By DaVinci Roofscapes.

Multiple structures in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee have synthetic roofing.

Back in 2013 Michael Smelcer, principal at SRA Architects, Inc. indicated a preference for DaVinci Single-Width Slate when drawing up plans for the 232,000-square-foot Le Conte Events Center in Pigeon Forge. Now, more than a decade later, he’s designing more exhibit space and a new main entrance to the complex that will add 58,000-square-feet of space.

“We’ll again use DaVinci Roofscapes overhead,” says Michael. “The LeConte Center’s roof still looks good, and it’s functioning well. We keep returning to the DaVinci product for our projects because it’s a durable product.”

DaVinci Single-Width Slate roofing tiles are constructed of a composite material made of pure virgin resins, UV and thermal stabilizers as well as a highly-specialized fire retardant. The result is a premium roofing tile that resists fading, rotting, cracking and pests. Lightweight yet durable, DaVinci tiles are Class 4 impact rated and can resist hail, severe weather and winds up to 180 mph.

Firewise construction

For another recent project, there’s an additional reason Michael relied on DaVinci roofing — its remarkable fire resistancy.

When designing the new Pigeon Forge Fire Station 1, a goal was to promote the construction of fire-wise structures. The Firewise USA® program, led by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), offers a structured approach for communities to enhance their wildfire resilience.

“We specified native stone on the exterior which is fire resistant,” says Michael. “Then for the roof we knew the DaVinci tiles are Class A rated, which is a plus. They also look great and provide a long lifespan on the roof. Those are all good reasons why we’ve included them on the fire station, and the upcoming police station and City Hall for Pigeon Forge.”

Fire-resistant roofing

According to Pigeon Forge Fire Chief Joshua Carr, Fire Station 1 was designed with fire safety in mind. The 30,000-square-foot facility includes a multi-story training tower, sleeping quarters and hot, warm and cold isolation zones for cancer prevention.

“The City of Pigeon Forge is proud to be a fire-adaptive community and is committed to maintaining its status as a certified Firewise community,” says Joshua. “The station was designed to promote the construction of fire-wise structures. After extensive research, it was decided that DaVinci composite roofing products would play a key role in that mission.”

The DaVinci Single-Width Slate tiles chosen for the roof were installed by Pinpoint Roofing in a Slate Gray color. “The fire resistance and impact ratings are a huge selling point for our customers looking at DaVinci roofs,” says Derek Davenport, commercial director with Pinpoint Roofing LLC in Pigeon Forge.

He went on, “I feel these qualities have helped us transform true slate or shake enthusiasts into believers in the synthetic lines.”

Pride in appearance

While durability is a key asset for the DaVinci roofing tiles, aesthetics come in a close second with many people. “We’re very pleased with the appearance of the roof on the fire station,” says Joshua. “It’s going to look great when the police station is finished nearby with the same roof.”

Derek also shared some closing thoughts: “At Pinpoint Roofing we pride ourselves in our ability to transform what could be another everyday roof into something people want to showcase. We do not take shortcuts. We do whatever is necessary for a fantastic final result. I drive by this fire station on a daily basis and I get a sense of pride every single time I see it. It’s such a work of art and it feels great knowing we were able to be part of its creation.”

From May 1 to July 15, 2026, the Tapco® Elite Roofing Awards 2026 competition will be open for submissions online. 

On May 1st Tapco® Roofing Products will launch its Second Annual Tapco® Elite Roofing Awards Program. Roofing contractors in the United Kingdom are invited to submit their past projects using TapcoSlate® and DaVinci Select Shake products into the contest.

From May 1 to July 15, 2026, the Tapco® Elite Roofing Awards 2026 competition will be open for submissions online at https://www.tapcoroofingproducts.com/tapco-elite-roofing-awards-entry-form/. Both re-roofing and new construction projects completed within the last six years may be submitted for consideration. There is no fee to enter.

“During our inaugural year in 2025 we identified four extraordinary roofing projects featuring superior craftsmanship,” says Michael Winter, general manager with Tapco® Roofing Products. “We’re seeking additional projects for this year’s competition that meet these high standards.

“Once we locate the winning projects, we’ll have professional photography taken of them to spotlight on our website and in our marketing efforts, and to share with the winners.”

