Por Emma Peterson, traducido por Alberto Torres. 

El evento de este año se acerca rápidamente, con el primer día programado para el 27 de septiembre de 2026, y queremos ayudarte a crear la agenda ideal para aprovechar al máximo tu experiencia. 

El Western Roofing Expo (WRE), patrocinado por la Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA), es uno de los eventos más importantes de la industria del techado y la impermeabilización. No solo está lleno de actividades reconocidas, como la competencia de instalación de tejas Roofing Games™ y la subasta en vivo, sino que también cuenta con 28 sesiones educativas, dos almuerzos con conferencias y mucho más. 

Es una gran cantidad de actividades para solo tres días (el evento de 2026 se llevará a cabo del 27 al 29 de septiembre), por eso queremos compartir algunas de las sesiones y actividades que no te puedes perder. 

Domingo, 27 de septiembre de 2026 

El primer día del evento estará enfocado principalmente en establecer conexiones con expertos y colegas de la industria. Hay varias actividades opcionales, como el Bob Porter Golf Tournament y el Sporting Clays Tournament, pero el evento principal del día será la bienvenida y subasta de WRE. Patrocinado por GAF,  este evento no solo marca el inicio de WRE 2026, sino que también recauda fondos para la Davis Memorial Foundation, la organización benéfica de WSRCA.

Lunes, 28 de septiembre de 2026 

El lunes comienza la acción con una agenda llena de más de una docena de sesiones educativas. Estas son algunas de las sesiones que recomendamos: 

• Tendencias importantes en la industria del techado: Heidi J. Ellsworth, de RoofersCoffeeShop®, presentará las tendencias que están marcando la industria. Esta sesión ofrecerá a los asistentes información valiosa sobre dónde ha estado la industria del techado y hacia dónde se dirige.  
• ¿Listo o no?: Nuestros amigos Trent Cotney y Benjamin Briggs, de Adams and Reese, hablarán sobre las redadas de ICE, las auditorías I-9 y cómo los contratistas de techado pueden gestionar su exposición ante el panorama migratorio actual.  
• De contratar rápido a contratar bien: En esta sesión en español, Amparo Sancen, de Latinos En Roofing, explorará cómo formar un equipo de techado que contribuya al éxito de tu negocio.  
• Uso de la IA en la estimación de proyectos de techado: John Kenney, de Cotney Consulting Group, compartirá información sobre el uso de la inteligencia artificial (IA) en las operaciones de techado, específicamente en los procesos de estimación.  

Además de estas oportunidades educativas, el lunes habrá dos opciones de almuerzos educativos, tres demostraciones y el esperado evento Roofer’s Feud. Aquí te contamos un poco más: 

• Almuerzos: El lunes habrá dos oportunidades para aprender durante el almuerzo. Una será para profesionales de habla hispana y contará con Victor Maya (Advantage Roofing, GAF), quien hablará sobre cómo maximizar las reclamaciones de seguros para techos comerciales. La otra contará con Craig Brightup (corresponsal político de WSRCA) y Chad Collins (presidente de la junta directiva de la National Roofing Contractors Association), quienes ofrecerán una actualización sobre temas políticos.
• Demostraciones: Habrá tres demostraciones el lunes. La primera comenzará a la 1:30 p.m. y estará a cargo de Polyglass U.S.A. La segunda, que comienza a las 2:30 p.m., será presentada por TAMKO Building Products, y la última demostración del día será a las 3:30 p.m. con Johns Manville.  
• Roofer’s Feud: Para cerrar las actividades del lunes llega Roofer’s Feud. Patrocinado por CertainTeed, será una excelente oportunidad para poner a prueba tus conocimientos y disfrutar de una competencia amistosa.  

Martes, 29 de septiembre de 2026 

¡Pero todavía hay más! Comienza el martes con un desayuno y conversaciones en mesas con el equipo de National Women in Roofing a las 7 a.m. (ten en cuenta que esta actividad requiere un registro adicional de $55). Después del desayuno, será momento de regresar directamente a las sesiones educativas. Algunas de las que recomendamos para el martes incluyen: 

