By Central States Manufacturing. 

Metal roofing provides next-level resilience in the face of harsh weather conditions.  

Today, severe weather conditions are no longer a what if, but when. As storms and climates grow increasingly volatile across the United States, this new normal has changed the way home and building owners view the investments made in their properties. Whether they face a hurricane season, tornado alley or intense temperatures in either direction, weather is a concern no matter where you are.    

As the primary barrier between a structure and the elements, roofing material selection plays a major role in how well a building performs during extreme weather and how quickly it can recover afterward. That’s why metal roofing has become a cornerstone of resilient building strategies for homeowners, builders and communities alike. As the experts at Central States explain, prioritizing the roof is the first step in storm preparedness. 

Why roofing matters in storm preparedness 

Roofing failures are among the most common and costly outcomes of severe weather events. When a roof is compromised, wind, water and debris can rapidly damage interior spaces, structural components and personal property. 

Metal roofing offers a fundamentally different performance profile compared to traditional materials. Engineered metal roof systems are designed to withstand high winds, hail impacts, fire exposure and wind driven rain, making them a powerful tool for storm‑resilient construction. 

High wind roofing performance: Protection beyond the coast 

Hurricane season officially begins each June, but recent storms have shown that hurricane-force winds are no longer limited to coastal regions. Inland states have experienced historic wind events, including derechos and tornado‑driven systems that caused widespread damage and loss of life. 

Metal roofing has long been trusted in coastal environments because of its superior wind resistance. Many metal roof systems are rated to withstand winds exceeding 140 miles per hour, far outperforming many conventional roofing materials. 

This performance is driven by: 

• The inherent strength of steel 
• Interlocking panel designs 
• Engineered fastening systems that rely on screws rather than nails 

As resilient building initiatives such as the IBHS Fortified program expand into more inland states, metal roofing continues to gain traction as a high wind roofing solution for homes, agricultural buildings and commercial facilities. 

Hail resistant roofing for increasing impact risk 

Hail damage is one of the leading causes of roofing insurance claims in the U.S., and research indicates that large hail events are becoming more frequent. Golf ball sized hail or larger, poses a serious threat to roofs that are not designed for impact resistance. 

Metal roofing consistently demonstrates some of the strongest performance against aerial impacts. Studies referenced by the Metal Roofing Alliance and the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety show that metal roofs can withstand golf ball sized impacts without puncturing. 

Many metal roofing products achieve a UL 2218 Class 4 impact rating, the highest available. This means the roofing system can withstand repeated impacts from a 2‑inch steel ball dropped from 20 feet without failure. 

Wildfire resistant roofing starts with non‑combustible materials 

Wildfire risk is expanding rapidly, with millions of U.S. homes now located in areas identified as having high or extreme wildfire exposure. Roofing plays a critical role in wildfire defense, particularly against airborne embers that can ignite vulnerable materials. 

Metal roofing offers a major advantage because metal is naturally non‑combustible. Quality metal roofing systems carry a Class A fire rating, the highest rating available from third‑party testing organizations. These systems are capable of withstanding extended flame exposure and meeting or exceeding ASTM and UL fire‑resistance standards. 

Because of this performance, FEMA recommends fire-resistant materials like metal roofing for properties located in wildfire‑prone areas. 

Metal roofing and faster post storm recovery 

Storm preparedness isn’t just about surviving the event; it’s about recovering quickly afterward. Buildings that experience roof failure often face prolonged repairs, higher insurance costs and extended displacement. 

Metal roofing contributes to community resilience and faster rebuilding by offering: 

• Long service life 
• Reduced maintenance requirements 
• Strong post‑storm structural integrity 

After severe weather events, metal roofing systems help provide immediate protection while minimizing long-term repair needs. This makes them a critical component of rebuilding efforts focused on durability and future resilience rather than short‑term fixes. 

Sustainability and long‑term value 

In addition to storm performance, metal roofing supports long‑term sustainability goals. Its durability reduces material replacement cycles, and many metal roofing systems are compatible with energy efficient designs and cool roof strategies. 

