By The Coffee Shops™. 

When it comes to investing in a roof built to last, it’s important to do things the right way.  

Choosing to pursue a roofing project can be scary; roofing materials and services are an investment, and while price tags and timelines may be a bit hard to understand at face value, it’s important to know that the price tag attached to roofing often comes with genuine benefit. The experts at Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) share their insights to approaching the task of picking and installing a roof, and how to get it right the first time. 

For example, it might seem like the easiest and less painful choice for your wallet to go with a “bargain” roofer or material, but the truth is, cheaper is rarely better. Picking a less expensive material or less than reputable contractor may give your wallet a break for the time being, but in all likelihood, that decision will probably come back to haunt you sooner rather than later.  

And the price will likely be more to fix the mistakes than it would have been to do things the proper way from the beginning. Roofs are intricate systems designed to be the first line of defense for your home in the face of harsh weather or natural disaster.  

Another factor to consider is that, while it can be easy to put the decision of picking an installer “out of sight, out of mind,” in the moment, the fact of the matter remains: a poorly researched roofing professional is more of a risk than they’re likely worth. To do things right the first time, it’s vital to research the team taking on your roofing project and ensuring their reviews and material quality speak to their trustworthiness. A trustworthy and worthwhile roofer or labor crew will do the job correctly, no shortcuts, meaning that your roof will be ready to withstand whatever Mother Nature brings its way when the time comes. 

And lastly, it’s important to know and understand the design of a roof. Some roofs are limited in what creative or decorative liberties can be taken depending on the home’s layout. It’s advised to do what you can with what you have when it comes to design; pick the best colors and textures your heart desires, but proceed with caution when it comes to going outside the box on what materials or styles are recommended for your climate and region. Otherwise, the damage a roof takes in the face of weather it’s ill equipped to battle can be costly and not worth the risk.  

Ultimately, when it comes to protecting your home and investments, an informed decision is a decision well made. Whether that be deciding on hiring a professional to work with based on reviews and credentials or purchasing products after exploring each option on the market, the best way is the informed way! 

By Emma Peterson. 

How roofing companies are changing veterans’ lives, one home at a time. 

With a constant news cycle, it’s hard to keep up with everything happening in the world. But we are here to share some good stories about good people. For your daily dose of happy news, here are four stories of communities coming together to protect veterans who have spent their lives protecting our country.  

1 – A Texas Navy veteran 

A roofing company in southeast Texas, SETX Roofing Pros, held a community giveaway, “Operation Overwatch,” at the end of last year. The recipient of the giveaway was Anthony Cordel, a disabled Navy veteran living in Lumberton, Texas. Anthony served aboard the USS San Jacinto from 1996 to 2001. At the end of his career, he was medically discharged after being diagnosed with Becker’s muscular dystrophy. 

After returning home, he was faced with new limitations and expenses that made big home repairs, like a roof replacement, out of reach. So, when SETX Roofing Pros selected him for their Operation Overwatch giveaway, they couldn’t believe it. As Anthony told 12News, “I’m at a loss for words. It didn’t seem real until the supplies arrived yesterday.” 

For Steve Pike and the team at SETX Roofing Pros, they were just happy to make a difference in their community. He shared, “Roofs aren’t cheap, and we work hard all year long. This may be another day at the office for us, but we’re really trying to make an impact in Southeast Texas.” 

2 – A Korean War veteran in Wisconsin 

Heading North, we have a story about a veteran in Madison, Wisconsin. Gerald Boehnen served in the Korean War in 1951 and 1952, and his son nominated him for Heins Contracting’s sixth annual Roofing A Vet campaign. When he found out that he was chosen for a new roof free of charge, he was shocked, telling WMTV, “I couldn’t believe it to be truthful because I never won nothing in my life.”  

When asked about the campaign and reroofing, Bryan Heins, co-owner of Heins Contracting, simply said it was born of a desire to give back to the men and women who served our country. He shared, “It feels great to give back to people and especially giving back to people like our veterans where I feel like for everything they do for our country that they don’t quite get enough recognition especially the older veterans when they’ve been through so much.” 

