By Karen Edwards. 

September is Self-Care Awareness Month and serves as a timely reminder that taking care of ourselves is not a luxury; it is a necessity.  

For roofing and exterior contractors, the demands of the job often place physical performance, customer needs and project deadlines at the center of daily life. While those responsibilities are important, they should never come at the expense of emotional, mental and physical well-being. 

The construction industry is built on resilience. Contractors work through challenging weather conditions, labor shortages, economic pressures and demanding project schedules. While that resilience is something to be proud of, it can also create a culture where stress, exhaustion and burnout are accepted as part of the job. Over time, those pressures can take a serious toll on overall health. 

The hidden toll of working in construction 

Physical health is often the most visible concern. Long hours, repetitive movements, heat exposure and physically demanding work can lead to injuries and chronic health issues. However, the less visible challenges can be just as impactful. Anxiety, depression, stress and feelings of isolation affect people across every level of the industry, from field crews to business owners. 

The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that one in five adults live with a mental illness. Statistics such as these remind us that mental health challenges are not isolated issues. They affect coworkers, friends, family members and entire teams. Creating awareness is the first step toward creating meaningful change. 

Industry associations are making a difference 

The good news is that awareness around mental health and wellness continues to grow throughout the roofing industry. Organizations such as the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and National Women in Roofing (NWIR) have recognized the importance of supporting the whole person, not just the professional. 

Through educational resources, networking opportunities, wellness initiatives and conversations focused on mental health, these associations help reduce stigma and encourage people to seek support when they need it. By bringing wellness into everyday industry conversations, they are reinforcing the message that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. 

Suicide prevention starts with awareness and action 

Suicide prevention has become an increasingly important topic throughout the construction industry. Talking openly about mental health challenges, recognizing warning signs and knowing where to find help can literally save lives. The strongest teams are not the ones that ignore struggles; they are the teams that look out for one another and create environments where people feel comfortable asking for support. 

Self-care does not have to be complicated. It can start with getting enough sleep, taking breaks during the workday, staying hydrated, exercising regularly or making time to connect with family and friends. It can also mean reaching out to a trusted colleague, mentor or mental health professional when life feels overwhelming. 

This September, let Self-Care Awareness Month serve as a reminder that your health matters. The success of a business begins with the well-being of the people who make it run. By prioritizing physical health, supporting mental wellness and taking advantage of resources available through industry organizations such as NRCA and NWIR, contractors can build not only stronger companies but healthier, safer and more resilient lives.

Por Karen Edwards, traducido por Alberto Torres. 

Septiembre es el Mes de la Concientización sobre el Autocuidado y sirve como un recordatorio oportuno de que cuidar de nosotros mismos no es un lujo; es una necesidad. 

Para los contratistas de techado y exteriores, las exigencias del trabajo suelen colocar el desempeño físico, las necesidades de los clientes y los plazos de los proyectos en el centro de la vida diaria. Aunque estas responsabilidades son importantes, nunca deben ser a costa del bienestar emocional, mental y físico. 

La industria de la construcción está basada en la resiliencia. Los contratistas trabajan bajo condiciones climáticas difíciles, escasez de mano de obra, presiones económicas y exigentes calendarios de proyectos. Aunque esa resiliencia es motivo de orgullo, también puede crear una cultura en la que el estrés, el agotamiento y el desgaste emocional se aceptan como parte del trabajo. Con el tiempo, estas presiones pueden afectar seriamente la salud en general. 

El costo oculto de trabajar en la construcción 

La salud física suele ser la preocupación más visible. Las largas jornadas, los movimientos repetitivos, la exposición al calor y el trabajo físicamente exigente pueden provocar lesiones y problemas de salud crónicos. Sin embargo, los desafíos menos visibles pueden tener un impacto igual de significativo. La ansiedad, la depresión, el estrés y los sentimientos de aislamiento afectan a personas en todos los niveles de la industria, desde las cuadrillas de trabajo hasta los dueños de empresas. 

El Instituto Nacional de Salud Mental estima que una de cada cinco personas adultas vive con una enfermedad mental. Estadísticas como esta nos recuerdan que los problemas de salud mental no son situaciones aisladas. Afectan a compañeros de trabajo, amigos, familiares y equipos completos. Generar conciencia es el primer paso para lograr un cambio significativo. 

