By Tapco Roofing Products.

TapcoSlate provides a modern, high-performance solution that improves ventilation, weather resistance and long-term durability.

The Premier Inn Hinckley is a popular getaway. Overlooking the picturesque Trinity Marina and Ashby Canal, it’s close to historic battlefields, Drayton Manor Resort and the always popular Thomas the Tank Engine’s special theme park section.

When it came time for the hotel to replace its old Cambrian Slate roofing material, the management team turned to RML Roofing Contractor, which serves the whole of the UK. TapcoSlate in a Pewter Grey colour was chosen as the authentic-looking replacement for the hotel roof.

“The low gradient/pitch is one of the main reasons TapcoSlate was chosen for this project,” according to David Gillam, CEO of RML Roofing Contractor. “This product, combined with the high-performance membrane and treated timber battens, gives the hotel a new breathable roofing system that should serve them well for many decades to come.”

Project goal

According to David, his roofing company was appointed to deliver a comprehensive roof and external envelope refurbishment to the Premier Inn Hinckley. This covered approximately 1,900 m² of roof area. The hotel’s team was seeking a modern, high-performance solution for their roof that would improve ventilation, weather resistance and long-term durability across the building. TapcoSlate was the answer.

Authentically-shaped with textured surfaces and riven edges moulded from natural slates, TapcoSlate is almost indistinguishable from natural slate. It has an even more refined appearance. The composite product will not crack, break or delaminate.

The product formulation for TapcoSlate and its manufacturing processes provide durability, performance and longevity for many years. And, as both RML Roofing Contractor and Premier Inn Hinckley discovered, by providing a lightweight and easily installed product, installation costs are lower, with less waste!

Getting the job done

To complete the massive roof replacement, the skilled team at RML Roofing Contractor stripped off the existing Cambrian slate roof and then added in the new breathable roofing system, including the Pewter Grey TapcoSlate tiles. Several key aspects of the project included:

• Tiled air vents installed above every guest room to improve roof ventilation and reduce condensation risk
• Upper roof bays were stripped back and refurbished with a new breathable membrane and cladding
• All existing fascias, soffits and guttering were removed and replaced with new systems
• New rainwater goods were installed to correct falls, improving performance and delivering a clean, modern external finish
• Integrated insect mesh was installed to allow airflow while preventing pest ingress

Final results

Both the roofing contractors and management team at Premier Inn Hinckley are extremely pleased with the new roofing system and the TapcoSlate products. The dedicated team at RML Roofing Contractor was able to complete the project safely and efficiently, providing the hotel with a solution for long-term viable commercial use.

“Based on our experience with TapcoSlate on the Premier Inn project, we’re very likely to recommend this product to future customers,” says David. “This composite roofing product helped RML Roofing Contractor significantly improve the overall building performance, resilience and lifespan of the project. We’re proud of the work done on this robust, low-maintenance roofing project and look forward to using TapcoSlate products again on future projects.”

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Learn how showcasing completed roofing jobs strengthens local search visibility and builds homeowner trust. 

Search engine optimization (SEO) for roofing companies has evolved beyond keywords, service pages and reviews, placing increasing importance on verifiable, real-world proof. Companies like Project Map It note that in competitive local markets, visibility is no longer driven solely by technical optimization; it now depends on a contractor’s ability to demonstrate active work within the communities they serve. 

That shift is closely tied to how homeowners search. Most roofing inquiries are both local and urgent, with property owners actively evaluating options rather than browsing casually. As a result, search engines prioritize results that show clear geographic relevance. Roofing companies that present completed projects tied to specific locations tend to generate stronger engagement signals, which can improve both map visibility and organic search performance. 

This dynamic also shapes homeowner behavior. When prospective customers see nearby projects, it answers a critical question early in the decision-making process; whether a contractor has direct experience in their area. That immediate validation builds confidence before any interaction occurs, increasing the likelihood that a homeowner will take the next step. 

