Por Emma Peterson, traducido por Alberto Torres. 

¡La Semana Nacional del Roofing 2026 se llevará a cabo del 7 al 13 de junio y es el momento perfecto para mostrar tu orgullo por la industria del roofing! 

Cada año, la National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) organiza un evento llamado National Roofing Week. El objetivo de esta iniciativa es crear conciencia sobre el “papel esencial que desempeñan los techos y los contratistas profesionales de roofing en cada comunidad.” 

¿Cómo puedes participar? ¡Es muy sencillo: comparte tu historia! NRCA invita a los profesionales de toda la industria a compartir fotos y videos utilizando el hashtag #NationalRoofingWeek2026. Además, han creado una guía temática para cada día de la semana: 

• Domingo: Inicio de la National Roofing Week 
• Lunes: Proyectos destacados — comparte fotos mostrando los proyectos residenciales y comerciales más representativos de tu empresa. 
• Martes: Proyectos comunitarios — comparte imágenes que muestren las iniciativas benéficas o de apoyo a la comunidad realizadas por tu empresa. 
• Miércoles: Reconocimiento al equipo — comparte fotos de los colaboradores de tu empresa. 
• Jueves: Capacitación del equipo — comparte imágenes que demuestren cómo capacitan a sus trabajadores. 
• Viernes: Celebración — comparte fotos mostrando cómo tu empresa celebró la National Roofing Week. 
• Sábado: Cierre y resumen de la semana. 

Participar en redes sociales no solo ayuda a fortalecer la comunidad y brinda la oportunidad de destacar el increíble trabajo de tu equipo, también contribuye a dar mayor visibilidad a la industria y al papel fundamental que desempeñan los profesionales del roofing en la protección de personas y propiedades. ¿Quieres ir un paso más allá? ¡Consigue camisetas de National Roofing Week para tu equipo! Las existencias son limitadas, así que ordénalas cuanto antes. 

La edición de este año de National Roofing Week es posible gracias al apoyo de varios patrocinadores de la industria: International Roofing Expo, Georgia-Pacific Building Products, Hanover Architectural Products, SRS Distribution, Roofing Alliance, SOPREMA, OMG Roofing Products y TuffWrap. 

Más información en www.nrca.net/news-events/national-roofing-week. 

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn about the Elevate product that took home the 2026 People’s Choice award at the IRE Innovative Product Showcase. 

At this year’s International Roofing Expo (IRE), professionals from across the roofing industry came together to learn, explore and grow. One of the biggest parts of the show is the Innovative Product Showcase, which features eight judged categories as well as a People’s Choice Award. And the winner of that People’s Choice Award this year was Elevate’s MAX PVC and MAX PVC XR membranes! 

These membranes feature an innovatively thick and strong scrim layer which provides excellent performance in the face of harsh chemicals, grease, biological materials, fire, severe weather and more! Further, a weft-inserted reinforcement and an 18x9 threads-per-inch density make the MAX PVC membranes more durable and resistant to tears and rips that many standard membranes fall victim to.  

And these products benefits aren't limited to structural strength. Other benefits of Elevate’s MAX PVC and MAX PVC XR membranes include:  

• Strong fire protection: PVC roofing, like the Elevate MAX PVC and MAX PVC XR membranes, are made of naturally fire-resistant polymers. 
• Long-lasting support: When installed by a licensed Elevate applicator, these membranes can get a limited warranty for up to 30 years (Elevate Red Shield™). In addition to warranty support, the Elevate team is always ready to help contractors who are installing their products.  
• Easy installation: Both MAX PVC and MAX PVC XR are flexible membranes, which make installation easier. The MAX PVC in particular is designed for heat welded seams, eliminating the need for any solvents, primers or tapes. 
• Outstanding energy efficiency: These membranes have been rated by the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) as highly reflective. This reflectivity can “improve your building's energy efficiency by reducing the workload on HVAC units as less heat is absorbed by the roof during the summer.” 

When asked about Elevate MAX PVC and MAX PVC XR’s win at IRE 2026, Nevin Holly, president of Elevate, shared some thought:  

Being named the People’s Choice winner is a huge honor for Elevate because it comes directly from the pros who know this industry best. We engineered MAX PVC to be a true leap forward in performance, but nothing beats seeing it in the field. I’ve been out on several MAX PVC roofs with our customers recently and seeing that durability in action speaks for itself. This award proves that contractors value innovation that actually works as hard as they do. 

