By The Coffee Shops®. 

The most vulnerable part of the building envelope can determine whether or not a roof survives a major storm. 

For many roofing professionals, the roof field often gets the most attention during design and installation. Yet according to Jason Hildenbrand, director of private label and OEM sales for Carlisle Architectural Metals, the roof perimeter is where performance is often won or lost. 

In one Read Listen Watch® (RLW) sponsored by Hickman Edge Systems, Jason explained why perimeter edge metal is such an important part of a roofing system. “Perimeter edge metal; it's essentially the termination and transition between the roofing membrane and other building envelope components,” he said. When installing coping, fascia, drip edge, flashing or gutters, the goal is the same: securely terminate and protect the roof system at its most vulnerable locations.  

That vulnerability becomes even more significant during severe weather events. According to Jason, “We know from decades of research and data that the roof edge itself is really the most vulnerable part of the building envelope because that's the area where the roof and the wall transition is subject to the highest pressure.” As wind speeds increase, uplift forces increase dramatically, placing exceptional stress on perimeter areas and corners. 

To illustrate the importance of proper edge securement, Jason shared a real-world example involving two adjacent buildings. One had recently been reroofed with a code-compliant extruded edge system while the other had not. Approximately 30 days later, an EF3 tornado struck the area. 

The results were striking. Jason explained that the newly reroofed building remained largely intact while the neighboring structure suffered catastrophic roof loss. “The membrane stayed intact on the newly reroofed building because the perimeter edge metal protected it,” he said. 

As severe weather events continue to impact more regions, protecting the roof edge is becoming increasingly important. For contractors and building owners alike, understanding how edge systems perform under extreme conditions can help reduce risk and improve long-term building resilience. 

Listen to the recording or Watch the full webinar to learn more about roof edge performance and wind resistance.

By Emma Peterson. 

A look at the economic market, the industry outlook and more.  

In a new episode of Contractor Outlook™, Heidi J. Ellsworth sits down with Alex Chausovsky, the president and CEO of 3DM Consulting (a business and operations advisory firm), for a discussion about the state of the economy and construction industry going into the last quarter of the year.  

Alex began the conversation by highlighting the macroeconomics, saying, “Macroeconomically speaking, the economy has been nothing short of remarkable in terms of its ability to withstand... Think about things like the 2025 tariffs. They were hugely disruptive but at the same time we’ve seen companies adjust their prices, manage their margins and keep going.” And in a year with even more market upsetting events, like the war in the Middle East, remembering this resilience is important. As Alex put it:  

Everyone was really afraid because of those tariffs at the beginning of the year and it wasn’t as bad as we thought it might be. Economically speaking, the war is definitely a negative, but at the same time, it's not destroying the market... Looking at industrial production, which is a key benchmark for contractors and other B2B players, it’s still growing at a 1.5% pace year over year.  

This growth is very minimal, especially in the context of a GDP that, adjusted for inflation, is closer to 2.5-2.7%, but what that number does show us is that the industry is still here, that there are contractors still getting work, even with the struggles.  

How do you ensure you are one of the contractors getting work during this stressful time? Alex says it’s all about adaptability and scenario planning. He explained, “As we look out towards 2027, contractors should be asking themselves, what does my business look like? What does my supply of materials and components look like? What does the pricing environment look like? What do my energy costs look like? And how do I position myself where the demand is?”  

He gave an example of what this planning might look like, sharing, “If you look at data center spending through the end of 2025, it's bigger than all single-family housing, it's bigger than all factory construction, it's bigger than all industrial machinery.” He went on, “For contractors looking at this and trying to plan, they should look at their business and ask themselves, ‘Do I have the right people to be able to adapt with it as this market evolves?’” And if they don’t have those people, they need to find ways to get them, whether that’s hiring new talent or training your existing crew. Because operating in a market as complex as ours today is all about thinking ahead and having the right people in the right place.  

Listen to the whole episode or Watch the newscast to learn more!  

Por The Coffee Shops®.  

Las personas antes que las ventas, los sistemas antes que la velocidad y el liderazgo antes que la expansión. 

En este episodio de Almuerzo y Aprendizaje, Jessica Bravo conversa con Andres Beltran, fundador de Build Lead Win y speaker de SRS Para Latinos. Durante la charla, Andres comparte estrategias prácticas para ayudar a los contratistas de techado a fortalecer sus negocios mediante sistemas efectivos de ventas, liderazgo y desarrollo empresarial.  

Con más de una década trabajando junto a contratistas de roofing, Andres ha visto de primera mano los desafíos que enfrentan las empresas cuando su crecimiento depende únicamente del dueño. Por ello, promueve un enfoque basado en procesos claros, equipos sólidos y una visión a largo plazo. Como él mismo explica, “Mi pasión verdadera es ayudarle a construir a las empresas que no dependan únicamente del dueño, sino de sistemas, de liderazgo y de procesos que les permitan crecer de forma sostenible.” 