• Mesa redonda sobre techado: Organizada por el Comité de Jóvenes Profesionales del Techado de WSRCA y dirigida por Rachel Garcia, de Malarkey Roofing Products, esta sesión se enfocará en cómo formar equipos multigeneracionales. 
• Estado de la industria: Trent Cotney regresa para otra sesión, esta vez para analizar desde una perspectiva legal lo que está sucediendo en la industria.  
• Salud mental y adicción en el lugar de trabajo de la industria del techado: Paul Reed, de Roofers in Recovery, dirigirá esta sesión sobre cómo los contratistas pueden apoyar mejor la salud mental de sus cuadrillas.  
• El costo de la desconexión: En esta sesión en español, Monica Vornbrock, de The GLO Group, analizará cómo las fallas en la comunicación después de una venta pueden afectar la confianza de los clientes y los ingresos de los contratistas.  
• Diseño de techos duraderos para climas fríos: En esta sesión, Mindy Dahlquist, de TRA Snow and Sun, analizará el papel de los sistemas de retención de nieve en el diseño de techos para climas fríos.  
• De un servicio reactivo a uno proactivo: En la última sesión de nuestra lista, Tracey Donels, de Service First Solutions, hablará sobre cómo crear un crecimiento empresarial más predecible a través de los servicios que ofrece una compañía.  

Al igual que el lunes, el martes habrá dos opciones para aprender durante el almuerzo y varias actividades que no te puedes perder: 

• Almuerzos: Imelda Perez, de CertainTeed, estará a cargo del almuerzo en español del martes. La otra opción será en inglés y contará con la oradora motivacional Shereen Thor.  
• Escenario: Después del almuerzo, el equipo de RoofersCoffeeShop® tomará el escenario de demostraciones para una interesante conversación con el presidente de WSRCA, Stan Robinson, y el próximo presidente de WSRCA, Ron Lloyd.  
• Roofing Games™: ¡Y para cerrar el día llega la esperada competencia de instalación de tejas! Patrocinada por Malarkey Roofing Products, esta es una excelente oportunidad para reunir a la comunidad y quizás hasta ganar algunos premios.  

Estas listas son solo una pequeña muestra de todo lo que encontrarás en el Western Roofing Expo de este año. 

¡Consulta la agenda completa y regístrate para asistir a WRE 2026! 

By Emma Peterson.

This year’s show is coming up fast with the first day being September 27, 2026 and we wanted to help you build the ultimate attendee schedule.

The Western Roofing Expo (WRE), which is sponsored by Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA), is one of the premier events in the roofing and waterproofing industry. Not only is it chock full of iconic moments, like the Roofing Games™ shingling competition and the live auction, but it also boasts 28 educational sessions, two keynote luncheons and more!

That’s a lot of programming for just three days (the 2026 show will be held from 9/27/26 to 9/29/26), which is why we wanted to break down some of our must-attend sessions and events!

Sunday, September 27, 2026

The first day of the show will mostly be networking with industry experts and peers. There are a few events you can opt to attend, such as the Bob Porter Golf Tournament and Sporting Clays Tournament, but the main event of the day is the WRE Welcome event and auction. Sponsored by GAF, this event not only marks the beginning of the 2026 show, but also raises funds for the Davis Memorial Foundation, WSRCA’s charitable organization.

Monday, September 28, 2026

Monday is when things get really busy with a stacked schedule of more than a dozen education sessions. Here’s our shortlist of must-attend sessions from this day:

• Roofing Trends That Matter: RoofersCoffeeShop®’s own Heidi J. Ellsworth will be presenting about roofing trends! This presentation will give attendees valuable insight into where the roofing industry has been and where it’s moving towards.
• Ready or Not: our friends Trent Cotney and Benjamin Briggs of Adams and Reese will be diving into ICE raids, 1-9 audits and managing roofing contractor exposure in our current immigration landscape.
• From Hiring Fast to Hiring Right: in a Spanish-language session, Amparo Sancen of Latinos En Roofing explores how to build a roofing team that will help your business win.
• Using AI in Roofing Estimating: John Kenney of Cotney Consulting Group shares insight into the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in roofing operations, specifically related to estimating.

