Top projects across the U.S. and Canada recognized for redefining drywall innovation, craftsmanship and design excellence.

CertainTeed, a leading North American manufacturer of building materials, has announced the 2026 regional winners of its Gypsum Trophy Awards, recognizing standout drywall and finishing projects that push the boundaries of design, performance and sustainability.

Selected from a competitive pool of entries across Canada and the U.S., this year’s regional honorees represent the best in modern construction showcasing exceptional craftsmanship, creative problem-solving and advanced use of CertainTeed and Saint-Gobain products and solutions. These winning teams will now advance to compete at the North American Gypsum Trophy Awards this September, where top honors will be awarded across multiple categories.

“This year’s regional winners are a reflection of where our industry is headed; bold in design, precise in execution and deeply committed to performance and sustainability,” said Carmen Bodden, president of interior products group. “Each project demonstrates how drywall continues to evolve as both a structural and architectural medium, delivering solutions that meet today’s complex building demands.”

Held biennially, the Gypsum Trophy Awards celebrate excellence in drywall installation and finishing, evaluating projects on criteria such as technical difficulty, innovation, craftsmanship and use of CertainTeed & Saint-Gobain Solutions. The North American event taking place in San Diego, California, September 29 – October 1, 2026 will bring together the region’s most accomplished contractors to recognize category winners and overall leaders.

From the September competition, select winners will go on to represent the US and Canada at the prestigious Saint-Gobain Gypsum International Trophy Awards in Madrid, Spain in April 2027, where they will compete alongside top projects from around the world highlighting global innovation and craftsmanship in the built environment.

2026 Regional Winners

US Winners

• MidWest Drywall: Oral Roberts University Media Arts Center; Tulsa, Oklahoma
• OCP Contractors: Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute; Cleveland, Ohio
• Performance Contracting Inc.: Lindner Family Tennis Center; Cincinnati, Ohio
• Reliance Interiors: COSM at Centennial Yards; Atlanta, Georgia
• Swinerton Builders: Hotel del Coronado – Victorian Building Renovation; Coronado
• T.J. McCartney, Inc.: Enterprise Research Campus Buildings 3 & 5; Boston, Massachusetts

Canadian Winners

• Alpha Drywall LP: First United; Vancouver, British Columbia
• Daharpro Construction Inc.: Musée national de l'histoire du Québec Pavillon Camille-Roy- Séminaire de Québec; Quebec City, Quebec
• DMD Triangle Drywall & Acoustics, Ltd.: University of Toronto Sam Ibrahim Building Instructional Centre 2; Toronto, Ontario
• GEBA Interiors LTD: Glenbow Revitalization Capital; Calgary, Alberta
• Piché Walls & Ceilings, Inc.: Airdrie Public Library; Airdrie, Alberta
• Select Drywall & Acoustics: Limberlost Place-George Brown College; Toronto, Ontario

“As we look ahead to September, we’re excited to bring the industry together to celebrate these teams and the incredible work they represent,” added Matthew Byrne, vice president of sales. “Their projects not only raise the bar for drywall craftsmanship in North America but also set the stage for global recognition at the international level.”

To learn more about the CertainTeed Saint-Gobain Gypsum Trophy Awards and follow the journey to this year’s North American and international competitions, visit www.certainteed.com/trophy.

About CertainTeed

With innovative building solutions made possible through its comprehensive offering of interior and exterior products, CertainTeed is transforming how the industry builds. As leaders in building science and sustainable construction, CertainTeed makes it easier than ever to create high performance, energy-efficient places to live, work and play, so that together we can make the world a better home.  A subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, one of the world's largest and oldest building products companies, CertainTeed has more than 6,900 employees and more than 60 manufacturing facilities throughout the United States and Canada. www.certainteed.com

About Saint-Gobain

Worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and services adapted to the residential, non-residential and infrastructure markets. Its integrated and innovative solutions provide sustainability, performance and well being for its customers.

By Emma Peterson. 

We had a great time sharing stories and photos over social media with our roofing community!  

National Roofing Week is an annual event hosted by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) that aims to raise awareness of the roofing professionals who keep our communities safe and secure. The event also acts as a way to build community with other professionals, both near you and across the country.  

Participation in National Roofing Week is primarily conducted online by posting photos and videos through the #NationalRoofingWeek2026 hashtag. And NRCA has created themes for each day of National Roofing Week to guide posts.  

