By Jesse Sanchez. 

Modern daylighting systems are giving metal building professionals new ways to improve energy efficiency, occupant comfort, safety and overall building performance. 

Daylighting may be one of the oldest concepts in building design, but advancements in material design, performance capabilities and installation methods are giving it new relevance in modern metal buildings. During a MetalTalk™ at the Metal Building Contractors and Erector Association (MBCEA) event, Karen Edwards spoke with Brian Grohe, director of commercial sales for North America at VELUX, about how daylighting is evolving across new construction and renovation projects. 

That evolution also aligns with VELUX Commercial’s new “We’re built for big” initiative as the company works with design firms, building owners and contractors on commercial daylighting projects. Applications can range from warehouses and schools to hospitals, retail spaces and other commercial facilities, with each project shaped by its intended use and performance goals. 

“We really try and tailor the daylighting strategy to the use of the building,” Brian shared. Those strategies may focus on energy efficiency, natural illumination or creating a stronger visual connection to the outdoors depending on customer needs. 

Existing buildings represent another opportunity as facilities are repurposed and upgraded. VELUX works with project teams to determine where skylights should be located, how many are needed and how they can be integrated with existing roofing systems. “We really try and get in early to understand the outcome that owners and architects are looking for and then we tailor our strategies to maximize that impact for them,” Brian explained. 

For metal buildings, integration with the roof system is particularly important. Modern curb systems can be designed to match specific roof panel profiles, helping contractors create watertight installations while limiting disruption to the roof. The VELUX Commercial Dynamic Dome also uses its shape to capture reflected and lower-angle sunlight, while an inner prismatic glazing layer diffuses light throughout the space and reduces glare. 

Safety and durability remain central considerations. “We test the skylights to failure with impact and static loads, and we provide that information to the contractors and building owners so that they know these skylights are strong. They're meant to last,” Brian said. VELUX Commercial also recommends accessory fall protection as an additional safety measure. 

For contractors, understanding modern daylighting systems can expand the solutions they offer while supporting installation, retrofit and replacement opportunities in new and existing metal buildings. 

Listen to the podcast or Watch the conversation to learn more about how daylighting can improve the performance, efficiency and occupant experience of modern metal buildings! 

By Emma Peterson. 

Woodchuck.ai rethinking how jobsite waste is handled in order to support sustainability goals while creating measurable financial benefits. 

Sustainability has become a key talking point for contractors. As John Kenney, the CEO of Cotney Consulting Group put it, “Not that long ago, sustainability discussions were limited to a handful of projects...Today, that conversation has become much more mainstream. Building owners are asking about energy efficiency, architects are exploring sustainable design options and municipalities are increasingly adopting standards that encourage greener building practices.” And as this demand for more sustainable practices rises, it is crucial that contractors not only consider the sustainability of the products they are installing, but also the sustainability of their building practices. 

This idea, of building more sustainable practices in addition to products, is what Todd Thomas and the team at Woodchuck.ai focuses on. We got the chance to learn more about their work and its benefits on an episode of Contractor Outlook™ we recorded with Todd. 

What Woodchuck.ai does is bring dumpsters to jobsites. But rather than your typical, throw everything and the kitchen sink into the same place, these dumpsters are designed to be used for material sorting. In fact, they utilize cameras and artificial intelligence software to help ensure that materials are separated properly. Then, when a dumpster is full, the Woodchuck.ai team can collect it, and take that sorted material, whether that’s asphalt products or wood products, and recycle it easily because it’s already sorted. 

Todd described how this separating and recycling of materials is such a good thing for sustainability, sharing, “We have a finite number of landfills across the United States and if you look at these landfills, they're often 30-40% wood by volume. And that wood is coming from things like construction site mixed dumpsters.” He went on, “So if we can get crews to sort their materials, we can keep that wood out of the landfill, extend the life of that landfill and get additional value out of that wood all at the same time.”  