Las asociaciones de la industria están marcando la diferencia 

La buena noticia es que la conciencia sobre la salud mental y el bienestar continúa creciendo en toda la industria del techado. Organizaciones como la Asociación Nacional de Contratistas de Techado (NRCA) y National Women in Roofing (NWIR) han reconocido la importancia de apoyar a la persona en su totalidad, no solo al profesional. 

A través de recursos educativos, oportunidades de networking, iniciativas de bienestar y conversaciones enfocadas en la salud mental, estas asociaciones ayudan a reducir el estigma y alientan a las personas a buscar apoyo cuando lo necesitan. Al incorporar el bienestar en las conversaciones diarias de la industria, refuerzan el mensaje de que pedir ayuda es una señal de fortaleza, no de debilidad. 

La prevención del suicidio comienza con la conciencia y la acción 

La prevención del suicidio se ha convertido en un tema cada vez más importante dentro de la industria de la construcción. Hablar abiertamente sobre los desafíos de salud mental, reconocer las señales de advertencia y saber dónde encontrar ayuda puede literalmente salvar vidas. Los equipos más sólidos no son aquellos que ignoran las dificultades; son aquellos que se apoyan mutuamente y crean entornos donde las personas se sienten cómodas pidiendo apoyo. 

El autocuidado no tiene por qué ser complicado. Puede comenzar con dormir lo suficiente, tomar descansos durante la jornada laboral, mantenerse hidratado, hacer ejercicio con regularidad o dedicar tiempo para convivir con familiares y amigos. También puede significar acercarse a un colega de confianza, un mentor o un profesional de la salud mental cuando la vida se siente abrumadora. 

Este mes de septiembre, permita que el Mes de la Concientización sobre el Autocuidado sea un recordatorio de que su salud importa. El éxito de una empresa comienza con el bienestar de las personas que la hacen funcionar. Al priorizar la salud fisica, apoyar el bienestar mental y aprovechar los recursos disponibles a través de organizaciones de la industria como NRCA y NWIR, los contratistas pueden construir no solo empresas más fuertes, sino también vidas más saludables, seguras y resilientes. 

The board supports the RT3 mission and leads the organization in its efforts to educate and advance technology in the roofing industry. 

Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3), a group of progressive roofing professionals focused on technology solutions for the roofing industry, announced Brad Strawbridge, founder & CEO of Capital City Roofing and co-founder and CEO of BuilderLync as its newest board member.

“The roofing industry is at a technology inflection point, and most contractors are still watching from the sideline. RT3 is the room where that gets changed,” said Strawbridge. “As a new board member, I am excited to help shape the next three years of contractor technology, not just sit in on the conversations about it.

Karen Edwards, RT3 executive director, commented, “Brad is bringing his passion for technology and love of the industry to the organization. We are excited to have him be part of our leadership team.”

Other board members continuing their service include:

• Wendy Marvin, Matrix Roofing & Home Solutions, president
• John Kenney, Cotney Consulting Group, treasurer
• Jon Gardner, Owens Corning, board member
• Rich Carroll, Carroll Consulting Group, board member
• Jeremy Dickmann, Apollo Primm Commercial Roofing, board member 

RT3 also extends its gratitude to Thomas Basch, Infinity Home Services, for his commitment to the organization during his term on the board.

Follow RT3 on social media for continuing updates and listen to the RT3 podcast on your favorite listening platform.

About Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3)

Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3) strives to find innovative technology solutions to be used within the roofing industry. RT3 provides insights from progressive thought leaders both inside and outside the roofing industry along with practical resources for implementing potential solutions successfully. The organization will encourage and enable contractors to embrace technology as they seek to grow their businesses. With a commitment to disseminate technology advancement information, RT3 will help build the professionalism and appeal of the roofing industry. Learn more at www.rt3thinktank.com.

By Emma Peterson. 

Get industry insights, education opportunities and more this June in Rosemont, Illinois. 

The Metal Construction Association (MCA)’s annual summer meeting is returning to Rosemont, Illinois this June! Taking place June 23-24, 2026, this meeting is meant to help your team stay ahead with industry insights, practical education and high-value networking opportunities.  

