By The Coffee Shops™. 

Petersen’s PAC-CLAD perforated panels helped designers create a cohesive identity across an expanding campus. 

In the case study, “Painted, perforated panels provide school with pulled-together polish,” Petersen highlights how architectural metal panels helped create a cohesive visual identity across an expanding Illinois school campus. 

The Williamsville-Sherman Community Unit School District No. 15, located near Springfield, Illinois, recently expanded its existing junior-senior high campus to include fifth- and sixth-grade students. The project added a new wing for fifth graders along with new amenities, including a multi-use theater, band and choral spaces and athletic facility upgrades. 

With multiple grade levels sharing the same campus, designers from BLDD Architects sought a way to visually unite the facilities while maintaining distinct spaces for different age groups. Their solution was a bold signage and screening system that incorporated the district’s purple and yellow school colors through painted perforated metal panels. 

To achieve that vision, the project team selected Petersen’s PAC-CLAD® perforated corrugated metal panels. The architects had previously worked with Petersen products and specified approximately 2,200 square feet of PAC-CLAD 7.2 Perforated Corrugated aluminum panels for the project. Finished in Stone White and enhanced with custom-applied graphics in the school’s colors, the panels were installed over glass curtainwall areas at key building corners. 

The perforated screens serve both aesthetic and functional purposes. Visually, they create a striking contrast against the building’s neutral concrete and masonry exterior while reinforcing a consistent campus identity. The abstract purple and yellow graphics also provide an eye-catching focal point that reflects the district’s branding and athletic traditions. 

The project demonstrates the versatility of architectural metal in educational environments. Beyond traditional wall and roof applications, perforated metal panels can help architects incorporate branding, color and visual interest into building designs while maintaining durability and long-term performance. 

For contractors and design professionals, the Williamsville-Sherman project offers an example of how perforated metal systems can be used to solve both design and identity challenges on educational facilities and other institutional projects. 

Read the full case study and learn more about Petersen’s PAC-CLAD architectural metal products!

Image source: alanblakely.com

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn about all the events, seminars and exhibitors that will be at this year’s Western Roofing Expo. 

Navigating today’s roofing industry can be a bit of a challenge. Whether you’re facing more extreme storms in the field or juggling labor issues and material shortages in the office, it can be hard to stay up to date with the information and tools you need to succeed. Luckily, the Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA) hosts a two-day event designed to help professionals handle all those issues and more – Western Roofing Expo (WRE).  

This premier regional roofing and waterproofing event boasts a two-day trade show, over two dozen education seminars, multiple engaging luncheons, The Roofing Games™ shingling competition, golf and sporting clays tournaments, a live auction, product demonstrations and more! Keep reading to learn about what to expect from this year’s show, which will be held September 27-29, 2026 at the Paris Las Vegas! 

The core of the show 

The core of the show occurs on Monday (9/28) and Tuesday (9/29) with 30 seminars planned, two luncheons organized and a trade show floor that is free for contractors to attend. 

The seminars at WRE are a great way to upgrade your skills! Experts from across the industry will be teaching about everything from business management to technical developments. And if you’re a part of The Coffee Shops™ family, there will be a lot of familiar faces like Trent Cotney of Adams and Reese, Amparo Sancen from Latinos En Roofing, John Kenney from Cotney Consulting Group and our very own president, Heidi J. Ellsworth!  

As for the luncheons, WSRCA has organized two invaluable luncheons for WRE attendees. The first will be hosted on Monday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and is presented by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). Craig Brightup, The Brightup Group, and Chad Collins, NRCA, will take this opportunity to talk to attendees about the key developments in Washington D.C. that are impacting the roofing industry.  

The second luncheon will run at the same time (11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) on Tuesday and is sponsored by Malarkey Roofing Products. This luncheon gives attendees an opportunity to hear from the WRE 2026 keynote speaker – Shereen Thor. Shereen is a comedian turned coach who has worked with organizations like Google, Pandora, Slack, Safe Place For Youth and The Social Justice Learning Institute. Her keynote will be a great resource to professionals and business owners in all parts of their careers.  

And last but not least, the trade show floor will be open both Monday and Tuesday. This is a great opportunity to see the latest innovations and newest technology in the industry as product demos will be hosted on the hour. At that same demo stage there will also be the return of the much-anticipated Roofing Games on Tuesday!  