In addition to the publicity and recognition, contest winners will receive £1000 credit on a future Tapco® roofing purchase, the ability to promote their winning project as a Tapco® Masterpiece Project, publicity on RoofersCoffeeShopUK and the creation of a dedicated project profile on the Tapco website. Winners will also receive a luncheon in their honor at their Tapco distributor location.

“We want to recognize the superior craftsmanship of those roofing contractors using our Tapco and DaVinci products to achieve outstanding roofing results and kerb appeal,” says Winter. “Whether it’s a conservatory, a hotel, a home project or any other beautiful use of our products that truly stands out, we want roofing contractors to be recognised for their efforts in the Second Annual Tapco Elite Roofing Awards Program!”

Winners in the 2025 inaugural Tapco Elite Roofing Awards Program include:

• Dean Potts Roofing Ltd. out of Upper Collwall, Malvern, for the restoration of the roof on the Malvern Hills Hotel & Restaurants using TapcoSlate® in Pewter Grey.
• H. I. Building Contractors, out of Horsham, West Sussex, for installation of a TapcoSlate® roof in Pewter Grey on a new build project in Coxwold.
• RF Roofing Ltd., out of Coldstream, Berwickshire, for installation of TapcoSlate® tiles in Charcoal Black alongside solar panels on a roof in Lanark in 2024.
• Visions of Oxford Ltd., Oxford, Oxfordshire, for a multi-year project involving a three-stage replacement/new build project transforming and expanding a small, older home into a spacious, larger house using TapcoSlate® tiles in Pewter Grey.

With its authentically shaped textured surfaces and riven edges moulded in each piece, TapcoSlate replicates real slate pieces. However, this durable product will not crack, break or delaminate like real slate. The lightweight, easy-to-install product provides a refined appearance with reduced jobsite waste, resulting in lower installation costs.

For those property owners seeking a real cedar shake look on their homes without the maintenance hassles, DaVinci Select Shake is the answer. Made of virgin resins, UV and thermal stabilisers along with a highly specialised fire retardant, these composite shakes have a BROOF(t4) Fire rating. The quality design provides an authentic appearance while the exceptional pieces stand up to Mother Nature in all types of weather. Plus, these man-made cedar tiles are backed by a 40-year warranty.

For more information and details on these products and the Second Annual Elite Roofing Awards Program in 2026, go to https://www.tapcoroofingproducts.com/tapco-elite-roofing-awards-entry-form/ or call 01482 880478.

By Emma Peterson. 

Westlake’s portfolio is full of high-performance solutions for every project. 

While at the 2026 International Builders’ Show, The Coffee Shops™ team interviewed a variety of our customers and industry friends from SRS Distribution’s expo floor garage! One such interview was with Mitch Heitsch, who is a regional sales manager with Westlake Royal Roofing Products. Mitch was at the show highlighting the variety of products and solutions Westlake has to offer for all contractors, no matter what part of the building they work on, where they are in the country, what performance/aesthetics requirements they need to meet and more.  

He opened the conversation by explaining how Westlake’s portfolio encompasses a variety of markets, sharing, “Our overall brand is called Westlake Royal Building Products because we have so many different solutions... There’s roofing, which is my division, then there’s tools (Tapco), and on top of that we have stone for outdoor living (such as El Dorado and Cultured Stone) and siding/trim solutions.”  

And within each of these brands, Westlake has developed sub-brands and systems that meet the needs of contractors in the field. Unified Steel, Westlake’s stone-coated metal roofing brand, is a prime example of this. Mitch explained:  

Our products check most of the boxes when it comes to both performance and aesthetics. Take Unified Steel, for example. It has all the ratings Floridians could need when it comes to hurricanes and wind uplifts, while also having the very severe hail (VSH) and snow load ratings needed in the Midwest and the fire ratings needed out West. And from an aesthetics standpoint, we not only have a variety of colors for every need, but also five unique profiles that fit any architectural style out there. 

At the end of the day, if you need a product related to building a home, Westlake’s portfolio is likely to have a high-performance solution perfect for the job. 

Learn more about Westlake’s portfolio by watching the whole interview.

By Emma Peterson. 

Ronn Levine’s article dives into the challenges and opportunities in the roofing industry presented by labor, economic and technology trends. 

