International Federation of the Roofing Trade (IFD)
The Coffee Shops™ welcome the International Federation of the Roofing Trade!
The IFD exists to unite roofing organizations worldwide, share knowledge to address common industry challenges and protect and advance the collective interests of its members on a global stage. The Coffee Shops™, the award-winning online communities where the industries meet for technologies, safety, information and education for the construction trades ...
Bridging cultures and eras through metal roofing
By Jenny Yu. Schechtl’s commitment to craftsmanship, innovation and youth education highlights the evolving future of metal roofing. At the International Federation of the Roofing Trade (IFD)’s Young Roofers Competition in Austria, Heidi J. Ellsworth had the opportunity to speak with Maria Schechtl, CEO and owner of Schechtl, along ...
The beauty of roofing apprenticeships
By Jenny Yu. A self-proclaimed “roof fanatic” shares a global vision for educating the roofers of tomorrow. At the International Federation of the Roofing Trade (IFD) Young Roofers Competition, Heidi J. Ellsworth spoke with the event’s host, Hans-Peter Springinsfeld, owner of Springinsfeld in Tyrol, Austria, about his journey into ...
Young roofers test their skills
By Jesse Sanchez. As U.S. teams competed alongside international peers in Austria, the event became a living example of how respect, workforce development and global standards are shaping roofing’s next generation. From the competition floor at the Student Competition in Innsbruck, Austria, Heidi J. Ellsworth shared candid conversation with industry ...
A bright future for the global roofing industry
By Jenny Yu. The International Federation for the Roofing Trade continues to foster craftsmanship, education and pride for roofers worldwide. During the Young Roofers Competition hosted by the International Federation of the Roofing Trade (IFD), industry leaders gathered to showcase skills, exchange knowledge and reinforce the value of roofing ...
From family-firm to global leadership
By Emma Peterson. Tracking the career of fifth-generation roofer and industry leader Graeme Millar. Roofing has been in Graeme Millar’s ancestry for as long as anyone can remember. It goes back to a man named William John Miller, who started a family firm in 1868. That man was Graeme’s ...
A conversation with IFD president Dirk Bollwerk
By Emma Peterson. How the IFD supports roofers worldwide through connection, shared standards and next‑generation training. The Internationale Föderation des Dachdeckerhandwerks (in English known as International Federation for the Roofing Trade or IFD) was originally founded in 1952 with the simple goal of creating a space for roofing professionals ...
IFD Congress & Award 2025 in Bratislava: New president, global recognition and strong signals of cooperation
The IFD Congress at the Sheraton Bratislava Hotel focused on current challenges and opportunities in the global roofing trade. From 22 to 25 October 2025, the international roofing community gathered in Bratislava for the 73rd Annual Congress of the International Federation of the Roofing Trade (IFD). The event opened on Wednesday ...
Durable Slate earns double finalist honors at prestigious IFD Awards
By Jesse Sanchez. U.S. company stands out among global elite with two heritage projects up for international recognition. The Durable Slate Company, a leader in historic roofing restoration, has secured finalist status in two distinct categories for the 2025 International Federation for the Roofing Trade (IFD) Awards, an achievement that ...
73rd IFD Awards and Congress in Bratislava
By Jenny Yu. Learn about this year’s host city and keynote speakers. The International Federation of the Roofing Trade (IFD) is holding its 73rd IFD Awards and Congress in Bratislava, Slovakia, from Oct. 22 to Oct. 23, 2025. The IFD is the world’s leading advocacy group for the ...