Learn more about Elevate’s MAX PVC and MAX PVC XR membranes!

By Jenny Yu.  

By prioritizing customer service and distributor relationships, ASC is building long-term value for contractors and partners. 

ASC Building Materials is doubling down on a values-driven strategy centered on distribution partnerships and customer-first service, positioning itself for continued growth in the competitive roofing market. 

At the 2026 International Roofing Expo, Megan Ellsworth spoke with Sales Director Gabe Rodriguez about the company’s long-standing commitment to working through trusted distribution channels. “We don’t sell direct,” Gabe said. “We heavily believe in partnership through distribution. We truly value our partners; they’re amazing for us.” That approach includes key relationships with major distributors such as SRS Distribution, ABC Supply and QXO, along with regional partners that help ASC reach contractors where they do business. 

Gabe emphasized that while ASC continues to expand its product portfolio from coatings to self-adhered membranes and sealants, its competitive edge lies in a company constant. “Product is product, but it’s the customer service you get at the end of the day that’s going to make you want to come back,” he explained of ASC’s commitment to its customers. 

That philosophy extends to how ASC supports contractors beyond the sale. Through initiatives like its contractor certification program, the company aims to equip customers with the tools, knowledge and confidence to grow their businesses. Gabe noted that ASC takes pride not only in supplying materials but also in contributing to contractor success. “Even watching them grow their business is amazing to see,” he said. “When someone grows, we all grow.” 

Trade shows also play a key role in reinforcing ASC’s customer-centric approach. Events like the International Roofing Expo and upcoming appearances at the Western Roofing Expo provide opportunities to reconnect with partners, gather feedback and better understand contractor pain points. “The shows are great to see customers you don’t see on a regular basis,” Gabe said. “It’s a laid-back platform where you can just talk, see how they’re doing and ask what’s next for them.” 

As ASC continues to grow, its focus remains clear: strengthen distribution relationships, prioritize service and meet customers where they are. 

Watch the full interview to hear more insights from ASC Building Materials.

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Contractors explore active attic ventilation solutions that improve home performance and efficiency. 

At the 2026 International Roofing Expo (IRE) in Las Vegas, contractors are moving beyond traditional roofing systems in search of solutions that deliver measurable performance gains, extend roof lifespan and create clear differentiation in a crowded market. Among the technologies drawing increased attention is active attic ventilation, where solar-powered systems are redefining how heat and moisture are managed within the building envelope. At the Attic Breeze booth, the company emphasized a straightforward approach focused on removing heat and moisture from the attic to improve overall home performance. The function is intentionally simple but operationally significant; consistent air movement reduces attic temperatures, limits moisture buildup and supports the long-term durability of roofing materials. 

That clarity addresses a persistent blind spot for homeowners. Attics are rarely monitored, yet they play a critical role in regulating energy efficiency and protecting the roof system. When heat and moisture remain trapped, they accelerate material degradation and increase the load on HVAC systems. By actively cycling that air out of the space, solar-powered ventilation systems help stabilize indoor conditions while reducing unnecessary energy demand. 

This distinction becomes more pronounced when compared to passive ventilation. Traditional systems depend on natural airflow, which can fluctuate based on external conditions and often fail to provide consistent results. Active ventilation, by contrast, introduces controlled air movement, continuously pulling heat and moisture through the attic and out of the structure. The result is a more reliable and effective ventilation process that aligns with modern performance expectations. 

Product design reflects the need for adaptability across a wide range of structures. Larger, high-capacity units address homes with greater ventilation demands, while compact models provide a lower-profile option for smaller residences. Systems are designed to accommodate varying roof conditions, including configurations where roof penetration is not ideal, ensuring that ventilation solutions remain viable regardless of roof design. Across each configuration, solar operation removes the need for electrical tie-ins while delivering immediate efficiency benefits. 