This year, the keynote speaker will be Johnny Quinn, sharing a talk all about Unstoppable Momentum. There will also be a new dual-track education system that allows your team to “choose their own education adventure." One track focuses on the business and technical side of roofing with information about codes, standards and a report from the Metal Roofing Alliance.  

The other track is perfect for your marketing and sales specialists and features to sessions hosted by The Coffee Shops™ own Karen Edwards! In one, Karen will moderate a panel all about hiring and retaining talent featuring Amy Staska from National Roofing Contractors Association alongside Mandy McIntyre and Maureen Greeves from Tremco WTI. The other session, a panel titled “Modern Marketing That Moves Metal,” will see Karen discussing how marketing has shifted from relationship-driven to relationship plus digital visibility with Sean McFarland and Mark Carlisle. 

These sessions are great examples of the type of expert insights you will have access to by attending the 2026 MCA Summer Meeting. And you will also have the opportunity to go beyond just listening to these experts speak, as MCA has organized powerful networking opportunities that allow attendees to “build relationships across the metal construction supply chain in a relaxed setting.” An example of these networking opportunities is the Chicago Dogs vs. Cleburne Railroaders baseball game outing on Tuesday, June 23 (additional $25 fee at registration). 

Ready to boost your professional development and set your team up for success in the second half of the year? Get registered to attend the 2026 MCS Summer Meeting (and take advantage of discounts when multiple attendees register from the same company).

By Karen L. Edwards. 

What happens above the ceiling line can impact moisture control and long-term health inside the home. 

Indoor air quality conversations often center on air purifiers, HVAC upgrades or cleaning routines, but some of the most consequential factors are hidden well above eye level. At GAF, roofing and ventilation experts consistently see how overlooked attic and appliance ventilation can influence moisture movement, structural durability and the air families breathe every day. From everyday activities that generate unseen humidity to exhaust systems that never make it outdoors, the roof plays a far more active role in indoor health than most homeowners realize, making proper ventilation a critical and often misunderstood part of the equation. 

Where does trapped moisture come from? 

Moisture is generated from people, appliances, plants and daily activities. One person in the home breathing can produce three pints of water in one day. By that metric, a family of four could generate up to 12 pints of moisture or the equivalent of 1.5 gallons, daily. Cooking a meal can also generate a pint of water and running appliances, like the dishwasher, can contribute to moisture entering your living space. 

GAF Senior Product Manager Jeff Avitabile explains that, without proper ventilation, this moisture can make its way into your attic, leading to issues. "If you're not evacuating and getting the moisture from your dryers, your bathroom, your kitchen and other living activities out of the living space properly, it will typically collect in your attic. This leads to issues, like mold, mildew and building material rot." 

When mold forms in the attic, it releases spores that travel through the air and can be breathed in by occupants of the home, which can have serious health consequences. 

Michael Russo, product manager at GAF, reinforces the dangers of mold. "Without proper roof ventilation, homeowners are at a greater risk of suffering health issues if mold does develop. Plus, it's very expensive to hire specialists for mold remediation." 

Talk to your contractor about proper ventilation 

Avitabile explains that many homeowners don't even know if their ventilation is doing the job it was intended to do or whether it was properly installed. "If you have a bathroom being remodeled, unfortunately, a lot of contractors will just evacuate the heat and moisture from the shower into your attic space and then, your attic ventilation system can't keep up." 

The team at GAF has seen cases where they've been called out because a homeowner thinks their ridge vents are not functioning properly, only to discover that there's a bathroom fan exhaust that's pumping moisture into the attic. 

He shared the importance of talking to your contractor about proper ventilation, saying, "If you're having home alterations like a bathroom or kitchen remodel, it's a great time to ensure proper ventilation with your contractor." When you're discussing the plans with your contractor, be sure to ask: "Are you going to properly vent this to the outside through the roof and not into my attic?" 

When and why to replace venting systems 

If you're replacing your roof, that's the perfect time to think about replacing your roof ventilation. 

"If you're replacing a roof, we recommend replacing the rooftop attic vents and the bath and dryer appliance vents," says Avitabile. "There are folks out there who will try to reuse one, but we recommend replacing the entire system whenever you're replacing the roof." 

