By Emma Peterson. 

What Pat Hiltman and Joe Sorrentino have seen the industry learn over the years. 

While at the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) 2026 show, Heidi J. Ellsworth had the opportunity to host two industry veterans on our sound stage – Pat Hiltman and Joe Sorrentino. Pat, who is the southeast regional manager of USG Securock Roof Boards, and Joe, who is the owner of JoeSorrentino LLC, both started in the roofing industry in the 1970s. In the decades between that beginning and today, they have not only established themselves as industry leaders and experts, but also watched the industry grow exponentially. In the conversation, they highlighted a couple of the major changes they have witnessed.  

Energy efficient design advancements 

One of the changes that Pat and Joe have both seen in the industry is how we build energy-efficient structures. Joe explained:  

When we started in the industry, I remember there was a lot of research on how making homes tight would save on energy...And this research was being driven by all these presentations where they would predict that energy costs were going to be more than your mortgage. Well, we know that hasn't happened, but what has happened is finally within the last, say, 20 years, we're now learning we need to build commercial buildings tight as well. 

And the tightening of that envelope is only one half of the story in how we have made buildings more energy efficient over the course of Joe and Pat’s careers. The other key part of the story is ventilation. Pat explained, “If you look at how the industry has trended, we went from having kind of open commercial buildings to tightening them up. But then we went too far and had sick building syndrome. Today, the big thing we’re all working on is using ventilation to find the right balance.” 

A growing relationship between consultants and contractors  

Another area that has seen a lot of change over the years is the relationship dynamic between consultants and contractors. Even just 30 years ago, building consultants and contractors did not often get along, however in light of more complex projects, like the energy efficiency challenges mentioned earlier, that is beginning to change. As Joe put it, “Collaboration is critical to success and also pushing our entire industry forward...It’s long been uncomfortable for consultants and contractors to work together, but the more you are uncomfortable and get through it, the stronger you become.” 

Want to hear more about how the roofing industry has changed over the decades? Check out the whole soundstage interview with Joe and Pat!

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®.

By Jenny Yu.  

Attendees of the 2026 IIBEC Convention gained insights, education and networking opportunities. 

On March 12-15, 2026, the 2026 IIBEC International Convention and Trade Show delivered on its promise to bring together roofing and building enclosure professionals for education, collaboration and innovation. In an episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Heidi J. Ellsworth spoke with Brian Pallasch, EVP and CEO of the International Institute of Building Encloser Consultants (IIBEC), about the key takeaways that continue to shape how contractors, consultants and manufacturers work together. 

For Brian, one central theme for the conference was collaboration. “It really is about the partnership,” Brian stated. “When the contractor, the architect, the building enclosure consultant and the manufacturer work together, it’s to the benefit of the owner and the building. It’s a team.” As building systems grow more complex, this team approach is becoming essential across the industry. 

Brian also emphasized that IIBEC members play a critical role in ensuring quality and performance. “Our members are there to help the owner, the roofing contractor and the manufacturer get the job done — well done and right,” he said. That focus on quality was evident in both the educational sessions and conversations happening on the trade show floor. 

In addition, another key topic present throughout the conference and trade show was the long-term durability of building performance. “The idea of commissioning is, as buildings get more complex, you want to make sure that plans are actually being followed on the job site,” Brian explained, adding that building owners are increasingly focused on results: “They want to make sure that the building that they paid for is the building that they’re getting.” 

The Coffee Shops™ was thrilled to be part of such a successful event, recording live interviews that highlighted the innovation, learning and networking in strong supply. One standout moment included a Coffee Conversations® sponsored by Western Colloid Fluid Applied Roofing and Coating Systems, featuring a panel of industry experts who discussed the factors shaping the future of the roofing and building enclosure industry. 

“We had Lauren Morley, owner and president of R3NG Roofing and Gutters; Greg Hlavaty,  president of Western Colloid; and two amazing consultants, Sean Connolly and Dustin Smoot,” Megan Ellsworth of The Coffee Shops shared. “It was a fabulous conversation.” 

Other highlights included a state-of-the-industry address by RCS Influencer and Adams & Reese LLP Partner Trent Cotney; a live demo showcasing the strength of USG Securock® cover boards; and visits with Johns Manville and Polyglass at their hospitality booths. 

Overall, as the industry continues to evolve, IIBEC remains a hub for innovation, connection and professional growth. 

Listen to the full podcast to hear more insights about the 2026 IIBEC International Convention and Trade Show.

A coalition of industry trade associations representing contractors, consultants and manufacturers in the U.S. and Canada has completed its Quarterly Market Index Survey for Reroofing for the third quarter of 2025.