For contractors, the value extends beyond system performance. Many are actively seeking ways to differentiate their offerings and move beyond standard installation practices. Incorporating active ventilation into the roofing package provides a practical way to enhance service value while addressing long-term homeowner concerns around comfort, efficiency and roof longevity. 

As roofing systems continue to evolve, ventilation is no longer a secondary consideration. It is becoming a central component of high-performing assemblies, one that directly connects system durability, energy efficiency and overall customer satisfaction. 

Watch the full interview to learn more about how solar-powered attic ventilation helps contractors improve roof performance, enhance energy efficiency and stand out in a competitive market!

By Jenny Yu.  

At IRE, AWIP showcases innovative building solutions and purposeful partnerships. 

All Weather Insulated Panels (AWIP) is bringing engineering-driven innovation to the forefront of commercial construction, and that was on full display at the 2026 International Roofing Expo in Las Vegas. Charles Schafer, AWIP’s Eastern region sales manager, shared how insulated metal panels are reshaping building performance, timelines and partnerships. 

With more than 20 years in the construction industry and a background in engineering, Charles brings a technical lens to customer conversations. “I’m an engineer by education, and I’ve handled products and marketing, sustainability — a lot of different roles throughout my career with AWIP,” he said. “In a sense, I’m an engineer that likes to communicate.” 

Charles explained the AWIP’s core offerings: insulated metal panels designed as a single-step building envelope solution. “We sell insulated metal panels, which are two roll form skins that come together, and there’s a chemical reaction that fills the core of the panels,” Charles illustrated. “Our panels are a single-step all-in-one panel that goes from the structure out and handles your air, vapor, wind and water barrier and thermal barrier.” 

This streamlined approach is gaining traction as contractors address labor shortages and increased competition. “Instead of up to seven steps for a traditional buildout, it’s a single step, single pass on the building,” he explained. “In today’s world where you have scarcity of labor and aggressive timelines, we’re seeing a significant increase in the usage of our product.” 

At IRE, AWIP showcased its technology through an interactive, two-story booth experience, complete with a VR headset that enabled participants to “walk through” buildings and designs utilizing AWIP products. On display was AWIP’s latest foam system, InnovaCell™. “It’s an industry-leading R value, closed-cell foam that handles your vapor, wind, water and thermal barrier. It’s an all-encompassing system,” Charles shared. “Our DM40-F+ panel can give you an R64 with a one-hour UL fire rating, which is first of its kind.” 

Beyond AWIP’s innovative products, Charles emphasized collaboration. “At AWIP, we’re really about partnership and helping find solutions for the built environment,” Charles said. “We like to innovate and we like to partner.” 

Watch the interview to learn more about AWIP’s newest solutions!

By Jenny Yu.  

READYSLATE’s redesigned slate system delivers durability, sustainability and efficient installation.  

At the 2026 International Roofing Expo, Lauren White of The Coffee Shops™ had a chance to visit the READYSLATE® booth and speak with Jason Rynd of the Vermont Slate Company, READYSLATE's manufacturer. Jason highlighted a growing shift toward lightweight, high-performance alternatives in roofing. 

“There’s nothing else like it in the market,” Jason said of READYSLATE. “It’s real slate in a lightweight system that also has the highest hail rating you can get.”  

With traditional slate weighing about 1,000 pounds per square in a traditional installation, READYLSATE comes in at approximately 550 per square, opening the door to a broader range of applications. “Anything under 600 pounds is considered lightweight, so that gets us into a whole new market,” Jason explained. 

To achieve the unique feat of a lightweight material with impressive durability, the Vermont Slate Company made several key adjustments over the past year based on contractor feedback and the manufacturer’s own research and development efforts. “We've reduced it to four pieces of slate rather than six, so our panel is much smaller now,” Jason said. “It’s easier to maneuver on the roof, lighter. Crews are able to install it at about two-thirds the time it usually takes on a traditional slate install, so it’s more efficient.” 

In addition to advancing efficiency on the jobsite, sustainability was a main focus in the redesign. “We also took all the asphalt out of the backer that creates our panel. It's just an HDPE plastic backer now,” Jason noted. “It doesn't get much greener than slate; it's rock from the earth. By taking the asphalt out, it's even more natural.” The system also boasts a Class 4 hail rating and Class A fire rating, helping meet stringent building and insurance requirements.  