Recently, award-winning writer and editor Ronn Levine wrote an article for LBM Journal diving into the roles technology, relationships and training play in the roofing industry. The article provides great insight into how roofing professionals can find success in a challenging economic and labor market.  

Throughout the article, Ronn spoke to industry experts, such as Jack Gottesman (marketing and brand director at IKO), Sarah Lograsso (director of marketing and product management for Westlake Royal Building Products), Brian Cross (operations manager of Rocky Mountain Snow Guards),  David Ellis (VP for residential marketing at GAF) and The Coffee Shops™ President Heidi J. Ellsworth!  

In their conversation, Ronn and Heidi dove into the challenges and growth that Heidi has seen through the lens of RoofersCoffeeShop®, which will be celebrating its 25th anniversary next year!  

First she highlighted the labor shortages, which has been a persistent issue over the years, explaining, “Contractors and associations are working very strongly on workforce development, getting back into the high schools, the vocational schools, and thinking, ‘How do we get more skilled labor?’”  

From there, the conversation shifted to the economic outlook for roofing. One thing Heidi specifically mentioned was the semi-recent advancement of private equity firms, sharing, “The mergers of many companies into regional and national players, along with the influx of private equity funds, has changed the competitive marketplace.”  

Interested in the rest of Ronn and Heidi’s conversation, as well as the experts he interviewed? Read the whole article on LBM Journal’s website!

Westlake Royal Building Products^™ has launched FYRATEK™, a fire- and ember-resistant roofing underlayment to its Westlake Royal™ Roofing Components offering, designed for concrete and clay tile roofing systems in wildfire-prone regions.

Westlake Royal Building Products^™ (Westlake Royal), a Westlake company (NYSE: WLK), has introduced FYRATEK™ to its Westlake Royal™ Roofing Components product line. A fire- and ember‐resistant roof underlayment, FYRATEK is designed for use with concrete and clay tile roofing systems in high wildfire‐designated regions. 

FYRATEK features a non‐combustible aluminum surface engineered to reflect heat and help prevent burning embers from igniting the wood roof deck and building structure. It is Class A fire-rated when used with tile roof coverings and is listed for use in California’s Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) regions.

“Most tile roof systems carry a Class A fire rating, but FYRATEK provides an additional layer of wildfire defense, enhancing fire and ember resistance at the deck level where it matters most,” said Eric Miller, vice president of sales for Westlake Royal Building Products’ stone and roofing brands. “As the frequency and severity of wildfires continue to grow, FYRATEK may bring added peace of mind for homeowners in at-risk areas.”

Along with its fire-resistance benefits, FYRATEK lays flat, grips the deck and has a grid-patterned scrim for enhanced foot traction. It’s designed to withstand the rigors of tile roof installation, and its cool blue surface is designed to help reduce sun glare for installers. 

FYRATEK is available in 54” x 100’ rolls and carries a 30-year limited warranty for long-term durability. 

For more information, visit Westlake Royal Roofing Components.

About Westlake Royal Building Products

Westlake Royal Building Products USA Inc., a Westlake company (NYSE:WLK), is a leader throughout North America in the innovation, design and production of a broad and diverse range of exterior and interior building products, including siding and accessories, trim and mouldings, roofing, stone, windows and outdoor living. Westlake Royal Building Products manufactures high quality, low maintenance products to meet the specifications and needs of building professionals, homeowners, architects, engineers and distributors, while providing stunning curb appeal with an unmatched array of colors, styles and accessories.

By Robin Anderson, technical and strategy development manager, Westlake Royal Building Products.

Small steps can lead to big savings, and cool roof colors and a cool roof system do just that.

Roofing systems already play a critical role in protecting the home, but what if they can do even more to bolster resilience and save homeowners money? Specifying cool roof materials and methods can provide added durability while helping to keep homes cooler and lowering energy costs.

Here’s what contractors should know.

What are cool roof colors?

Cool roof color tiles utilize specialized pigments that help reflect the sun’s solar energy, varying significantly based on the roofing material and manufacturer. These cool colors are often listed with the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC), an independent organization that lists products that have been rigorously tested for their solar reflectance and thermal emittance.

Cool roof colors provide effective temperature regulation, keeping the building cooler even in the hottest weather and helping lower energy bills by easing reliance on air conditioning systems.