The survey is an industrywide effort spearheaded by a coalition of trade assocations, including the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association, Canadian Roofing Contractors Association, Chemical Fabrics & Film Association Inc., EPDM Roofing Association, International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants, Metal Construction Association, Metal Roofing Alliance, National Roofing Contractors Association, National Women in Roofing, Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association, Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association and Single Ply Roofing Industry.

Seventy percent of survey responses came from roofing contractors, and 30% of responses came from roof consultants. Forty-eight percent of respondents indicated they primarily work on low-slope roof systems; 39% indicated they primarily work on a blend of low-slope and steep-slope roof systems; and 13% indicated they primarily work on steep-slope roof systems.

Participants who identify as roofing contractors were asked to report the number of squares of reroofing material installed by their companies during the first quarter of 2026 compared with the same quarter in 2025. Thirty-two percent of respondents reported the volume of reroofing materials installed increased, 32% reported no change and 36% reported a decrease in materials installed year-over-year.

Thirty-six percent of all survey respondents indicated their customer inquiries increased. Forty-three percent of respondents reported no change in activity, and 21% indicated a decrease. Project contracts increased for 33% of respondents, 40% reported no change in activity and 27% indicated a decrease in project contracts.

Additionally, two indices offer insight regarding customer inquiries and project contracts across market segments. The indices are based on a 0 to 100 scale. A score of 50 or higher suggests expansion or optimism; a score below 50 indicates contraction or pessimism.

• The customer inquiries index score for the total industry increased to 57.1 compared with 39.0 for the fourth quarter of 2025. The score for the steep-slope reroofing market is 50, the score for the low-slope reroofing market is 59.1, and the score for the blended low- and steep-slope reroofing market is 57.1.
• The project contracts index score for the total industry increased to 52.9 compared with 45.2 for the fourth quarter of 2025. The score for the steep-slope reroofing market is 50.0, the score for the low-slope reroofing market is 56.1, and the score for the blended low- and steep-slope reroofing market is 50.0.

As of April 2026, 26% of respondents reported no project backlogs, 40% indicated project backlogs of one to two months and 21% indicated backlogs of three to four months. Thirteen percent of respondents reported project backlogs of five or more months.

The complete results of the Quarterly Market Index Survey for Reroofing are available to those who participate in the survey via an online dashboard that enables users to filter results by region and other metrics. Any contractor or consultant who wants to participate in the next quarter’s survey can sign up for a notification at http://bit.ly/37ank7D.

About NRCA

Since 1886, the National Roofing Contractors Association has been the home for generations of entrepreneurial craftsmen and enterprises who shelter and protect America’s families and businesses and each other. Our vision is the recognition of our members as professionals and to unite the industry to that purpose. NRCA is one of the construction industry’s most respected trade associations and the voice of roofing professionals and leading authority in the roofing industry for information, education, technology and advocacy. It represents all segments of the roofing industry, including contractors; manufacturers; distributors; architects; consultants; engineers; building owners; and city, state and government agencies. For information about NRCA and its services and offerings, visit nrca.net.

By Jesse Sanchez. 

How consultants are navigating evolving fire codes, wind requirements and commissioning practices to strengthen building performance. 

As building codes evolve and environmental risks intensify, roofing consultants are sharpening their focus on how entire building systems perform, not just individual components. That shift was evident at the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) show, where conversations centered around these topics.  

For Brad Conlin, senior roof consultant at Benchmark, the value of the event starts with the people it brings together. “The number one reason to come to this show is that it's a conglomeration of professionals from the roofing and building enclosure industries in one spot,” Brad said. That concentration of expertise creates a consistent exchange of ideas and experience. He added, “I don't think I ever leave here without learning something new.” 

Those insights are becoming increasingly critical as consultants respond to a changing risk landscape. Fire protection, in particular, has emerged as a central topic, with more attention being paid to fire ratings and how buildings perform in wildfire-prone environments. Brad noted that discussions are expanding beyond individual assemblies to include the broader wildlife urban interface, where the spread of fire between structures must be addressed at a system level. He said, “It really is an entire building envelope issue to make sure you not only know you're containing the combustion of fires, but also the propagation of fires and the spread of fires.” 

At the same time, evolving codes are reshaping design priorities. Brad pointed to the adoption of the 2024 International Building Code (IBC), which introduces updated wind requirements, including considerations tied to tornado activity. As jurisdictions begin to implement those standards, consultants are working to ensure that designs remain both compliant and performance driven. 

Alongside these developments, building commissioning is gaining momentum as a critical part of the process. While historically outside the core scope of roofing, Brad said consultants are increasingly aligning their work with broader envelope testing and verification efforts. “I learned a little bit about that this week,” he said, highlighting the need for coordination across systems. 

Together, these trends reflect a more integrated approach to building performance, where consultants play a key role in connecting code compliance, risk mitigation and long-term durability. 

Watch Brad's full interview to hear him discuss fire risk, wind performance, and commissioning requirements in today’s evolving code environment!

