By Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

Fire resistance, durability and design innovation are driving new demand. 

Metal siding is experiencing significant growth across residential and light commercial construction, and the reasons go far beyond aesthetics. In 2026, homeowners and contractors are increasingly choosing metal wall systems because they solve some of the biggest challenges facing building exteriors today: fire, pests and rot. What is especially notable is that this shift is not just anecdotal; it is backed by steady market growth and changing homeowner priorities. 

Globally, the metal siding market is growing at an estimated five to six percent annually, with steady expansion expected over the next decade. In the United States, growth is more measured, reflecting a mature market, but the real momentum is happening in higher-end residential applications where metal siding is gaining share due to performance, longevity and design flexibility. 

Unlike traditional materials, metal siding is non-combustible, making it an important option in areas where fire risk is increasing. It also resists insects and pests and eliminates the risk of rot caused by moisture exposure. These performance advantages are aligning with a market that is prioritizing long-term durability and reduced maintenance, especially among homeowners investing in remodels and “forever homes.” 

At the same time, the broader siding market continues to grow at approximately four to five percent annually, driven largely by residential remodeling and exterior upgrades. Within that growth, metal siding is carving out a larger role, particularly in premium segments where homeowners are willing to invest more upfront for lower lifetime costs and better performance. 

Equally important is what is happening on the roofing side of the metal market. Metal roofing is not only growing; it is outperforming many traditional roofing materials and is projected to exceed five billion square feet of volume by 2029, with residential applications representing the majority of that demand. This growth is driven by the same factors influencing siding, including durability, sustainability, insurance considerations and long-term value. 

What is accelerating adoption across both roofing and siding is the rapid evolution of color, coatings and profiles. Contractors and homeowners are no longer limited to basic painted panels. Today’s metal systems offer an expanding range of matte finishes, textured coatings and nature-inspired colors such as charcoals, slate grays, greens and patina-style metallics that are seeing the fastest growth in demand. Matte and low-gloss finishes in particular are gaining popularity because they reduce glare, hide handling marks and elevate the perceived quality of both roofing and siding systems. 

Advanced coating technologies are playing a central role in this transformation. Modern coil coating processes create highly durable, factory-applied finishes that bond tightly to the metal surface, improving corrosion resistance and long-term performance. These coatings also enable printed and textured designs that realistically replicate wood grain, stone, tile and even traditional siding profiles, allowing metal to deliver both performance and aesthetics. 

Companies like Sherwin-Williams are leading this innovation with advanced coil coating systems that provide UV resistance, fade protection and long-term color retention while supporting a wide range of architectural finishes. At the same time, manufacturers such as Central States Manufacturing are bringing these innovations to market through finished metal siding and roofing panels that incorporate these new colors, textures and profiles into complete building envelope systems. 

This is an important distinction. While some companies in the supply chain focus on coated coil, manufacturers like Central States are delivering ready-to-install siding and roofing systems that allow contractors and homeowners to take full advantage of these design advancements in real-world applications. 

For contractors and homeowners, metal siding represents a shift in thinking. It is no longer a niche or purely commercial solution. It is a high-performance, design-forward option that meets the demands of modern construction while delivering resilience against fire, pests and moisture-related deterioration. 

As fire resilience, durability and long-term value continue to shape building decisions, metal siding and roofing are positioned to play an even larger role in the future of exterior design. The data supports what many contractors are already seeing in the field. This is not a short-term trend; it is a long-term shift toward better-performing materials that also meet the growing expectations for design and aesthetics. 

To learn more about these innovations, visit the directories for Sherwin-Williams and Central States Manufacturing on MetalCoffeeShop.com and RoofersCoffeeShop.com. 

By Jenny Yu. 

As homeowner interest in metal roofing continues to grow, contractors can leverage new tools and resources to establish themselves in the metal space. 

As demand for metal roofing continues to rise, contractors are finding new opportunities to expand their offerings, increase margins and deliver long-term value to homeowners. During a recent episode MetalTalk™, Junny Lee of Sherwin-Williams discussed how metal roofing is evolving and how contractors can position themselves to take advantage of the trend through the company's MetalVue program. 

Junny, who joined the Sherwin-Williams marketing team after spending years in supply chain and operations roles, said metal roofing’s appeal comes down to performance, energy efficiency, aesthetics and value. “Metal continues to grow and drives interest from a lot of folks, especially homeowners and consumers,” Junny said. “Metal is a very durable product, and within durability, you still have several options based on the gauge and thickness of the steel.” 