The trade show is a great opportunity to talk to representatives of leading companies around the industry. And the best part? The exhibit floor is FREE for contractors and roofers to attend! We’ll be in booth 12, so make sure to stop by and say hi, and we have countless industry friends who will be around the floor, such as Anchor Products (815), APOC (609), BITEC (151), Brava Roof Tile (840), Carlisle Architectural Metals (509), Drexel Metals (509), Equipter (826), Integrity Insurance & Bonding (360), Lakeside Construction Fasteners (154), New Tech Machinery (356), PABCO Roofing Products (703), Rocket Equipment (638), RoofScope (822), Sentry Building Innovations (150) and VELUX (361). 

Additional events and more 

In addition to the core two days, there are extra events both before (Sunday, 9/27) and after (Wednesday, 9/30). On Sunday, the Davis Memorial Foundation will host two tournaments, one sporting clays tournament and one golf tournament. The proceeds from these events go directly to the Davis Memorial Foundation Scholarship Fund. The scholarships from this fund have helped more than 195 aspiring high school, undergraduate and graduate students pursue their dreams. These events have their own registration and their own fees. 

And on that Wednesday, the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants will host a special education day. This event runs from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and will elevate attendees’ expertise in the building enclosure industry. It features two courses, one about the fundamentals of roof assemblies and the other highlighting key updates to international codes. The registration and fees for this education day are separate from general registration. 

Get registered and reserved 

Registration for the 2026 WRE is now open! You can register online, again the show will be held at the Paris in Las Vegas, Nevada from September 27-29, 2026. Being at the Paris, there are many options for hotels nearby. WSRCA has worked specifically with the Paris Las Vegas, Planet Hollywood and Horseshoe Hotel to get discounted room blocks that start as low as $91.  

Not sure if you can make the registration fee work in your budget? RoofersCoffeeShop® is partnering with Western Colloid to send five professionals to the show for free! By entering our contest, you get the chance to win an all-inclusive pass to the show, which gives you access to the trade show, annual luncheon, en Español content, educational sessions and the legislative luncheon.  

Learn more about the 2026 WRE show!

By The Coffee Shops™. 

Drexel Metals outlines practical approaches to addressing one of the most common questions about metal roofing. 

In the article, "Potential metal roofing issues and how to minimize their impact: Popping noises," Drexel Metals examines one of the most commonly discussed characteristics of metal roofing systems: thermal movement and the occasional popping or creaking noises that can result from it. While these sounds can catch building owners by surprise, the company emphasizes that they are a natural byproduct of metal expansion and contraction and do not indicate a structural problem. 

As metal roofing continues to gain popularity for its durability, weather resistance and long service life, understanding how roofing systems respond to temperature changes remains an important part of project planning. According to Drexel Metals, metal panels naturally expand when heated and contract when cooled. Daily temperature fluctuations, as well as seasonal weather changes, cause this movement to occur throughout the life of the roof. 

The amount of movement varies based on factors such as panel length and metal type. Longer panels and certain metals may experience more noticeable expansion and contraction, particularly during periods of rapid temperature change. These adjustments can sometimes produce popping noises as the roofing system settles and adapts to environmental conditions. 

To help minimize the impact of thermal movement, Drexel Metals recommends incorporating design and installation practices that allow panels to move freely. Floating clip systems and slip joints can accommodate expansion and contraction while reducing stress on fasteners and roof components. The company notes that restricting panel movement by rigidly fastening long panels can increase stress, noise and the potential for deformation over time. 

Read the full article from Drexel Metals to learn more about thermal movement, panel design considerations and best practices for maximizing metal roof performance.

By The Coffee Shops™. 

Understanding how metal roofing materials react to temperature changes is essential for achieving long-term system performance. 

As metal roofing continues to gain popularity for its durability and longevity, understanding how roofing systems respond to changing temperatures remains critical for long-term performance. In the article, "Thermal expansion and contraction in metal roof systems," PAC-CLAD Petersen examines how temperature fluctuations affect metal roof panels and outlines best practices for designing systems that can accommodate natural movement. 

Metal roof panels expand when heated and contract when cooled, but the building structure beneath them often moves at a different rate. If thermal movement is not properly addressed during design and installation, the resulting stress can contribute to issues such as oil canning, fastener fatigue and panel movement over time. 

According to Petersen, the amount of expansion and contraction depends on several factors, including metal type, panel length and temperature variation. Aluminum, for example, expands and contracts significantly more than steel. A 30-foot aluminum panel exposed to a 100-degree temperature swing can move nearly twice as much as a comparable steel panel. 

The article also addresses a common concern among building owners and occupants: popping noises. While these sounds can be alarming, they do not typically indicate a defect or failure in the roofing system. Instead, they are often part of the natural expansion and contraction process and generally lessen as the roof system adjusts to local environmental conditions over time. 

