By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Bringing contractors, manufacturers and industry leaders together for a day of connection, innovation and opportunity. 

There are certain events on the calendar that the roofing community simply does not miss, and in Arizona, the Arizona Roofing Contractors Association (ARCA) Expo is one of them. Each year, it draws together the people, products and perspectives that are actively shaping the industry, creating a day where business growth and meaningful relationships take center stage. 

The 57th Annual ARCA Expo is set for Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the Prescott Resort & Conference Center in Prescott, Arizona. With decades of history behind it, this event has built a strong reputation as a must-attend gathering for roofing professionals throughout the region. 

What continues to make the ARCA Expo so impactful is the way it effortlessly connects individuals from across every corner of the industry. Contractors have the opportunity to engage directly with manufacturers and suppliers, gaining firsthand insight into the products, services and technologies that are driving change. These conversations tend to move beyond introductions, often developing into lasting partnerships and new ways of doing business. 

That sense of connection carries throughout the day, as the environment encourages interaction in a natural and productive way. Attendees find themselves reconnecting with familiar faces while also expanding their network, and those conversations often lead to new ideas and opportunities. It is this blend of relationship building and forward-thinking discussion that strengthens not only individual businesses, but the industry as a whole. 

The educational component adds another layer of value, with industry experts leading seminars focused on current trends, best practices and the challenges contractors are facing today. The ability to move between these sessions and conversations on the show floor creates a more dynamic experience, allowing attendees to immediately connect insight with real-world application. 

At the same time, the ARCA Expo maintains an energy that keeps people engaged from start to finish. Product demonstrations and interactive exhibitor experiences add a sense of momentum throughout the day, creating an atmosphere that is both informative and enjoyable. This balance helps ensure that attendees leave not only with new knowledge, but with a renewed sense of where the industry is headed. 

For companies looking to increase visibility, the expo offers a highly focused opportunity to connect with roofing professionals who are actively seeking solutions. Being present on the show floor allows businesses to showcase their offerings in a setting that encourages conversation, discovery and relationship building. 

As contractors continue to explore new technologies and expand into adjacent markets, events like the ARCA Expo play an essential role in keeping the industry connected and moving forward. They provide a place where ideas come together, partnerships are strengthened and the future of roofing continues to take shape. 

To be part of Arizona’s premier roofing industry event, visit the ARCA website to learn more and register today. 

By Jenny Yu.  

Industry leaders say demand for flexible, durable and lifestyle-focused steel buildings continues to expand into residential, commercial and luxury sectors. 

The barndominium market continues to gain momentum across residential, commercial and mixed-use construction, creating new opportunities for architects, builders, contractors and suppliers focused on metal building systems. During a recent METALCON webinar titled “Barndominium: Building smarter with metal,” industry experts Stacee Lynn of The Barndominium Company™ and builder Jason Millon of Premier Barndominiums shared insights into the growth of the sector, evolving customer expectations and the increasing role of steel in modern construction. 

Stacee explained that while many people associate barndominiums with Texas, the term originated decades ago in Connecticut. Today, the concept has evolved into much more than a barn-inspired residence. “A barndominium really is a clear span building, where all of the weight of the roof structure is carried on the perimeter,” Stacee stated, noting how the clear-span design gives owners greater flexibility during construction and future remodeling. “I question all the time why all homes aren’t built this way.” 

Consumer demand is being driven by a desire for open floor plans, lower maintenance and unique lifestyles. According to Jason, customers are increasingly attracted to the flexibility and aesthetics of metal structures. “People love it. They love the open concept,” Jason said. “It’s a lifestyle, and everybody wants that lifestyle.” 

The market is also expanding beyond residential applications. Stacee said demand is growing for luxury barndominiums, family compounds, wedding venues, sports facilities and commercial developments. “We’ve entered into the luxury barndominium world,” Stacee said. “We havet the people who can buy whatever they want, and they’re calling us because they’re interested in barndos.” 