And the best part of this whole set up? Not only can contractors feel good about their impact on the environment, it also can give them financial benefits. Todd explained:  

It might seem like a big change to start sorting materials, but it’s something that actually is pretty easy after you do it once and comes with benefits beyond sustainability. For example, we just partnered with a contractor who worked on Ford’s EV battery factory in Marshall, Michigan. Over the course of that project, we diverted 10,000 tons of wood from the landfills and instead were able to turn it into 10,000 megawatts of clean electricity. In addition to being an incredible win for sustainability, that diversion also returned a savings to the contractor of $1.6 million!  

With that kind of savings, it’s hard to deny the positive impact the Woodchuck.ai team is providing for both the environment and contractors in the field. As Todd put it, “If we can extend the life of our existing landfills by making sure that valuable materials don't get buried there, it's a win for everybody. It's a win for the contractor, it's a win for the community and it's a win for whoever was going to have the next landfill next to them.” 

Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recorded episode to learn more about Woodchuck.ai. 

By The Coffee Shops®.

One builder's journey shows how education, lifestyle goals and smarter planning continue to drive interest in post-frame construction.

As homeownership becomes increasingly complex, a growing number of prospective homebuyers are taking untraditional routes to owning a home. On a recent episode of MetalCast™ sponsored by Sherwin Williams, Karen Edwards sat down with Emily Marshall of MR and MRS Post Frame to discuss how homeowners and contractors are approaching building decisions in a changing market.

Emily's story began in 2019 when she and her husband, Paul, documented the construction of their own post-frame barndominium. What started as a personal project evolved into a construction business, content platform and educational resource for both industry professionals and do-it-yourself builders.

Since then, the market has undergone significant changes. Rising project costs have become one of the biggest concerns for both builders and customers. "We're all very aware that the pricing of things has really changed over the last seven years," Emily said. "That's been one of the largest pain points."

At the same time, many contractors continue to face workforce challenges. "There is also the crisis that a lot of companies are seeing while finding skilled labor. Trying to find folks that want to come on and work with you and actually put a lot of pride in their work," Emily noted.

Despite these obstacles, Emily sees a common motivation connecting professional builders and DIY customers. "Most people are seeking freedom," she said. According to Emily, that desire helps explain the continued popularity of barndominiums and rural building projects. Many clients are looking for more space, greater flexibility and a lifestyle that better aligns with their personal goals. "Barndominium is really indicating the type of lifestyle that somebody wants to have more than anything else," she explained. That growing interest in rural living and personalized building projects is also shaping what comes next for Emily's business: a new project designed to showcase how thoughtful planning influences every stage of construction.

Listen to the full podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about post-frame construction, barndominium trends and rural building design.

In this RoofersCoffeeShop® Coffee Conversations®, sponsored by SRS Distribution, we are joined by Brandi McElhaney, show manager at Informa and Keenan Perry, director of field & event marketing at SRS Distribution and Jon Goodman from NRCA. They will share the history and continued growth of the International Roofing Expo (IRE) while highlighting what will make the 2027 show stand out. From new products and innovations on the expo floor to education, networking and special events, the panel will cover the opportunities attendees won’t want to miss. They’ll also offer practical advice for first-time attendees, discuss efforts to create a welcoming industry experience and share what roofing professionals can do now to prepare for IRE 2027.

Watch on YouTube.

By Emma Peterson. 

From field installation and project management to executive leadership, John Kenney brings a unique perspective to roofing education. 

This November, right before the holiday season begins, John Kenney, the CEO of Cotney Consulting Group, will be hosting a two-day live classroom training workshop. This workshop, which runs Nov 17-18, 2026, promises to provide attendees with high-level skills related to project takeoffs, estimating and unit pricing. To learn more about how this training and others hosted by John help professionals improve their expertise and boost their businesses, we brought John onto an episode of Roofing Road Trips®. 

All of John’s trainings are based off of his own 45+ years of experience in the roofing industry. He shared a bit about his experience with us, saying, “I started in the field and worked my way through estimating project management, operations, leadership and eventually up to the executive roles. All that experience has allowed me to see the industry from a wide variety of angles.”   