In addition to those education opportunities, Monday boasts two luncheon options, three demonstrations and the much-anticipated Roofer’s Feud event. Here’s a bit about those options:

• Luncheons: there are two lunch learning opportunities on Monday. One is for Spanish-speaking professionals and features Victor Maya (Advantage Roofing, GAF) discussing how to maximize commercial roofing claims. The other features Craig Brightup (WSRCA political correspondent) and Chad Collins (chairman of the National Roofing Contractors Association board) as they give a political update.
• Demonstrations: as we mentioned, there are three demos on Monday. The first kicks off at 1:30 p.m. is hosted by Polyglass U.S.A. The second (which starts at 2:30 p.m.) is from TAMKO Building Products and the last demo of the day is at 3:30 p.m. and features Johns Manville.
• The Roofer’s Feud: closing out the Monday schedule is the Roofer’s Feud. Sponsored by CertainTeed, this is a great chance to test your trivia knowledge and enjoy some friendly competition.

Tuesday, September 29, 2026

But wait, there’s more! Hit the ground running on Tuesday with breakfast and table talks with the National Women in Roofing team at 7 a.m. (please note, additional registration of $55 required for this event). After breakfast, it’s time to jump straight back into education sessions! Some of our must-attends for Tuesday include:

• The Roofing Roundtable: hosted by the WSRCA Young Roofing Professionals Committee and led by Rachel Garcia of Malarkey Roofing Products, this session is all about building multi-generational teams.
• State of the Industry: Trent Cotney is back for another session, this time exploring the legal perspective of what’s going on the industry.
• Mental Health and Addiction in the Roofing Workplace: Paul Reed of Roofers in Recovery takes the helm during this session about how contractors can better support the mental health of their crews.
• The Cost of Disconnection: for this Spanish-language session, Monica Vornbrock of the GLO Group dives into how post-sale breakdowns are costing contractors customer trust and revenue.
• Designing Durable Cold-Climate Roofs: in this session, Mindy Dahlquist of TRA Snow and Sun explores the role of snow retention in designing roofs in cold climates.
• Escaping Reactive Service: the last session on our shortlist is Tracey Donels (Service First Solutions) talk about creating predictable business growth through service offerings.

And just like on Monday, there are two options for lunchtime learning and some can’t miss events:

• Luncheons: Imelda Perez of CertainTeed will be hosting Tuesday’s Spanish-language luncheon. The other lunch option will be in English and features motivational speaker Shereen Thor.
• Sound stage: The RoofersCoffeeShop® crew will be taking over the demonstration stage after lunch for an insightful conversation with WSRCA President Stan Robinson and incoming WSRCA President Ron Lloyd.
• The Roofing Games™: and closing out the day is the much-anticipated shingling competition! Sponsored by Malarkey Roofing Products, this is a great opportunity to bring the community together and maybe even win some fun prizes!

These lists are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to everything going on at this year’s Western Roofing Expo!

See the whole schedule and register to attend the 2026 show!

By Emma Peterson. 

Industry veteran John Kenney shares his perspective on the current opportunities and challenges in the construction coatings market. 

In a new CoatingsTalk™, Heidi J. Ellsworth spoke with John Kenney about the state of the construction coatings industry and what is driving its current changes. John is the CEO of Cotney Consulting Group and has an extensive background in the industry, both being a third-generation roofer and having had over 45 years of experience in the field personally.  

When asked about what he’s seeing in the industry, specifically the coatings market, John used the word uneven. He explained, “I don't think you can simply describe construction as good or bad right now. Conditions are varying considerably by geographical and market segment... Overall, I’d say the market isn’t moving collectively in one direction.”  

But even without a clear direction, there are some trends that John has observed beyond the diversity of experiences across regions. One is the expansion of coatings beyond the roof. As he put it, “One of the things that I see as far as coating opportunities, they definitely extend beyond the roof; you have waterproofing, walls, decks and other type of protective applications... All this means that, even though backlogs have shrunk in some areas, there’s still profitable work in this market.” 

What has created this uneven but expanding market? John pointed to deferred capital spending and rising building owner understanding as some of the growth drivers. “Deferred capital spending can create many, many restoration opportunities. The need to maintain the assets are not going to disappear simply because the owner delays a larger capital project,” he explained. “And what we’re seeing is a lot of clients who are realizing coatings are the solution to deferring large amounts of spending while still maintaining their properties.” 

As for some of the factors slowing the market, John’s main points were about fuel prices that have been impacted by geopolitics, “ 

As we all know, geopolitics are turbulent and where we’re feeling that is with oil. Specifically, there’s less refining capabilities because of all the wars, so the reason why the output is less is because there's no way of making more. And that pressure is keeping things like oil prices, fuel shortages, diesel especially, and chemical costs high with no sign of coming down. And those high prices and shortages are felt in everything from gas prices and mobilization expenses to delivered material costs and more. 