Sunday – Kickoff  

The week kicked off with posts about the importance of roofers. NRCA started everything with a post sharing the schedule for the week and some highlights from last year’s National Roofing Week! Here at The Coffee Shops™ we joined in the fun on all our social media pages, making sure to thank the coating installers, roofing professionals and contractors who make our community amazing. 

Monday – Signature projects 

For the Monday theme, NRCA invited National Roofing Week participants to share photos showcasing their company’s signature residential and commercial projects. There were too many amazing projects posted to put them all here, but some that stood out to us came from QXO, Sika and Eagle Roofing Products!  

QXO’s post was a carousel of some of their customers projects, including one from Toitures Scott, one from Nedlaw Group and one from RUHS in California. Likewise, Eagle Roofing Products’ post showcased signature projects featuring their concrete roof tiles from across the country.  

As for Sika, they took the opportunity to shine the spotlight on their 2025 Sika Project of the Year award winners, which includes stunning projects like the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center project in Los Angeles, California and the South Station Tower project in Boston.  

Tuesday – Charitable projects 

The next day of National Roofing Week was all about giving back, and the National Women in Roofing (NWIR) Oregon Council stole the show with a free roof!

The replacement went to a community member in need, which is an incredible reminder of the power our industry has to do good.

They put it best in their post:  

Seeing contractors, manufacturers, distributors and industry partners come together with a shared purpose — without competition, without agendas, and focused solely on helping someone else — is truly inspiring. For one day, company names and logos took a back seat to teamwork, generosity and service. 

Projects like this showcase the heart of our industry. The relationships we build, the willingness to lend a hand, and the collective impact we can make when we work together are some of the best parts of being in roofing. 

NWIR extended huge thanks to industry partners, like Malarkey Roofing Products, ABC Supply, SRS Building Products, Owens Corning, Bliss Roofing and Raindrop Roofing NW, for making this incredible charitable project possible. 

Wednesday – Employee appreciation 

The midpoint of the week was all about the people who get things done – the employees that keep our industry moving. For this theme, the #NationalRoofingWeek2026 hashtag was flooded with pictures and appreciations for hardworking workers around the country. 

Drexel Metals posted some behind-the-scenes of their team hard at work, captioning it, “To everyone who continues to show up ready to learn, teach and push the industry forward: thank you. Your commitment is what drives stronger partnerships, better projects and continued progress year after year.” 

IKO Industries and CertainTeed also posted, shouting out the ROOFPROS who get the job done every day and recognizing the “craftsmanship, innovation, and dedication of the teams who help bring CertainTeed products and solutions to life” respectively.  

Thursday – Training and learning 

For Thursday, NRCA chose training as the theme, inviting contractors and companies to share the ways they keep learning and growing on the job. For this theme, GAF joined the party, sharing an incredible milestone from their GAF Roofing Academy – since 2020, the tuition-free program has helped more than 3,000 individuals find employment in the roofing industry!  

And this is just one of the many stories added to the #NationalRoofingWeek2026 hashtag! The Durable Restoration Company posted about the hard work their craftspeople put into their apprenticeship program and QXO shared how they connect their team with everything from stand downs to plant tours. 

Friday – Celebration 

And you can’t have National Roofing Week without taking the time to celebrate the amazing industry we are all a part of! For this theme, the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT) took their followers on a trip down memory lane, sharing the “conferences, tournaments, regional events and industry gatherings where Texas roofing professionals connect, learn and celebrate together.”  

Drexel Metals also posted, sharing a common sentiment of thanks related to the power of the industry, “From the shop floor to the jobsite, your dedication, craftsmanship and collaboration are truly what make a lasting impact. We’re proud to be part of an industry built on innovation, resilience and strong partnerships.” 

Saturday – Wrap up 

Overall, this year’s National Roofing Week was a resounding success. From everyone that posted to event sponsors like International Roofing Expo, Georgia-Pacific Building Products, SRS Distribution, Roofing Alliance and SOPREMA, it was all made possible thanks to the incredible roofing community.  

The Coffee Shops crew already can’t wait for next year’s roofing week! As Atlas Roofing put eloquently in their final #NationalRoofingWeek2026 post, “This week gave us the opportunity to celebrate the people, organizations and partnerships that make the roofing industry such a rewarding one to be part of. Here’s to another year of collaboration, innovation and success.” 