Durability is an appealing selling point for many home and building owners, especially in areas where a sturdy roof is an essential line of defense against intense weather conditions. “In areas prone to extreme weather, especially hurricanes, a lot of failures of a home start with the roof,” Junny explained, noting that roof failures often lead to significant property damage when water penetrates the building envelope. “So, durable roofing material is extremely important.”  

Another factor driving the growth of metal in the market is energy efficiency. “A lot of our coatings can be measured through their solar reflectance and thermal emittance, which ultimately gives you the solar reflectance index,” Junny shared, adding that with energy efficiency comes increased savings. “On an annual basis, our coating will help you save money on energy bills, especially during the warm season. It all comes down to value: what is your roof doing for you?” 

At the same time, aesthetics has transformed metal roofing from a niche product into a mainstream design choice. With expanded color selections and textured finishes available through Sherwin-Williams coating systems, homeowners have more options than ever to create distinctive looks that complement their homes. “It’s a differentiator,” Junny said of the many options Sherwin-Williams provides. “It comes down to giving homeowners more options, and what better company to do that than one that knows color like Sherwin-Williams?” 

For contractors, Junny said metal roofing can open doors to higher-margin projects and hybrid business models. “It’s the opportunity for some to say, ‘you know what, I want to do less projects on an annual basis. Projects that provide wider margins,’” he said. 

Through MetalVue, Sherwin-Williams connects contractors with installation, sales and business development resources to help them successfully add metal roofing to their portfolios. 

Listen to the podcast or Watch the full webinar to learn more about MetalVue, metal roofing trends and strategies for maximizing profitability.

By Jenny Yu.  

The MetalVue Roadshow is set to provide contractors with the knowledge, resources and confidence to develop metal roofing businesses that last. 

Before the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA) Convention and Expo officially begins, attendees have an opportunity to get the party started early by attending a special Sherwin-Williams MetalVue event! Titled “MetalVue Roadshow: Grow With Metal,” this experience is free of charge and takes place on June 9, 2026, from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Florida. 

The focus of this event is to help contractors unlock new business opportunities by demystifying metal roofing. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the resources available to them through MetalVue, Sherwin Williams’ comprehensive program that helps both manufacturers and contractors sell more residential and commercial metal roofs.  

Attendees will gain the knowledge and tools to build long-term, sustainable metal roofing businesses. Industry experts will share insights on how to train installation crews for high-quality installation and customer satisfaction, as well as techniques for selling metal roofing with more confidence.  

One key resource that attendees will explore at the MetalVue Roadshow is Roofing Passport, the industry’s only fully automated roofing software platform for both estimating and ordering. Roofing Passport, applicable for both residential and commercial roofs, integrates seamlessly with Eagleview for precise aerial property measurements of existing structures and with Roofing WRX for estimation derived from drawings for new construction.  

MetalCoffeeShop is proud to be a partner of the MetalVue Roadshow. Other partners include Watts Removal Products, GiddyUp Roofing Software, Sheridan Metal Resources, Uplevel Digital and The StoneGate Group. With this full suite of industry leaders providing resources and support, the MetalVue Roadshow is set to be the pre-FRSA event you can’t miss.  

Register now to secure your spot for the FREE Metal Vue Roadshow before FRSA begins!

By Jenny Yu.  

Explore how contractors can overcome common barriers and transform their workflows with the proper training and resources.   

In a recent Lunch & Learn titled “Building Better Metal Roofing Installers,” host Megan Ellsworth spoke with John Sheridan, MCS Influencer and owner of Sheridan Metal Resources, about the importance of training for metal roofing contractors to improve profitability, craftsmanship and long-term resiliency in a crowded market.  

The learning objectives of this Lunch & Learn were threefold: 

1 - Understand why metal installation training is critical today 

2 - Identify how training improves contractor performance and profitability 

3 - Explore modern training resources and strategies for metal contractors 

Why metal installation training is critical today 

With 40 years of experience in the industry, John shared his insights on the first objective, stating, “The popularity of metal is outgrowing the skill set of metal contractors. Training needs to ramp up to keep up with demand.” 

Part of the metal evolution includes the number of options available in the market, from snap block systems, nail strip systems, standing seam systems and mechanical lock systems, and the complexity these choices add. “You can't teach anybody on one system anymore,” John explained. “You have to teach people on several systems, because most manufacturers that are using coil coatings have several different profiles, so you can't lock yourself into one specific product.” 

