By Emma Peterson. 

Join the RoofersCoffeeShop® crew and our giveaway winners at this year’s Western Roofing Expo!  

Just last week, our 2026 Western Roofing Expo (WRE) ticket giveaway closed, and five lucky winners were chosen! This giveaway was organized in partnership with Western Colloid and each winner received one Full Pass for entry to the Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA)’s 2026 show ($500.00 value), which runs September 27-29 at the Paris Las Vegas. What is included in this pass?  

• Access to a premier regional roofing and waterproofing expo that sees over 200 exhibitors and countless attendees. 
• Entry to the annual luncheon sponsored by Malarkey Roofing Products and featuring motivational speaker Shereen Thor. 
• The opportunity to attend educational sessions, including en Español content, that will help you level up your business operations and technical skills. 
• Invitation to the legislative luncheon where Craig Brightup (WSRCA political correspondent) and Chad Collins (chairman of the National Roofing Contractors Association board) as they share key updates and news. 

The lucky winners of the giveaway are Marlin Fisher, the VP of field service and director of estimating at Capital 360; Buzz Lynds, sales development specialist at SureSeal Roofing Products; Jesse Pelayo, president and cofounder of TopCal Roofing; Jebran Enriquez, project coordinator at JJA Roofing & Contracting; and Dylan Trent, National Roofing.  

This giveaway might be over, but you still have time to register to attend WRE 2026! 

Get your tickets today!

By Emma Peterson. 

How participating in associations like the Roofing Alliance gives professionals a chance to build a legacy. 

From providing broader industry advocacy on a national level to providing individual contractors with the resources they need to succeed, trade associations are invaluable resources. A prime example of one of these invaluable organizations is the Roofing Alliance. To learn more about what this foundation does for the industry, Trent Cotney, a partner and the construction team lead at Adams and Reese law firm, came by for an episode of Roofing Road Trips®.  

Trent is the perfect person to talk to about this, as he is both Roofing Alliance’s legal counsel and their parent association, the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)’s general counsel. He opened by sharing some background on Roofing Alliance:  

The Roofing Alliance is NRCA's foundation, but operates as its own entity. It has existed for almost 30 years, and over the years, it has been instrumental in charitable efforts like providing free roofs and repairs to Ronald McDonald houses nationwide. They also work to support the roofing industry, specifically with education and research. 

Their educational support often comes in the form of scholarships and their research is usually focused on critical economic and technical challenges facing the roofing market. And they have made a huge impact in both areas, reporting that their “members have invested [and raised] over $16 million to fund transformative research, educational initiatives and scholarships, all dedicated to enhancing industry performance and long-term success.” 

At the end of the day, the work that the Roofing Alliance has done not only supports professionals in the industry today but also our future tradespeople. “The Alliances is so valuable. Not only is it a great opportunity to meet your peers in the industry, but it’s a great way to give back to the industry,” he shared. “Personal career and financial success are great, but when I think about when I'm dead and gone, I want to have left a positive mark on the world. I want to have done what I can to give back and to help. And groups like Roofing Alliance are the way I feel like I am doing that.” 

Listen to the whole podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about the Roofing Alliance and its invaluable work in the roofing industry. 

By Emma Peterson. 

Exploring IFD’s history, growth and commitment to connecting roofers through education, networking and shared best practices. 

Recently, our team got the chance to sit down with Henrik Mosegaard-Johansen for an interview about his involvement with IFD. Henrik has a long history in the roofing industry, with over three decades spent with VELUX. Today, he is their international key account director for region north. In addition to his work with VELUX, Henrik has been a passionate participant in IFD (International Federation of the Roofing Trade). In his own words, “I started engaging myself with the IFD back in 2011 and eventually was elected as an observer of the board, which is kind of like a board member.” He went on to describe what he does on the board, sharing, “Inside the board, we have split up the responsibilities, as you would in a company. So, my responsibility is within marketing as well as partnerships.”  

Over the course of his 12+ years spent on the board, Henrik has gotten to know IFD and their history well. He shared a bit of his knowledge with us:  

IFD was founded in 1952, with four members: Austria, Switzerland, Germany and Luxembourg. The first many years it was a Western European Association, and then the Berlin Wall fell and national associations from Eastern Europe, like Slovakia, Hungary and Russia joined. And now today, we have associations from other continents, like the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). 