To help ensure long-term roof performance, Petersen recommends several design and installation strategies. These include using floating clip systems or slip joints on longer panels, allowing for movement at ridges, eaves and transitions, avoiding rigid attachment at both ends of a panel and preventing over-tightening of clips and fasteners. The article also notes that darker roof colors can absorb more heat and contribute to greater panel movement over time. 

By accounting for thermal movement early in the design process and following proven installation practices, contractors can help minimize stress on roofing components while supporting the long-term durability and performance of metal roof systems. 

Read the full article to learn more about thermal expansion and contraction in metal roofing and review Petersen’s full recommendations.

By The Coffee Shops™. 

A shift in durability expectations and cost analysis is driving more homeowners toward metal roofing systems. 

Contractors across the country are rethinking traditional roofing materials as performance, durability and long-term value take center stage. In the article “Why More Contractors Are Recommending Metal Over Asphalt Shingles to Homeowners,” experts from Drexel Metals outline the growing shift away from asphalt shingles toward standing seam metal roofing systems. While asphalt has long dominated the market due to affordability and familiarity, changing conditions are driving a new conversation. 

The first factor the article points to as a driver of this shift is performance. Asphalt shingles often fall short under real-world conditions, especially in regions prone to extreme weather. Heat, humidity, wind and heavy rain can significantly shorten their lifespan, leading to more frequent repairs or full replacements. In contrast, standing seam metal roofing systems are engineered to withstand harsh environments, offering superior resistance to wind uplift, water infiltration and impact from debris. The article references post-storm data that continues to reinforce this gap, showing significantly less damage to metal roofs compared to aging asphalt systems. 

Another consideration that Drexel Metals notes as having an impact on the rise of metal is pressure from insurance companies. As insurers tighten requirements and raise premiums for asphalt roofs, homeowners are feeling the financial impact. Metal roofing, with its proven durability, is often viewed more favorably by insurance providers. This can translate into longer coverage terms and potential premium reductions, making metal a more attractive long-term investment for homeowners. 

On top of insurance pressures, warranty coverage further strengthens the case for metal. Metal roofing systems backed by manufacturers like Drexel Metals often include non-prorated warranties that extend for decades and may even be transferable. Asphalt warranties, on the other hand, typically decline in value over time, leaving homeowners responsible for a larger share of replacement costs. 

Read the full article by Drexel Metals or visit Drexel Metals' directory on MetalCoffeeShop.com to learn more about the benefits of metal roofing.

By Drexel Metals. 

A Florida restoration project shows how Drexel Metals’ innovative solutions can protect historic structures without sacrificing their original character. 

Preserving historic architecture while meeting modern performance demands is no easy task, but Drexel Metals demonstrates how it can be done in its case study, “Historic Cade Allen Residence: Preserving history with metal.” As a leading provider of engineered metal roofing and architectural systems, Drexel Metals is known for delivering durable, energy-efficient solutions across a wide range of applications.  

In this project, the company’s expertise is applied to a historically significant residence, where maintaining architectural integrity was just as critical as improving long-term performance. By carefully balancing aesthetics with durability, the team proved that metal roofing can replicate the timeless look required by preservation standards while delivering superior longevity and protection. 

Project preview: Cade Allen’s Foster Grove House 

Cade Allen, an early 20th-century developer and homebuilder, left a lasting mark on St. Petersburg, Florida, specifically the historic Allendale neighborhood, with his distinctive architectural style and commitment to quality workmanship. His works are typically characterized by meticulous exterior stonework (he started as a mason and carpenter) and Mediterranean and Spanish Revival-inspired design elements, like vaulted wood-beam ceilings and arch-top windows and doors. 

One of his earliest projects, the Foster Grove House, is one of several Cade Allen residences in St. Pete that meet the strict local standards to be designated as a historic landmark. In fact, it was the very first home that Allen occupied with his own family. It came with the purchase of a sprawling 160-acre citrus grove, which Allen purchased from the Foster family in 1923. Allen and his sons would spend the next 30+ years building 40 houses on the citrus grove property and surrounding area to create what we now know as the Allendale neighborhood. Because of its historical significance, the Foster Grove House required careful preservation and oversight during a summer 2025 renovation project. 

Further, this re-roofing project represents a turning point for how historic homes in hurricane-prone regions can be preserved. “As far as I know, this is the first designated historic home in Florida that has received approval to have asphalt shingles replaced with metal roofing,” said Jeremy Wood, general manager at GMR Metal Roofs. GMR installed the house’s new metal roof, which was fabricated by Innovative Sheet Metals, a Drexel Metals Plus Member, using Drexel Metals’ coil. “It sets a precedent for future projects, showing that we can protect historic structures better with a metal roof without sacrificing their character.” 