More broadly, cool roof colors help reduce CO² and other emissions associated with fossil fuel-generated electricity, which can contribute to a greener environment.

Along with direct savings, the lower surface temperature of a cool roof color can help maintain the quality of the roof and extend its service life, minimizing the need for frequent repairs or replacements. To the left, is an example of a cool roof color. This is Stirling in the Pacific Tile profile, one of four cool roof colors available from Unified Steel.

What is a cool roof system?

Available in combination with cool roof colors or any color, the Westlake Royal cool roof system pairs Unified Steel, Newpoint Concrete and US Tile roofing with components and procedures that provide superior insulation, ventilation and longevity. This helps keep the home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. To the right is one of many cool roof colors available for Newpoint Concrete Roof Tile. In particualr, shown here is the Barcelona profile in Buckskin.

The makeup of a cool roof system varies slightly based on roofing material.

As hot air rises by natural convection, a cool roof system allows the warm air to rise and exit through the ridge vent, drawing outside ambient air across the roof deck. This continuous airflow creates a cooler attic and living space in the home. The animation to the right shows this process.

Testing by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) revealed that the Elevated Batten System on a dark roof is just as important as reflective roofs in achieving energy efficiency. ORNL’s 12-month study on the effects of infrared-reflective (IRR) pigments vs. metal roofs installed with an airspace showed above-sheathing ventilation can reduce heat flow into a building by nearly 30% (the Cool Roof Technical Bulletin with a complete report is available for download).

Energy efficiency made easy

Small steps can lead to big savings, and cool roof colors and a cool roof system do just that. By focusing on durability, energy efficiency and environmental responsibility, homeowners and building professionals can achieve long-term value and optimal performance.

To learn more about cool roof options, visit Westlake Royal’s cool roof page.

By Emma Peterson. 

How contractors can use technology to deliver better roofs in a more efficient manner.  

While at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)’s 2026 International Builders’ Show (IBS), we had the opportunity to film a live Coffee Conversations® thanks to our sponsors, SRS Distribution! The episode featured an expert panel of industry leaders, including Eric Fortenberry of JobTread Software, Mitch Heitsch of Westlake Royal Building Products and Chris DePatria of HOVER. One of the main discussion points of the conversation was the trends that this panel is seeing across the industry this year and how contractors should adjust future operations accordingly.  

Mitch opened the conversation by sharing what product trends he’s seen, sharing, “From the product standpoint, we're seeing a heavy push to more resilient products. This is partially from an aesthetic perspective, but mainly about performance. A lot of this is because insurance is driving a lot of conversations, but homeowners are also wanting to upgrade their homes with the next best thing.”  

And this push for better performance extends beyond the manufacturing space. Clients and competitive markets are putting more pressure on contractors to perform at a high level of efficiency. Eric explained, “Contractors are realizing that they need to implement systems and technology to be able to keep up with everything that's going on in the industry. Because it’s the contractors who can create the most streamlined, efficient processes that are able to deliver the service homeowners want and run business that succeed even in tough markets.”  

So, what can contractors do to improve the performance of both the roofs they install and the operations of their business? Integrate technology. Chris shared some examples of what this type of integration might look like:  

In terms of internal operations, programs like what we have at HOVER take what used to be a 30+ minute process of measuring a roof and turn it into a two-minute program. And as for delivering performance to clients, visualizers have become key in helping homeowners understand how materials will actually look and act on their homes...In fact 74% of homeowners want to see a visualization before they purchase or make a commitment.  

Overall, these are just two examples of the countless technological solutions that are on the market helping contractors take performance to the next level. Mitch summed up the conversation neatly, adding, “Contractors need to not be afraid to adapt and to change with what the market is demanding. There's a lot of people that get scared about that, they don’t want to change products or processes, but these types of changes are needed to bring you to where you need to go.” 

Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording to learn more about the trends shaping the industry.  

By Emma Peterson. 

Metal roofing is rising in popularity around the country thanks to its ability to withstand various climates. 

In his role as a regional sales manager for Westlake Royal Building Products, Mitch Heitsch works with contractors and clients across various regions, from North Dakota to Florida. This has given him a unique perspective on how different roofing products and materials perform in different climates. To share what he has seen, he stopped by MetalCoffeeShop® for an episode of MetalCast™.  