Replacing roof ventilation during a roof replacement, when installed by a GAF-certified contractor, can bring additional benefits, as one warranty covers both the roof and the vents. 

"When a certified contractor installs them as part of a GAF enhanced warranty, the vents pick up all the enhanced warranty coverage," explains Avitabile. "You're dealing with one contractor and a system of products designed to function effectively together on the roof—all backed by one manufacturer." 

If you're not replacing your roof but undertaking any type of remodel or construction project, make sure to have the conversation with your contractor about potentially replacing ventilation and, at the very least, about where any new exhaust vents will be placed. 

If your remodel includes the installation of new household appliances such as bathroom & kitchen fans or clothes dryers, GAF has you covered with the Master Flow™ Bath & Dryer Rooftop Appliance Vent and by ensuring those new appliances are properly exhausted through the roof. Proper ventilation of appliances, like clothes dryers, reduces the risks of clogged or blocked vents, which can increase the risk of fire. 

Original article source: GAF

By Karen Edwards. 

It was a fabulous day of learning, networking and community.  

RoofersCoffeeShop® recently had the privilege of attending the CertainTeed Business Builders Workshop at the iconic Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, held at the start of January. What an incredible experience it was — an immersive day dedicated to growth, education and meaningful industry connection. 

This exclusive, invitation only event gathered CertainTeed credentialed contractors from across the region for a full day of hands-on learning. Contractors had the chance to meet one-on-one with CertainTeed’s preferred vendor partners to explore services, tools and solutions designed to support their businesses. Alongside these conversations was an impressive schedule of educational sessions centered around high impact topics including AI, sales training and even podcasting, a session which was taught by myself along with RoofersCoffeeShop President & CEO, Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

Together, we guided contractors through the ways in which being a podcast guest can boost their brand’s visibility, how to find the right shows to participate in and what to consider when starting a podcast of their own — from equipment and platforms to publishing strategies. The room was energized, with plenty of great questions and lively discussions. 

Throughout the day, our team livestreamed from the RoofersCoffeeShop YouTube channel, interviewing vendor partners and contractors about the value of these learning opportunities. We even recorded two live Roofing Road Trips® podcast episodes from the Superdome field. The first episode featuring Stephen Spence from Project Map It and Antonio Brown from Roof Gecko, a contractor based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  

Be sure to visit the full playlist to hear from the contractors in attendance to learn why this event was so important for their businesses. Many regional contractors don’t always have the time or resources to attend larger national events like the International Roofing Expo, and events like CertainTeed’s Business Builders Workshop helps bridge that gap by bringing practical, high value training right to their local communities. 

And there’s good news: this wasn’t a one-time event. CertainTeed is hosting additional workshops every month through the spring of 2026, and RoofersCoffeeShop will be there at each one, bringing live videos and podcasts directly to the industry. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel and ring the bell for notifications so you can catch every livestream!  

Overall, the CertainTeed Business Builders Workshop was an inspiring kickoff to 2026. Our team is excited to continue traveling to each event this year, sharing stories, insights and training with contractors across the country. Don’t miss out — tune in, follow along and see firsthand what makes these workshops such an impactful experience. 

By Karen L. Edwards. 

A smarter way to bid on new builds is reshaping the game for roofing pros. 

There’s no slowdown in sight for residential construction, and with every new development comes an opportunity for roofing contractors ready to scale up. But bidding on these developments can be tricky: overlapping deadlines, model variations and margin-tight estimates threaten to bury a bid before it ever gets submitted. Enter GAF Takeoff™, a precision-driven solution designed to cut through the noise and help contractors compete where the volume of bids is high and the pressure is even higher. Here's how it's changing the playbook for roofing pros chasing bigger wins. 

Eliminating guesswork with GAF Takeoff™ 

While the high-demand residential market provides ample opportunity, the volume can create new challenges for some roofing professionals. On each job, contractors are charged with several important tasks, such as determining the roof measurements, calculating the materials needed and developing an accurate estimate. On big jobs, this becomes even trickier. 

GAF recognizes the challenges inaccurate measurements can create for roofing contractors, leading to the development of GAF Takeoff™. This new service aims to help eliminate the guesswork associated with bidding on roofing jobs for new construction projects. 