By Jenny Yu. 

Learn how this company is setting the standard for sustainability, innovation and care in the roofing world. 

For CertainTeed and its parent company Saint-Gobain, “green” is more than just a buzzword. As one of the leading manufacturers of building materials, CertainTeed is also leading the industry in its sustainability efforts. Jonathan Schulz, district sales manager for commercial roofing at CertainTeed, shared, “Being a good steward of the environment is a pillar for Saint-Gobain. It's a pillar for CertainTeed. This is where we stand. Our goal is to create a better home, and how we create a better home is by taking care of the home that we're in.” 

To meet this goal, CertainTeed has a sustainability commitment that aims to reduce their greenhouse emissions to meet Saint-Gobain's net zero carbon target by 2050. “We are asked every day to be more efficient in how we do our business,” Jonathan said. “How can we be more efficient in how we produce our products, how we ship our products, the materials we use for our products? Instead of 20 rolls, can we do 25 rolls on a pallet? How can we produce a product that is more recyclable? What can we do to help the planet on a local level? It starts down from the territory managers to us.” 

This effort shines through in CertainTeed’s CoolStar Ultra family of products. Their Flintlastic® GTA CoolStar® Ultra and Flintlastic GTA-FR CoolStar Ultra cool roof products both meet California’s Title 24 and Title 31 requirements, which ensures a product is designed to make roofs cooler and more efficient. And they’re not stopping there. In the next months, you can expect to see even more products, like Flintlastic SA Cap CoolStar Ultra and Flintlastic SA Cap FR CoolStar Ultra that meet critical environmental and energy efficiency standards for cooler, more weather-resilient roofs.  

Alongside this commitment to the planet, CertainTeed prioritizes the wellbeing of the people in their communities. “I've never been part of an organization that not only cares about the environment, but cares about their employees,” Jonathan expressed. “There's genuine care about every one of their employees and the betterment of their lives, which is just really refreshing. We care about your community, and as a corporation, we care about this planet that we live in.” 

CertainTeed hopes to spread this culture of care throughout the entire roofing industry. “We are constantly pushing the limit of what we can do to be a good steward of the planet that we live in,” Jonathan stated. “The roofing industry is an old industry, but it's ripe for innovation, and I think Saint-Gobain and CertainTeed are right there in the forefront of that innovation.” 

For Jonathan, being a steward of the planet hits home. “I have four daughters that are 11 through 16, and I want them to have a beautiful life,” he shared. “If I can be part of creating that, even if it's just one roof at a time, then that's awesome.” 

Learn more about CertainTeed’s commitment to sustainability and how their CoolStar Ultra family of products is helping to make our world a more energy-efficient place. 

Por Alberto Torres. 

Contratistas comparten como las relaciones, la colaboración y el apoyo mutuo están impulsando el crecimiento dentro de la comunidad hispana. 

Durante este episodio de La Voz de los Ruferos, grabado en vivo durante el Business Building Workshop (BBW) de CertainTeed en Miami, la conversación tomo un rumbo que va más allá de certificaciones y capacitación. Ana María Pulido, gerente del programa Contractors Edge en español y Víctor Alfonso Huipio, dueño de Monarch Roofing and Construction, compartieron como la comunidad y las relaciones dentro de la industria están ayudando a los contratistas latinos a crecer juntos. 

Uno de los puntos importantes fue el valor de los espacios donde los contratistas pueden compartir experiencias y aprender unos de los otros. Ana explico que muchos de estos programas incluyen créditos educativos y eventos donde los asistentes intercambian métodos de trabajo y continúan conectados incluso después de terminar los talleres educativos. “Queremos tratar de crear una comunidad,” compartió Ana. “Se juntan entre ellos, son generosos y comparten las mejores prácticas.”  

Para Víctor, esa colaboración cambia completamente la manera de pensar dentro de la industria. Muchas veces los contratistas ven a otros negocios como competencia directa, pero su experiencia le ha demostrado lo contrario. “Hay mucho trabajo,” comento. “Todos tenemos los mismos problemas y cuando nos juntamos nos vemos de otra manera.” 

Parte esencial de este crecimiento también ha sido desarrollar relaciones con fabricantes, distribuidores y representantes de la industria. Ana destaco la importancia de mantener cercanía con los territory managers y distribuidores, ya que son quienes acercan a los contratistas a entrenamientos, talleres y activaciones en español para la comunidad latina. “Este es un negocio de relaciones,” explico. “Hay que estar cerca y conocer quién es tu territory manager de CertainTeed.” 