This incredible growth has been a boom to the industry on a whole in many different ways. For one, they have helped raise standards of quality and craftsmanship internationally. Henrik explained, “The IFD helped organizations to grow specifically within international technical guidelines. As more countries develop and build their own national association, IFD is there to help them create a foundation of guidelines and best practices that are harder to build when you have less experience. IFD offers that experience.” 

And guidelines aren’t the only way they’ve done this. By simply creating a space for roofers around the world to meet, IFD has built a community that can uplift each other and its industry. As Henrik put it, “Historically, in Western Europe, roofers would learn new techniques and tools by sending their apprentices to go on what we call the walls. During this, the apprentice would go outside their hometown to the next town, county or even country to learn about how roofers were doing things. Then they’d bring that info back and everyone would improve.” 

The goal with the IFD is to create this type of collaborative, learning environment in a modern era. How are they doing that? One big push within the IFD has been creating in-person events that promote the industry. This includes their highly anticipated Championship of the Young Roofer, their biannual Congress and their newest initiative, the Connection Forum (which will be held for the first time on 14-15 October 2026 in Vienna, Austria)!  

Henrik shared a bit about this new event, saying, “In our Congresses, the focus is really on getting information through presentations from experts. The Connection Forum’s goal is to focus more on giving people the chance to discuss and network. Kind of like those apprentices back in the day.” The event will also host some events, including a speech from The Coffee Shops™ CEO Heidi J. Ellsworth and international guideline development workshops. 

Overall, the development of the Connection Forum in addition to their already established events is a prime example of how IFD continues to serve modern roofers. As Henrik put it, “Our umbrella goal is always to find ways for IFD to add more value to the community, to the industry and to our associations.”  

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. 

Por RoofersCoffeeShop® En Español. 

Abad Zárate comparte cómo la perseverancia, la disciplina, la educación y las conexiones dentro de la industria lo ayudaron a construir Azapro Roofing. 

Cuando Abad Zárate llegó a Canadá con poco más de 20 años, no sabía qué era el roofing. Como muchos inmigrantes, buscaba una oportunidad para trabajar y salir adelante. Lo que comenzó como un empleo inesperado terminó convirtiéndose en una carrera que años después lo llevaría a fundar Azapro Roofing. 

"Como todo inmigrante, empiezas a buscarle, empiezas a picar piedra," recordó Abad. Sin dominar completamente el inglés y sin experiencia en techado, comenzó trabajando sobre los techos en Toronto, Canadá. Con el tiempo compró sus propias herramientas y una camioneta, y empezó a conseguir sus propios proyectos. 

Su trayectoria posteriormente lo llevó a trabajar en California y Hawái. Fue precisamente en Hawái donde, trabajando como capataz para una empresa que describe como profesional y dedicada, comenzó a cambiar su perspectiva sobre cómo debía realizarse el trabajo y decidió prepararse para algún día tener su propia compañía. 

En 2021, ese objetivo se convirtió en realidad con el lanzamiento de Azapro Roofing en Washington. Hoy, la empresa también cuenta con operaciones en Kansas City y continúa explorando oportunidades de crecimiento en otros mercados. 

Para Abad, gran parte de ese crecimiento está relacionado con valores que considera fundamentales tanto en su vida como en su empresa. 

"La humildad es una de ellas. La disciplina es otra," explicó. También destacó la resiliencia, la honestidad y la pasión por el trabajo como características que han influido en su manera de liderar y atender a sus clientes. Dentro de Azapro Roofing, su equipo se reúne regularmente para analizar los proyectos, hablar sobre las experiencias con los clientes e identificar áreas donde pueden mejorar. 

El aprendizaje constante también ha sido fundamental en su trayectoria. Abad forma parte de un comité de la National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) y es director de la Roofing Contractors Association of Washington (RCAW). A través de su participación en estas asociaciones ha podido conectarse con otros líderes, aprender más sobre seguridad, códigos y nuevas tendencias, además de participar en eventos internacionales de la industria. 

Para Abad, formar parte de organizaciones como NRCA y RCAW también representa una oportunidad para apoyar a otros contratistas, especialmente a los hispanohablantes que pueden enfrentar barreras con el idioma o no saber a quién acudir cuando están comenzando. En RCAW, cuando un contratista de habla hispana se comunica buscando información, Abad tiene la oportunidad de orientarlo en español y compartir los recursos disponibles. 

