidating industry. 

Q: To start, can you tell us a bit about Tri-State and your role in the business? 
I started my roofing journey when I was 18 years old, working during the summers throughout college. As a law school student, I started my own roofing company, taking night classes so I could work during the day. We started out as a residential and commercial roofing and siding contractor in 1989, and over time began working primarily on commercial roofs. In 2016, Tri-State Commercial Roofing Corp. was incorporated when I made the decision to focus strictly on commercial work. While we still handle some high-end residential projects, almost everything we do today is commercial flat roofing. We specialize in EPDM, TPO, PVC, and modified bitumen systems, but still occasionally do slate, wood and metal work as well. 

Q: What sets Tri-State apart in a crowded local market? 
We’ve grown almost entirely through word of mouth. Until this year, we didn’t really advertise. The reason clients keep coming back is simple: experience, accountability, and presence.  

Everything we install carries a manufacturer’s warranty and goes through their inspections. We’ve never had a claim with any manufacturer and never had a roof failure. Zero. That record matters. Clients are often surprised by how involved ownership and management are on site – but that’s how we operate. 

Q: You’ve been in the industry a long time. How has roofing technology changed? 
The biggest shift has been toward thermoplastic roofing. Most commercial roofs today are TPO and PVC, and the tools around those systems keep improving. The technology around these systems is ever changing, and we make it a priority to stay up to date with the best equipment available. Welding robots, battery powered heat guns, ever smaller generators and inverters, drones, leak detection sensors and predictive AI software, have all assisted us in optimizing our day-to-day operations.  

Q: This is your first time exhibiting at New York Build. Why now? 
We’re not looking for volume - we’re looking to meet a handful of building owners or general contractors who want a reliable roofing partner. If someone sits down with us and understands how we work, they usually see the difference between Tri-State and other roofing contractors pretty quickly.  

We were recently recognized with one of the 2025 Project of the Year Awards by Sika Sarnafil, one of the leading roofing manufacturers globally. That recognition will be featured at our stand. But more than anything, if you’re thinking about a roofing partner now or in the future, come by and meet the people who would actually be on your project — and who will treat your building as if it were their own.