For property owners planning not just for the next storm, but for decades of performance, metal roofing represents a long-term investment in both protection and value. 

Preparing for the next storm starts now 

As storm and tornado seasons approach, the importance of resilient building materials becomes increasingly clear. Metal roofing delivers proven performance against the most damaging weather threats – high winds, hail and fire, making it one of the most effective tools available for storm preparedness. 

By choosing metal roofing, homeowners, builders and communities can reduce risk, improve safety and increase the likelihood that buildings remain protected when extreme weather strikes. 

Original article source: Central States Manufacturing

Honoring industry leaders for lifetimes of contribution and service to the metal industry.

In 2012, the Metal Constructon News Hall of Fame was formed through a collaboration with the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA), Metal Construction Association (MCA) and Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association (MBCEA) to recognize "those individuals who have had a significant impact on the metal construction industry through their innovation, effort and leadership." 

These individuals are chosen based on five categories:

• Unique contribution: Looks specifically at the individual's creations and/or developments that advance the industry.
• Body of work: Assess the depth and breadth of the nominee's contributions to the industry across their entire career
• Legacy: Focuses on the long-lasting impacts of the nominee's work in the industry.
• Integrity: Highlights the ethical and professional standards that the nominee exhibits.
• Longevity: Requires the nominee to have been "actively involved in the industry for at least 10 years."

Now in its 14th year, the Hall of Fame has releasede the 2026 list of contractors, manufacturers and industry friends who have made a difference and been inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Ted Wolfe

In the high-stakes, heavy-tonnage world of pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMB), the industry often risks losing sight of the people beneath the steel. Modern corporations frequently succumb to the “commodity trap,” viewing the market as little more than rows on a spreadsheet and total tons shipped. But for decades, the industry had a conscience — a “Southern gentleman” named Ted Wolfe who understood that while the factory produces the parts, it is the builder who produces the building.

Tony “TR” Raimondo and Phil Raimondo

The metal building industry is often defined by those who can bridge the gap between rigorous engineering and visionary leadership. For nearly four decades, Tony “TR” Raimondo and his son, Phil Raimondo, embodied this balance, transforming Behlen Manufacturing Company from a struggling enterprise into a global industry titan. Their combined leadership represents a unique “father-son” milestone in the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) history, marking a legacy of service that has fortified the industry’s standards, market reach and workforce.

Jeff Alexander

In the world of industrial coatings, few names carry as much weight as Jeff Alexander. As the global vice president of sales for the coil and extrusion division of The Sherwin-Williams Company, Alexander doesn’t just help to manage a multibillion-dollar business; he shapes the very aesthetic and structural integrity of the modern built environment. With a career spanning four decades, Jeff’s induction into the Hall of Fame recognizes a leader whose impact is measured not just in square footage coated but in the enduring partnerships and organizational cultures he has built.

Arnold Corbin

In the specialized world of insulated metal panels (IMPs) and pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMBs), few professionals have bridged the gap between manufacturing precision and jobsite reality as effectively as Arnold Corbin. With a career spanning over four decades at the forefront of the industry’s evolution — from the early days of Metl-Span to his current leadership within the Nucor Insulated Panel Group — Arnold has become a foundational figure whose influence extends far beyond the corporate boardrooms of his employers.

Richard Ahrens

In the storied history of the Florida construction industry, few figures have managed to bridge the gap between legacy and logic as effectively as Richard Ahrens. A third-generation leader representing a heritage that dates back to 1902, Richard did not merely maintain a family business; he transformed it. By blending the grit of a traditional builder with the analytical precision of an academic, he moved the pre-engineered metal building (PEMB) industry from the fringes of economical utility into the mainstream of high-performance architectural design.