65 scholarships and 496 student sponsorships highlight this foundation's commitment to the future of the building enclosure industry. 

The Coffee Shops™, the award-winning online communities where the industries meet for technologies, safety, information and education for the construction trades of roofing, metal, coatings and outdoor living, are pleased to welcome the RCI Canada Foundation into their community. 

Originally established in 2001, the RCI Canada Foundation’s mission is to “empower innovation in building envelopes through education, research and community support.” One of the main ways they reach this goal is by supporting innovative and forward-thinking members of the industry through research grants, education scholarships and convention sponsorships (sending sponsored individuals to the annual International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants show. 

The Foundation’s two needs-based academic scholarships are available to university and trade school students in both the U.S. and Canada. The first established was the RCI Lewis W. Newlan scholarship. Lewis was a longtime supporter of the foundations and a dedicated member of RCI (now IIBEC), and the establishment of this fund in 2013 was to honor his efforts. The second scholarship was established in 2016 to honor Robert W. Lyons, the founder of RCI (now IIBEC). Since these scholarships were established, they have helped more than 50 students pursue building enclosure-related fields like architecture, engineering and construction sciences.  

In addition to this huge achievement, the RCI Canada Foundation runs a sponsorship fund named after Joe Hale, the founder and chairman of the Foundation, that sends college students to go to the IIBEC show. One such student, Tyler Seiwert from Pittsburg State, shared a few thoughts on the impact of getting sponsored to attend, saying, “The depth and breadth of knowledge I gained from the symposium were immeasurable. Being in the company of experts and pioneers in the field was both humbling and enlightening. I found myself engrossed in the sessions, soaking in every bit of information, and coming out with a renewed passion for the subject.” And Tyler is just one of over 300 students that have had this opportunity thanks to the RCI Canada Foundation. 

The Coffee Shops are proud to welcome the RCI Canada Foundation!

Through research, education, and meaningful collaborations, this organization is uplifting the building enclosure industry.  

The Coffee Shops™, the award-winning online communities where the industries meet for technologies, safety, information and education for the construction trades of roofing, metal, coatings and outdoor living, are pleased to welcome the RCI-IIBEC Foundation into their community.  

Founded in 2001, the RCI-IIBEC Foundation is a charity organization focused on its mission to “advance the building enclosure profession through research, education, and meaningful collaboration.” In pursuit of this goal, they work closely with their sister foundation in Canada, the RCI Foundation Canada, and the larger International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC). 

Over the years the foundation has raised more the $4 million for research, education, and information sharing related to the building enclosure. This money goes into a variety of programs, that aim to:  

• Provide educational opportunities: The RCI-IIBEC Foundation provides student sponsorships to attend IIBEC educational events such as the IIBEC International Convention and Trade Show and the Building Enclosure Symposium (BES). 
• Push the industry forward through research grants: Past research has included studies on unit-price procurement with Colorado State University, thermal properties of roof fasteners in collaboration with Virginia Tech and the testing of adhered masonry during seismic and wind events in collaboration with the Thin Masonry Consortium and Portland State University. The foundation is currently supporting research on the thermal performance of spandrel assemblies in glazing systems in collaboration with the Charles Pankow Foundation. 
• Unlock potential via scholarships: RCI-IIBEC awards academic scholarships annually for students pursuing building enclosure-related education. These scholarships are available to students studying architecture, engineering, and building and construction sciences, and this program is key to supporting the next generation of industry professionals.  

All of these efforts have made a huge impact on professionals across the building enclosure industry. As Felix Ekuful, a graduate student in construction engineering from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, attested, “Being a student at the 2025 IIBEC International Convention and Trade Show was a transformative experience. The convention didn’t just meet my expectations; it exceeded them in ways I couldn’t have anticipated.”  

The Coffee Shops are proud to welcome RCI-IIBEC Foundation!

The survey is an industrywide effort to collect information about the reroofing market spearheaded by a coalition of trade associations.

The National Roofing Contractors Association encourages roofing professionals to join industry trade associations representing contractors, consultants and manufacturers in the U.S. and Canada in taking part in the latest Quarterly Market Index Survey for Reroofing to evaluate business conditions during the first quarter of 2026.

For more than two years, the survey has taken the pulse of the reroofing industry and continues to serve as a regular barometer of the industry’s business conditions. By asking a handful of business questions and measuring responses across several demographics, the survey helps indicate the reroofing market’s strength and trajectory. Your response provides valuable insight.

The results of the Quarterly Market Index Survey for Reroofing are made available to all survey participants via an online dashboard that enables users to filter results by region and other metrics.

For the previous survey that measured business activity during the fourth quarter of 2025, 75% of responses came from roofing contractors and 25% came from roof consultants.