Steel’s durability, fire resistance and long-term performance are further accelerating interest. Stacee believes changing insurance requirements and wildfire concerns will continue to influence construction choices. “There’s going to be a huge push by the insurance companies to encourage new construction in steel,” she said. 

As the market grows, both speakers emphasized the importance of education and collaboration among designers, builders and property owners. Successful projects depend on aligning design intent with construction methods and understanding local codes, financing requirements and material options. For contractors considering entering the market, Jason stressed the value of continuous learning. “Educate yourself,” he said. “Don’t just jump in there and start building.” 

Looking ahead, both experts agreed that barndominiums represent a long-term shift rather than a passing trend. Stacee summarized the opportunity for the industry: “Barndominiums are not going anywhere anytime soon. They’re going to be around for a very long time.” 

Watch the full webinar to hear more insights on barndominium design, construction trends, steel building innovation and emerging business opportunities across the market.

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn how Cotney Consulting Group’s training elevates individuals, businesses and the industry as a whole.  

Having a properly trained team is one of the biggest factors in not only promoting individual growth but also long-term business success. But, in the busy world of roofing, it can be hard to find time for training. To solve this problem, John Kenney and the team at Cotney Consulting Group have developed online training courses that help train everyone from estimators to project managers and superintendents. To learn more about this, Megan Ellsworth sat down with John for an episode of Roofing Road Trips®. 

John started by sharing some philosophy behind Cotney’s training courses: 

Most field leaders are promoted because they're great roofers. You do your job very well and you go into the next position. What we realized is that when they make that jump, they don’t always get the training they need to succeed. So, our programs were built to help bridge that gap...The goal is to give these leaders confidence and structure so they're not reacting all day and they're actually managing proactively.  

By switching to proactive management strategies, not only will the individuals getting trained find more success in their new position, the entire business and roofing industry will benefit as well. John explained, “From an individual standpoint, training and certifications create pride, credibility and a clear growth path; all of which are important for retaining good people. That retention helps businesses and having those skilled and credible folks in in the roofing world standardizes the industry.” 

And you don’t have to take John’s word alone for the benefits of Cotney’s proactive management training. Contractors and professionals who have taken the courses find that their communication improves greatly, and they finally understand why things went wrong on past jobs and how to prevent problems from continuing.  

Interested in signing up for training? Visit www.shopcotneycg.com to see available course! Want to hear more from John? Listen to the whole Roofing Road Trip podcast!

The 2026 Trends Survey, sponsored by QXO, captures insight into the pressures roofing contractors are navigating and the goals guiding their businesses. 

RoofersCoffeeShop®, the award-winning place where the industry meets for technology, information and everyday business, announces the opening of its latest Roofing Industry Trends Survey, sponsored by QXO. Now in its tenth year, the Trends Survey seeks contractor perspectives on the factors influencing business performance, including workforce training, AI adoption, technology gaps, hiring efforts, immigration challenges and keeping skilled employees. 

“We are committed to understanding the realities contractors face, the changes shaping the market and the resources that can help them succeed,” said Heidi J. Ellsworth, president/CEO of RoofersCoffeeShop. “This survey is one way we can capture the challenges, opportunities and trends shaping the market in real time. When contractors share what they are seeing every day, it gives the entire industry a clearer picture of their challenges, helping us identify where support is needed and how we can better serve the industry moving forward.”  

The 2026 Trends Survey is designed to discover the key business challenges contractors are facing, from operational issues to workforce demands, while also examining the digital tools and platforms they are leveraging to improve efficiency. The survey covers a variety of contractor needs, including training, software and marketing tactics, and offers an in-depth look at how strategies for lead generation, recruitment and retention are influencing business success. 

Since 2016, RCS has been surveying contractors and has created seven Trends Reports, each focusing on the industry's biggest challenges, identifying key business priorities and providing an overview of the sector's overall health. 