With GAF Takeoff™, roofing professionals can turn 2D building plans and architectural drawings into a 3D rendering, within two hours*. This can help contractors quickly respond to prospective clients with more accurate quotes. The information received includes detailed key roof measurements for eaves, hips, rakes, ridges, valleys and perimeters, plus a bill of materials that lists suggested products and required quantities. The service also gives users a PDF report and a DXF file for importing into CAD programs. 

Roofing an entire housing development with a few clicks 

New residential developments typically have many homes — but only a handful of models to choose from. This presents a great opportunity for roofing professionals. By securing GAF Takeoff™ reports for each model and using those reports to develop accurate estimates for each home style, contractors can more easily bid on large projects. Once the property manager or homebuyer selects a home model, an estimate can be delivered promptly with a quick refresh of material pricing. 

Additionally, general contractors or builders constructing the homes can enjoy peace of mind that a subcontractor using the GAF Takeoff™ service will present the most accurate bid on the roof. After all, every touchpoint counts toward the customer experience. 

Benefits of GAF Takeoff™ 

The latest GAF service is a game changer for contractors looking to enter the new construction market or grow their work in major remodeling situations and new residential developments. GAF Takeoff™ is available for single-family homes, one of the fastest-growing segments in residential construction**. 

This new service has several benefits for residential roofing contractors looking to take on big jobs. 

Accuracy 

The detailed 3D model allows all parties to rest assured that each roof measurement is correct. Accurate measurements can translate to more precise estimating and more exact material ordering, helping contractors deliver on their original pricing. 

Time savings 

With a 3D model possible in under two hours, contractors can expect to spend less time preparing estimates and deliver bids to the builder more quickly. In addition to convenience, this can help enhance the customer's overall experience. 

Cost-effectiveness 

GAF Takeoff™ is competitively priced and its accuracy enables correct material ordering, reducing waste and saving money. 

Enhanced decision-making 

The GAF service's detailed reports and 3D modeling offer all parties clear insight into the project, enabling contractors and property owners to make informed choices. This can help expedite decision-making and support discussions about important issues like material staging and safety requirements. 

Exploring the suite of GAF business services 

As North America's largest roofing manufacturer, GAF is committed to providing business services that help contractors succeed. From creating measurement and property reports to gaining insight on building codes and property data to preparing insurance scopes of work, GAF offers services that improve efficiency and accuracy, save time and increase profitability. 

Curious to learn more about the newest GAF service offering? Dive deeper into the functionality of GAF Takeoff™ and explore how it can support you in taking on more work in new residential developments. 

*Terms and restrictions apply. Visit here for details. 

**GAF Takeoff™ reports are available in the U.S. and Canada for single-family homes only. Submitting a commercial or multifamily blueprint will result in order cancelation. 

Original article and photo source: GAF

By Karen L. Edwards. 

A closer look at how a familiar layer of stone continues to support performance, protection and trust in commercial roofing systems. 

Step onto any urban rooftop and you may spot a familiar workhorse under your feet: gravel. Far from a decorative afterthought, that stone layer reflects a long legacy of durability that companies like GAF continue to champion across the commercial roofing industry. In a field where reliability carries real weight, gravel remains a practical, proven surface material that signals thoughtful design and long-term confidence. 

What is a built-up roofing system? 

A built-up roofing system consists of alternating layers of reinforcing ply fabrics and hot asphalt, which is typically hot-applied. These layers are installed directly over the roof deck, insulation and sometimes a cover board, creating a durable, multi-layered barrier that offers built-in redundancy that can help reduce the risk of leaks and system failures. 

BUR systems are ideal for commercial buildings with low-slope roofs. They're also often considered a more cost-effective alternative to single-ply membrane systems, like TPO or PVC, while still delivering durability and long-term performance. 

Why do they put gravel on roofs? 

Gravel is a critical finishing component of BUR roofing systems, serving several important functions that can enhance the roof's performance, protection and service life. Here's a closer look at the key benefits. 

UV protection 

Built-up roofs with gravel provide exceptional protection against the sun's UV rays, helping to reduce surface degradation such as cracking and blistering. This can help extend the service life of the roof. 