Mark Detwiler

Through a career spanning the full spectrum of structural engineering — from the details of project design to the influence of national standards — Mark Detwiler has been a cornerstone of the metal industry. His trajectory is defined not merely by his professional advancement from hands-on engineering to senior technical leadership, but by a tireless commitment to the safety, reliability and advancement of metal building systems. Mark’s work represents a rare bridge between the theoretical rigors of applied research and the practical realities of the field.

Find more information online.

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Explore the trends, benefits and future of metal construction in the self-storage sector.

The self-storage industry continues to be one of the most resilient and steadily growing sectors in commercial construction. Driven by lifestyle changes, population mobility and evolving business needs, self-storage has become a critical part of how individuals and businesses manage space. Across the country, new facilities are being built while existing properties are being upgraded to meet increasing demand and higher customer expectations. 

At the same time, metal building systems are leading the way as the preferred construction method for self-storage. Manufacturers like Central States Manufacturing are helping drive this shift by providing high-performance metal panels, structural components and door systems designed for durability, efficiency and long-term value. 

The growth of self-storage is being fueled by clear, consistent trends. Homeowners are downsizing or relocating more frequently, creating a need for both short-term and long-term storage. Businesses are using storage units to manage inventory, equipment and records more efficiently. eCommerce and small business expansion continue to increase demand for flexible storage solutions that can scale quickly. These factors are creating strong demand for new facilities in both urban and suburban markets. 

Metal buildings are central to meeting that demand because they offer clear advantages over traditional construction. Speed to market is a major benefit. Pre-engineered metal building systems can be fabricated off site and assembled quickly, allowing developers to open facilities faster and begin generating revenue sooner. In competitive markets, timing directly impacts occupancy and profitability. 

Cost efficiency continues to drive decision making. Metal systems reduce labor costs, minimize material waste and offer predictable pricing. Over the life of the building, they require less maintenance than wood or masonry structures. Metal resists pests, moisture and fire, making it an ideal solution for protecting stored goods while reducing long-term operational expenses. 

Durability and performance are essential in self-storage design. Facilities must withstand constant use, changing weather conditions and long lifecycles. Metal panels and structural systems provide the strength and resilience needed to maintain performance over decades. High-quality metal doors add security, ease of operation and longevity, supporting a better customer experience. 

Flexibility is a defining advantage of metal construction. Facilities can be designed for single-story or multi-story layouts, making it easier to maximize land use in both rural and urban environments. Metal building systems also allow for straightforward expansion, enabling owners to grow as demand increases without major disruption. 

Key trends are shaping the future of self-storage and metal buildings. Multi-story storage is expanding in urban areas as land costs rise and density increases. Modular and prefabricated construction is improving efficiency, reducing timelines and enhancing quality control. Facility upgrades are helping owners modernize older properties with new metal panels, doors and security systems that improve both performance and appearance. Technology integration is transforming operations with smart access, surveillance and automated leasing systems. Sustainability and resilience are becoming priorities as developers look for recyclable materials, energy efficiency and buildings that can withstand extreme weather. 

The combination of self-storage growth and metal building innovation is creating significant opportunities across the construction industry. Developers benefit from faster builds and stronger returns. Contractors gain access to efficient, repeatable systems. Manufacturers continue to advance products that meet evolving market needs. 

Metal buildings have proven to be more than just a construction option for self-storage. They are the foundation of a business model built on efficiency, durability and adaptability. As demand continues to grow, this partnership will remain a driving force in shaping the future of commercial construction. 

To stay informed on the latest trends, innovations and opportunities in metal buildings and self-storage, follow the industry’s growth on MetalCoffeeShop™ and be part of the conversation shaping what comes next. 

By Anna Lockhart.  

Learn the importance of optimizing your business opportunities and offerings by adding metal roofing to your line up!  

Live from The Coffee Shops™ sound stage at the 2026 International Roofing Expo, Karen Edwards sat down with Melissa Dunson from Central States Manufacturing to discuss the latest updates from the brand and what attendees could expect from their booth on the trade show floor.  