And that wide perspective gave John a clear understanding of where companies often struggle and what they need to change in order to find success. He went into more detail: 

One of the biggest challenges that I've seen is that estimators are taught how to measure roofs and how to price materials, but not how to manage the most important items, which are their assumptions, communicate scope and protect the margins of a company. This is because people see estimating as just a math problem, and not the risk management it actually is.  

In his courses, John helps attendees overcome misconceptions like this. He explained, “I work with my classes to help them recalibrate the way they think about sales and estimating... I reframe estimating as a decision-making role, not a takeoff role and from there we dive into things like scope clarity, assumptions, production planning and communication.” And at the end of the course, John’s students leave with clear, actionable ways to build better estimates and better workflows in their businesses. 

Want to learn more about John’s training offerings? Listen to the whole episode or visit the Cotney Consulting Group training page.  

MCS Influencer John Kenney suggests reviewing the last season and planning for the next. 

Seasonal slowdowns and weather delays are part of construction. We cannot control all of them, but we can control what we do with the time. For metal contractors, that time is especially useful because equipment condition directly affects production. Brakes, shears, roll-forming equipment, power tools, batteries and other fabrication equipment need regular attention. When equipment is neglected, the consequences eventually show up somewhere, whether through lost production time, inconsistent fabrication, premature wear or crews standing around waiting for something to be repaired.

Maintenance should not begin when the equipment fails. A slower production period gives contractors the opportunity to inspect equipment before problems become emergencies. Cleaning, lubrication, adjustments, calibration and scheduled repairs are easier to handle when a machine is not needed immediately on a project. 

The same thinking applies to smaller tools. Crews become accustomed to working around damaged cords, worn blades, weak batteries, missing guards and other problems because they are trying to keep production moving. Those workarounds can become normal if management never creates time to correct them. That is why equipment care also needs to be part of training. Employees should understand more than how to operate a tool. They should know how to inspect it, clean it, store it properly and recognize when something is no longer performing the way it should. The person using the equipment every day is often the first person who can identify a developing problem. 

Seasonal conditions also require planning. Contractors operating in cold climates may need to address storage, batteries, fluids and equipment that will sit for extended periods. Material-handling and fabrication equipment should be protected according to the equipment manufacturer's requirements and the conditions where it is stored. But equipment maintenance should only be part of the plan.

A slowdown is also an opportunity to work on crew capability. Cross-training employees, reviewing installation details, strengthening safety practices and teaching employees how different parts of the operation fit together can produce benefits long after the slow period ends. This is particularly important in metal work, where quality depends heavily on workmanship. Small mistakes in measurement, fabrication or installation can become expensive once material has been formed or installed. Contractors can also use this period to review what happened during the previous production cycle. Which equipment caused delays? Where were crews losing time? What tools were repeatedly unavailable? Were there fabrication mistakes that should have been caught earlier? Were field crews waiting for material or information? Those questions turn downtime into operating improvement.

One thing I have learned over the years is that busy periods rarely give you enough time to fix everything that needs fixing. When production is running hard, the priority is getting the work completed. That makes the slower period the right time to address the problems everyone noticed but did not have time to solve. Downtime does not have to be lost time. Used correctly, it is preparation time. When the next busy season arrives, the contractor with maintained equipment, trained crews and better processes is ready to produce. The contractor who simply waited for work to pick back up is starting the season by trying to catch up.

METALCON has announced the winners of its sixth annual Top Products Awards, recognizing product innovations showcased at its 35th anniversary event, held Oct. 7–9 in Orlando, Florida.

Products were evaluated through public electronic voting before the show and attendee voting onsite, giving metal construction industry professionals a voice in recognizing products, technologies and solutions designed to address the evolving needs of metal construction with improved performance, efficiency and installation.

The 2026 METALCON Top Products Award winners are:

First Place

Company: Progressive Foam

Category: Insulation

Product: Progressive Foam ReadyClad®
 

Progressive Foam ReadyClad® combines continuous insulation with built-in treated plywood furring strips for exposed perimeter foundation applications. By integrating the fastening surface directly into the insulation panel, ReadyClad eliminates the need to install separate furring strips, helping reduce labor, materials, installation time and opportunities for error. Its Graphite Polystyrene (GPS) core delivers R-values up to R-9.2, while its vapor-permeable construction supports fast drying and moisture management.
 