Mitch opened the conversation by discussing the different factors impacting roofing in the regions he covers, sharing, “It's been a lot of fun to see the vast difference across regions. For example, in Florida, we tend to get kind of tunnel visioned into wind uplift and wind driven rain and those kinds of topics, but getting further north, now you're starting to talk snow loads and hail impact.”  

And the common thread across these regions? The rising interest in metal roofing. In Mitch’s opinion, the biggest reason for this popularity is metal’s performance. He explained: 

From winds to snow to wildfires, metal roofing checks all the boxes. Take Westlake’s Unified Steel as an example. In a wind uplift category, we have testing standards that get us up over 200 miles an hour. In a hail category, we carry very severe hail (VSH).  When you start talking about fire prone areas, we are a class A rated system product...Further, you can design Unified Steel as a cool roof system, where air is constantly flowing above the roof deck and keeping the home cooler. 

While this incredible performance might be the main reason, there are still other factors that are influencing the rise of metal. One is insurance costs. Mitch explained, “I think insurance is driving a lot of the conversation about performance. As our weather grows more extreme, these companies are demanding higher performing roofs.”  

Overall, metal is rising in popularity across regions for its durability and performance. As Mitch put it, “We’re seeing a general shift in people trying to move towards prepping themselves for weather events versus being reactionary to it. And a metal roof is often part of that preparation.” 

Listen to the whole conversation or Watch the episode to learn more about the rise of metal roofing.  

By Emma Peterson. 

Join The Coffee Shops™ crew and our industry partners in Sacramento for four days of education, innovation and industry connection. 

The Coffee Shops™ crew is putting the finishing touches on our travel plans to get to Sacramento, California March 12–15, 2026 for the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC)’s International Convention and we want to see you at our booth and soundstage, sponsored by Western Colloid!  

This year’s show is predicted to host “1,700 consultants, architects, engineers, design professionals and other experts” for four days of learning, networking and more! With national sponsors like Carlisle, Elevate™, GAF, IB Roof Systems™, Johns Manville, Polyglass USA Inc., Sika Corporation, SOPREMA and Versico, this show is a must-attend for professionals in all parts of the roofing world.  

Expert-led education  

This show gives attendees a chance to learn from a variety of industry leaders and experts through their cutting-edge education sessions. Here are some of the incredible presenters that will be at this year’s show:  

• Trent Cotney of Adams and Reese will be hosting a “State of the Industry” session that will explore contract provisions and other emerging regulatory trends.  
• Darren Perry of SOPREMA has a session that discusses how low slope roofing can be enhanced in response to severe climate risks. 
• Amrize’s National Technical Manager Victor Rosenthal and Project Manager Rachael DeMeio will be teaching about trends in roof re-cover applications this year. 
• Jennifer Stephan from Benchmark’s session will dive into the world of Refrigerated Processing and Cold Storage Operations in relation to industrial roofing projects.  

Check out the full speaker list online!

An expo floor route 

The Coffee Shops crew will be on the expo floor hosting a soundstage at booth #1113! Here’s just a few of the other Coffee Shops friends and partners that can be found on IIBEC’s 2026 International Convention expo floor:  

• All Weather Insulated Panels (booth #1216) 
• Anchor Products (booth #907)  
• ATAS International (booth #728)  
• BITEC Inc. (booth #1023) 
• Brava Tile (booth #208) 
• CertainTeed (booth #227)  
• General Coatings Manufacturing (booth #926) 
• H.B. Fuller (booth #113) 
• ICP Building Solutions Group (booth #133) 
• IKO Industries (booth #426) 
• Leister (booth #619) 
• Malarkey Roofing Products (booth #213) 
• MuleHide (booth #814) 
• Roof Hugger (booth #707) 
• S-5! (booth #1019) 
• Sheffield Metals International (booth #625) 
• Sherwin Williams Roofing Solutions (booth #422) 
• Tremco (booth #321) 
• USG Securock (booth #401) 
• Western Colloid (booth #923) 
• Westlake Royal Roofing Solutions (booth #433) 

Explore the full expo floor map!

Register today and make sure you stop by to say hi to us and our industry friends at the IIBEC’s 2026 International Convention!