As the leading manufacturer of metal building materials, Central States is a trusted source for any metal roofing needs a contractor might have. Melissa mentioned the growing desire across the market for standing seam products, which was the primary focus of their booth display set up. “If you know anything about what’s happening in the metal industry right now, standing seam roofing is predicted to grow the fastest – 14% year-over-year,” she explained. “So, we’ve set up some beautiful displays to highlight how our clip systems work and provide visuals when discussing quality, specs and availability with attendees.” 

IRE is the perfect opportunity for non-metal contractors to learn more about the opportunities metal can offer their business. “Metal is growing, and many people are interested in learning more about the buzz. So, we encourage attendees to stop by our booth to talk about the logistics of installing metal roofs and any educational information,” Melissa added.  

With metal roofing being projected to be one of the fastest forms of roofing to grow for the next decade, now is the perfect time for contractors to consider the benefits of adding metal services to their lineup. Melissa shared, “We get a lot of people who say, ‘I think I want to offer metal, but I need to know how to install and sell the product.’ And that’s what we do. We’re here to help contractors understand how to sell metal to home and building owners, and how to best communicate its value.” 

She emphasized the benefits of metal roofing being a major reason to give metal products a try. With metal materials offering significantly longer lifespans and levels of durability than traditional roofing materials, it’s hard not to see the benefit of utilizing the material. She urged IRE attendees to stop by the Central States booth, where they could get an up-close look at an interactive kiosk, designed to showcase the digital educational tools that contractors can use to expand their understanding and knowledge of the selling, installation and ordering processes for metal roofing.  

With endless opportunities for metal roofing in the next several years, now is the time for contractors to consider their options and the success they might find with companies like Central States Manufacturing on their side.  

Watch the full conversation to learn more about the offerings from Central States Manufacturing and what metal can do for your business!

Across the show floor, soundstage interviews and educational sessions, IRE 2026 made it clear that the roofing industry is not standing still. 

While community defines the heart of the International Roofing Expo (IRE), innovation defines its pace. From AI-driven tools and smarter products to immersive booths and hands-on demonstrations, our crew experienced IRE 2026 as a snapshot of where the industry is headed. Here’s a deeper look at how it went, as told through the voices of our crew members who spent the week capturing it. 

Technology everywhere 

One of the most immediate takeaways from IRE 2026 was just how visible technology has become across the show floor. Megan Ellsworth, multimedia director, shared: 

One theme that did stand out for me at IRE was the sheer amount of technology and AI companies at the show and the innovations through technology that big name distributors and manufacturers are implementing. Contractors were a buzz with all the new technology at their fingertips through either their distributor, CRM or manufacturer that is for sure. 

That buzz extended to manufacturers, distributors and long-established brands bringing tangible, jobsite-ready solutions to the floor. Karen Edwards, COO, emphasized, “I was most impressed by the manufacturers that continually innovate and bring new solutions that help contractors work smarter, more efficiently, the products that perform better. It’s incredible.” Startups and established brands showcased tools that have the potential to fundamentally change how contractors work day to day.  

Innovation on display: Booths, launches and customer stories 

For crew members walking the show floor, innovation stood out not only in the products themselves, but in how exhibitors chose to present their stories. Lauren White, editor-in-chief, explained: 

It’s always so fun to see the same people each year, and also to see how some of our customers’ booths have grown over the years. Some companies who started with a single table and a small footprint now have the biggest LED screen that Informa has ever seen, like Roof Scout. Central States Manufacturing had a huge, amazing booth as well and it looked really great and made a statement. 

Everyone puts so much time and energy into making their booths look good and flow, and they’re really proud of them. There’s a lot of intentional planning that goes into that. For us to go onto the show floor and highlight those booths – asking what they want to showcase and positioning ourselves where they feel best – is really special. People are so grateful for the opportunity to talk about their latest products and recent launches and show them off in their booth. 

Drake Porter, industry relations coordinator, echoed this sense of creativity and experimentation they witnessed across the show floor: 

Just seeing what all these folks are doing, whether it's tools or materials or an amazing Trash Rocket or a giant screen at Roof Scout was really cool. My favorite interview of the day was Western States Metal Roofing, where she talked about different shingle sizes, metal and the 3D-printed display she created for the booth. 