Overall, John’s outlook is hesitant positivity. In his own words, “Projects aren't going to disappear. And I think that puts us in even a better position for what we're talking about here, restoration, coating, service and maintenance work even with the challenges.” 

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

By Emma Peterson. 

Want to take your estimating skills to the next level? Don’t miss the chance to learn in-person from industry expert John Kenney!  

John Kenney will be teaching an Advanced Roofing Estimating Workshop in Lakewood, Florida this coming November. John, CEO of Cotney Consulting Group, has an extensive history in the industry doing everything from installing millions of square feet of roofing systems to managing multi-branch operations and generating millions in annual revenue. This level of expertise makes him the perfect person to learn from. His classes take attendees through real-world examples so that they are not only knowledgeable about the theory of estimating but experienced in the realities of it as well.  

This two-day workshop will cover:  

• Evaluating opportunities and knowing when to bid, pass or wait  
• Reviewing plans, specifications and scope requirements  
• Identifying estimating risk before pricing is finalized  
• Validating labor, crew size and productivity assumptions  
• Developing complete direct and indirect project costs  
• Reviewing material, equipment and subcontractor costs  
• Protecting margin through proper contingency and cost allocation  
• Identifying scope gaps and unclear project requirements  
• Developing responsible and competitive bid strategies  
• Reviewing estimates before submission  
• Preparing a complete estimating-to-operations handoff  
• Using the results of completed projects to improve future estimates 

This is a great opportunity for roofing estimators, project managers, operations leaders and business owners to take their skills beyond quantity takeoffs and basic unit pricing into strategy and skills that will improve their business’ profitability and efficiency. 

For this training in particular, attendees should already have a fundamental knowledge of estimating. Coffee, drinks, snacks and lunch will be provided during both training days, and all classroom exercises can be completed by hand using paper, pencil and a calculator. Laptops and estimating software are welcome but are not required. 

After registration, attendees will automatically receive a welcome package, which includes event details, travel information, preparation guidance and a pre-workshop self-assessment. 

Learn more about the event and get registered!

By Emma Peterson. 

From major industry announcements and scholarship awards to emerging market trends and wildfire preparedness, these were the RCS articles that got the most clicks this August.  

August was a month of announcements here at The Coffee Shops®! For our team, we launched a new microsite (www.RoofersCoffeeShop.ca) designed specifically for the Canadian market. Similar to our U.K. microsite (www.RoofersCoffeeShop.uk), this site will not only bring together contractors in its dedicated region but also strengthen the global roofing community.  

In addition to our big announcement, our site saw a lot of announcements and quite a few of them made our August 2026 top article list. For example, one of our R-Club members, Excel Roofing and Siding, sent out an announcement of a name change to Excel Slate and Copper. This change was designed to “better reflect the company’s long-standing expertise in slate roofing, copper craftsmanship and historic home restoration.”  

Another example was the Roofing Alliance’s announcement about the 2026-2027 Melvin Kruger Scholarship. “A total of $59,000 was awarded for new scholarships with an additional $55,000 for 12 renewal scholarships.” 

And coming in first and second on our August 2026 top 10 article list were two announcements, both from industry associations. In second place was an article about the Colorado Roofing Association’s new advisory about wildlife code requirements. As for first place, that went to the he Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) and the Metal Construction Association (MCA)’s announcement of the results of metal roofing market study conducted by FMI Consulting. 

The top 10 August articles 

10 - Excel Roofing and Siding becomes Excel Slate and Copper

9 - Why the most successful roofing contractors plan further ahead by John Kenney. 

8 - TPO or metal retrofit? Understanding the tradeoffs by The Coffee Shops® 

7 - When the economic signals don’t agree by John Kenney. 

6 - Becoming a ROOFEREE by Emma Peterson. 

5 - The secret to managing commercial roofing projects by Emma Peterson. 

4 - The Roofing Alliance announces 2026-2027 Melvin Kruger Scholarship recipients.

3 - Heavy-duty adhesives for every jobsite by The Coffee Shops®. 

2 - New advisory helps Colorado roofers prepare for wildfire code requirements by Alex Tolle. 

1 - New market survey forecasts strong growth, significant potential for residential metal roofing in U.S. 

By Emma Peterson. 

Industry veteran John Kenney explains how stronger connections between Canadian and American contractors can drive innovation, education and long-term industry growth. 