Contractors are urged to take the 2026 Trends Survey today!

About RoofersCoffeeShop 

As an award-winning website and online community, RoofersCoffeeShop is committed to being a roofing professional advocate by supplying consistent information, education and communication avenues for all roofing professionals, and especially contractors, while promoting the positive growth, education and success of the roofing industry overall. Visitors to the site continue to find excellent opportunities for sharing information while participating in important ongoing conversations concerning new technologies, safety and the overall roofing trade. From the rooftop to the board room, RoofersCoffeeShop.com is “Where the Industry Meets!” For more information, visit www.rooferscoffeeshop.com. 

About QXO 

QXO is the largest publicly traded distributor of roofing, waterproofing, and complementary building products in the United States. The company plans to become the tech-enabled leader in the $800 billion building products distribution industry and generate outsized value for shareholders. QXO is targeting $50 billion in annual revenues within the next decade through accretive acquisitions and organic growth. Visit www.qxo.com for more information. 

By The Coffee Shops™. 

Everlast Roofing invites contractors to show off the projects they’re most proud of. 

A completed project can say a lot about a contractor’s workmanship. From clean lines and sharp trim details to bold color combinations and standout building designs, every finished roof is an opportunity to show customers what is possible. Everlast Roofing’s project showcase gives contractors a simple way to share that work and help inspire the next metal roofing project. 

Everlast Roofing invites contractors to submit projects they are proud of through their Gallery page. The showcase highlights projects across residential, post-frame, commercial and agricultural applications, making it a strong resource for contractors, distributors, homeowners and building owners looking for real-world examples of metal roofing in action. The gallery features Everlast Roofing product profiles including Everlast II®, Everdrain®, PBR, Everloc® and Everseam®, giving visitors a closer look at how different panels perform across a range of project types. 

The “Showcase Your Project” form makes it easy for contractors to submit the key details. Everlast Roofing asks for project photos, building location, roofing profile, roof color, trim color, siding color, contractor information and distributor information. Those details help tell a full story about the project, from the product selected to the finished look achieved in the field. 

For contractors, submitting a project is a chance to gain visibility while recognizing the skill of the crews who made it happen. It can also help future customers visualize colors, profiles and applications before making decisions on their own buildings. 

Whether the project stands out because of its location, design, color palette or craftsmanship, Everlast Roofing wants to see it. Contractors who have completed a project using Everlast Roofing products can submit their photos and details today. 

Visit Everlast Roofing to showcase your project and let your work help inspire what comes next.

Time is running out to take advantage of special pricing on our in-stock 20 oz copper inventory. This offer ends June 30, 2026, and inventory is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

As one of the most sought-after architectural metals, copper delivers unmatched durability, natural beauty, and long-term value. Whether you're planning a roofing, siding, or custom fabrication project, this is your last chance to secure premium copper at reduced pricing.

Please note: Special pricing is only available for orders that meet the sale requirements and minimums listed below.

Sale Requirements:

• Applies to in-stock 20 oz Copper inventory only
• Orders must be placed immediately
• Material must be shipped or picked up by June 30
• Any order not shipped or picked up by June 30 will revert to regular pricing
• Inventory is available on a first come, first served basis while supplies last

Coil Pricing:

Available Widths: 20", 24", and 36"

• 5,000 lbs minimum: $7.75/lb
• Orders under 5,000 lbs: $8.00/lb

Flat Sheet Pricing:

• $305 per flat
• 25 flat sheets minimum purchase required

Important: Orders must be placed and shipped or picked up by June 30 to qualify. Any material not shipped or picked up by the deadline will revert to regular pricing. Inventory is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

Request a quote or call (877) 787-5467 today to confirm availability and secure sale pricing before the deadline. If you have any questions or would like to verify current inventory levels, feel free to contact us. 

Start your purchase today!

By Emma Peterson. 

Why contractors are using the Dryvit Outsulation system for historic and heritage projects. 