How training improves contractor performance and profitability 

Beyond improving installation quality, John emphasized that training directly impacts profitability by reducing costly mistakes and warranty issues. “A roof is never going to leak in the middle of a roof panel; it’s going to leak where something comes through that roof — a chimney, pipe, skylight or valley,” John said. “That’s where training comes in.” 

One of the newer approaches Sheridan Metal Resources has introduced is “boot camp” training, where trainers work alongside crews on active projects rather than in a classroom setting. “They learn real skills in a real-world application,” John shared. “That upfront investment gets their guys up to speed faster.” 

Modern training resources and strategies for metal contractors 

When it comes to finding the best training resources, John suggested that contractors take advantage of the tools offered by reputable suppliers in their area and attend trade shows to learn from peers in the industry. 

As a Sherwin-Williams MetalVue^SM vendor partner, John attested to the impact the cohesive program provides for contractors, no matter what stage they are in their metal roofing business. “You don't have to spend all your time weeding through so many different services; they have it ready to go,” John said. From estimating tools to lead generation, MetalVue offers a complete suite of resources for contractors to grow. “They've done their homework. They know what works and what doesn't. I wish I’d had that when I started my business.” 

Watch the full Lunch & Learn to learn more about metal roofing training strategies.

By Metal Construction Alliance.

Join us to learn design‑focused, technical and practical tips from three experts, including an award-winning architect and an industry-leading specifier!

You're invited to earn up to three continuing education (CE) credits at a new, half-day educational program on May 29, 2026 in Chicago. Form, Function, and Finish: Designing with Metal is being developed and delivered by the Metal Construction Association (MCA)—the industry authority on the use of metal in the building envelope. Breakfast is included, and you can make new connections with time to network with attendees and vendors.

The details

When: Friday, May 29, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: 633 North St. Clair Street, Chicago
What: Earn three (3) CEs in one morning
Why: Level up your skills and network

Registration is free for architects, designers and specifiers from throughout the Chicago area, Milwaukee and northwest Indiana.

What you'll learn and from whom

Designing with Metal: Performance, Resilience + Architectural Expression
Rick Schneider, FAIA LEED, founder and principal of ISTUDIO Architects
An architect will discuss how metal systems reduce long-term operational costs, streamline construction and support resilient design via four award-winning projects. 

Designing With Metal Composite Materials
Samuel Chastain, director of commercial operations at Alfrex, Inc
Learn about flexibility, sustainability, energy efficiency and visual appearance designing with metal composite materials from an experienced industry professional who co-invented a composite building panel with improved resilience.

Insulated Metal Panels: Performance, Sustainability, + Design
Kyle Ferenc, CSI, district sales manager, ATAS International and VP of the Chicago Chapter of the Construction Specifications Institute
A specifier will explore various uses for insulated metal panels in creative design, and the benefits of long-term sustainability. 

Companies you can connect with

In addition to learning, you can network with other attendees and meet leading suppliers for the metal building envelope. These companies include McElroy Metals, ATAS International, Sheffield Metals and more. The entire event is sponsored by Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings. Make new connections and find products to help you achieve your goals!

Save your seat today! 

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Inside a visit to Schulte Building Systems with Sherwin-Williams showcasing innovation, people and performance.

My recent visit to Schulte Building Systems alongside Sherwin-Williams offered a firsthand look at what happens when advanced manufacturing meets deep-rooted craftsmanship and an exceptional company culture. It was more than a plant tour; it was an inside view of how innovation and people work together to drive the metal building industry forward. 

Walking through the facility, the scale of automation immediately stands out. Overhead cranes move massive steel components seamlessly across the plant while robotics and advanced machinery handle precise fabrication with efficiency and consistency. With three state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities serving the Midwest and Southeast, Schulte continues to invest in advanced technologies that drive precision and quality. The integration of coil coatings from Sherwin-Williams plays a critical role in ensuring durability, performance and long-term protection for metal roofing and building systems. These coatings are engineered to deliver corrosion resistance, color consistency and long-term performance across a wide range of building applications. This level of automation is not just about speed, it is about delivering consistent, high-quality products that meet the demands of modern construction across commercial buildings, metal roofing systems and the fast-growing barndominium market. 