La conversación también se enfocó en el papel de la mentoría dentro del crecimiento profesional. Cuando se le preguntó qué consejo daría a los subcontratistas que desean convertirse en contratistas, Víctor enfatizó la importancia de establecer metas claras, especializarse y no desanimarse ante los errores. “No se agüiten,” compartió. “Aprender de sus errores no está mal; lo importante es levantarte y seguir mejorando.” 

Sin embargo, ambos coincidieron en que crecer también incluye ayudar a otros. Recordaron la importancia de no olvidar los inicios y extender apoyo a quienes vienen detrás. “Cuando eres generoso tu negocio todavía crece más,” mencionaron durante la conversación. En una industria donde las relaciones tienen más peso como el trabajo realizado, construir comunidad puede convertirse en una de las herramientas más valiosas para el crecimiento. Porque al final, el roofing no solo se trata de techos; también se trata de las personas que ayudan a construirlos. 

Escuchar o ver el video de este episodio para descubrir más de la experiencia y consejos para contratistas.

Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired architecture defines luxury clubhouse.

Belgravia Group announced continued progress on the architecturally distinctive clubhouse at Atavia, the 88-unit luxury condominium community rising in North Scottsdale. The slab has been poured, the pool has been dug and piping is underway as the steel structure prepares to go vertical in the coming weeks. Designed by KTGY, the clubhouse draws inspiration from Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West, featuring linear forms, sloped rooflines, expressive structural members and wood-grain stucco stained to resemble natural wood.

“We weren’t trying to copy Taliesin West; we were inspired by it,” said Jonathan McCulloch, CEO of Belgravia Group. “The repeating roof angles, exposed structural elements and wood detailing create something more visually interesting than what we’re used to seeing in clubhouse design.”

The clubhouse will feature a solar-integrated roof system using CertainTeed’s SunStyle photovoltaic shingles, which resemble overlapping dragon-scale tiles. McCulloch discovered the innovative solution while exploring renewable energy options and was drawn to its proven track record, with more than 15 years of successful performance across Europe.

Now, with SunStyle’s partnership with CertainTeed®, a leader in North American sustainable building materials, the technology is gaining popularity throughout the U.S. Atavia will proudly become the first-ever project in Arizona to feature SunStyle solar roofing, setting a new benchmark for luxury, design-forward sustainability in the region. The high-performance solar roof is expected to generate 55,000 kWh of power annually, which could offset most, and potentially nearly all, of the clubhouse’s annual energy consumption.

“We wanted the sustainability component to feel fully integrated into the architecture,” McCulloch said. “We didn’t want to apply traditional rectangular panels on the roof, which can detract from an otherwise beautiful design. This product allowed us to incorporate renewable energy in a way that complements the design rather than competing with it.”

Jessie Schiavone, general manager of CertainTeed Solar Solutions, expressed pride in partnering with the Belgravia Group and KTGY on the clubhouse project, noting that it reflects a strong alignment of design, sustainability and performance.

“SunStyle delivers a fully integrated solar roofing system that generates clean energy while preserving architectural integrity,” Schiavone said. “We’re proud to contribute a solution that enhances both the aesthetics and functionality of the space, and we hope the Atavia community will enjoy it as a place to gather and connect for years to come.”

When complete, the clubhouse interior will bring the architectural inspiration inside, featuring soaring 20-foot sloped ceilings, exposed beams and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. Residents will have access to a generous club room, golf simulator, game room with pool table, catering kitchen, fitness center, indoor/outdoor yoga studio, private meeting room and outdoor amenities, including a pool, spa, barbecue area, outdoor TVs and a communal fireplace. Maris Construction of Arizona is the general contractor for both the clubhouse and the broader Atavia community.

Atavia blends the privacy of single-family living with the ease of condominium ownership, offering private at-grade residence entries and attached two-car garages, the ability to personalize finishes with Belgravia’s in-house designers and select plans with in-home elevators and private rooftop decks. Residences feature 10-foot ceilings, Italian cabinetry and Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, with pricing from $800,000 to $1.7 million. Nearly 70% of the first phase is already sold.  