Historic buildings are fundamental to preserving our cities’ culture and heritage. However, because of their age, they are often in need of renovations to make them structurally sound and safe for modern use. Historical remediation projects come with a variety of challenges, as the American Society of Civil Engineers points out, “Renovation and restoration present unique challenges over new construction projects, such as complying with preservation laws, managing hazardous materials, addressing potential rezoning concerns, as well as ensuring the availability of skilled workers.” 

But just because it’s a challenge doesn't mean it’s impossible, and Tremco CPG’s Dryvit brand has developed an exterior facade solution that makes it easier to tackle these restoration projects – the Outsulation® system.  

What is the Dryvit Outsulation system 

Dryvit Outsulation is a modern exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS) that, as the name suggests, insulates a building from the outside. It features “continuous insulation (CI) adhered or attached to an approved substrate, a basecoat with reinforcing fiberglass mesh and an impact-resistant architectural finish.” Traditionally, the insulator used in the CI of a Dryvit Outsulation system is EPS foam, but GPS, XPS and Mineral Wool are also usable.  

Dryvit Outsulation provides maximum durability, sustainability and thermal performance for all types of climates and structures. It has been shown to lower energy costs, reduce exterior maintenance needs and keep building looking their best.   

Designing with the Dryvit Outsulation system for historic integrity 

For the restoration of aging structures, Dryvit Outsulation is an ideal system for maintaining historical integrity. This is because EIFS provide the perfect balance of design flexibility with contemporary performance. 

Versatility 

EIFS, like the Dryvit Outsulation system, are remarkably versatile when it comes to design. They can be custom shaped and finished to mimic a wide variety of materials, even the intricate details often found on 19th and 20th century buildings (like cornices, dentils and keystones). Additionally, you can choose from countless textures and colors for a Dryvit Outsulation façade, making it simple to refresh a fading coating to match the historical intent. 

Because the CI is used in the system is typically a lightweight EPS foam, they put far less weight strain on a historical structure than other options.  

Performance 

A common challenge for historic renovations is getting the structure up to modern building codes and standards. Dryvit Outsulation is great at bringing heritage buildings up to contemporary energy codes and performance expectations. The combination of CI and the air/water barrier that are installed as a part of the system reduces thermal bridging and air leakage. In fact, since 2013, many national code bodies have started requiring CI for new construction projects for its ability to increase buildings’ R-value.  

Affordability 

These days, every building project seems expensive, but historic work is especially costly since it often involves sourcing rare materials or locating specific skilled labor. By working with the Dryvit Outsulation system, you can save money on the exterior restoration without cutting any corners. Not only is the material itself more affordable than other options, using field-applied or prefabricated EIFS shortens timelines and minimizes labor costs.  

One contractor, Rob Little of Little Construction, shared the benefit of working with Dryvit on his company’s Boston Hill Center project, “You can design it anyway you want, any color you want, almost any texture you want...and get your CI requirements and durability.” 

Conclusion 

Overall, the Dryvit Outsulation system is a powerful tool to have when renovating historical or heritage structures. The CI and other components of the EIFS combine visual adaptability, high-performance and cost-effectiveness to create the perfect balance of “preserving the past and constructing for the future.” 

Learn more about preserving historical buildings with Dryvit Outsolution EIFS.

In this MetalCoffeeShop Lunch & Learn, Megan Ellsworth is joined by Sherwin-William's MetalVueSM Vendor Partner, John Sheridan, owner of Sheridan Metal Resources LLC, to explore why metal roofing installation training is no longer optional, but essential for staying competitive and profitable. This session breaks down how proper training improves efficiency, reduces costly mistakes and elevates craftsmanship. Walk away with a clearer path to building skilled crews and delivering higher-performing metal roofing systems. 

Be sure to take a photo of your team enjoying this Lunch & Learn and submit your photo here or email us. We will select a winner each month to win a pizza lunch!