In our first-ever Roofing Road Trip® Canada edition, John Kenney and Karol Weyman discuss how the launch of RoofersCoffeeShop.ca will help build bonds between the Canadian and American roofing markets. John is the CEO of Cotney Consulting Group and a roofing veteran with decades of field experience. In his own words, “I started in the roofing industry more than four decades ago and working on the roof and learning the trade from the ground up. From there, I moved through estimating, project management operations and eventually executive leadership. Those experiences gave me a practical understanding of nearly every part of the roofing company.” 

And over the course of that storied career, John has experienced the value of collaboration between Canadian and American professionals firsthand:  

As my consulting and training work expanded, I began receiving more opportunities to work with contractors and manufacturers and also industry organizations like the Canadian Roofing Contractors Association (CRCA) throughout Canada. Working further north was a natural progression and I've learned just as much from the Canadian contractors as I hope they have learned from me as every market and every company offers a different perspective. 

It is experiences like John’s that the RoofersCoffeeShop.ca microsite aims to foster. Because when we all learn from each other, we all grow stronger. John shared some insights related to this, saying, “The roofing industry definitely becomes stronger when we take the time to learn from one another. The challenges contractors face don't stop at any kind of national borders or provincial borders, but each market does approach solving them differently based on their environments and cultures.”  

By building a space where contractors can build relationships with their peers in a different country, RoofersCoffeeShop.ca is helping share ideas and solutions that benefit everyone. In John’s words, “The more we openly share ideas, I think the stronger the entire industry becomes.” 

Check out the whole episode to learn more about how the launch of RoofersCoffeeShop.ca is fostering industry-growing relationships.

By Emma Peterson. 

The importance of strong estimating practices in managing risk, protecting profitability and setting projects up for success. 

Estimating is the foundation of roofing projects – without an accurate assessment of a project, and the costs related to it, it's difficult to expect a project to go smoothly. But making sure your estimate is accurate is also one of the most challenging parts of a roofing project. To learn about how you can level up your estimating skills, we hosted John Kenney of Cotney Consulting Group for an episode of Roofing Road Trips®. 

Across the decades he has spent in the roofing industry, John has seen quite a few professionals struggle to build estimates. He shared the most common issue he sees, saying, “Estimators are taught how to measure roofs, how to price materials, but not how to manage the most important items, which is assumptions, communicate scope and company margins.”  

Why is it important that an estimator is aware of and managing these more abstract factors? As one of the first parts of any project, estimating is also the first step in risk management. John explained, “Estimating is really a decision-making role, not the takeoff one we see it presented as. As an estimator, you are the first to think through the project and make decisions about what will be done. That is directly tied to profitability and the risk.”  

So, how do you ensure you or your estimator are ready to tackle managing risk during the estimating process? Get the right training. John described how he trains estimators to go beyond the measurements and into risk management:  

We help them with estimating with a focus on giving them the skills that they won’t get in the field. So we focus on planning, communication, accountability and problem solving. Our goal is to give these leaders confidence and structure so they're not reacting all day. They're actually managing proactively. 

And managing proactively? That’s what shifts your estimating from just measurements and math to risk management and decision-making. And by making that shift, your company will be set up for successful, smooth projects. 

Want to learn more about estimator’s roles in risk management? Listen to the rest of the podcast!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Industry leaders explain why financial discipline, diversification and customer education matter as roofing businesses navigate economic and insurance pressures. 

During a live Coffee Conversations® discussion at the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Association (FRSA), roofing professionals examined the pressures impacting contractor success across the United States. The panel agreed that shrinking backlogs, insurance changes and aggressive pricing are forcing companies to strengthen their operations rather than chase every available project. 

What market shifts are creating the most concern for contractors? 

As contractors adjust to a changing business environment, John Kenney, chief executive officer of Cotney Consulting Group, said several challenges are creating uncertainty at the same time. He shared: 

“I think insurance claims and understanding the industry’s new insurance rules are causing a lot of angst for contractors. AI, robotics and other technologies are also major issues people are trying to understand. Contractors are also watching prices, fuel costs and shrinking backlogs.”  

John encouraged contractors to use slower periods to improve their companies and pursue work that fits their established capabilities. Bridget Jenkins Wilson, owner of Cardinal Roofing, added that roofing is cyclical and contractors should prepare during strong years for the slower periods that follow. 