In contrast, traditional service-area pages have become less effective. Templated content that simply lists cities without supporting evidence often fails to differentiate in search results or resonate with users. Without tangible examples of completed work, these pages offer limited credibility and minimal engagement value. 

A more effective approach centers on documenting completed roofing jobs. Project photos and concise descriptions create dynamic, location-specific content that reinforces service areas while encouraging users to explore further. Increased engagement through scrolling, clicking and time on page, sends positive signals that support broader SEO performance. 

Over time, this strategy delivers benefits beyond rankings alone. Each completed project becomes a long-term digital asset, strengthening local visibility, improving conversion rates and reducing reliance on paid advertising. In an industry where trust underpins every transaction, showcasing real work connects search visibility with homeowner confidence, turning interest into action. 

Learn more about how showcasing real roofing projects strengthens local search visibility, builds homeowner trust and turns online engagement into qualified leads!

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Advocacy, innovation and collaboration take center stage as PEPA broadens its impact across exterior building products.

The recent meeting of the Polymeric Exterior Products Association (PEPA) marked an important milestone, not only for the association but also for the broader exterior building products industry. For the first time, RoofersCoffeeShop® attended the meeting, joining a growing group of manufacturers, distributors and industry leaders who are shaping the future of polymeric materials across both siding and roofing. 

PEPA has long been recognized for its leadership in advocacy and the advancement of vinyl siding. Through consistent work in standards development, building code engagement and industry education, the association has helped drive growth and credibility for polymeric exterior products. Over the past year, that focus has expanded in a significant way. PEPA has welcomed polymeric roofing manufacturers and distribution partners into its membership, creating a more unified voice for polymer-based solutions across the entire building envelope. 

This evolution was evident throughout the meeting. From the opening welcome to the detailed committee presentations, the agenda reflected an organization that is actively growing and adapting to meet new opportunities. Discussions centered on advocacy efforts, ongoing research and the importance of clear, consistent communication to both the industry and consumers. With increasing regulatory pressures and a rapidly evolving marketplace, this level of collaboration is more critical than ever. 

Key to this expansion is the involvement of leading polymeric roofing manufacturers including Brava Roof, DaVinci Roofscapes and EcoStar. These companies are helping to bring high-performance synthetic roofing products into the mainstream, offering durability, sustainability and design versatility that align with today’s construction demands. Their participation within PEPA signals the growing importance of polymer-based solutions not just for siding but across the entire roofing sector. 

RoofersCoffeeShop’s participation also underscored that shift toward broader engagement. As a new partner with PEPA, the focus is on delivering timely, relevant information about these important building products to contractors, manufacturers and distributors. During the meeting, the RoofersCoffeeShop team presented on innovation and the power of online communities in today’s digital landscape. The conversation highlighted how industry is changing, especially as AI-driven search continues to reshape how information is found and trusted. 

I personally had the opportunity to speak about the growing importance of long format content, directories and multimedia in supporting visibility and credibility. Today’s search engines are no longer just indexing keywords, they are interpreting context, authority and engagement. For manufacturers and associations alike, that means investing in deeper, more educational content that answers questions, demonstrates expertise and builds trust over time. Directories that centralize company information and, combined with videos, podcasts and articles, are becoming essential tools for connecting with both professionals and consumers. 

The PEPA marketing committee also shared updates on their ongoing initiatives, outlining strategies to better communicate the value of polymeric products. Their work reflects a strong understanding of the need to align messaging across channels while supporting members with tools and resources that elevate the entire category. From digital outreach to educational materials, the committee’s efforts are helping to position polymeric solutions as high-performance, sustainable options for modern construction. 

What stood out most throughout the meeting was the spirit of collaboration. The full agenda demonstrated how much work is happening behind the scenes, from technical discussions to marketing alignment, all with the goal of advancing the industry. This kind of coordinated effort is essential for effective advocacy, meaningful research and clear communication. It ensures that polymeric products are not only represented but understood in the context of performance, durability and long-term value. 