Across the span of three days, Lauren and Drake had the chance to dance with the Pink Panther from Owens Corning®, assist the BITEC® magician in passing cards around to the crowd and made custom hats with TRA Snow and Sun, further highlighting the vastness of this year’s exhibitor booths. 

Education contractors can use 

Education once again proved to be one of IRE’s strongest assets, especially as conversations around AI moved from theory to application. Heidi J. Ellsworth, president and CEO, moderated a panel discussion focused on AI in practical business settings: 

We were fortunate enough to be part of the Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3) panel talking about AI in real-life situations. It really talked about not only where the roofing industry is going, but what you need to look at and be aware of. 

The IRE educational courses throughout the week really help contractors build their business, so they can leave IRE with a strong to-do list, which I think is really important. 

What stood out most to Karen was the engagement: “It’s impressive to have 100 people in a room who want to learn about AI at 8:30 in the morning and nobody was scrolling through their phone during that presentation. They were engaged and eager to learn.” 

Telling the industry’s stories 

One of the ways innovation came to life at IRE 2026 was through storytelling itself. James Ellsworth, CFO, exclaimed, “The soundstage did 89 recordings over the course of three days. We had experts from around the industry all wanting to share on the soundstage.” As Karen hosted the majority of these interviews, she reflected, “Being able to bring a little piece of the show to those people who weren’t able to come was heartwarming. They can tune into our videos, and they can see what’s new.” The theme that consistently emerged was adoption. As Lauren noted, “People are really adopting tech and AI, which is great to see in an industry that’s typically slow to adopt. 2026 is the year of growth.” Across tools, technology, education and storytelling, IRE 2026 highlighted real solutions, real learning and real momentum. And the industry is clearly ready for what’s next. 

Check out our YouTube playlist to hear from the experts themselves!

By Emma Peterson. 

Discover why metal roofing is leading the market when it comes to cool roofing solutions.  

Finding success in a competitive industry like roofing is all about differentiating yourself and knowing what your customers want. And right now, some of the primary concerns for home and business owners are rising temperatures and energy costs. To learn how you can help solve this issue for your clients, we hosted Melissa Dunson, director of marketing at Central States Manufacturing, and Audrey McGarrell, communications manager for Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC), for an episode of Roofing Road Trips®. 

Cool roofs are the solution 

So, what can you do to address rising energy costs and increasing environmental temperatures? The answer is simple: Cool roofing. At its core, cool roofing is all about reflectance. A cool roof is one that reflects more sunlight, and therefore absorbs less thermal energy than your typical roof.  

The result of higher reflectance? Audrey explained, “By fundamentally keeping the building cooler, you are reducing demand for air conditioning, which can lead to a chain reaction that goes as far as reducing your carbon footprint and your energy bill.” Melissa added to Audrey’s point, sharing, “There are estimates that a cool roof can lead to as much as 20% of savings on the energy bill, which is huge, especially if you live in a part of the country where it is significantly hot during a significant part of the day, like Texas, Arizona, California, Florida.” 

Sourcing cool roofing 

When it comes to finding the right cool roofing products for specific projects, a great place to start is with CRRC’s Rated Roof Products Directory. Audrey shared a bit about it:  

We are a completely independent third party and work with accredited independent testing laboratories to test roofing and exterior wall materials for solar reflectance and thermal emittance. Once we’ve done our testing, we review the data and publish an initial rating. It’s called that because we also send product specimens to three different test farms across the United States where they are mounted and exposed to the natural elements and left untouched for three years. After those three years, we test them again and give them an aged rating. 

This aged rating truly takes the Rated Roof Products Directory to another level. Melissa spoke about why having both the initial and aged is so important, explaining, “The age testing is key because people don't get a roof for just three years. Roofs are an investment and how it performs on year ten is equally as important as its performance on day one.”  