Once you've finished watching, don't forget to test your knowledge by taking the fun, interactive quiz and be sure to hang your completion certificate in your work area!

Download the Learning Guide.

Watch the Lunch & Learn.

By The Coffee Shops™. 

Data centers fuel the next phase of growth.  

At the 2026 MCA Summer Meeting, Paul Trombitas of FMI delivered a comprehensive market outlook, highlighting strong long-term growth across construction sectors, shifting geographic demand and evolving dynamics driven by data centers, consolidation and emerging technologies. 

“This gives us a good sense of what the overall trend of the market is,” Paul said. “No one chases 100% of the marketplace, but it helps you understand where you are headed.” 

Nonresidential and infrastructure drive growth 

FMI’s Q2 2026 outlook shows a changing balance across construction segments. While residential has historically dominated, recent years have brought greater parity between residential and nonresidential markets. 

“Residential and nonresidential are representing very similar volumes now,” Paul explained. “A lot of that is due to high demand from data centers and high-tech manufacturing, along with some softness in residential.” 

Looking ahead through 2030, FMI forecasts: 

• Residential growth around 4% to 4.5% 
• Nonresidential growth near 6% 
• Nonbuilding growth approaching 7.8% 

Overall, the total construction market is expected to grow at roughly 5.8%, with infrastructure tied to power and data centers driving much of the expansion. 

“That power is largely related to supporting the infrastructure for data centers,” Paul said. “That is the biggest challenge right now.” 

Data centers reshape the market 

Few sectors are influencing construction as dramatically as data centers. FMI projects data centers will continue to drive both demand and project prioritization across the country. 

“Data centers themselves are growing at about an 18% annual rate through 2030,” Paul noted, adding that they are now being separated from traditional office construction due to their rapid expansion. 

Their impact extends beyond project volume. Data centers are also influencing material demand, construction timelines and geographic investment. 

“They only care about getting the new technology in,” Paul said. “They’re willing to pay more for whatever allows them to do that faster.” 

Secondary cities gain momentum 

Shifting population trends and corporate relocations are fueling growth in emerging markets. Secondary cities such as Raleigh, Charlotte, Nashville and Tampa are becoming major construction hubs. “You follow where the population is moving,” Paul said. “That’s exactly where the dollars are going.” 

Corporate relocations are accelerating this trend, driving demand for housing, healthcare, education and commercial infrastructure in these regions. 

Metal roofing and wall systems show strong gains 

FMI’s updated forecast for metal roofing projects steady growth through 2030, with total square footage expected to increase by roughly 16%. Nonresidential applications are expected to lead that expansion. “There’s stronger growth in nonresidential industrial, institutional and commercial,” Paul said. 

Residential still accounts for the majority of metal roofing volume, but nonresidential is gaining share. Replacement work also dominates the market, making up more than 90% of activity. 

On the wall side, growth is even more pronounced. FMI forecasts more than 30% growth in metal wall systems, supported by industrial development and increased adoption in residential applications. “Metal wall continues to see very favorable growth,” Paul said, citing durability, sustainability and design flexibility as key drivers. 

Pricing and materials remain a concern 

Despite strong growth projections, pricing volatility continues to create uncertainty, particularly with aluminum and other substrates. “Aluminum prices have risen sharply, and that has prompted some projects to shift away from metal,” Paul said. “There’s concern about being overpriced relative to competing materials.” This pricing pressure could influence material selection, especially in cost-sensitive segments. 

Industry consolidation accelerates 

Another major theme highlighted in the presentation was consolidation across the supply chain. Recent acquisitions involving major distributors have reshaped the competitive landscape. “It’s almost an arms race of who can buy more and bigger distributors,” Paul said. 

At the same time, new entrants and smaller players are entering the market, creating a widening gap between large, consolidated firms and emerging competitors. “The middle is in a unique position,” Paul explained. “They’re trying to figure out how to position themselves between those two extremes.” 