Located within the One Scottsdale master plan, which will include up to approximately 1.5 million square feet of retail and office space, 2,350 residential units and 400 hotel rooms, Atavia continues Belgravia Group’s legacy of thoughtful design and elevated living.

For more information, visit AtaviaCondos.com  or BelgraviaGroup.com

About Belgravia Group

Belgravia Group is proudly celebrating over 75 years as a trusted name in real estate. With more than 2,500 homes delivered across 15+ Chicago neighborhoods and expanding into Arizona, Belgravia is dedicated to providing the highest quality homes in both the Chicago and Scottsdale markets. Known for its commitment to excellence, ethical standards and customer relationships, Belgravia Group continues to set the benchmark for luxury residential development.

Asphalt roofing facilities across North America recognized for workplace safety.

The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) has completed its annual Accident Prevention Contest and is proud to recognize 82 asphalt roofing manufacturing facilities for their workplace safety, specifically low incident rates among workers.

Facilities that entered the 2025 Accident Prevention Contest were judged based on ARMA criteria derived from the standards set by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This information is gathered through quarterly safety data reports from the past calendar year.

“We are proud of the commitment that ARMA members have to a safe work environment for all employees,” said ARMA’s executive vice president Reed Hitchcock. “These facilities continue to maintain high standards in plant health and safety.”

Every year, ARMA’s manufacturer members are invited to participate in the Accident Prevention Contest by submitting data from their entire company, a specific division or an individual plant or mill in North America. Winners are honored in four different categories with a “perfect” score, meaning that zero safety incidents were recorded.

President’s Award: Recognizing the plant in each contest category with the best score over a two-year period.

• Group A: GAF (Shingle) – Shafter, California – 5 stars
• Group B: Atlas Roofing Corporation – Daingerfield, Texas – 3 stars
• Group C: Amrize – Beech Grove, Indiana – 1 star
• Group D: SOPREMA – Chilliwack, British Columbia – 1 star

Award of Excellence: Recognizing plants with three consecutive years of a “perfect” score (that are not recipients of the President’s Award).

• Owens Corning – Compton, California
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Denver, Colorado
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Kearny, New Jersey
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Linnton, Oregon
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Medina, Ohio
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Memphis, Tennessee
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
• TAMKO Building Products – Ennis, Texas
• TAMKO Building Products – Green Cove Springs, Florida
• Tarco Roofing – North Little Rock, Arkansas

Perfect Employee Safety Certificate: Recognizing plants with a “perfect” score for the reporting year.

• Atlas Roofing Corporation – Clinton, Iowa
• Building Products of Canada – LaSalle, Quebec, Canada
• CertainTeed – Jonesburg, Missouri
• GAF – Ennis, Texas (Shingle)
• GAF – Fontana, California
• Johns Manville – Plattsburgh, New York
• Johns Manville – South Gate, California
• Malarkey Roofing Products – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
• Owens Corning – Compton, California
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Compton, California
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Denver, Colorado
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Irving, Texas
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Kearny, New Jersey
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Linnton, Oregon
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Medina, Ohio
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Memphis, Tennessee
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
• Polyglass USA – Phoenix, Arizona
• Polyglass USA – Waco, Texas
• SOPREMA – Walsworth, Ohio
• TAMKO Building Products – Ennis, Texas
• TAMKO Building Products – Green Cove Springs, Florida
• TAMKO Building Products – Phillipsburg, Kansas
• Tarco Roofing – North Little Rock, Arkansas

Certificate of Safety Improvement: Recognizing plants that demonstrated an improvement of at least 25% over their previous year’s performance.