For RoofersCoffeeShop, being part of this first PEPA meeting was both an honor and an opportunity. As the association continues to expand into roofing, the partnership will play an important role in sharing knowledge and supporting industry growth. By bringing together voices from across siding and roofing, PEPA is helping to create a stronger, more connected future for polymeric building products. 

To learn more about these innovative manufacturers and the association’s ongoing work, visit the directories for Brava Roof, DaVinci Roofscapes, EcoStar and PEPA on RoofersCoffeeShop.com. 

Royalty Roofing USA plans to leverage the established regional presence of both companies to accelerate growth in its commercial roofing operations across the Northeast and Midwest.

Royalty Roofing USA today announced the acquisitions of 768-Roof and Nasi Roofing, further strengthening its organization and reinforcing its foundation of trust, craftsmanship and shared values. The additions expand the company’s presence into Clearfield, Pennsylvania, and multiple locations across Wisconsin.

Established in 1986 and headquartered in Seymour, Indiana, Royalty Roofing USA operates additional locations throughout the Midwest, Colorado and Florida. The company provides comprehensive reroofing, maintenance, inspection and repair services to commercial and residential clients nationwide. Its sister company, Majestic Facility Services, further supports commercial customers through an extensive network of repair and facility maintenance professionals.

“Welcoming 768-Roof and Nasi Roofing into the Royalty family represents more than geographic expansion-it reflects our ongoing commitment to partnering with organizations that share our vision and values,” said Founder Andy Royalty. “As we continue to grow, we remain focused on what matters most: our people, operational excellence and consistently delivering high-quality results for our customers.”

Royalty Roofing USA plans to leverage the established regional presence of both companies to accelerate growth in its commercial roofing operations across the Northeast and Midwest. Integration efforts are currently underway, with all teams working collaboratively to ensure a smooth and seamless transition. For more information, visit Royalty Roofing | Your Full-Service Roofing Solution

By DaVinci Roofscapes.

Multiple structures in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee have synthetic roofing.

Back in 2013 Michael Smelcer, principal at SRA Architects, Inc. indicated a preference for DaVinci Single-Width Slate when drawing up plans for the 232,000-square-foot Le Conte Events Center in Pigeon Forge. Now, more than a decade later, he’s designing more exhibit space and a new main entrance to the complex that will add 58,000-square-feet of space.

“We’ll again use DaVinci Roofscapes overhead,” says Michael. “The LeConte Center’s roof still looks good, and it’s functioning well. We keep returning to the DaVinci product for our projects because it’s a durable product.”

DaVinci Single-Width Slate roofing tiles are constructed of a composite material made of pure virgin resins, UV and thermal stabilizers as well as a highly-specialized fire retardant. The result is a premium roofing tile that resists fading, rotting, cracking and pests. Lightweight yet durable, DaVinci tiles are Class 4 impact rated and can resist hail, severe weather and winds up to 180 mph.

Firewise construction

For another recent project, there’s an additional reason Michael relied on DaVinci roofing — its remarkable fire resistancy.

When designing the new Pigeon Forge Fire Station 1, a goal was to promote the construction of fire-wise structures. The Firewise USA® program, led by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), offers a structured approach for communities to enhance their wildfire resilience.

“We specified native stone on the exterior which is fire resistant,” says Michael. “Then for the roof we knew the DaVinci tiles are Class A rated, which is a plus. They also look great and provide a long lifespan on the roof. Those are all good reasons why we’ve included them on the fire station, and the upcoming police station and City Hall for Pigeon Forge.”

Fire-resistant roofing

According to Pigeon Forge Fire Chief Joshua Carr, Fire Station 1 was designed with fire safety in mind. The 30,000-square-foot facility includes a multi-story training tower, sleeping quarters and hot, warm and cold isolation zones for cancer prevention.

“The City of Pigeon Forge is proud to be a fire-adaptive community and is committed to maintaining its status as a certified Firewise community,” says Joshua. “The station was designed to promote the construction of fire-wise structures. After extensive research, it was decided that DaVinci composite roofing products would play a key role in that mission.”