Ballast 

Larger ballast stones are used to anchor single-ply roofing membrane systems in place, while smaller pea-sized gravel is typical for BUR systems. Both types provide weight to keep the roofing membrane securely in place. 

Wind uplift resistance 

The multiple layers of BUR systems are adhered to one another, forming a monolithic membrane that doesn't rely on fasteners. No fasteners means fewer stress points on the roof, which is beneficial during high-wind events. The added gravel weight helps increase resistance to wind uplift and enhances stability during storms. 

Physical protection 

Gravel can help shield the roofing system's waterproofing layers from potential physical damage caused by hail, foot traffic, falling branches and other types of debris. This added protection helps prevent punctures and other damage that can lead to costly repairs incurred by owners (most manufacturers do not cover punctures unless special coverage is purchased). 

Fire resistance 

Gravel is a significant contributor to BUR systems' fire-resistant qualities, which often meet or even exceed the industry standards for fire resistance. Select systems are classified by UL in accordance with ANSI/UL 790, including as a component of Class A fire resistance-rated roofing assemblies. We recommend contacting the manufacturer's technical team and refer to UL Product iQ for specific approved assemblies using this surfacing as an option in the building roof solution. 

Drainage and erosion control 

In landscaping, gravel has long been known as a solution to help control water flow and promote evaporation. Similarly, gravel can help prevent water from flowing across the roof's surface, potentially preventing leaves and other debris from washing into and clogging roof drains. Clogged drains are a leading cause of water intrusion on flat roofs, and gravel plays an important role in reducing that risk. That said, proper roof maintenance is still required, even on roofs with gravel. 

What type of gravel is used on roofs? 

Many types of gravel can be used on roofs. However, it's important that the gravel you select for a project meets ASTM International standards for roofing applications to ensure proper performance and durability. For BUR systems, factory-applied crushed stone aggregate is the most common choice when compared to loose gravel installed on the jobsite. A factory-manufactured cap sheet is typically much lighter in weight and available in a variety of colors, including shades of tan, black, white and bright white. 

For ballasted single-ply roofing systems, weight is important. These systems often rely on larger river-bottom stones to provide the necessary downward pressure to hold the roofing membrane in place without the need for adhesives or fasteners. 

When does a gravel built-up roof make sense? 

Built-up gravel roofs are an excellent choice for many commercial buildings with low-slope roofs thanks to their proven performance and long service life. Routine annual inspections to identify and address any issues are typically sufficient to keep the system in good working order. 

Geographic location also plays a role in whether a built-up gravel roof might be the right choice. BUR systems perform well in regions with wide temperature fluctuations, high winds or severe weather due to their multiple layers that create built-in redundancy and protection (although most manufacturers exclude severe weather events from coverage under their guarantees and warranties). 

Finally, consider the building's function when choosing a roofing system. For specialized roofing projects like cold storage units or food manufacturing plants, a single-ply membrane system might make more sense due to specific performance requirements. 

Adding gravel/rock to the roof system can add significant weight to the structure of the building. Consult a structural engineer with the project architect before proceeding with the design and loading of a gravel surfaced BUR assembly to ensure the building can handle the added weight per square foot. 

BUR membranes have been around for years and they remain a time-tested, reliable choice when it comes to protecting your building from the elements. 

Original article source: GAF

By Emma Peterson. 

From storm protection to fire resistance and energy efficiency, learn about the benefits of working with insulated concrete forms. 

Over the years, we’ve seen a variety of changes in the roofing and construction industries as products and technology advance. One big example of this is the move away from traditional wood framing and towards Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs). To learn more about this transition, Karen Edwards sat down with Dave Marrs, co-host of HGTV’s Fixer to Fabulous, for an episode of Roofing Road Trips® all about Tremco’s ICF product, Nudura. 

Dave talked about how he got introduced to this new way of framing buildings. He explained, “I've got a friend that works for Tremco, that has been telling me for years, ‘Hey Dave, you got to try ICF construction. You've got to try it.’ And so I dabbled on a small scale.” The turning point for Dave was when nine tornadoes hit his home state of Arkansas in a single night last year.  