Uno de los mensajes centrales de la conversación es que el crecimiento no ocurre por casualidad. Para Andres, las empresas que logran avanzar de manera sostenible son aquellas que toman decisiones intencionales, establecen metas claras y crean sistemas que les permiten operar de forma consistente, independientemente de quién esté al frente. Como resume durante la entrevista, “El crecimiento de una empresa de roofing se tiene que diseñar.”  

Desde la implementación de procesos de ventas hasta la formación de líderes dentro de la organización, Andres enfatiza la importancia de construir una estructura capaz de sostener el crecimiento a largo plazo. Esto incluye documentar procesos, capacitar continuamente a los equipos y desarrollar una cultura donde las personas tengan las herramientas necesarias para asumir responsabilidades y generar resultados.  

Para los contratistas que buscan llevar su negocio al siguiente nivel, el mensaje es claro: el éxito no se mide únicamente por las ventas. Construir una empresa preparada para el futuro requiere invertir en las personas, fortalecer el liderazgo y diseñar sistemas que permitan crecer de manera consistente y sostenible.  

Escucha el episodio completo para aprender cómo los sistemas, el liderazgo y la capacitación continua pueden ayudar a llevar tu empresa de roofing al siguiente nivel.

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Understanding material, durability, warranty and availability can help contractors choose a pipe collar designed to protect vulnerable roof penetrations. 

Roof penetrations can create vulnerable areas where leaks develop, making the products used to protect them an important consideration for roofing contractors. On this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Karen Edwards spoke with Mike Bothman, owner of Wil-Mar Products, about what contractors should consider when selecting pipe collars and how the smallest component can play an important role in a roofing system. 

When standing at the distributor's counter comparing options, Mike recommends starting by having a conversation with the people who regularly hear feedback from installers. He explained, “The distributor they’re working with probably gets more feedback than anyone else.” Contractors can then ask what the product is made of, what warranty comes with it and who manufactures it. 

Wil-Mar Products manufactures its pipe collars from ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber and offers sizes ranging from three-quarter inch to four inches. For contractors looking to reduce concerns around roof penetrations, Mike emphasized the value of choosing a product designed for durability. He said, “If I get a pipe collar either on for repair or from the get-go, I don't have to worry about that penetration because of the quality of the product.” 

The company also warranties its pipe collars for the life of the roof system. Mike said his confidence in continuing that warranty came partly from former Wil-Mar Products owner Marianne Sumter, who shared her experience with the product during his purchase of the company. Recalling those conversations, he noted, “She said she's never had a claim.” 

Portability can also make pipe collars useful for service work. Contractors can keep multiple sizes in their trucks without taking up significant space, making them readily available for repairs or new installations. The products are available through major distributors including ABC Supply, SRS and QXO, as well as smaller distributors and contractors can request free samples through RoofersCoffeeShop®. 

Listen to the podcast or Watch the conversation to learn more about the questions contractors should ask when selecting pipe collars and how the right material, warranty and availability can help protect roof penetrations! 

By The Coffee Shops®. 

How hands-on training, field support and peer learning help contractors apply coatings knowledge. 

While certification is a crucial element of roofing education, the next step is learning how to apply that knowledge in the field. In one episode of Roofing Road Trips®, James Conneely of ASC Building Materials explained that training is designed to give contractors both technical context and practical experience. 

“Anyone is eligible to come to our training sessions,” James said. “Usually, we see contractors and roofers here in Colorado.” The program includes “about five hours of classroom time plus hands-on experience,” with instruction on acrylic and silicone chemistries, roof conditions, substrates, preparation and when specific systems make sense. 

The hands-on portion is especially important because it turns classroom information into jobsite practice. James said attendees learn how to three-course around penetrations and transitions, perform adhesion tests and understand how material thickness connects to warranty options. He described the process of gridding a roof, measuring coverage and using a mil gauge to confirm coating thickness. 

Still, James emphasized that certification is only the beginning. “The learning continues from there,” he said. By involving ASC Building Materials after training, contractors can continue building knowledge on actual roofs, where unexpected conditions often appear. “There's no two roofs that are exactly the same,” he said. 

That ongoing education is increasingly important as technologies and materials continue to evolve. James pointed to silicone as an example, noting, “Ten, fifteen years ago, silicone was in its infancy as far as being used on roofs.” 

Certification also creates space for contractors to learn from one another. "That's how the best practices are shared,” James said, referring to certified installers who attend trainings and share jobsite efficiencies. He added, “I learn a lot from our installers, the guys that are actually doing it every day.” 

Together, classroom training, hands-on practice and continued field support help contractors build confidence, serve property owners more effectively and expand their coating capabilities. 

Listen to the entire podcast and Watch the recording to learn more about hands-on coatings certification. 