3 – An Ohio Air Force veteran 

Over in Ohio, the Third Estimate runs a program with a similar goal of giving back to veterans called the Third Patriot Project. Through this program, they are able to provide a free roof for one or two veterans each year, veterans like Jared Bzdock.  

Jared served in the U.S. Air Force over the course of six years and was deployed on two tours in Iraq. He found out about the program when he met Tara Colopy, the CEO of the Third Estimate, at his local Veterans Association. When Tara heard that he and his wife’s roof, which had been replaced just five years ago, was going soft and losing shingles, she knew that she and her team could help.  

Jared almost couldn’t believe it, telling News 5, “Who does that? Who gets a new roof for free? Most people think of a roof like, ‘Oh, it's just a roof.’ But no, it's like somebody handing you $20,000. It's amazing.” 

4 – A National Guard veteran from Minnesota 

Our final story today comes from Minnesota and centers around Trevor Nelson, a U.S. Army National Guard veteran. Trevor has dedicated his life to serving and giving to others, having joined the guard at 17, back in 2003.  

Last fall, the Owens Corning Roof Deployment Program, Purple Heart Homes and Priority Construction came together to give Trevor a thank-you gift for his decades of service – a brand-new roof! The gift was incredible for Trevor and his family, who told ABC 6 News, “I got the call while I was at work, kind of beside myself, I didn’t think I’d get approved... It’s very humbling, it’s surreal that this is getting done and I won’t have to worry about my roof for another 20, 30 years, [it’s incredible].” 

By Jenny Yu.  

One Montana family won a contest put on by their local roofing company, receiving the much-needed gift of a new roof. 

When Cheryl and Marty Ash of Billings, Montana, received a surprise visit from YellowBall Roofing and Solar, they thought it was simply news that they were in the running for the company’s “Nominate a Veteran” campaign. But to their surprise, they weren’t just in the running; they were the winners!  

“[I was in] amazement. I couldn’t believe it,” Marty Ash told MTM News. "We had no idea, so it was a total surprise, especially seeing all the people.” 

The good news came at the perfect time, as the family had recently received bad news from a roof assessment. “We had just gotten it inspected but found out that the insurance was going to be way out of pocket for us,” Marty said. This prompted them to try their luck with YellowBall’s contest. “I was at work, heard it on the radio and told Cheryl about it. She entered us, and here we are. The winners!” 

The Ash’s aren’t the only ones delighted by the outcome. Justice Graham, owner of YellowBall, expressed how gratifying it was to provide this service for Cheryl and Marty. “We just felt that it's important to give back to the community, and what better way than to give back to a veteran?” Justice said. With many years of experience in the roofing and solar industry, Justice knew the value and impact this gift would have for the recipients.  

Cheryl and Marty certainly appreciated the help. “Getting this is going to alleviate a lot of stress from both of our lives,” Marty said. 

Furthermore, the event provided hope and validation for Marty as a serviceperson for our country. “Everybody standing in the yard, congratulating us and saying, ‘Thank you for your service’ means a lot, especially to a vet,” Marty shared, offering their own gratitude. “I just want to thank YellowBall and everyone who came here to support us with this surprise.” 

By Jenny Yu.  

Rebuilding Together Philadelphia provides free home repairs to make homes safe for seniors and healthy for kids while securing assets for the next generation. 

“Think about what home means to you,” Stefanie Seldin, president and CEO of Rebuilding Together Philadelphia, says in a 6abc feature. “It provides you with safety, it gives you a place to bring your family together. All of these are why Rebuilding Together Philadelphia does what we do.” 

Since 1988, Stefanie and the Rebuilding Together Philadelphia team have made it their mission to repair homes, revitalize communities and rebuild lives by providing free home repairs to income-eligible homeowners. Each year, the nonprofit provides repairs to 150 homeowners, about 2,300 homes in total, securing the health, safety and future generations for these families.  

Rebuilding Together Philadelphia works strategically to ensure they maximize impact in the most efficient ways possible. They team up with trusted community partners to decide which homes to target. “We like to go in clusters, block by block, to make the greatest impact,” Stefanie explained.  

Deliberate thought is also put into the types of services the organization offers. They base their home repairs on 26 safe and healthy home priorities, covering everything from plumbing, roofing, electrical — everything to make a home structurally sound. 