AI adoption expands across construction 

Artificial intelligence is also gaining traction across the industry, though adoption varies widely. “Some companies are still hesitant, while others are using it for planning and logistics,” Paul said. He emphasized that successful adoption depends on clearly defined use cases. “The ones doing it effectively are building a business case,” he said. “They’re identifying challenges first, then selecting the right tool to address them.” 

Labor, power and supply chain shape the future 

Looking ahead, several constraints could influence growth, including labor availability, energy infrastructure and supply chain challenges. Power capacity, in particular, may become a limiting factor for data center expansion. 

“In Northern Virginia, data centers already represent nearly 30% of electricity consumption,” Paul said. “That’s going to be one of the biggest issues.” 

At the same time, modular construction and prefabrication are emerging as key strategies to address labor shortages and accelerate project timelines. 

Strong outlook with strategic considerations 

Overall, FMI’s forecast points to sustained growth, particularly in nonresidential and infrastructure sectors, supported by data center expansion and regional shifts. “There’s still a lot of optimism,” Paul said. “But there’s also underlying uncertainty that companies are navigating.” 

For contractors, manufacturers and distributors, success will depend on understanding shifting demand, adapting to consolidation and leveraging new tools and technologies to stay competitive. 

The Coffee Shops™. 

Taking a closer look at the true value of metal roofing in an evolving market.  

For the contractor considering adding metal roofing services to their line-up, the biggest question is obvious: is metal going to make me enough money to be worth it? The question is reasonable and is merely one consideration roofing professionals should keep in mind when deciding on whether metal is the right move for their business. McElroy Metal breaks down the most important questions regarding metal profitability, sorted in an easy-to-follow guide for readers to contemplate and take into account when making this decision.  

Let’s take a look at the most pressing concerns contractors might have, and what the experts have to say.  

Is metal roofing a profitable enough route to justify the shift away from shingles?  

Absolutely! For contractors focused solely on traditional materials, industry reports found the usual returns in net profit are slim, ranging in the 6-10% for net profit and gross margins of 25-40%. Meanwhile, those numbers hardly scratch the surface for metal contractors, who tend to bring in double digits, a major shift from what shingles bring. To boot, metal frequently and commonly achieve gross profit margins well above 35%.  

With these figures in mind, one must consider the lasting impact of the choices each contractor makes; fighting for every digit gained in percentage working with shingles, meanwhile, metal contractors feel secure in knowing the value and sturdy lifespan their products can offer customers for decades to come.  

The durability of a metal roofing system is singlehandedly one of the most valuable selling points of the material choice. Customers desire a system that will not only deliver on its promise of protection, but the investment cost as well. With that in mind, securing sales for these systems isn’t a hassle in jumping through hoops of empty promises – metal is certain to deliver!  

What is the ultimate cost of installing metal roofing? 

Of course, many have heard about the upfront price tags attached to metal roofing systems. While material costs are certainly higher compared to shingles at face value, it’s critical to understand that the quality and incredible lifespan that’s tied to the cost of these roofs makes every penny worth investing. Not only that, but the installation process for metal roofs is surprisingly efficient. Designed as panels made to interlock and fit together strategically, installers can get the work done at incredible speeds, without sacrificing work quality. The time saved from quick installations can mean significant time spent elsewhere for your crew, bringing in even more leads and sales.  

Metal’s appeal 

In the end, the value of investing in metal roofing systems comes down to understanding what makes these systems superior in practically every way to traditional systems. From a wide range of color options and aesthetics to the 50+ year average lifespan, it’s hard to look at all of the benefits that come with a metal roof and decide that it’s not with every penny. By learning what makes these products superior and worth it in every way, contractors can set themselves up for success, again and again, as home and building owners continue to turn towards modern solutions like metal.  

To learn more about the profitability of metal and contractrors’ most pressing questions about metal profit margins, read McElroy Metal’s article.