What truly sets Schulte apart is how technology and human expertise work side by side. While robotics handle repetition and scale, the craftsmanship of skilled welders brings precision and integrity to every component. Watching these professionals work in tandem with advanced machinery reinforces an important truth, innovation does not replace people, it elevates them. The welders’ attention to detail ensures that each structural element performs as intended, contributing to the overall strength and reliability of complete metal building systems. 

Beyond the technology and production, the culture at Schulte Building Systems is what makes the company truly special. As a generational, family-owned business, their commitment to employees is evident in everything they do. One of the most memorable highlights was learning about their Easter weekend celebration, where the company hosts a massive gathering featuring more than 750 pounds of crawfish along with catfish, hushpuppies and all the traditional favorites. This is not just an event; it is a reflection of a culture that values people, connection and appreciation. That kind of environment builds loyalty, pride and a workforce that is deeply invested in the success of the company and the quality of its products. 

Schulte Building Systems serves a wide range of industries, from large-scale commercial buildings to agricultural structures, barndominiums and metal roofing and siding systems. Their role as a manufacturer of pre-engineered metal buildings and components supports architects, builders and contractors across multiple sectors. By combining advanced manufacturing, premium coatings from Sherwin-Williams and a workforce grounded in craftsmanship and culture, Schulte is helping to build more than structures, they are helping to build stronger communities. This visit was a powerful reminder that the future of construction is not just about technology. It is about the people behind it, the partnerships that support it and the culture that sustains it. 

To learn more about high-performance metal coatings and building solutions, visit Sherwin-Williams on the MetalCoffeeShop directory. 

By Anna Lockhart.  

Metal roofs are here to stay, and now is the time to act! Metal experts share how Roofing Passport can unlock bigger and better success for your roofing company. 

As the market continues to explore metal roofing materials as a reliable and versatile option, contractors across the industry are looking for ways to maximize their metal sales. To discuss the importance of implementing metal into your service offerings, Brendan McGinnis and Heather McGinnis of Sherwin-Williams sat down with Karen Edwards for an episode of Roofing Road Trips®.  

Metal materials have many advantages, notably offering incredible durability against harsh weather and an outstanding lifespan. With increased energy efficiency, modern aesthetic appeal and cost effectiveness to boot, the pros of metal outweigh those of traditional materials. Brendan and Heather’s advice for getting in on the metal success? Utilizing software like Sherwin-Williams' Roofing Passport! 

“With a lot of the appetites [for roofing materials] changing among homeowners, many contractors and metal manufacturers are there to help pick up the pieces and help make that change happen,” Brian noted. Roofing Passport gets this done in one easy to use platform that helps streamline estimating, design and sales, which are sometimes aspects that distract contractors from dedicating time to other business functions. 

“If you can dream it, we can create it,” Heather added, emphasizing the vast customization capabilities metal materials offer homeowners in designing their dream homes. From picking the color of a roof to coordinating the perfect shade matches of shutters and walls; metal can be the ultimate design solution for a project, if contractors optimize the way they position their metal offerings and services to their customers. 

Checking off all the boxes of what a customer could possibly want or need from a roof — durability, lifespan, aesthetics, energy efficiency and cost effective — metal is the material to use! Further, the ultimate driving factor that should catch any contractor’s attention: margin. Brian shared, “Margin is great in metal. As a product that is not designed to be replaced over and over, it’s the opportunity for a contractor to make margin on one job, service that customer and make a name for themselves. For instance, if you can get into just one neighborhood and establish yourself there, it’s likely that someone else is going to want to get one, and then another... So that really allows [contractors] to establish themselves as the metal authority for their area.” 

Whether you’re new to offering metal services or looking to elevate an existing metal offering, resources like Sherwin-Williams' Roofing Passport are a fantastic place to start learning, improving and most of all, winning. 

Listen to the podcast episode to learn more about the growth of metal roofing and how to take advantage of these market changes with the help of platforms like Roofing Passport! 

By Jenny Yu.  

Industry expert Melanie Butler outlines shifting trade actions and what contractors should watch for next. 

Roofing industry professionals continue to navigate unpredictable tariffs as federal trade policy shifts continue to affect material costs and supply chains. In this Roofing Road Trips® episode, Heidi J. Ellsworth spoke with Melanie Butler, director of trade and transportation compliance at Sherwin-Williams, about how contractors should respond to evolving tariff actions.  