April Wimbush, a recent recipient of Rebuilding Together Philadelphia’s care, shared just how much the organization’s work meant for her and her family. “The rewiring of everything makes me feel safer,” April shared. “Everything is working perfectly.” 

Repairs for April’s home ranged from larger projects like a full roof replacement and a new kitchen floor, to smaller details like a new extension cord for a ceiling fan so April wouldn’t need a step stool to turn it on.  

These repairs didn’t just make April’s home more comfortable; they saved her and her family significant resources and offered a more secure future. “It was a great help, because my children and I were talking about possibly moving. This saves me a lot of time and money, and I’ll be able to stay at my home,” April said, expressing her gratitude to Stefanie. “You make a difference.”  

Learn more about Rebuilding Together Philadelphia and their work in making homes and communities happier, healthier and safer.

By Rocky Mountain Snow Guards. 

The Drift Solar Snow Fence provides essential safety for residential solar projects.

The United States is experiencing an unprecedented boom in residential solar projects, with homeowners across the nation turning to solar energy to power their lives. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, a new solar project was installed every 59 seconds in 2025, bringing the total number of solar energy systems in the U.S. to nearly 6 million — Enough to power 47 million households. By 2030, it’s projected that 11% of American homes will feature solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on their roofs.

As the number of solar installations continues to climb, it is critical for architects, specifiers, contractors and roofing professionals to proactively plan for the unique challenges these systems present — Particularly in regions prone to winter weather. One significant concern is the rapid warming of solar panels after a snowfall, which causes snow to slide quickly down roof surfaces. Without proper snow retention, this can result in avalanches of snow and ice, putting people, property and landscaping below at risk.

Solar snowfall solution

To address this issue, Rocky Mountain Snow Guards offers the Drift Solar Aluminum 4-pipe fence-style snow guard system. Specifically engineered for installation below solar panels, this innovative system features a 12-inch-tall snow fence that acts as a catch basin, holding snow in place until it melts gradually. This prevents dangerous, sudden releases of snow, safeguarding both residents and property.

The Drift Solar Snow Fence is compatible with both new construction and retrofit roof applications. Its robust design calls for the brackets to be bolted directly to the roof support structure flush at the eave, with the tubing side facing downslope — A reversed installation compared to traditional snow fence systems. Each bracket is anchored with five structural lag bolts, ensuring long-lasting performance and reliability. Individually sold ice screens must be installed with the Drift Solar snow fence system to impede the movement of snow between the tubing.

Guidance for industry pros

With residential solar adoption on the rise, integrating snow retention systems like the Drift Solar fence is essential for safe and successful solar installations in snowy climates. Architects, specifiers and contractors are encouraged to include snow retention in their project specifications to protect homeowners and maximize the benefits of solar energy year-round.

Rocky Mountain Snow Guards, Inc. manufactures snow guards and fence-style snow retention systems designed to protect people and property. The company offers free layouts and quotes for product placement, plus free training for roofing contractors and architects. For details visit www.rockymountainsnowguards.com or call 1-877-414-7606.

By Alberto Torres. 

A U.S. Army veteran from Bellefonte received a much-needed roof thanks to a giving program and the teamwork of local contractors. 

With winter in full swing, having a roof over your head isn’t just comfortable, it’s a necessity. This year, retired U.S. Army veteran Thomas Sharpe and his wife Cheryl are heading into the winter season with one less worry thanks to the generosity of a local roofing company and a national giving program. 

Thomas, a veteran who served in Korea during the Vietnam era, had been living under an aging roof that needed to be replaced. That’s when Starway Roof Systems and Owens Corning Platinum Roofing stepped in to help through the Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project, a nationwide effort to give back to veterans for their service. Owens Corning provided the materials, and Starway donated all the labor, completing a project valued at $15,000 at no cost to the Sharpe family. 

Cheryl shared how much this gift meant to them: “We are so fortunate and so grateful, and Tom feels so honored,” she said, expressing the immense gratitude she and her husband felt for the work done to protect their home, according to The Lock Haven Express. 