How can contractors move from storm-dependent work to retail sales? 

Changes in the insurance market are also pushing some roofing businesses to pursue more retail work. Adam Bensman of TAMKO® and the Roofing STRONG Alliance said this transition requires more than simply finding a different type of customer. He explained: 

“The hottest trend in roofing is the shift from storm-dependent to retail-driven business. I am seeing roofing companies that were built to catch or chase storms, but lack formal sales processes and structure, now trying to learn how to sell retail.”  

Adam warned that companies without structured sales processes may respond to pressure by discounting projects below sustainable levels. Bridget emphasized educating homeowners about policies, deductibles, materials and payment responsibilities rather than relying on high-pressure sales tactics. 

What should contractors prioritize during an economic slowdown? 

Although contractors cannot control the economy, John said they can improve their decision-making by developing a detailed understanding of their financial position. He noted, “Right now, you need to know your numbers, understand exactly what your overhead is and focus on the work your business is best suited to perform.”  

That financial clarity can help contractors avoid pursuing unprofitable work simply to keep crews busy. Marc Hansen of JobNimbus agreed that contractors need reliable systems for estimating, customer communication, payment collection and follow-up. Bridget also encouraged companies to examine everyday expenses, material waste and internal financial controls. 

The panel’s message was clear: Contractors cannot control market cycles, but they can control their pricing, processes and customer experience. Companies that understand their costs and serve homeowners transparently will be better positioned for the next phase of the market. 

Listen to the entire podcast or Watch the conversation to learn more about adapting a roofing business to economic and insurance changes. 

By John Kenney, Cotney Consulting Group.  

The strongest roofing contractors are the ones who see the problems coming and prepare accordingly. 

After more than 45 years in the roofing industry, I have learned that many project failures do not begin on site. They begin weeks earlier, when a decision was delayed, an order was not placed, access was not confirmed or information was not chased soon enough. 

By the time the issue becomes visible, the opportunity to manage it properly may already be gone. A material has not arrived, the planned area is not available, the client has changed the sequence, the site team is waiting, additional plant is required or a delivery must be rearranged. The business then moves into recovery mode; people work harder, calls become more urgent and costs begin to increase. 

The problem may appear to be today’s problem, but it was usually created by a lack of planning several weeks earlier. That is why planning is one of the most important operational disciplines a roofing contractor can develop. 

Planning is more than producing a programme. 

Most contractors have a project programme, but that does not necessarily mean they are planning effectively. 

A programme may show when work is expected to begin and finish, but true planning goes much further. It considers the sequence of activities, availability of labour, material lead times, access arrangements, plant requirements, approvals, temporary protection, coordination with other trades and the effect of weather on the work. 

A programme tells the team what should happen. Planning determines whether it can happen. 

A roofing project may be shown as starting on a particular date, but has the insulation been approved? Have the rooflights been ordered? Is the scaffolding complete? Are lifting arrangements confirmed? Has the client released the work area? Are the required operatives available? Has the substrate been inspected? Are the design details complete? 

If those questions have not been answered, the start date is only an intention. The most successful roofing contractors test the programme against reality. 

Materials should be managed before they become urgent 

Material planning has always been important, but delays, transport disruption, manufacturing constraints and changing product availability have made it even more critical. Not every material creates the same risk. Some products can be obtained locally with short notice, while others require technical approval, fabrication, colour selection, design input or scheduled manufacturing. The project team should understand that difference from the beginning. 

A standard roll of membrane should not be managed in the same way as a bespoke metal flashing, rooflight, tapered insulation scheme or specialist edge detail. Critical materials need to be identified during the handover and tracked separately. 

The contractor should know what information is required before each item can be released, who is responsible for providing it and when the order must be placed to protect the programme. Waiting until the material is needed is too late. 

Many procurement problems arise because the team assumes there is more time than there actually is. The contractor may be waiting for a technical submission, final dimensions, colour approval or client instruction and each delay shortens the available manufacturing window. 

By the time the order is finally released, the supplier is blamed for a lead time that should have been planned from the start. Planning does not eliminate every delay, but it gives the contractor more options. That alone has value.

Labour planning requires a wider view

Labour is often managed one week at a time — the company reviews which sites are active, which team is available and where the greatest pressure exists. That may be necessary for daily operations, but it is not enough for long-term control. 