Read the full case study to learn more about how advanced metal systems like Drexel Metals can extend the life of historic structures.

By Jenny Yu.  

Carlisle Architectural Metals simplifies complex roofing projects with integrated systems and hands-on support across every stage of construction. 

At the 2026 International Roofing Expo in Las Vegas, Lauren White of The Coffee Shops™ stopped by the Carlisle Architectural Metals (CAM) booth to learn about how the company continues to be a leader in delivering comprehensive building envelope solutions under one umbrella. 

Mike Weis, vice president of sales, said the company’s evolution into a multi-brand platform is reshaping how it serves the industry. “We’re not just one company anymore supporting the contractor. We’re five brands. It’s a building solution,” he said, pointing to the integration of its five brands: PAC-CLAD Petersen, Drexel Metals, Hickman Edge Systems, Metal-Era and Citadel Architectural Products. 

That growth has required a deliberate approach to sales and support. Rather than relying on a centralized model, CAM emphasizes localized expertise supported by robust internal resources. “We have very localized support through our reps,” Mike explained. “Behind the reps, you have a full team of technical support, inside sales, estimating and engineering. We try to bring all that to every market we touch.” 

For contractors, that structure translates into faster response times and more cohesive project execution. Mike noted that having team members positioned close to job sites allows for real-time troubleshooting and collaboration. “If we have an issue in a market, we usually have somebody within an hour or two who can be on site to help solve problems and come together on design solutions,” he said. 

The approach reflects the relationship-driven nature of the construction industry, where evolving codes and architectural demands require constant communication. “It’s a very personal business,” Mike stated. “We want to be part of the solution from the design aspect all the way until the job gets closed out.” 

As building design grows more complex, Carlisle Architectural Metals is positioning itself as a single-source partner capable of supporting all aspects of the building envelope. “We’re covering all six sides of the building,” Mike said. “We want to be that one-stop solution for contractors and architects.” 

Watch the full interview to learn more about the CAM advantage of complex, integrated solutions.

By Drexel Metals. 

Drexel Metals highlights the critical role underlayment plays in protecting and enhancing residential metal roofing systems. 

When designing a high-performance residential metal roof, contractors and architects often focus on panel profiles, coatings and structural durability. However, according to roofing experts at Drexel Metals, one of the most important contributors to long-term roof performance is what sits beneath the panels: the underlayment. This hidden component plays a critical role in protecting the roof assembly from moisture, heat transfer and environmental stress while helping the entire system perform as intended. 

For both new construction and reroofing projects, selecting the right underlayment is essential to maximizing the lifespan of a metal roofing system. Roofing technology continues to evolve, and underlayment products have improved significantly over the past several decades. While traditional roofing materials may last 15 to 30 years, modern metal roofs can remain in service for 50 to 70 years or more. Because of that longevity, contractors must choose underlayment systems that can match the durability and performance expectations of today’s metal roofing solutions. 

The following is a guide to picking the right underlayment for a project’s needs. 

What is underlayment, and where does it fit in a roofing system? 

Underlayment is a protective layer installed between the roof deck and the surface roofing material (i.e. the metal roof panels). Ultimately, it contributes to the overall health of a roof system. In addition to providing a smoother surface for the metal panels to be installed on top of, underlayment maximizes the performance capabilities a metal roof offers by doing these things: 

• Provides a secondary barrier against moisture and condensation 
• Self-seals around roofing nails, screws and roofing clips to prevent water intrusion 
• Mitigates heat transfer from structural roofing elements for increased efficiency 
• Offers sound-deadening properties to dampen noise transfer from the outside 

What kinds of underlayment are available for metal roofing systems? 

While metal roofs deliver long-term value on their own merit, underlayment still provides a must-have critical layer of protection. Contractors are encouraged to select a modern synthetic underlayment with self-sealing and high-temperature properties for a metal roof. This type of underlayment has a lifespan that is comparable to the long service life of metal roofing panels. With a self-healing underlayment, contractors have less risk of creating holes that allow moisture in. This is important for installation efforts and accommodating future roof upgrades. 

Which underlayment is the best for extreme climates? 

Underlayment with high-temperature properties can withstand temperatures of up to 250°F without degradation, ensuring structures in even the hottest locations are protected. This type of underlayment is often UV-resistant to reduce damage from direct sunlight. Further, most high-temperature underlayment resists tearing and can stretch upwards of 250%. As such, tested products like MetShield® HT are essential for homes in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Southern California and anywhere else that experiences high heat. 