Thomas, a man of few words, echoed his wife's sentiment when he said, "It is very honoring that they would consider us.” 

Community support played a big role in connecting the Sharpe family with this opportunity. The Centre County Veterans Affairs Office helped guide them through the approval process for the project. 

This kind of work isn't just about shingles and nails; it's about giving back to people who have given so much. For professionals in the roofing industry, it's a reminder that our profession can do more than just protect homes and businesses — it can improve lives. OC’s Roof Deployment Project, Starway’s generosity and other similar programs across the country continue to help veterans secure safe and dry housing when they need it most – especially this time of year. 

And, for veterans like Thomas, it means peace of mind, safety and a home that’s protected for years to come. 

By Emma Peterson. 

Last November, Action Roofing celebrated Veterans Day by giving back to a local national guard veteran.  

Mike S., a U.S. National Guard veteran living in Gainesville, Florida, was expecting a knock on his door one morning. His ten-year-old roof had started leaking, and a local organization, Operation Healing Forces, had told him they were sending representatives out to discuss the problem.  

What he wasn’t expecting, however, was to open the door to a full roofing crew ready to climb onto his roof and get the job done, then and there! But that’s what Mike found on his doorstep. As the crew began measuring his roof, Mike was told by the Operation Healing Forces representatives that his family had already been chosen by Action Roofing, a Tampa-based roofing company, for their Veterans Day roof giveaway!  

This gift could not have come at a better time, Mike told Main St. Daily News. He explained the roof’s condition, and how it was in great need of fixing. He shared, “There’s a lot of water damage over on the side of the roof. I knew I could maybe get by a little while without a new roof, but I have a deployment coming up. So, it was like, do I get it done before? Or do I run the risk of getting a new roof while I’m gone and my wife managing all of that?” 

Thanks to the kindness of Action Roofing, he no longer has to worry about coordinating a roof replacement or worry about the cost of such a project before he leaves for deployment. He shared a bit of what this gift means to him, saying, “This is one of the reasons I love my job: [Seeing how my] community gives back to me [by helping my family] when I’m spending time away from [them].” 

With measurements in hand, the Action Roofing crews left Mike with a booklet of shingle colors to show his wife and the promise of a new roof to protect his family. This is a great example of how a little care and kindness can go a long way, especially for those who have already given so much for our country. As Phil Fong, program manager with Operation Healing Forces and a fellow veteran puts it, “The big thing with the Special Operations community is that no one’s ever going to raise their hand and say ‘I need help.’ [But the reality is] there’s always veterans in need... It’s important to highlight [and help them].”   

By Emma Peterson. 

Hear two of the hundreds of stories about how the Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project is helping veterans across the U.S. 

In 2024, the National Veterans Homeless Support (NVHS) reported that over 32,000 veterans were without stable housing. And that number isn’t counting the many veterans who have homes but cannot afford to maintain them. Owens Corning has been teaming up with local contractors across the country for almost ten years now with the goal of giving these veterans a helping hand. Here are two out of the hundreds of stories of veterans who have benefited from the Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project. 

Mike Sedon in New York 

When Mike Sedon, who served in the United States Navy, started having roof issues, his community rallied behind him. He told News 10 what was happening, “The roof has been leaking since we actually bought the place almost eight years ago.”  

Luckily, Mike doesn’t have to worry about that anymore. Rebuilding Together Saratoga County heard about what was going on and got Mike in contact with Next Generation Roofing. As soon as Chad Gregory, owner and CEO of Next Generation Roofing, Paving and Siding heard about Mike, he knew they needed to help. He shared, “There’s a growing need and there’s a growing responsibility from the community to make sure that we always help the veterans who protect our freedoms. We need to make sure that when they’re back in our communities that we’re also protecting the homes that they live in as well.”  

Before Mike knew it, the crews were on the roof installing materials that had been donated by Owens Corning through the Roof Deployment Project. He was overwhelmed by the kindness, sharing, “I can’t say thanks enough for this. The crew and the company Next Generation roofing their team has been tremendous to work with. And again, thanks for this.”  

La Rina in Colorado Springs 

Heading west, our second story comes out of Colorado Spring, Colorado. There, U.S. Army veteran La Rina was struggling with getting the money together for the new roof that her insurance company was requiring. That’s when Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center connected her to Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity.  