The DaVinci Single-Width Slate tiles chosen for the roof were installed by Pinpoint Roofing in a Slate Gray color. “The fire resistance and impact ratings are a huge selling point for our customers looking at DaVinci roofs,” says Derek Davenport, commercial director with Pinpoint Roofing LLC in Pigeon Forge.

He went on, “I feel these qualities have helped us transform true slate or shake enthusiasts into believers in the synthetic lines.”

Pride in appearance

While durability is a key asset for the DaVinci roofing tiles, aesthetics come in a close second with many people. “We’re very pleased with the appearance of the roof on the fire station,” says Joshua. “It’s going to look great when the police station is finished nearby with the same roof.”

Derek also shared some closing thoughts: “At Pinpoint Roofing we pride ourselves in our ability to transform what could be another everyday roof into something people want to showcase. We do not take shortcuts. We do whatever is necessary for a fantastic final result. I drive by this fire station on a daily basis and I get a sense of pride every single time I see it. It’s such a work of art and it feels great knowing we were able to be part of its creation.”

Texas manufacturing facility recognized for continued commitment to safety excellence.

S-5!, the industry leader in metal roof attachment solutions, has earned the Metal Building Manufacturers Association Safety Award for the fifth time, recognizing the company’s exceptional workplace safety performance and zero recordable incidents at its Iowa Park, Texas, manufacturing facility during the calendar year 2025.

Each year, MBMA recognizes member companies that demonstrate exceptional commitment to safety in the workplace over the past calendar year. The 2025 award was presented during the combined Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association (MBCEA) Conference and MBMA Spring Association Meeting in Colorado Springs, Colorado, held April 22-24, 2026. Rob Haddock, CEO and founder of S-5!, together with Shawn Haddock, vice president of operations at S-5!, accepted the honor on behalf of their entire team.

The achievement reflects ongoing safety training, proactive hazard identification and a team-wide commitment to maintaining a clean, compliant and accountable manufacturing environment.

“This recognition is meaningful because it reflects what happens in our facility every day: employees looking out for one another, following disciplined processes and taking ownership of safety,” said Shawn Haddock. “We are especially grateful to Randy Crumpton, our safety manager, whose leadership has helped strengthen a safety-first culture through training, clear policies and proactive hazard prevention.”

Through its annual Safety Awards, MBMA highlights member companies that make safe operations a consistent business priority and model responsible manufacturing practices across the metal building industry. “A year with zero recordable incidents requires more than compliance; it reflects everyday attention, communication and accountability across the organization,” said Tony Bouquot, MBMA general manager. “S-5!’s continued performance at its Iowa Park facility demonstrates the kind of safety leadership we are proud to recognize among MBMA members.”

At S-5!’s ISO 9001: 2015-certified Iowa Park manufacturing facility, advanced automation and equipment support both product quality and a disciplined operating environment. Following a 20,000+ square foot expansion that doubled production capacity, the team continues to pair growth with safety practices, training and facility improvements that support employees, customers and ongoing manufacturing operations.

About S-5! 

Founded by a renowned metal roof expert, S-5! has been the leading authority on metal roof attachment solutions since 1992. S-5!’s zero-penetration clamps and lifetime brackets attach virtually anything to most metal roof types, while maintaining roof integrity and warranties. S-5! solutions are engineered for a variety of roof-mounted applications and are now installed on more than 3 million roofs worldwide, including 10+ gigawatts of roof-mounted solar, providing strength and longevity never before seen. For more information, visit www.s-5.com.

By Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

Advancing retrofit solutions through engineering, collaboration and industry partnership. 

In today’s evolving construction landscape, the role of building enclosure professionals has never been more critical. From ensuring long-term performance to meeting increasingly complex energy and structural requirements, consultants are at the forefront of delivering smarter, more resilient buildings. That is why partnerships between manufacturers and organizations like the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) are so important to the future of the industry. 