The survey is an industrywide effort to collect information about the reroofing market spearheaded by a coalition of trade associations, including the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association, Canadian Roofing Contractors Association, Chemical Fabrics & Film Association Inc., EPDM Roofing Association, International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants, Metal Construction Association, Metal Roofing Alliance, National Roofing Contractors Association, National Women in Roofing, Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association, Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association and Single Ply Roofing Industry.

The Quarterly Market Index Survey for Reroofing is available at bit.ly/RoofingSurvey. Survey responses may be submitted through April 20.

About National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)

Since 1886, the National Roofing Contractors Association has been the home for generations of entrepreneurial craftsmen and enterprises who shelter and protect America’s families and businesses and each other. Our vision is the recognition of our members as professionals and to unite the industry to that purpose. NRCA is one of the construction industry’s most respected trade associations and the voice of roofing professionals and leading authority in the roofing industry for information, education, technology and advocacy. It represents all segments of the roofing industry, including contractors; manufacturers; distributors; architects; consultants; engineers; building owners; and city, state and government agencies. For information about NRCA and its services and offerings, visit www.nrca.net.

By Emma Peterson. 

What the 2025 Q4 Market Index Survey can tell us about uncertainty and opportunity in the roofing industry.  

Hindsight is 20/20, so now that we're three months into the new year, we wanted to take a moment to look back at 2025. To do this, Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down with McKay Daniels, CEO at the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), and Brian Pallasch, executive vice president and CEO of the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC), for a Roofing Road Trips® all about the 2025 Q4 Market Index Survey for Reroofing.  

Hosted by a coalition of industry trade associations and companies, including RoofersCoffeeShop® and the Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association (PIMA), this survey offers a quarterly look at the roofing industry’s business conditions. In the last survey of 2025, about 75% of respondents were roofing contractors and the remaining 25% were building enclosure consultants. Overall, their responses showed some hesitation and uncertainty that, for some, became a defining characteristic of 2025. Brian explained, “I don't want to put too much on it. But it appeared that there was a little bit of a slowdown in customer inquiries...Additionally, they reported that project backlog had fallen a little bit over the course of the last year. All of this indicates that the market was uncertain.” 

It is important to note that this uncertainty does not mean there weren’t areas of the industry that experienced a positive end to 2025. McKay explained, “You have to remember that roofing is not monolithic. For example, public work has slowed down, but data centers or very technical manufacturing facilities are in huge demand. And the folks working in that lane are as busy as they've ever been.”  

With all this in mind, the 2025 Q4 Market Index Survey for Reroofing tells a specific story about uncertainty, hesitancy and endurance. McKay explained, “We’ve been dealing with uncertain economies and world events for six years or more. And I think some of the slowdown we saw in the survey comes from contractors taking a pause to evaluate where they’re and look at reinvesting in training that allows them to get into some of those busy lanes and build a sustainable cadence that can survive that uncertainty.” 

Listen to the episode or Watch the recording to hear more of Daniel and McKay’s insights on the 2025 Q4 Market Index Survey for Reroofing. Do you want to help build a better understanding of the state of the industry? Make sure to participate in the first survey of 2026, which will open in April!

By Emma Peterson. 

A panel of industry experts discusses the growth and evolution of the roofing industry. 

Earlier this month, The Coffee Shops™ crew headed to the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC)’s 2026 Conference and Trade Show. While there, we had the opportunity to host a special, live Coffee Conversations® that brought contractors and other building envelope experts together for a panel discussion about the show and state of the industry. 

The panel was made up of four incredible professionals: Greg Hlavaty of Western Colloid, Sean Connolly of Walker Consultants, Lauren Morley of R3NG and Dustin Smoot of Terracon Consultants. Together, this panel offers expert insights into all sides of the industry they serve, and how contractors and manufacturers are moving forward into 2026. 

When asked about this year’s show, Greg highlighted the incredible turnout, sharing, “In the past, it was a show that only the big manufacturing firms were at, but today we’re really seeing a great turnout.” Sean had a similar takeaway, adding, “It's bigger and better than ever, I'm seeing more and more manufacturers participating, which is fantastic.” 

One of the main talking points of this year’s show was the significant changes that the building industry has gone through in recent years. Dustin elaborated, “I've been in the industry for about 25 years. I started out as a roofer as a kid. And I’ve seen a lot of change in the way we think about roof performance...” One of the biggest changes being that we now think about how an entire building envelope functions, rather than just thinking about how individual elements perform. This outlook has shifted how brands must market their products and services.  

With this perspective shift, building consultants have become more important than ever.  Lauren explained, “Of course, I try to stay on top of the trends and think about the big picture, but having consultants involved is really helpful. They know what's happening and they know what to design, and I'm lucky that I can just kind of trust them to think about the whole envelope so I can focus on my part.”  

Watch the whole recording from the show to hear more from Greg, Sean, Lauren and Dustin.