• Atlas Roofing Corporation – Meridian, Mississippi
• Building Products of Canada – Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
• Building Products of Canada – LaSalle, Quebec, Canada
• CertainTeed – Fremont, California
• CertainTeed – Jonesburg, Missouri
• CertainTeed – Little Rock, Arkansas
• CertainTeed – Norwood, Massachusetts
• CertainTeed – Oxford, North Carolina
• GAF – Baltimore, Maryland
• GAF – Dallas, Texas
• GAF – Ennis, Texas (Shingle)
• GAF – Michigan City, Indiana
• GAF – Mt. Vernon, Indiana
• GAF – Savannah, Georgia
• GAF – Tuscaloosa, Alabama
• Johns Manville – Plattsburgh, New York
• Johns Manville – South Gate, California
•  IKO Midwest – Kankakee, Illinois
•  IKO Pacific – Sumas, Washington
• IKO Southeast – Sylacauga, Alabama
• IKO Southwest – Hillsboro, Texas
• Malarkey Roofing Products – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
• Malarkey Roofing Products – Portland, Oregon
•  Malarkey Roofing Products – Southgate, California
• Owens Corning – Atlanta, Georgia
• Owens Corning – Brentwood, New Hampshire
• Owens Corning – Denver, Colorado
•  Owens Corning – Houston, Texas
• Owens Corning – Memphis, Tennessee
• Owens Corning – Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Compton, California
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Irving, Texas
• Polyglass USA – Fernley, Nevada
• Polyglass USA – Waco, Texas
• SOPREMA – Gulfport, Mississippi
• SOPREMA – Wadsworth, Ohio
• TAMKO Building Products – Columbus, Kansas
• TAMKO Building Products – Frederick, Maryland
• TAMKO Building Products – Joplin, Missouri – High
• TAMKO Building Products – Knoxville, Tennessee
• TAMKO Building Products – Phillipsburg, Kansas
• TAMKO Building Products – Tuscaloosa, Alabama

ARMA extends congratulations to all of this year’s award recipients.

About ARMA

The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) is a trade association representing North America’s asphalt roofing manufacturing companies and their raw material suppliers. The association includes the majority of North American manufacturers of asphalt shingles and asphalt low slope roof membrane systems. Committed to advances in the asphalt roofing industry, ARMA is proud of the role it plays in promoting asphalt roofing to those in the building industry and to the public.

By Jenny Yu.  

Contractors will gain practical insights from leading experts while connecting with top manufacturers and suppliers. 

The Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA) is hosting its 104th Convention & Expo from June 10-12, 2026, at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in in Kissimmee, Florida. With a strong lineup of sponsors and an educational program packed with timely topics, this year’s event is set to provide contractors with practical insights and valuable networking opportunities. 

A wide range of industry leaders are lending their support for the event, underscoring its importance across the roofing and metal construction sectors. Platinum sponsors include Eagle Roofing Products, ABC Supply and TAMKO®; while gold sponsors CertainTeed LLC, Polyglass and SOPREMA further highlight the depth of industry participation. Additional support from emerald sponsor Adams & Reese LLP; sapphire sponsors BITEC, Drexel Metals, MetalForming LLC and Sika Corporation; silver sponsor SRS Building Products; bronze sponsors Duro-Last®, IB Roof Systems™, PAC-CLAD Petersen and Roof Hugger; and affiliate sponsor, Roofing Contractors Association of South Florida (RCASF), reinforce the event’s focus on innovation, performance and contractor success. 

Educational sessions 

Education remains the cornerstone of the convention, with sessions designed to address today’s most pressing challenges in the industry while providing attendees with opportunities to earn CE credits. Legal and compliance topics are a hot topic with multiple sessions led by Trent Cotney, RoofersCoffeeShop® Influencer and partner at Adams & Reese LLP, including: 

• “Building an OSHA Inspection SOP” - Wednesday, June 10, 8:00 a.m. 
• “Roofing Legal, Labor and Policy Trends” - Wednesday, June 10, 12:30 p.m. and Friday, June 12, 7:00 a.m. 
• “Artificial Intelligence in Roofing” - Thursday, June 11, 7:00 a.m. 
• “ICE Raids and I-9 Audit Defense” - Thursday, June 11, 8:15 a.m. and Friday, June 12, 8:15 a.m. 

These sessions will provide contractors with actionable guidance on navigating regulations, mitigating risk and adapting to emerging technologies.  

Business operations are also a key focus. John Kenney, Influencer of The Coffee Shops™ and CEO of Cotney Consulting Group, will lead “Estimating for Small Business” on Wednesday, June 10, at 9:15 a.m. and Thursday, June 11, at 7:00 a.m., offering practical strategies to improve accuracy and profitability for contractors of all sizes. Meanwhile, Chad Westbrook, founder of Service Alignment, will present “Documenting a Roofing Project” on Thursday, June 11, at 9:30 a.m. and Friday, June 12, at 7:00 a.m., helping attendees strengthen processes that support accountability, communication and long-term project success. 

Additional sessions cover critical issues including Florida Building Code updates, metal roofing best practices and safety topics such as heat illness prevention. The “SkillsUSA: Build a Workforce Pipeline” session on Thursday, June 11, at 9:30 a.m., will also highlight strategies for developing the next generation of roofers, a growing priority for contractors facing ongoing workforce shortages. Together, these seminars provide well-rounded education opportunities tailored to both roofing and sheet metal professionals.  