So far, the market response has been extremely positive. “All of the product sold out before we even got it here!” Jason expressed. “We can’t keep it in stock right now, which is a great problem to have.” 

Watch the full interview to learn more about READYSLATE and how it is reshaping the slate roofing market.

By Anna Lockhart.  

As metal building materials continue to rise in popularity, it’s time for contractors across the building envelope to get in on the action! 

For superstar brands like Central States Manufacturing, the International Roofing Expo (IRE) is the perfect place to show off their latest product offerings and present the public with a chance to see them up close and in action. Visiting their booth during this year’s trade show, The Coffee Shops™ Editor in Chief Lauren White spoke with Central States Manufacturing’s Director of Marketing Melissa Dunson to find out more about the brand’s plans for 2026.  

Central States shines when it comes to offering premier, high-quality metal building products, serving sectors across the building envelope such as residential, commercial, agricultural and storage applications. As Melissa noted, their goal is to be the one-stop-shop for metal building products, no matter your industry background.  

“We’re not just residential. If you’re interested in metal roofing, there’s a really good chance that we make the profiles with the gauges and the paint systems that you need because we offer such a comprehensive line,” Melissa shared. “We even do siding, walls, full metal buildings with frames and metal roll-up doors. If it’s metal, we’ve got it.”  

Such an expansive and all-encompassing line-up of products puts Central States in a prime place for being multiple industries’ go-to supplier for any and all of their metal needs. And as consumers – home and building owners alike – continue to show a growing interest in metal, now is the time for contractors to explore the benefits of the material.  

In particular, Melissa noted that they’ve recently seen an uptick in residential interest in metal thanks to celebrities and influencers like Chip and Joanna Gaines who are showcasing metal roofing as a prime option. She explained, “The metal market is expected to grow drastically, particularly for standing seam and residential spaces. Our Central Snap® product has become popular because of this. It has a hidden fastener and isn’t exposed, which really provides an excellent lifetime warranty. It has the longevity and beauty that people are looking for.” 

Pivotal to the conversation was Melissa’s emphasis on the fact that, no matter what your current experience is with metal, if you’re a contractor, there’s always time to get into it. She noted, “I would just like to say to any roofer out there interested in metal roofing. It’s okay if you don’t know how to do it yet. There are good manufacturers who can help you learn how to do these things, because this is where the industry is headed – metal.” 

Ultimately, her message was loud and clear: metal isn’t going away anytime soon, so it’s better late than never to find out how to incorporate metal into your business services. Residential, commercial, agricultural – if it can use metal, brands like Central States Manufacturing have you taken care of! 

Watch the interview to learn more about Central States Manufacturing and the latest highlights straight from the metal industry!

By Emma Peterson. 

National Roofing Week 2026 will be June 7-13 and it’s the perfect time to show your roofing pride! 

Each year, the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) hosts an event called National Roofing Week. The goal of this event is to raise awareness of the “essential role roofs and professional roofing contractors play in every community.” 

How do you participate? It’s as simple as sharing your story! NRCA invites professionals across the industry to share photos and videos through the #NationalRoofingWeek2026 hashtag. NRCA has created a week-long guide of themes to post about:  

• Sunday: National Roofing Week kickoff 
• Monday: Signature projects — share photos showcasing your company’s signature residential and commercial projects 
• Tuesday: Charitable projects — share photos that demonstrate your company’s charitable giving 
• Wednesday: Employee appreciation — share photos of your company’s employees 
• Thursday: Employee training — share photos that demonstrate how you train your workers 
• Friday: Celebration — share photos showing us how your company celebrated National Roofing Week 
• Saturday: Wrap-up 

Not only does participating through social media help build community and give you an opportunity to brag about your incredible team, but it also helps raise visibility of the industry and the critical role roofing professionals play in protecting people and properties. Want to go the extra mile in support? Get your crews National Roofing Week T-shirts! Supplies are limited, so order soon! 

This year’s National Roofing Week is made possible by a variety of industry sponsors: International Roofing Expo, Georgia-Pacific Building Products, Hanover Architectural Products, SRS Distribution, Roofing Alliance, SOPREMA, OMG Roofing Products and Tuffwrap. 