Cool metal roofs are the future 

Based on data from this aged testing, metal roofing has emerged as a great option for a cool roof. Melissa explained:  

One of the things that we found about metal is it performs year after year in very strong way. That’s one of the reasons that metal has such long warranties...It also has innate properties that give it higher reflectance and emittance rates than tile, asphalt or other materials. So, add special cool roofing paints to it and it's even more reflective. So metal is really a natural fit if people are looking for a long-lasting, durable, cool roof. 

Listen to the whole episode to learn more about getting high-performance, cool metal roofs.

By Anna Lockhart.  

Central States Manufacturing is bringing their A-game to IRE 2026 with a thoughtfully designed booth for the trade show floor.  

In preparation for the upcoming roofing event of the year – International Roofing Expo 2026 (IRE) – brands across the industry are gearing up to make a bold presence with their booths on the trade show floor. For Central States Manufacturing, that means preparing ways to optimize their in-person interactions with attendees and amplifying a clear message: we’re here to stand out.  

With a goal of meeting new customers and making industry connections, Melissa Dunson, director of marketing and communications for Central States, shared that their team’s goal is to network with individuals who could potentially become long-time customers. “Our goal is to make sure people know we exist,” she explained. “I want [potential customers] to be impressed enough by our size and capabilities that they walk away thinking, ‘These are the people you want to work with.’” 

To make this goal a reality, the Central States team has spent considerable time crafting the ideal booth layout, highlighting the brand’s metal roofing, siding and building material product offerings. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the wide range of materials and panel profiles on display, organized in such a way that gives contractors a clear look into the brand’s impressive capabilities of production and full-service support services.  

The booth will also feature an interactive kiosk, giving visitors hands-on access to the digital tools Central States provides to help contractors estimate, plan and streamline metal projects. “We’re creating a space where people can experience not just our products, but the tools and support we offer to help them succeed,” Melissa noted. 

Attendees walking the show floor can find Central States Manufacturing at booth #4633. Whether you work in roofing, metal building construction or specialty installation, their team invites you to stop by, explore the displays and get a firsthand look at why Central States is becoming a powerful name in metal!

By Anna Lockhart.   

Finding a platform designed to not only meet needs, but anticipate them, can be a game changer in securing sales success. Here’s how Central States Manufacturing’s Central Link delivers those results.  

In this episode of the MetalCast™ podcast, host Megan Ellsworth sat down with Zach Coats and Delton Rhodes from Central States Manufacturing to discuss the brand’s line of digital tools designed to help contractors boost their metal sales. Using Central Link, Central States offers a suite of quoting tools that enable users with the ability to simply their quoting process and streamline accuracy. Whether you’re looking to streamline business operations or get the most out of your time with the help of technology, Central States’ platform is ready to assist.  

With the latest update to Central Link, users are able to access a wide variety of useful tools, each designed to aid in maximizing the efficiency of business management tasks and data tracking. Zach explained, “Central Link is a customer portal where our various customer types can do pretty much anything. It's a repository for quotes, for orders. They can quote pre-engineered and self-storage metal buildings in Central Link. You can track order statuses, trucks, you can manage pricing to your customers, depending on how many layers removed you are from that end user.” With the program, customers of all types can go in and manage their business fully, with ease.  

They noted the recent growth in the self-storage side of the industry, adding that as more metal professionals find success with self-storage work, finding a reliable manufacturer to partner with is key. Through the Central States Building Works program, users are able to self-service in the Central Link account. Zach shared, “They can actually quote, design and get a price output for both pre-engineered and self-storage buildings so they can manage their business and price appropriately to their customer type that they're in contact with.” 

The benefits don’t end there, either. Delton highlighted the various program tools within Central Link, such as the Building Package Wizard, which allows contractors to customize bolt-up buildings to their preferences and taste. He shared, “With the Building Package Wizard, we offer a variety of Central States bolt-up buildings. They're very easy to assemble. You pick the kind you want, then you can pick different colors and customize how you would want the building. It then spits out a quote, super simple to use.” 