For Dave, that night connected the dots between the tradition of building concrete safe rooms in case of storms and using ICFs. He explained, “For years we’ve built little concrete safe rooms that you have to get up and run to in a serious weather event. And I got to researching them and just looking at what Tremco, what Nudura, can offer as far as weather resistance. And I got thinking, 'if you're building new, why not build a safe house instead of a safe room?’” 

When Dave dove further into the logistics of building with ICFs, he realized that the benefits extend beyond the performance of the final product. He shared, “As far as timeliness goes, we put the entire exterior structure of a 2,000 square foot house up in a day and a half. Working with Nudura, it's like stacking eight foot long, 18 inch tall Lego blocks. Once you get that first foundation row down, it goes really, really quickly.” And once you have the blocks in place, he added, you just have to go around filling the forms with rebar and concrete.  

And the benefits don’t stop there. ICFs not only create more durable spaces, but they also create more energy efficient spaces. Dave elaborated, “Nudura has a two- or two-and-a-half-inch rigid foam on both the exterior and the interior that make up the block. So, when you use it on a frame, you automatically get around an R-30 for your R-value on the exterior of the home. And that foam is fire retardant so it won’t burn like lumber or traditional insulation will in forest fires.” 

At the end of the day, Dave has found that Nudura greatly improves on traditional wood framing. He put it simply, “Nudura create a home that can withstand a couple hundred miles an hour of wind. So, in a storm, instead of racing where you have seconds or maybe minutes at most to get into a safe room, my kids are now in a safe house. Honestly, after seeing it get tested, I won't go back to building that traditional way.” 

Read the transcript or Listen to the full episode for more information about Tremco’s Nudura ICFs. 

By Karen L. Edwards. 

Spec-based Estimate Templates is the latest technology helping roofing companies work more efficiently and accurately.  

At the recent ServiceTitan Pantheon conference, I had the pleasure of sitting in on some roofing-specific sessions that gave insight into the challenges that are holding roofing contractors back as well as some of the new technological solutions that can help them work faster and smarter, while protecting their margins.  

In Roofing and Exteriors Tools in Action: Drive Faster Estimates, Smoother Jobs and Stronger Margins ServiceTitan’s Solutions Delivery Manager, Residential Exteriors, Sue Drummond and Manager, Enterprise Residential Exteriors Success, Ryan Lioy, explored how technology — specifically ServiceTitan — is transforming the roofing and exteriors business by addressing long-standing inefficiencies. 

What’s holding roofing contractors back? 

Sue shared that roofing professionals often face hurdles such as inefficient workflows, reactive operations and disconnected tools. These issues hinder their productivity and profitability, making it clear that doing more work doesn’t always equate to more value for their business.  

To help roofing contractors get past these issues, the team has made strides in two key areas for contractors: estimating efficiency and margin protection.  

Estimating faster and smarter with Spec-Based Estimate Templates (SBET) 

SBETs are revolutionizing how estimates are created, delivering consistency and speed for contractors with faster quotes and fewer errors. The templates are customized for each contractor’s business with real-time pricing to ensure accuracy. 

Precise customization and preloaded labor and material formulas paired with industry-leading integrations with Eagleview, QuickMeasure and Hover ensure that estimates are more accurate with fewer errors. Contractors can deliver good, better and best estimating scenarios within minutes.  

Dean Munz of Munz Roofing shared with the ServiceTitan team how the SBETs have helped improve his estimating turnaround time saying, “It used to take us 30 minutes to build estimates, now it’s four.” 

Making it easier with SBETs 

User-friendly forms are a key driver behind the success and popularity of SBETs. The forms use conditional logic to guide the user through each scenario based on the way they answer the specific questions about the project and whenever possible, drop-downs options and radio buttons are used for simplicity. Advanced formulas handle manufacturer-specific calculations and items like waste factor.  

Integrations with ABC Supply, SRS Distribution and QXO make it easy to order materials directly from your preferred supplier and get a live pricing check with every estimate as price book costs are updated on a daily basis.  

Powerful reporting helps users make informed decisions 

In addition to the benefits that contractors enjoy from the SBETs, ServiceTitan helps contractors truly understand how profitable and successful their projects are through powerful, customizable reporting features. The platform leverages contractors’ data to provide project-level reporting for a detailed understanding of exactly where the job stands and what gross margins really are.