On the opposite end of the weather spectrum are northern climates, which often experience extreme freeze-thaw cycles that cause materials to expand and contract at different rates. In these conditions, underlayment with self-healing properties can help mitigate issues from deck expansion and contraction. They also create a secondary boundary to water intrusion from ice and snow melt. 

Follow manufacturer instructions 

It’s also important to note that installing underlayment according to the manufacturer’s instructions ensures that metal panels and underlayment work together without compromising weather protection. While installation can vary slightly between systems, it is typically recommended that contractors install an underlayment horizontally across the roof deck and work from the bottom to the top, overlapping strips of underlayment to ensure full effectiveness. For all areas of installation, contractors are encouraged to install underlayment using corrosion-resistant cap nails with a minimum 1-inch diameter cap, unless the product is self-adhered. 

For more information on the benefits of underlayment and how to install a full metal roofing system to maximize its potential, reach out to your Drexel Metals Representative.

Original article and photo source: Drexel Metals

By Jenny Yu.  

Investment in robotics and data-driven systems is helping CAM and its partners improve efficiency and performance. 

In this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Carlisle Architectural Metals (CAM) Vice President of Growth Brad Van Dam outlined how automation, robotics and artificial intelligence are reshaping both manufacturing and contracting. 

For over a decade, CAM has invested in robotics. “We started investing in robotics and automation in 2008,” Brad said, noting how the company is continuing this trajectory. “In 2025, we installed a new robotic cell in Asheville, North Carolina, and another upgrade is being installed and tested down in our Acworth, Georgia, facility to help move along some additional panel and gutter systems that we manufacture.” 

At CAM, automation isn’t about replacing workers, but elevating them. “It’s a never-ending process of figuring out how to keep getting better so we can upskill our people,” he explained. “Our total employment continues going up; how do we give people the tools to be more effective?” 

One of those tools is artificial intelligence, which Brad believes can provide immediate value, particularly in training and internal systems. “AI can certainly be a jumpstart to build training programs, offset menial tasks and review data for decision-making,” he said. Still, Brad advised thoughtful implementation. “You have to be careful of what you share externally and publicly. Dumping your financials? Not the greatest idea. But, it can be very useful to automate the process of pulling out that data.” 

At CAM, a dedicated group focuses on this type of innovation. “They do a great job of putting together challenges and focusing on what we should be aiming for. It’s cool to see,” Brad shared. “As a contractor, I would integrate automation systems as soon as possible to improve my business and bottom line.” 

Read the first article in this series or Listen to the podcast to learn more about CAM’s growth strategy and how technology is driving change across the metal roofing industry. 

By Jenny Yu.  

Drexel Metals explains why oil canning is cosmetic and how contractors can minimize its appearance. 

Metal roofing is widely recognized for its durability, longevity and architectural appeal, but like any premium building material, it comes with considerations contractors and building owners should understand. In the article “Potential Metal Roofing Issues and How to Minimize Their Impact: Oil Canning,” Drexel Metals breaks down one of the most discussed aesthetic concerns associated with metal roofing and how thoughtful planning can significantly reduce its appearance. 

Oil canning refers to subtle waviness or rippling that may appear on the flat areas of metal roof panels. It is most noticeable when sunlight reflects across the surface, particularly in the afternoon. Importantly, Drexel Metals emphasizes that oil canning is not a structural or material defect. Instead, it is a cosmetic issue that does not affect the roof’s performance or weather resistance. 

According to the article, oil canning can result from several factors throughout the manufacturing and installation process. Stresses introduced during coil production and roll forming, variations in panel width and metal gauge, irregular roof decks and over-tightened fasteners can all contribute to panel distortion. Because flat sheet metal is naturally sensitive to minor variances, oil canning should be viewed as an expected characteristic rather than a failure. 

Drexel Metals outlines multiple best practices to help minimize oil canning. Increasing panel rigidity is one of the most effective strategies. This can be achieved by selecting heavier-gauge metal, reducing panel width and incorporating ribs or striations into the panel design. Proper deck preparation is equally important, as an uneven roof deck can telegraph through finished panels and create unwanted distortions. 

Installation techniques also play a critical role. Avoiding over-tightened fasteners and allowing for proper thermal expansion and contraction helps reduce added stress on panels. In addition, choosing a low-gloss finish can significantly reduce the visual impact of any remaining waviness by minimizing glare and reflection. 

To learn more about oil canning and how to address it effectively, read the original article from Drexel Metals.