Register to reserve your spot and take full advantage of everything the 104th FRSA Convention & Expo has to offer!

The result is a smarter, more reliable approach to solar that simplifies installation, enhances long-term value and sets a new benchmark for integrated solar roofing systems.

CertainTeed, a leading North American manufacturer of sustainable building materials, continues to redefine what’s possible in the solar industry by delivering comprehensive, system-based solutions rooted in resiliency, efficiency and trust. This leadership is further strengthened by the launch of the new Solstice Mounting System. 

The Solstice Mounting System reinforces CertainTeed’s commitment to solar roofing by combining speed, strength and versatility in a single, fully engineered solution. Designed specifically for pitched roof applications, the Solstice Mounting System features a lightweight yet high-strength rail design that supports both portrait and landscape module orientations and offers compatibility with rafter or deck attachments. Pop-on universal clamps and single-tool installation help streamline the installation process, while integrated wire management enables clean, professional results across a wide range of residential roof types. 

More than a mounting solution, Solstice represents the next evolution of CertainTeed’s system-first approach to solar roofing where every component is designed to work together seamlessly. 

“CertainTeed has long been trusted for offering the industry’s most comprehensive warranties for roofing and solar systems,” said Andrew Wickham, senior director of solar products at CertainTeed. “With the introduction of the Solstice Mounting System, we are now the first company to offer high-quality asphalt shingle roofing materials, an industry-leading solar mounting system and modern solar panels, all backed by comprehensive warranties from a single, 120-year-old brand that contractors and homeowners trust.” 

Building on this full systems approach, CertainTeed is also expanding Solstice beyond the rooftop with the launch of the Solstice Ground Mount for traditional ground-mounted solar projects. Solstice Ground Mount features a streamlined, pipe-based design enhanced by advanced engineering, delivering a low-cost, high-performance system that accommodates a wide range of soil conditions. This expansion allows installers to rely on the same trusted Solstice platform across rooftop and ground-mount applications, simplifying product selection while maintaining consistent quality and performance standards. 

With the complete Solstice Mounting System, spanning rooftop and ground mount, CertainTeed further solidifies its role as a single-source provider for solar roofing solutions. Contractors and homeowners benefit from a streamlined, fully compatible system that eliminates the complexity  of sourcing components from multiple manufacturers. From the roof itself to the solar array above it, CertainTeed delivers a thoughtfully engineered, end-to-end solution that combines roofing shingles, solar mounting and solar panels, all supported by a single brand, a single warranty and a single trusted partner. 

The result is a smarter, more reliable approach to solar that simplifies installation, enhances long-term value and sets a new benchmark for integrated solar roofing systems.

Learn more: https://www.certainteed.com/

About CertainTeed

With innovative building solutions made possible through its comprehensive offering of interior and exterior products, CertainTeed is transforming how the industry builds. As leaders in building science and sustainable construction, CertainTeed makes it easier than ever to create high-performance, energy-efficient places to live, work and play, so that together we can make the world a better home.

A subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, one of the world's largest and oldest building products companies, CertainTeed has more than 6,900 employees and more than 60 manufacturing facilities throughout the United States and Canada. www.certainteed.com

About Saint-Gobain

Worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and services for the construction and industrial markets. Its integrated solutions for the renovation of public and private buildings, light construction and the decarbonization of construction and industry are developed through a continuous innovation process and provide sustainability and performance. The Group, celebrating its 360th anniversary in 2025, remains more committed than ever to its purpose “MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME”.

€46.6 billion in sales in 2024
More than 161,000 employees, locations in 80 countries
Committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050

Por Alberto Torres. 

Crecer en roofing no es suerte: es estrategia, educación y certificación. 

Durante un episodio de La Voz de los Ruferos, grabado en Boston en el evento Business Building Workshop, tuve el honor de platicar con Walter Guamán, dueño de WG Construction, de cómo el programa Contractors Edge de CertainTeed ha sido clave en el crecimiento de su empresa. Walter representa una historia común pero poderosa dentro de la industria: la transición de subcontratista a dueño de negocio, impulsada por experiencia, visión y acceso a las herramientas correctas. 