"Es bien importante estar unidos en estas asociaciones," señaló. "Hay muchas ganas de las personas que estamos ahí de poder ayudar al contratista." Para Abad, acercarse a profesionales con más experiencia, hacer preguntas y aprovechar los recursos de estas organizaciones puede ayudar a los contratistas a evitar errores y encontrar nuevas oportunidades para crecer. 

También reconoce que el crecimiento requiere saber cuándo descansar. Como dueño de negocio, aprendió que desconectarse por un momento y recuperar energía puede ser una inversión que permite regresar con mayor claridad para tomar mejores decisiones. 

"Es una de las mejores inversiones que uno puede tener como empresario: darte un tiempo, descansar," compartió. Para Abad, cuidar esa parte personal también forma parte de la disciplina necesaria para seguir avanzando. 

Para quienes están comenzando su camino en el roofing, su mensaje es sencillo: mantener una visión clara, aprovechar los recursos disponibles y no tener miedo de pedir ayuda. 

"Hay que pensar en grande, hay que soñar en grande," afirmó. "El tema es no tener miedo a preguntar, acercarte con las personas correctas." 

La historia de Abad demuestra que comenzar desde cero no limita hasta dónde se puede llegar. Con educación, humildad, perseverancia y el apoyo de una comunidad dentro de la industria, cada experiencia puede convertirse en un paso más hacia el crecimiento. 

Explora más historias de éxito de contratistas en el próximo boletín, Informando Desde El Techo.

By Alex Tolle.

When a Southern California camp serving children with cancer needed some help, nearly 70 roofing professionals joined forces to deliver five brand new cabin roofs.

On August 18, 2026, roofing professionals gathered at Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times in Southern California to install new roofs on five of the camp’s 14 cabins. The work was made possible by volunteers who contributed their time and professional expertise, along with companies that provided the labor and materials needed to complete the installations. Participating companies included Antis Roofing and Waterproofing, Gabella Construction, GAF, Howard and Sons Inc., QXO and Shell Roofing Solutions.

About the camp

The project helped protect a place where children with cancer can step away from hospitals and treatments and spend time simply enjoying being kids. As described on their website: 

Camp programs provide children with cancer and families the opportunity to pause, connect with others who are facing similar challenges, and renew a sense of hope. We help youth build courage and independence, and experience a sense of belonging in a healing, medically safe environment. Learn which program is right for you.

About the project

Together, the participating professionals addressed more than one-third of the camp’s cabins in a single day. Their contributions supported the camp’s ability to continue providing children with a special place to get away from the medical environments that are often part of their daily lives.

The project continued the longstanding partnership between Ronald McDonald House and the Roofing Alliance. Since 2017, Roofing Alliance and National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) members have donated millions of dollars in roofing materials and labor to assist Ronald McDonald House programs across the country.

Reflecting and looking forward

For contractors, manufacturers, distributors and other roofing professionals, efforts like this show how industry knowledge can serve communities beyond the jobsite. Every volunteer and participating company played a role in protecting the facilities that help make the camp experience possible.

This day of service represented the roofing industry at its best: Professionals coming together, sharing their talents and making a meaningful difference for children and their families.

Learn more about how the Roofing Alliance and NRCA members support Ronald McDonald House programs through donated roofing materials and labor.

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Proposed legislation would create a payroll tax credit designed to reduce the cost of registered apprenticeship programs for roofing contractors and other employers. 

Finding and retaining skilled workers remains a major challenge for roofing contractors, making long-term workforce development an important industry priority for the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). Proposed federal legislation could help reduce some of the upfront costs associated with training the next generation of roofing professionals. 

On April 30, Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., and Rep. Nathanial Moran, R-Texas, introduced the Workforce Apprenticeship Growth and Education Support (WAGES) Act in both chambers of Congress. The legislation would create a refundable payroll tax credit for employers that hire and train workers through Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) certified by the Department of Labor. 

Under the proposal, employers could receive a payroll tax credit equal to 50% of qualified wages paid to an apprentice during their first two years in a program, along with certain program-related training expenses. The incentive is intended to offset costs associated with wages, supervision, classroom instruction and other investments required to develop skilled workers. 

For roofing contractors, registered apprenticeships offer a structured approach to bringing new employees into the industry while developing the skills, safety practices and technical knowledge needed for long-term careers. Apprentices also have the opportunity to earn wages while combining classroom instruction with hands-on training. 