Roofing contractors need to look several weeks ahead. They need to understand which projects are expected to start, which are likely to finish, where labour demand will peak and which jobs require specific skills or supervision. Without that wider view, one delayed project can disrupt the entire labour plan. 

A project that was expected to finish on Friday may continue for another two weeks, even though the same operatives have already been allocated to another site. The contractor then has to move people, delay a start, use unfamiliar labour or divide a team that should remain together. 

The result is usually lower productivity. 

Labour planning should also account for more than total numbers. The question is not simply how many operatives are available. The business needs to know which people are suitable for the work, who can supervise the project, who is familiar with the system and whether the planned team can achieve the output assumed in the tender. 

A team of six is not automatically more productive than a team of four. Too many people in a restricted area can reduce output rather than improve it. The correct labour plan depends on the project, sequence, access and available workface. That is why planning must begin with more than a headcount. 

Plant and access can control the entire project

Many roofing projects are delayed because plant and access are treated as secondary issues. 

They are not secondary. They often control whether the work can proceed at all. 

Scaffolding, hoists, cranes, telehandlers, mobile elevating work platforms, loading areas and material storage all affect productivity and programme. If the contractor does not confirm these arrangements early, the site team may arrive ready to work but unable to move materials to the roof. 

Additional handling is one of the most common forms of hidden labour loss. Materials are delivered to the wrong location, moved once for storage, moved again for access and moved a third time before installation. 

Each movement consumes labour and increases the risk of damage. The contractor may not notice the cost because it is spread across the project, but it is still there. 

Good planning asks practical questions before mobilisation. Where will materials be delivered? How will they reach the roof? How much storage is available? Which areas must remain clear? Who is responsible for booking plant? What happens if access is shared with another trade? Are there restrictions on delivery times? Will the same access arrangement be available throughout the project? 

These questions are operational, but they are also financial. Poor access planning quickly becomes a labour problem. 

Weather must be part of the plan 

Roofing will always be affected by weather. 

The challenge is not predicting every condition perfectly. The challenge is building enough flexibility into the plan to respond when conditions change. 

A realistic programme should consider the time of year, the type of roofing system, the sequence of stripping and covering, temporary protection and the consequences of leaving areas exposed. It should also consider which work can continue if the planned activity cannot proceed. 

Can prefabrication continue? Can materials be distributed? Can internal work be completed? Can another area be released? Can inspections or quality checks be brought forward? Contractors that plan alternatives lose less time. Those that plan only one sequence are more vulnerable. Weather delays become especially expensive when the business has already committed labour, plant and deliveries to one activity with no secondary plan. 

The most prepared contractors do not assume the weather will cooperate. They build options. 

Communication must happen before the problem 

One of the clearest signs of weak planning is late communication. 

The client is told about a delay after the date has already been missed. The supplier is contacted when the material is urgently required. The site team is informed of a sequence change after arriving on site. The commercial team hears about additional work after it has been completed. At that point, the conversation becomes more difficult. 

Early communication creates choices. Late communication creates explanations. A client may be willing to adjust the sequence if the issue is raised early enough. A supplier may be able to prioritise an order if given proper notice. A project manager may be able to move labour to another area if the team knows access will not be available. 

The earlier the information is shared, the more options remain. That does not mean communicating every minor concern as though it is a crisis. It means identifying issues with enough time to manage them professionally. 

Good communication is part of planning because it gives the entire project team time to respond. 

Cash flow is affected by operational planning. 

Planning is not limited to site performance. It also affects cash flow. Materials may require deposits or early payment. Labour costs begin before the contractor receives payment. Plant hire continues even when work is delayed. Late variations may not be included in the next payment application. 

An operationally disorganised project often becomes financially disorganised as well. The business may carry more cost than expected because procurement happened too early or too late. It may miss valuation opportunities because additional work was not recorded promptly. It may continue paying for labour and plant while waiting for access or information. 

The project manager and commercial team should therefore plan together. What costs will be incurred before the next payment cycle? Which materials require early commitment? What information is needed to support the application? Which variations must be valued now? Are delays affecting cost recovery? 

Operational decisions create financial consequences. The strongest contractors understand that connection. 

Short planning meetings can create long-term control 

Planning does not require endless meetings. It requires disciplined conversations held regularly. 

A weekly planning review can identify upcoming risks before they become urgent. The team should look beyond the current week and ask what must happen over the next three, six or even 12 weeks.