Second Place

Company: BH-USA/Elite Fans

Category: Accessories

Product: Elite Electric Fans
 

BH-USA/Elite Fans offers industrial ventilation solutions for commercial, industrial, agricultural and manufacturing applications. Its Elite Electric Products line includes belt-driven cabinet exhaust fans, wall-mount panel exhaust fans, exhaust shutters and electric motors in multiple sizes.

Designed for demanding environments such as fabrication shops, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, agricultural buildings and equipment storage, the fans are engineered for long-term durability, powerful airflow and ease of maintenance.
 

Third Place

Company: PPG

Category: Coatings

Product: AQUACRON® Waterborne Shop Primers (WSP) for Structural Steel
 

PPG AQUACRON® Waterborne Shop Primers (WSP) are designed to help structural steel fabricators improve throughput while reducing volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. The primers deliver a smooth finish and are formulated to cure in approximately two minutes under standard heat, helping reduce drying and curing times and the space required for production. Factory-applied to beams, purlins, joists and framing components, the primers also help protect steel against flash rust and corrosion during transportation, storage and construction.

“METALCON’s 35th anniversary gave us an opportunity to reflect on how far the industry has come, but the METALCON Top Products Awards are really about what comes next,” said Judy Geller, vice president of trade shows at METALCON. “This year’s winners demonstrate how manufacturers are addressing real-world challenges through improvements in performance, efficiency and installation. We look forward to seeing how these innovations continue to shape the industry as we look ahead toward METALCON 2027 in Louisville, Kentucky on October 26-28.”

About METALCON

Established in 1991, METALCON is the only annual event dedicated exclusively to the application of metal in design and construction. Produced by PSMJ Resources, Inc., in partnership with the Metal Construction Association, it brings together decision-makers from across the metal construction ecosystem to explore innovations shaping the built environment. More than a trade show, METALCON serves as the industry’s annual business summit—where deals are made, partnerships are formed and the next 12 months take shape. METALCON 2027 takes place Oct. 26–28 at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville, Kentucky. For more information, visit www.metalcon.com.

Steel Dynamics' innovative technology combines the beauty of natural  materials with the durability and versatility of steel. 

The Coffee Shops®, the award-winning online communities where the industries meet for technologies, safety, information and education for the construction trades of roofing, metal, coatings and outdoor living, are pleased to welcome Tru Steel HD® into their community. 

Developed by Steel Dynamics, Inc., Tru Steel HD uses proprietary high-definition digital printing technology to reproduce realistic images of natural materials directly onto steel coils. The technology offers architects, designers and manufacturers an alternative to traditional wood, stone and vinyl products without compromising visual appeal. Manufactured in Indiana, Tru Steel HD combines advanced coating technology, customizable designs and durable steel substrates to create versatile products for residential, commercial, interior and exterior applications. 

From this company, you can expect: 

• Advanced digital printing technology: Tru Steel HD uses a proprietary large-format digital printer to apply high-resolution images directly to steel.  
• Realistic designs: Tru Steel HD produces nonrepeating images up to 32 feet long allowing for greater visual variation and more authentic representations of natural surfaces. 
• Durable, low-maintenance performance: Tru Steel HD resists termites and other insects, scratching, rot, warping and swelling. The product also carries an ASTM Class A fire rating. 
• Versatile interior and exterior applications: From residential siding and commercial building panels to garage doors, Tru Steel HD provides design flexibility across a wide range of manufactured products. 
• Sustainable steel manufacturing: Tru Steel HD's steel substrate is produced at Steel Dynamics' Butler Division in Indiana using electric arc furnace (EAF) technology and contains an average of 93% recycled content. The steel can also be recycled at the end of its useful life, supporting a circular manufacturing approach. 