For companies like Roof Hugger, this commitment goes beyond participation. It is about actively supporting the consultants, engineers and professionals who are specifying and guiding building enclosure solutions every day. They have built a reputation of delivering proven, engineered retrofit systems designed specifically for metal buildings. These solutions are not just about covering an existing roof. They are about enhancing the entire building system. By eliminating the need for a costly tear-off, their retrofit approach helps extend the life of existing structures while improving structural integrity, increasing energy efficiency and delivering long-term value. 

This aligns directly with the priorities of IIBEC members who are tasked with evaluating total building performance. Consultants are increasingly looking for solutions that address multiple challenges at once, including sustainability, cost control and durability. Roof Hugger’s engineered systems provide a practical path forward, offering tested and reliable options that meet these demands while minimizing disruption to building occupants. 

What stands out is Roof Hugger’s willingness to support projects at every stage. Whether a consultant is in the early phases of evaluating options or preparing specifications for a complex retrofit, their team offers expertise that ranges from individual Hugger components to complete engineered systems. This collaborative approach reflects a deep understanding of how building enclosure consultants work and what they need to deliver successful outcomes. 

Equally important is the company’s focus on tailoring solutions to each project. No two buildings are exactly alike, and retrofit systems must account for varying structural conditions, climates and performance goals. By providing preliminary evaluations and customized engineering support, Roof Hugger helps ensure that each system is designed with precision and purpose. 

Their message to the industry is straightforward and resonates strongly with the IIBEC community. At Roof Hugger, they are committed to providing proven, engineered retrofit solutions that extend the life of metal buildings while improving performance and efficiency without the need for tear-off. They welcome the opportunity to support projects at any stage, offering guidance, technical insight and responsive service to meet the specific needs of each client. 

As the demand for retrofit solutions continues to grow, partnerships between manufacturers and organizations like IIBEC will play an increasingly important role. By aligning innovation with education and professional standards, companies like Roof Hugger are helping to shape a more sustainable and resilient future for the built environment. 

For more information, visit the Roof Hugger directory on RoofersCoffeeShop® and MetalCoffeeShop®.

Central Link sends quote data to Saberis in just one to two seconds with a single click, helping customers get back to their day-to-day faster.

Central States Inc. is making customer ordering easier than ever through a new integration with the Saberis platform, a leading middleware system serving the lumber and building materials industry. The new integration between Central States’ Central Link customer portal and the Saberis platform represents a major step forward in reducing manual processes, minimizing errors and improving overall ordering efficiency.

Saberis specializes in connecting supplier ordering systems, like Central Link, with customer ERP and Point of Sale platforms, enabling seamless data transfer across systems already widely used by building material dealers. With the new integration, Central States customers can transmit quote data directly from Central Link to Saberis without downloading or managing import files, significantly simplifying workflows and saving time for sales and operations teams. Previously, syncing quote data meant managing downloaded files and switching between multiple browser tabs. With this new integration, Central Link sends quote data to Saberis in just one to two seconds with a single click, helping customers get back to their day-to-day faster.

“This integration removes friction from the ordering process and makes it easier for customers to do business with Central States,” said Greg Granata, IT product manager at Central States. “By eliminating duplicate data entry and automating quote transfers, our customers can work more efficiently while reducing the risk of errors.” From a customer standpoint, the advantages are immediate:

• Faster order processing
• Improved data accuracy
• Deeper integration between Central States and existing business systems

The Saberis integration is available now. A Saberis software subscription is required to utilize the integration. Current Central States customers interested in activating the integration or learning more about how it works are encouraged to contact their Central States sales representative. Existing Saberis users interested in learning more about how the integration makes Central States a preferred metal building products supplier, please contact us here.

For more information about Central Link, the metal industry’s leading customer portal first developed in 2005, visit our website.