NRCA endorsed the WAGES Act, citing its potential to reduce upfront costs that can prevent roofing contractors and other employers from establishing registered apprenticeship programs. Addressing members’ workforce needs remains NRCA’s top advocacy priority, and the organization plans to work to expand support for the legislation in the Senate and House during the remainder of the 119th Congress. 

As contractors continue looking for sustainable ways to recruit, train and retain skilled employees, the WAGES Act places renewed attention on apprenticeship as a pathway for building the roofing workforce. 

Learn more about the WAGES Act and its potential impact on registered apprenticeship programs!

By Brittany Wykle, Leister.

By investing in students today, Leister is helping build a stronger, more skilled workforce for the future of the roofing industry.  

The roofing industry is essential to protecting homes, businesses and communities from the elements. It is a rewarding trade that offers financial stability, job security and the satisfaction of building something that lasts. However, as more young people are encouraged to pursue technology-focused careers, fewer are entering the skilled trades, creating a growing workforce shortage throughout the industry. 

To help address this challenge, organizations across the roofing industry are investing in education and training programs that introduce students to the opportunities available in the trades. One organization leading this effort is SkillsUSA, which partners with high schools and post-secondary institutions to help students develop valuable career skills through hands-on training and competition. 

From June 2–5, 2026, over 19,000 attendees from across the country gathered in Atlanta for the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference. Hosted by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), the roofing competition featured 22 students who demonstrated their knowledge and craftsmanship by installing a complete roofing system on a 6' x 6' mock roof deck. Competitors were responsible for everything from insulation installation to membrane welding and pipe and curb details, showcasing the skills required on real-world roofing projects. 

To complete the welding portion of the competition, each student was equipped with a Leister Triac ST. The Triac ST has long been a trusted tool in the roofing industry, known for its reliability, durability and consistent welding performance. By using professional-grade equipment, students gained hands-on experience with the same tools used daily by roofing contractors across the world. 

Leister's involvement extends well beyond supplying tools for the competition. Dave Nordentoft of Leister USA says, "Sponsoring the SkillsUSA program provides Leister a unique opportunity to connect with and encourage the next generation of young roofing professionals. Along with the NRCA and other key industry partners in manufacturing, distribution and contracting, we stand together to support and inspire while demonstrating the benefits of a career in commercial roofing."

As a leader in roofing welding technology, Leister is committed to helping train and support the next generation of roofing professionals. Through contractor training programs, distributor events, jobsite demonstrations and partnerships with manufacturers and industry organizations, Leister helps roofers develop the skills and confidence needed to produce high-quality welds and successful roofing installations.

For many of the students competing at SkillsUSA, the Triac ST used during the competition was the same tool they had been learning and practicing with throughout their training. This hands-on experience helps bridge the gap between the classroom and the jobsite, ensuring students are prepared to enter the workforce with practical skills and familiarity with industry-standard equipment.

As the roofing industry continues to face workforce challenges, programs like SkillsUSA play a critical role in attracting and developing future talent. Leister is proud to support these efforts and contribute to the education and training of tomorrow's roofing professionals. By investing in students today, Leister is helping build a stronger, more skilled workforce for the future of the roofing industry. 

By The Coffee Shops®.

NRCA has released new recommendations for the design, preparation and application of roof coating systems. 

Roof coatings have become an increasingly important solution for extending the service life of existing roof systems, improving reflectivity and delaying costly replacements. Recognizing the growing role coatings play in the roofing industry, the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) has released an updated edition of its NRCA Guidelines for Roof Coatings. 

The NRCA’s coating guidelines have always offered contractors “valuable information about the application of various types of roof coating systems, preparations necessary for their successful performance and quality control guidelines for on-site evaluation.”  

The updated edition emphasizes the importance of proper roof evaluation and preparation before any coating application begins as successful coatings projects depend on assessing the condition of the existing roof, identifying necessary repairs and ensuring the substrate is suitable for the selected coating system. The document also provides quality control recommendations to help contractors verify coating performance during installation and throughout the project lifecycle.  

As more building owners look for restoration-focused solutions that maximize the value of existing roofing assets, having access to current industry standards and application practices through the NRCA guidelines is a powerful resource for contractors, consultants and installers.   

Access the 2026 updated edition today through NRCA.