The Coffee Shops are proud to welcome Tru Steel HD!

About Tru Steel HD 

Tru Steel HD is a proprietary high-definition digital printing technology developed by Steel Dynamics, Inc. Introduced in 2020, the technology applies photorealistic images of natural materials directly to coated steel, offering an alternative to conventional printed steel products. Manufactured in Indiana, Tru Steel HD provides a broad selection of standard and customizable designs for interior and exterior applications. Its products combine realistic aesthetics, long-lasting performance and recyclable steel substrates. Learn more at Tru-SteelHD.com. 

By The Coffee Shops®. 

Educating customers on Class A-rated metal roof assemblies and noncombustible building materials. 

As wildfires continue to threaten lives and property, contractors can give customers greater peace of mind by explaining how material selection contributes to a structure’s resilience. In this article, Drexel Metals shares that wildfire events are at a 10-year high. This means it is more important than ever that home and building owners are informed about their material options. Educating customers about how fire can spread and the risks certain materials carry can go a long way toward ensuring their future safety. 

During a wildfire, flying embers can travel ahead of the flames and land on roofs or other vulnerable areas. Roof assemblies that earn a Class A fire rating, the highest classification per Underwriters Laboratories 790 and ASTM International E108 testing standards, are designed to resist severe fire exposure, limit flame spread and reduce the likelihood that a roof becomes a fuel source. 

Many metal roofing systems can be installed as part of a Class A-rated assembly. Metal is noncombustible, meaning it does not add fuel when exposed to fire. Interlocking metal panels also can help form a barrier against ember intrusion. Beyond wildfire resilience, these systems are engineered to withstand high winds, heavy rain, snow and other severe weather while offering a range of profiles, colors and attachment styles. 

A family home in Boulder, Colorado shows how a metal building envelope can perform under extreme conditions. During a wildfire driven by a dry season and 100-mph winds, a nearby propane tank exploded and covered the property with flames, ash and shrapnel. The home’s metal roof, metal siding and stone siding resisted damage, leaving the structure standing. 

Contractors can help customers evaluate more than aesthetics by discussing Class A-rated roof assemblies and the fire-resistant properties of metal roofing and wall systems. Drexel Metals also offers metal wall panels and Defend-R CI Class A fire-rated wall insulation for projects seeking a more complete fire-resistant building envelope. 

To learn more about how fire-smart metal roofing from Drexel Metals can support resilient projects in wildfire-prone regions, read the full article here.

By Emma Peterson.

Heidi J. Ellsworth joins Duct Tape Marketing to explore how community, content and authentic relationships can help small businesses thrive in the age of AI.

In 2005, Duct Tape Marketing launched a podcast. The goal was to “help small business owners and the marketers who serve them build clear strategies, simple systems and a steady flow of leads.”

Now, over two decades later, they are the most popular small business marketing podcast with over 1,200 episodes on topics ranging from SEO and email marketing to referrals and business growth.

The podcast is hosted by John Jantsch. John is the founder of the Duct Tape Marketing agency and the author of “a highly regarded blog that Forbes has recognized as one of the top 5 for small business marketing.” On a recent episode of the podcast, he sat down with Heidi J. Ellsworth and Sara Nay.

Heidi is the president and CEO here at The Coffee Shops® and has developed multiple award-winning media and community platforms serving the roofing, coatings, metal and outdoor living industries. Sara is the current CEO of Duct Tape Marketing, where she works on expanding their operations with a focus on “turning marketing from a constant source of frustration into a repeatable business asset.”

In the episode, Heidi, Sara and John discussed how small businesses can build trust with customers through online communities, directories, networking and content. As Heidi put it, “We always say people do business with people, right? They want to know who they’re doing business with, and they want to feel good about buying from you and trust.” This is all especially important in the era of artificial intelligence (AI) as these different programs amplify businesses that have an extended and consistent online presence beyond a singular company website.

Overall, this is a must-listen for anyone looking to combine “offline relationship-building with online content and AI tools without losing the trust that got them there.”

Listen to the episode today!