That only scratches the surface of what the platform has to offer. Designed to anticipate the needs of contractors today, Central Link is changing the game for metal professionals.  

Read the transcript, Listen to the conversation or Watch the MetalCast to learn more about how Central States Manufacturing is helping contractors make the most of their tech.  

By Emma Peterson. 

It’s been a busy month at The Coffee Shops™, here are some must-read articles to keep you informed. 

November has been a busy month here at The Coffee Shops™! Our crew has been hard at work and you can tell from the number of articles we published this month. To recap everything that’s happened, we’ve collected the top five articles from November (as well as five honorable mentions).  

With it being the off-season, many roofers are taking the time to brush up on their training. In fact, two of our honorable mentions are articles about training! Both by Coffee Shops writer Emma Peterson, one covers the Tremco mobile training program that travels the country meeting contractors at their offices! The other is about the upcoming Tremco webinar series. This series is a great opportunity for contractors to earn AIA LU|HSW credits and doesn’t kick off until December 4, 2025, so there’s still time to register! 

In our top five articles of the month, we have multiple articles about the trade shows that kick off 2026! In one, writer Jesse Sanchez dives into the upcoming  2026 World of Concrete show and the innovations, demos and education that will be hosted there. In the other, which is also our top article of the month, Coffee Shops writer Jenny Yu explores six events that should be on your International Roofing Expo (IRE) 2026 itinerary.  

Explore our top articles from November 2025 

Five honorable mentions 

10 - All the reasons to roof in the fall by Central States Manufacturing 

9 - RCAW Basic Shelter Project brings a new roof — and new hope — to Tacoma widow

8 - Trade Association Coalition Announces Q3 Findings from Market Index Survey for Reroofing

7 - ‘Tis the season for learning by Emma Peterson 

6 - Training that meets you where you’re at by Emma Peterson 

The top five 

5 - Showcasing innovation, efficiency and hands-on education by Jesse Sanchez 

4 - RoofersCoffeeShop® releases 2025 Roofing Industry Trends Report

3 - Roofing in a deregulatory era by Emma Peterson 

2 - Roof smart: Why common sense is your first line of safety by Cotney Consulting Group 

1 - IRE 2026: Events you can’t miss! by Jenny Yu

By Anna Lockhart.  

With rising temperatures and increasing energy costs, now is the time to look for solutions that will last the coming decades, while simultaneously keeping climate concerns at bay. 

In an episode of the Roofing Road Trips® podcast, host Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down with Melissa Dunson, director of marketing for Central States Manufacturing, to discuss the various ways contractors and roofing companies can bring in sales by promoting metal roofing solutions as the path forward. They were also joined by Audrey McGarrell, communications manager for the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC), to provide information about the science behind solar-reflective “cool” roofing materials. As climate change continues to be a pressing threat for home and business owners, metal roofing materials offer a promise of sustainability and energy savings.  

A key way to promote metal roofing as the reliable, trusted roofing solution of choice? Audrey points out the value of third-party product rating data, which can be found on CRRC Rated Product Labels. She explained, “There are products out there that use a CRRC label, which shows the rated values right there on the product literature or packaging.” 

In general, products backed by various ratings and that are transparent about testing data are a great place to start when it comes to gaining customer trust. When it comes to comparing roofing materials, metal clears across the board. Melissa shared, “One of the things that we found about metal, it's one of the reasons that metal has such high, long warranties on the material; it performs year after year in a very strong way. It's incredibly durable and incredibly reflective. Which means it doesn’t face the same levels of degradation as other building products.” 

As more home and building owners discover the reliability and quality of metal materials, being the source of providing such products can position your company and services as the go-to place for business. Audrey encouraged contractors to utilize the resources available on the CRRC website to learn more about cool roofing and develop a deep understanding of this innovative path in roofing. After all, cool roofs are the future!  

Listen to the podcast to learn more about cool roofing and how Central States Manufacturing can help contractors meet the demand for cooler roofs!