 Which projects are starting? Which are finishing? Which materials are critical? Which approvals are outstanding? Where will labour demand increase? What plant must be booked? Which clients need updated information? Which commercial issues require action? 

The purpose is not to create a perfect forecast. Construction changes too quickly for that. The purpose is to keep the business looking ahead. A contractor that reviews only what happened last week is managing history. A contractor that reviews what must happen next month is managing operations. 

Both are necessary, but only one protects the future. 

Planning further ahead protects margin 

Many contractors associate margin loss with poor estimating. Sometimes the estimate is the problem. 

Often, however, the estimate was reasonable, and the delivery process allowed small inefficiencies to accumulate. Additional carriage is paid, plant is extended, labour waits, materials are handled repeatedly, work is completed out of sequence, supervision is required for longer than planned and variations are submitted late. 

None of these costs may be large enough to attract immediate attention, but together they reduce profitability. Planning protects margin by reducing avoidable disruption. It allows the contractor to order more strategically, schedule labour more accurately, coordinate plant properly and communicate changes before they become emergencies. 

The business becomes less reactive. That is the real advantage. 

Better planning creates a more predictable business 

Roofing contractors cannot control every event that affects a project. They cannot control the weather, manufacturing capacity, client decisions or every condition found on site. They can control how early they look for risk, how quickly they respond, whether responsibilities are clear and whether important information is reviewed every week or left until someone remembers it. 

The most successful roofing contractors are not those that avoid every problem. They are the ones that give themselves more time to manage problems properly. They plan materials before they become urgent, plan labour before teams become overcommitted, confirm access before operatives arrive, communicate before dates are missed and review commercial issues before costs are forgotten. 

Planning further ahead does not make roofing predictable in every detail. It makes the business more prepared. That preparation improves productivity, communication, cash flow and margin. It also gives the contractor something every business needs. 

More control over what happens next. 

Learn more about Cotney Consulting Group in their Coffee Shop Directory or visit www.cotneyconsulting.com.

About the author 

John Kenney has more than 45 years of experience in the roofing industry. His career has included every level of roofing operations, from field installation and estimating through executive leadership. He is the CEO of Cotney Consulting Group, a partner member of the International Federation for the Roofing Trades. He has earned the MIoR designation from the former Institute of Roofing in the United Kingdom. He works with roofing contractors to improve estimating, project management, operational performance, leadership and profitability. 

By Emma Peterson. 

Explore the articles that generated the most interest this month. 

In the last month, over 250 articles have been published on RoofersCoffeeShop.com. That’s a lot of reading to keep up with, especially for busy contractors who are going between the office and the field. To make it easier to keep up, we’ve looked at those hundreds of articles and picked out the most popular ones to showcase.  

In this list, there are a couple of articles authored by Heidi J. Ellsworth, the president of The Coffee Shops™. In one article she highlights how the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) is expanding mental health support through suicide prevention training, made possible through a collaboration with LivingWorks. The other article dove into the importance of awards and recognition during the current artificial intelligence boom.  

Our friends over at Cotney Consulting Group also contributed a few articles on our top 10 list, including one about crystalline silica exposure and another about creating an operational preparedness plan to navigate the current global political environment.  

Our number one article of the month showcased FMI Corporation’s 2026 Q2 North America Construction and Engineering Outlook Report and was written by Emma Peterson, senior content developer for The Coffee Shops™. This was not the only article of Emma’s that made the list, as her articles about turning data into business strategies, taking on leadership roles and the development of the metal roof retrofit industry were also featured. 

July 2026’s top articles 

10 - Eagleview warns emergency managers: A below average hurricane season is not a safe season by Eagleview. 

9 - NRCA expands mental health support with free suicide prevention training by Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

8 - NRCA Gold Circle Awards: Why recognition matters more than ever in the age of AI by Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

7 - When global events reach the rooftop by John Kenney, Cotney Consulting Group. 

6 - Building the metal roof retrofit industry by Emma Peterson. 

5 - Finding opportunity in every position by Emma Peterson. 

4 - ARCA’s Lotería Night brings fun and connection to the roofing community by Alex Tolle. 

3 - Connecting the dots between data and strategy by Emma Peterson. 

2 - The silica citation nobody sees coming by Cotney Consulting Group. 

1 - Construction growth expected in the next year by Emma Peterson.