In turn, they contacted local contractor Integrity Roofing and Painting who were immediately on board with helping La Rina out. With materials from Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project, Integrity Roofing and Painting had La Rina’s roof as good as new! 

When asked by Fox21 for a comment, La Rina simply shared her gratitude, saying, “I have told my fellow veterans and some of the senior citizens I know, ‘Don’t be full of pride that you can’t ask for help,’ especially in this economy today. It’s all about helping one another. This program, Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity, has their pay-it-forward ideology, I think it’s wonderful.” 

Learn more about the Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project online.

By Jenny Yu.  

One Idaho veteran received an unexpected gift this holiday season. 

Since its founding in 2014, Roof Rescue in Idaho Falls, Idaho, has prioritized giving back to the local communities it serves through Operation Roof Rescue. For every 100 roof replacements they complete in each of their five regions, Roof Rescue replaces one roof for free. The company chooses one lucky winner nominated by their community for their service as a military service member (active duty or veteran), first responder (police, firefighters, EMTs), teacher (K-12, higher education, special education) or community hero making a difference through service or leadership.  

The most recent recipient of the free roof replacement was Bernard Stinson, a Marine veteran and active community member in Pocatello, Idaho. On top of his military service, Bernard continued to give to his local community by serving as an assistant pastor at his church and assisting family members with limited incomes, despite his own health and financial struggles.  

Kristi Hansen, Roof Rescue’s chief operating officer, expressed joy in providing this needed service for such a deserving person. “It really touched our hearts,” Kristi told EastIdahoNews.com. “He is a marine. He’s a senior. He donates his time as the assistant pastor … he’s just an all-around amazing guy.” 

The work to replace the roof was extensive, involving removing all the shingles and wood, replacing the plywood, installing the new roof system and redoing the gutters — a project that would have amounted to $30,000-$35,000 in cost. 

“I couldn’t see how that was going to happen,” Bernard said. “I didn’t see a way out. God touched their hearts to help us and take a load off of us; that is amazing.” 

Bernard and his wife, Cindy, were overjoyed to receive this gift just in time for the holiday season, and Roof Rescue’s CEO, Mark Franklin, expressed a similar joy in the spirit of giving, stating, “We are proud to provide Bernard and Cindy with a safe, new roof, and grateful for the opportunity to give back to these selfless members of our community.” 

By Jenny Yu.  

A Navy veteran and retired florist receives a free roof replacement. 

After years with a leaking roof, Glen Erickson, a Navy veteran and retired florist living in Medford, Oregon, was running out of options. His insurance company threatened to cancel his home insurance due to the condition of his roof, but he wasn't sure how he would come up with the funds for a replacement. Glen considered low-interest loan programs and even selling his home, but, thankfully, Rogue Valley Habitat for Humanity was able to provide another option: a roof, free of charge. A solution that was made possible through Owens Corning’s Roof Deployment Project and free labor from Pressure Point Roofing.  

“This time of year, when it’s hot, the last thing our crew wants to do is go out on a Saturday, on their day off, and do what they do Monday through Friday,” Matt Stone, owner of Pressure Point Roofing, told the Rogue Valley Times. “It was not mandatory. We just put it out there and had everyone from office staff to field workers show up to help with tearing off the roof.” 

Over twenty Pressure Point employees donated their time and labor, and all materials were donated by Owens Corning. The total cost of a project like this, according to Matt, would have been between $25,000-$30,000. Glen was moved by their generosity and shared his reactions.  

“I don’t think they realize what this means,” Glen stated. “Not only does it give you peace of mind that you don’t have to worry about it leaking, things like that, but in my case… I had to either put a new roof on or I’d have had to sell the house. I’ve been out of the service for 50 years, but to still be recognized for what I did back then, it was just a good feeling.” 

Glen’s roof was Pressure Point Roofing’s first time participating in Owens Corning’s Roof Deployment Project, but it may not be their last. 

“To be able to help a veteran who has given of their time and who was willing to give their life for their country,” Matt offered, “there’s not much of a question whether we do it or not.”