About Central States

Central States, Inc. is a 100% employee-owned company founded in 1988. With more than 1,300 employee-owners and 13 manufacturing facilities across the United States, Central States serves thousands of commercial, architectural, post-frame, and residential customers through three operating business units – Central States Manufacturing, a nationwide manufacturer of metal roofing, siding, walls, doors, and other components, Central States Building Works, an all-inclusive solution for materialonly metal building packages, including self-storage and PEMB, and Elevate Structures, a leader in mid-rise, multi-story construction, and the developers of the proprietary Alpha Framing System™.

By Emma Peterson. 

Elliot Emann shares his roofing journey on the Stories from the Roof podcast. 

Through our Stories from the Roof podcast series, we get the chance to sit down with roofing professionals from across the industry to talk about their businesses and careers. And in a lot of them, we’ve had the opportunity to hear all about how they unexpectedly fell in love with the roofing industry. One such story comes from Elliot Emann, the owner of Washington Roofing & Construction in Missouri, who recently joined us on Stories from the Roof to share his journey.  

Elliot originally graduated from McKendree University with the plan to work in medical sales. He explained, “Out of college, I lived in Omaha, Nebraska, for a year working at Cardinal Health. There, I basically helped independent pharmacies compete with bigger competitors.” 

Later, he found himself moving back to Missouri where he got involved in construction. This was actually a return to the industry for Elliot, as he worked at the same company his dad retired from (Heavy Highway) during the summer breaks while in college. It was while he was working there that a friend started a holiday lighting company that eventually branched out into the roofing industry. Elliot recalled, “He really started taking off with lighting and then got to start in the roofing because the two trades kind of complement each other. And he would call me like every two weeks while I was busting my butt in the construction industry to tell me how he's just killing it.” 

His friend’s great experience in the roofing industry is what piqued Elliot’s interest in going into roofing full-time. So, in 2021 he put in his two-weeks to jump into roofing. He started out as a salesperson, learning the ropes. He explained, “I worked with another contractor, I was with them for about three years. And in the last two years that I worked there, I did a lot of new business, closer to 10 million in new business.” Eventually, Elliot felt he was ready to take the next step and started building a network of subs and other professionals to work with him. And, in 2024, Washington Roofing & Construction was born. 

Looking back at his entire journey, Elliot couldn’t be happier to have ended up in roofing. He shared, “I started the company only five years after being in the industry. I was a field engineer for heavy highway construction prior to that, and I love roofing so much. I like the work, it's easy to spend long days, long nights just putting everything into this. It's a great industry, full of great people.”  

Learn more about Elliot and his company by listening to the whole podcast episode!

By Jenny Yu.  

Dataforma leaders will discuss a new model for collaboration between contractors and software providers. 

On May 13, 2026, a new episode of CoatingsTalk™ will spotlight a bold approach to software development in the roofing industry. Titled “Software, Collaboration and the Alchemy of Getting It Done,” this webinar brings together leaders from Dataforma to examine how direct contractor collaboration is elevating customer experience and product innovation.  

Dataforma is a cloud-based, all-in-one field service and project management platform built specifically for commercial contractors. The software helps companies manage everything from service operations and scheduling to CRM, job tracking and financial workflows in one centralized system, accessible from any connected device. 

This episode’s host, Megan Ellsworth, will sit down with Brain Cook, recently promoted chief operating officer of Dataforma, as well as Mark Zeleznock, the company’s CEO and co-founder. Together, they will unpack an unprecedented 2025 summit that broke from tradition by inviting users of its platform directly into the process of developing software. The session will explore how this approach differs from conventional methods, how it created a unique chemistry between developers and contractors and why it represents a significant shift in how roofing software can evolve. 

Another central theme of this discussion will be Dataforma’s decision to return to its roots of centering contractors as the primary source of research and development. Attendees will also get a closer look at the outcomes of this experiment, including enhancements to Dataforma’s sales and service modules and maintenance contract capabilities. 

Beyond product improvements, the conversation will address the broader implications for expanding customer satisfaction, trust and long-term engagement. Brian and Mark will share anecdotes, lessons learned and plans for further cultivating this collaborative model to shape future events, including a potential follow-up summit in 2026. 

Register now to attend this online event and learn about the future of roofing technology.