Walter comenzó en el roofing desde muy joven, trabajando junto a su padre. Con el tiempo, esa experiencia se convirtió en la base para emprender. “Desde niño trabajaba en roofing, siempre pensé que algún día tendría mi propia compañía,” compartió. En 2021, junto a su esposa, decidió dar el salto y fundar WG Construction. Como muchos contratistas latinos, el camino no fue fácil, pero sí claro: crecer con estructura, no solo con trabajo duro. 

Desde el inicio, Walter y su esposa sabían que necesitaban algo más que experiencia técnica para escalar su negocio. Fue ahí donde el programa Contractors Edge entró en juego. “El programa tiene de todo: literatura, muestras, educación, todo lo que necesitas para crecer,” explicó. Gracias a estas herramientas, Walter puede presentarse ante sus clientes con mayor preparación y profesionalismo, mostrando exactamente qué productos instalará y por qué. 

Uno de los mayores beneficios de certificarse ha sido la credibilidad frente al cliente. “Ya no es solo mi palabra, el cliente recibe la garantía directamente y dice: ‘esto sí es verdad’.” Esa confianza se traduce en más cierres de venta, mejores proyectos y, sobre todo, referencias. 

Además, las certificaciones le han permitido competir en otro nivel: 

• Ofrecer garantías más sólidas  
• Justificar precios más altos  
• Acceder a proyectos de mayor valor  

“Puedes vender a precios más altos porque tienes las credenciales y el respaldo,” agregó. 

Para Walter, el crecimiento no termina con obtener una certificación. La educación continua es clave para mantenerse competitivo. “El programa tiene toda la información online, con unos clics puedes aprender cómo instalar correctamente.” Esto no solo beneficia al dueño, sino a todo su equipo. Walter utiliza estos recursos para capacitar a sus trabajadores y mantener estándares de calidad consistentes. 

Aunque siempre habrá nuevos contratistas en la industria, Walter tiene claro quiénes tendrán ventaja. “El contratista certificado va a ganar el trabajo, porque el cliente quiere tranquilidad.” En un mercado donde los clientes invierten grandes cantidades en sus hogares, la confianza y el respaldo de una marca como CertainTeed hacen toda la diferencia. Walter lo resume de forma directa: “Que se unan al programa, tiene todo para crecer el negocio.” Para muchos contratistas latinos, el siguiente nivel no está en trabajar más, sino en trabajar mejor, con estructura, educación y certificaciones que respalden su trabajo. 

Walter ve un futuro positivo tanto para su empresa como para la industria. “El sueño es crecer y mientras tengamos el apoyo, vamos a seguir creciendo.” Con más recursos disponibles en español, más educación accesible y programas diseñados para apoyar a los contratistas, el camino está más claro que nunca. 

Historias como la de Walter reflejan una realidad creciente en la industria del roofing: el éxito no llega solo con experiencia, sino con educación, estrategia y las herramientas adecuadas. Para los contratistas latinos que buscan dar el siguiente paso, la oportunidad ya está ahí, solo falta tomarla. 

Escuchar o ver el video de este episodio para descubrir más de la experiencia y consejos para contratistas.

By Emma Peterson. 

You can turn material and product orders into custom tees, high-visibility shirts, hoodies and more for your crew. 

QXO is helping gear up your crew with this promotion! Between May 4, 2026, and July 2, 2026, you can earn gear with every U.S. purchase of CertainTeed, GAF, IKO Industries, Owens Corning, TRI-BUILT, VELUX and Westlake Royal Roofing Solutions products shipped and invoiced during the promotional period. How does it work?  

1. Register to start: Make sure you are registered for this promotion! Registration is available on the QXO website: www.go.qxo.com/swag2026 
2. Buy more, earn more: Buy your products from the sponsoring brands (listed above and start earning!  
3. Redeem at the end: At the end of the promotion, QXO will send out instructions on how to redeem your prizes! You will be asked to upload your logo in order to make your custom gear. Your information is secure and will never be shared. 

There are four tiers of prizes in this promotion based on how much you spend. For those that spend $20,000, you can get up to $400 in gear. For $30,000 the prize is $600 and for $40,000 it’s $800. The highest tier is $1,000 of gear, which requires qualifying product purchases of $50,000 or more. 

Reward your team for getting it done with custom tees, high-vis shirts, hoodies and more swag with QXO’s Gear Up Your Crew promotion.