By Jesse Sanchez.

Slippery single-ply membranes and changing project specifications are bringing more attention to snow retention on commercial roofing systems.

Snow retention is often associated with steep-slope residential roofing, but low-slope commercial roofs can face similar risks when snow and ice begin to move. On this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, host Karen Edwards spoke with Robert Alvarez, representative for Anchor Products, about why contractors and building owners should consider how snow leaves a commercial roof.

Snow guards and snow fences are designed to keep snow and ice on the roof so they can melt or leave in a more controlled amount instead of shedding in a large mass. Explaining the purpose of these systems, Robert shared, “It’s going to hold ice and snow up on a roof, so it comes down in a more measured manner.”

That consideration can be particularly important on single-ply roofing systems, including thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and ketone ethylene ester (KEE), which Robert described as especially slippery. Even roofs with minimal slope can experience sliding snow, and Robert emphasized that significant accumulation is not always necessary to create a concern. He noted, “You can have a snowfall that’s very minor and still needs snow retention. Even with a low pitch, that stuff will still slide off.”

Although there is no universal code requiring snow retention, Robert said some municipalities are beginning to include it in project requirements. Building owners must also consider what can happen below the roof when snow or ice sheds onto people, vehicles or equipment. Robert cautioned, “The liability is on the building owner.”

Designing a snow retention system begins with understanding the conditions of the individual project. Anchor Products considers factors including eave-to-ridge dimensions, roof pitch and local snow loads when determining appropriate spacing for brackets and anchors. Its commercial options include a two-pipe snow fence system as well as a unitized system for smaller areas requiring spot retention.

For contractors, understanding how membrane type, roof slope and snow load influence snow movement can help make snow retention part of the planning process rather than a response to unexpected shedding.

Listen to the podcast to learn more about how thoughtful snow retention planning can help manage snow and ice on low-slope commercial roofing systems!

By The Coffee Shops®.

Lakeside Construction Fasteners and Direct Metals expand product access while supporting investments in distribution, technology and domestic manufacturing.

For metal construction professionals, reliable access to products, technical information and responsive service can make a significant difference. In one MetalCast™ episode, Heidi J. Ellsworth spoke with Lakeside Construction Fasteners President Eric Velliquette about the company’s merger with Direct Metals and the opportunities created by bringing the two organizations together.

Both companies began as family owned and operated businesses but developed in different directions. Lakeside Construction Fasteners expanded from a limited product offering to thousands of stock-keeping units serving post-frame, pre-engineered, residential and standing seam markets. Direct Metals brings additional experience in low-slope and standing seam residential applications. “By marrying the two companies, we really do offer a full complement of products to service the metal building industry as a whole,” Eric said.

That combined product ecosystem includes fasteners, foam products, sealants, standing seam clips and ventilation components. Eric described the group as a potential one-stop shop for many of the components used in metal roofing and sidewall applications, excluding the metal panels themselves.

Distribution is another important part of the strategy. Direct Metals has three distribution centers, while Lakeside Construction Fasteners has two. The group plans to use those resources to deliver products to customers more quickly in strategic regions.

The companies are also investing in manufacturing and automation. Eric said Lakeside Construction Fasteners has spent close to $700,000 on automated equipment over the past two years and is considering robotics. Additional equipment is expected to support processes such as washer assembly and painting as the company moves more production to the United States.

Technology is also improving the flow of product information. Lakeside Construction Fasteners launched a new website and developed a mobile app for Apple and Android phones. These resources provide specifications and technical data for architects, designers, engineers and contractors.

“We want to be viewed as a resource,” Eric said. With broader products, engineering capabilities and shared infrastructure, the combined organization is working to help customers respond to changing applications and market needs.

Listen to the full podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about the DMI and LCF Fastener Group by reading the transcript or listening to the full MetalCast episode.

By Jesse Sanchez.

Manufacturer representatives can give contractors added technical knowledge, training and jobsite support throughout the life of a project.

For contractors navigating low-slope roofing, a manufacturer representative can offer much more than product information. On this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, host Megan Ellsworth spoke with MuleHide Territory Manager Luis Ramos about how representatives can become an extension of a contractor’s team through technical expertise, communication and hands-on support.

Luis has worked with ABC Supply and MuleHide for 19 years, including 15 years on the MuleHide side. He described his role as a combination of sales and technical support, requiring representatives to understand roofing systems while building strong relationships with contractors and distributor associates. Emphasizing the value of that expertise, Luis explained, “We're a free resource, for one thing. And the challenge that I think most contractors have is that they try to do it all, in a phrase. Nobody's an expert in everything all the time.”