Learn more at www.nrca.net/news-events/national-roofing-week. 

By Emma Peterson. 

From enhanced contractor programs to the development of PABCO University, this family‑owned shingle maker showcases its commitment to customer partnership.  

While The Coffee Shops™ crew attended the 2026 International Roofing Expo (IRE), we had the chance to visit the PABCO Roofing Products booth to chat with Lori Jerome, the brand’s marketing manager, and Eric Johnston, division sales leader.  

When asked about the show, both Lori and Eric highlighted how it was a great way to meet their clients and partners. Lori shared, “We’ve been making a lot of meaningful connections with our industry partners, roofing contractors, distributors.” This type of connection with the industry has always been a priority for PABCO. Eric explained:  

One of the great things about PABCO is that we’re a small family-owned company. None of the other shingle manufacturers can really say that. And that gives us a unique connection with our contractor customers because we are able to go out, meet our customers where they are and really hear how we can be a better partner for them. 

An example of how PABCO has taken contractor feedback and translated it into better support for contractors is the updates to their contractor program. Eric shared a bit about some of the ways they're improving the program, saying, “We’re really taking the existing program and making it way more enhanced. For example, we heard that a lot of our contractors are starting to bid on multifamily projects and play in more than just the single-family residential market. So, in response, we’re going to be launching a commercial warranty to help support them in those efforts something.” The full re-release of this program can be expected later in 2026.  

PABCO is also working on launching an education program later this year – PABCO University! The goal of this program is to help small to midsize contractors build their business skills and level up their operations. At the end of the day, these are just two examples of all the ways PABCO is working to better serve their customers. Eric noted, “Our goal is really to help educate people and help them be better at what they do.  Because we know if we're able to successfully help them be more profitable, help them increase their closing rates and just get a little smarter with basic business things. There's going to be loyalty that comes from that, and it's going to be a win-win for both of us.” 

Learn more about what PABCO has planned for this year by watching the whole interview!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

A growing approach to hiring, training and onboarding is helping contractors fill operational gaps without adding internal overhead. 

As roofing contractors contend with ongoing labor shortages and rising operational complexity, attention is shifting toward staffing models that extend capacity without increasing internal burden. Among them, offshore workforce support is emerging as a practical solution, allowing companies to delegate time-intensive administrative, sales and insurance-related tasks to trained remote professionals. 

That approach was on display at the 2026 International Roofing Expo (IRE) in Las Vegas, where Kevin Wall of DCX described how the model functions within day-to-day operations. DCX provides hiring, onboarding and training services that connect contractors with remote employees based in the Philippines. Those workers integrate into front- and back-office roles, supporting functions such as accounting, marketing and insurance processing while maintaining full-time schedules aligned with U.S. business hours. 

Central to the model is a streamlined hiring process designed to reduce uncertainty. Contractors are matched with candidates based on defined needs, then guided through a structured interview process. The result, Kevin noted, often reshapes expectations early. “This is the best set of candidates I've ever interviewed,” he said, describing feedback commonly shared by contractors after initial interviews. 

From there, the focus shifts to readiness. DCX prepares candidates through a four-week roofing academy that introduces industry terminology, workflows and software platforms before placement begins. A separate training track targets insurance-related work and estimating tools, equipping workers with the technical foundation required to contribute immediately. 

That upfront investment in training addresses a persistent concern among contractors; whether remote employees can integrate effectively into existing teams. According to Kevin, many of these workers already have experience supporting U.S.-based companies and have adapted to overnight schedules to match contractor time zones, allowing them to operate as a consistent extension of the business. Kevin shared, “A lot of these Filipino employees have at least one to two years working for US-based companies working those hours.” 

Flexibility remains a defining feature of the model. Without long-term contracts, contractors can evaluate performance without committing to permanent structural changes. “Give these workers a chance,” Kevin said. “If you're curious, let's start the conversation.” 

As workforce constraints continue to shape the industry, models that combine scalability, training and operational continuity are becoming an increasingly viable path forward for contractors seeking to stabilize and grow. 

Watch the full interview to learn more about how offshore staffing is helping roofing contractors expand capacity, streamline operations and support long-term growth without increasing internal overhead!