This positive outlook is reflected in the NAHB/Westlake Royal Remodeling Market Index (RMI), a quarterly survey of NAHB remodeler members that provides insight for the remodeling industry. 

The remodeling market is poised for growth in the coming years as many structural tailwinds, including an aging housing stock, the persistent lock-in effect and the trend for older home owners to age-in-place, will not be changing quickly, according to industry experts at a panel hosted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) during the International Builders’ Show in Orlando.

This positive outlook is reflected in the NAHB/Westlake Royal Remodeling Market Index (RMI), a quarterly survey of NAHB remodeler members that provides insight for the remodeling industry. In fact, the RMI has registered a reading above the break-even point of 50 for 24 consecutive quarters, showcasing a post-pandemic resiliency. The remodeling sector is also outpacing the single-family and multifamily housing markets when comparing their respective sentiment measurements over the past five years.

“There are many factors contributing to the continued growth of the remodeling market, including the aging housing stock,” said NAHB Economist Eric Lynch. “The typical age of a home has increased from 31 years old in 2006 to 41 years old in 2023. And with the dramatic rise in home equity post-pandemic, more home owners are able to finance remodeling projects that align with their needs.”

Another tailwind for the remodeling market is the mortgage rate lock-in effect, where home owners with low mortgage rates have chosen to stay in their current homes instead of moving and taking on a higher rate. Lynch noted that while the lock-in effect is lessening, it is still persisting which means households will be incentivized to pursue remodeling projects first before considering a sale.

Lynch explained that the remodeling sector is continuing to become a larger share of the residential construction market, especially when looking at the number of firms and overall construction spending. There were 128,000 remodeling firms at the start of 2025, up from 69,000 in 2000. And home improvement spending share increased from 33% in 2007 to 44% in the first quarter of 2025.

The trend for older home owners to age-in-place has positively contributed to the growth in the remodeling market. The RMI survey showed that 56% of remodelers are involved in home modification work relating to aging-in-place and that 96% of remodelers said that most or some of their consumers are familiar with the aging-in-place concept. The survey also showed that 73% of respondents indicated that requests for aging-in-place features have significantly or somewhat increased over the past five years.

A recent RMI survey found that the most common remodeling projects in 2025 were: bathroom remodels, kitchen remodels and whole house remodels. These findings are consistent with historical trends reported by NAHB where bathroom, kitchen and whole house renovations have traditionally ranked as the top three project types undertaken by NAHB remodelers.

Looking ahead, residential remodeling activity is expected to increase 3% in 2026 and an additional 2% in 2027 in inflation-adjusted terms. “NAHB is forecasting growth for the remodeling sector both in the short-term and the long run, driven by these structural tailwinds that are not expected to change in the near future,” said Lynch.

Attendees also heard from Alan Hanbury, Jr., CGR, CAPS, GMR, president and CEO of Consulting by House of Hanbury Builders Inc., based in Newington, Connecticut, who presented on best practices for setting KPIs for remodelers to grow and manage their businesses profitably.

For remodelers, a few best practices stand out in ensuring sustained success. “It is extremely important for remodelers to establish benchmarks and target attainable future goals if they want to continue to succeed and grow,” said Hanbury. “It is even better when those objectives are based on data from your fellow peers.”

This type of data can be found in NAHB’s Remodelers’ Cost of Doing Business Study, where remodelers can compare their current performance against the industry, broken down between top 25%, bottom 25% and average outcomes. The study shows gross and net profit, assets and liabilities, owners’ equity and financial ratios, among many other indicators broken down between design build firms and general remodelers as well as revenues.

“Every remodeling business is unique, so understanding the differences among various groups of remodelers is crucial for making the most appropriate benchmarks for your company,” said Hanbury. “It is also essential to know the most important financial ratios used for benchmarking and how they are calculated so your comparisons are legitmate.”

About NAHB

The National Association of Home Builders is a Washington-based trade association representing more than 140,000 members involved in home building, remodeling, multifamily construction, property management, subcontracting, design, housing finance, building product manufacturing and other aspects of residential and light commercial construction. NAHB is affiliated with 700 state and local home builders associations around the country. NAHB's builder members will construct about 80% of the new housing units projected for this year.