That support frequently takes Luis directly to the roof. He estimated that he spends about 60% of his time working with contractors on jobsites, including projects that are still in the bidding stage. Those visits give representatives an opportunity to identify details contractors might otherwise overlook and help develop a plan before work begins. Describing where manufacturer representatives can have the greatest impact, Luis said, “We consider on the job training very valuable and it's where I think we do our best work is on the roof.”

Training is another major part of MuleHide’s contractor support. Luis said the manufacturer has four operating training centers, with a fifth preparing to open in Texas. The typically two-day programs combine classroom instruction with hands-on experience and are available to both experienced contractors and people who are new to low-slope roofing. Reinforcing the importance of continued education, Luis noted, “This is the time to take the time to get better.”

For contractors, taking advantage of these resources starts with communication. Whether they are learning a new system, bidding a challenging roof or entering an unfamiliar market, developing a relationship with a local manufacturer representative can provide another set of experienced eyes throughout the process.

Listen to the podcast or Watch the conversation to learn more about how stronger manufacturer representative relationships can support contractors with training, technical guidance and better-prepared roofing projects!

By The Coffee Shops®.

Learn how training, mentorship and industry engagement can help contractors recruit and develop the future workforce.

The future of metal roofing and construction depends on attracting skilled workers and helping them succeed from day one. In a recent MetalCast™ episode, host Karen Edwards sat down with Jon Olson of The Malco Group to discuss how contractors can play a direct role in developing the next generation of trade professionals.

According to Jon, the industry is experiencing a significant generational shift as experienced workers retire faster than new talent enters the workforce. At the same time, many young people have had fewer opportunities to develop hands-on skills before entering a trade career. As a result, training has become more important than ever. “Training in many ways is the industry solution to try and bridge that gap between ‘I'm just starting out’ and ‘I'm here and I'm a productive addition to the team,’” Jon emphasized.

Malco supports workforce development through several initiatives, including its Head of the Class program, participation in SkillsUSA competitions and classroom engagement through the Building Talent Foundation. Jon explained that these programs expose students to career opportunities while rewarding achievement and encouraging interest in the trades.

Training, however, goes beyond formal programs. Jon emphasized the importance of creating a "winning and learning" environment where both mentors and apprentices remain open to learning. He noted that contractors should avoid assuming new workers understand concepts that may seem basic to seasoned professionals and instead focus on meeting students where they are.

Technology also plays an important role in attracting younger workers. Jon shared that contractors who invest in modern tools, training resources and educational content demonstrate a commitment to employee success. Resources such as product videos, troubleshooting guides and hands-on demonstrations can help workers gain confidence while improving productivity on the jobsite.

When discussing recruitment, Jon encouraged contractors to become involved with organizations such as SkillsUSA, serve as judges at competitions, mentor students and provide jobsite exposure. He believes helping students understand the pride that comes from building their communities can be one of the industry's strongest recruiting tools. “Allowing these aspiring trade pros to understand how rewarding this can be in building their community is a key aspect of showing them the benefits of their labor,” he explained.

Ultimately, workforce development starts with engagement. By investing in training, apprenticeships and mentorship, contractors can help ensure a stronger future for metal roofing and construction.

Listen to the full podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about recruiting and training the next generation of trade professionals.

By The Coffee Shops®.

How code changes and installation complexity are reshaping technical best practices.

As building materials and trends evolve, contractors are keeping up with new demands from code changes. During a recent episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down with Mark Graham of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) to discuss the technical issues roofing contractors are facing and the trends likely to shape the industry in the years ahead.

Before discussing today's challenges, Mark reflected on NRCA's role in the industry. Describing the association as "the all-encompassing group in the roofing industry," Mark noted that NRCA is celebrating its 140th anniversary while continuing to serve contractors, manufacturers, distributors and designers.

The organization's technical services team plays a central role in that mission. According to Mark, the six-member department draws expertise from engineering, architecture and construction backgrounds, while also relying on input from nearly 190 board and committee volunteers throughout the country.

That collaboration helps NRCA identify emerging issues before they become widespread problems. One trend generating significant discussion is the adoption of newer building and energy codes. Mark explained that contractors working on reroofing projects are increasingly encountering requirements tied to drainage systems. "In re-roofing and specifically in roof tear-off, where there's a tear off and replacement job, the building code is now requiring that the drainage system, in other words, roof drains, scuppers, overflows, gutters, things like that, be upgraded to the current edition of the plumbing code."

As a result, roof replacements often involve more than roofing work alone. Mark's advice was straightforward: "If you don't have a plumber that's a friend, make a new friend."

Contractors are also grappling with growing system complexity. Mark pointed to the large number of manufacturer-specific installation requirements and noted that keeping field crews current across multiple systems has become increasingly difficult.

The challenge, he suggested, is not necessarily a lack of innovation but managing the growing complexity that comes with it. As the roofing industry expands, contractors can lean on support systems like the NRCA to grow their strengths.

Listen to the entire podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about roofing industry technical challenges.