Melanie spoke of the Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum that were at the forefront of concerns. “There was a new executive order raising the tariff on steel and aluminum to 50%,” Melanie said, referring to changes implemented June 4, 2025. She noted that these tariffs apply not only to raw materials but also to derivative steel and aluminum articles that roofing contractors commonly import. “These are tariff-specific, so they're mainly raw steel and aluminum or minimally processed,” she explained, highlighting how broad the impact can be for imported components. 

Melanie also discussed evolving reciprocal tariffs, which have fluctuated widely over the past year. “Initially, they were 20% on every country except China. The China rate at one point was 125% and now we're back down to 10%,” she said, underscoring the challenge of keeping up with changing rates that affect overall material pricing and planning. 

As the tariff environment grows more complex, Melanie urged contractors to understand the details of their supply chains and import documentation. “If you know the tariff code of your product, you’re then going to go into any negotiations with your eyes more open,” she said.  

Ultimately, uncertainty remains the central theme. “Uncertainty is the worst thing for business, as I've heard said,” Melanie noted. As foreign production and global logistics continue to shift in response to trade policy, industry professionals should stay informed and flexible. 

Read the transcript or Listen to the podcast to learn more about how tariffs are affecting the roofing supply chain. 

By Emma Peterson. 

Check out what The Coffee Shops™ readers are clicking on. 

It’s hard to even believe that it’s already April. If your March has been anything like ours has been at The Coffee Shops™, it has been very busy! So, to help our readers keep track of everything that happened in the last month, we put together a list of the top-read articles on RoofersCoffeeShop®, MetalCoffeeShop® and CoatingsCoffeeShop® in March 2026.  

One thing we noticed when looking at the data for our trending article topics was the sheer number of articles focused on workforce development and business advice. For example, Emma Peterson highlighted how SkillsUSA helped two young roofers find a mentor for life and how National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) has made workforce development one of their key initiatives.   

Additionally, Jenny Yu shared key information for metal roofers about how Sherwin-Williams' MetalVue program acts as “a comprehensive support system for contractors that connects them to all the tools they might need” to succeed. Additionally, John Kenney of Cotney Consulting Group dove into general construction safety practices and how the fundamentals are key to building a long-lasting, successful business.  

Our top article list from March 2026 

10 - Finding the path to roofing by Emma Peterson 

9 - Navigating a new world of technology by Emma Peterson 

8 - Business-in-a-box for metal roofing by Jenny Yu 

7 - Finding your path through mentorship by Emma Peterson 

6 - Brakes and beyond: Products for efficiency and customization by Jenny Yu 

5 - The state of roofing recruitment and retention by Emma Peterson 

4 - General construction safety principles: The core practices every outdoor trade should follow by John Kenney 

3 - Inspiring the next generation of roofers by Emma Peterson 

2 - A new safety frontier by Emma Peterson 

1 - Level up your team with training by Emma Peterson 

By Jenny Yu.  

Explore some of the key features that differentiate two of the most popular roofing materials today. 

Every property owner has different goals, budgets and needs when it comes to choosing the roof system that works for them. To help contractors and homeowners make this decision, Sherwin-Williams provides a helpful chart evaluating how metal roofs and asphalt shingles perform across 18 different features. Here is a summary of three of the key features to consider. 

Cost  

Asphalt shingles are definitely the cheaper option upfront. Installation is generally easier and quicker for asphalt shingle roofs, which contributes to its lower cost. Metal roofing comes at a steeper price tag as it requires specialized labor and tools, but it does last longer — 40-70 years compared to 15-20 years for asphalt shingles.  

Weather performance & durability 

Metal outperforms asphalt shingles here, as it can take strong winds, driving rain, hail, ice, high heat and snow. Metal roofs can also be Class A fire-rated while also withstanding winds up to 140 miles per hour. With UL 2218 Class 4 impact resistance, metal roofs can handle heavy hail. Some asphalt shingles are also built to withstand hail, but many are likely to crack or lose granules during severe storms.  

Energy efficiency & environmental impact 

Again, metal has a significant leg up. Metal is recyclable and often made from recycled materials, reflects solar heat and can reduce cooling costs by up to 30% with reflective coatings. Metal roofs are also an ideal platform for solar panels, requiring no roof penetrations.  

Asphalt shingles, on the other hand, contribute 11 million tons of waste to landfills annually. While some asphalt shingles have reflective granules, most absorb heat, thus increasing energy use and cooling costs. Finally, asphalt roofs may require repair or replacement prior to the end of solar panels’ lifespan, making solar panel compatibility less than ideal.  

Learn more about the differences between metal roofing and asphalt shingles!