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<channel>
<title>MetalCoffeeShop</title>
<link>https://www.metalcoffeeshop.com/</link>
<description>Metal Forum, Classifieds, Galleries and More!</description>
<language>en-us</language><item>
<title>Metal is for everyone</title>
<link>https://www.metalcoffeeshop.com/post/metal-is-for-everyone</link>
<description>metal-is-for-everyone</description>
<pubDate>Sat, 23 May 2026 00:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/04/central-states-metal-is-for-everyone.png'
            alt='Metal is for everyone'
            title='Metal is for everyone'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Anna Lockhart.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2>As metal building materials continue to rise in popularity, it&rsquo;s time for contractors across the building envelope to get in on the action!&nbsp;</h2>

<p>For superstar brands like <a href="/directory/central-states-manufacturing-inc">Central States Manufacturing</a>, the <a href="/directory/ire">International Roofing Expo (IRE)</a> is the perfect place to show off their latest product offerings and present the public with a chance to see them up close and in action. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-LAuy-qoSU">Visiting their booth during this year&rsquo;s trade show, The Coffee Shops&trade; Editor in Chief Lauren White spoke with Central States Manufacturing&rsquo;s Director of Marketing Melissa Dunson</a> to find out more about the brand&rsquo;s plans for 2026.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Central States shines when it comes to offering premier, high-quality metal building products, serving sectors across the building envelope such as residential, commercial, agricultural and storage applications. As Melissa noted, their goal is to be the one-stop-shop for metal building products, no matter your industry background.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>&ldquo;We&rsquo;re not just residential. If you&rsquo;re interested in metal roofing, there&rsquo;s a really good chance that we make the profiles with the gauges and the paint systems that you need because we offer such a comprehensive line,&rdquo; Melissa shared. &ldquo;We even do siding, walls, full metal buildings with frames and metal roll-up doors. If it&rsquo;s metal, we&rsquo;ve got it.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Such an expansive and all-encompassing line-up of products puts Central States in a prime place for being multiple industries&rsquo; go-to supplier for any and all of their metal needs. And as consumers &ndash; home and building owners alike &ndash; continue to show a growing interest in metal, now is the time for contractors to explore the benefits of the material.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>In particular, Melissa noted that they&rsquo;ve recently seen an uptick in residential interest in metal thanks to celebrities and influencers like Chip and Joanna Gaines who are showcasing metal roofing as a prime option. She explained, &ldquo;The metal market is expected to grow drastically, particularly for standing seam and residential spaces. Our <a href="https://centralstatesco.com/products/metal-roofing/central-snap/">Central Snap&reg;</a> product has become popular because of this. It has a hidden fastener and isn&rsquo;t exposed, which really provides an excellent lifetime warranty. It has the longevity and beauty that people are looking for.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pivotal to the conversation was Melissa&rsquo;s emphasis on the fact that, no matter what your current experience is with metal, if you&rsquo;re a contractor, there&rsquo;s always time to get into it. She noted, &ldquo;I would just like to say to any roofer out there interested in metal roofing. It&rsquo;s okay if you don&rsquo;t know how to do it yet. There are good manufacturers who can help you learn how to do these things, because this is where the industry is headed &ndash; metal.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ultimately, her message was loud and clear: metal isn&rsquo;t going away anytime soon, so it&rsquo;s better late than never to find out how to incorporate metal into your business services. Residential, commercial, agricultural &ndash; if it can use metal, brands like Central States Manufacturing have you taken care of!&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-LAuy-qoSU"><strong>Watch the interview to learn more about Central States Manufacturing and the latest highlights straight from the metal industry!</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/m-LAuy-qoSU?si=ZIkDv-R5v4jNHe-B" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>]]></content:encoded>
</item><item>
<title>Raising the self-storage standard</title>
<link>https://www.metalcoffeeshop.com/post/raising-the-self-storage-standard</link>
<description>raising-the-self-storage-standard</description>
<pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2026 12:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/05/central-states-raising-the-self-storage-standard.png'
            alt='Raising the self-storage standard'
            title='Raising the self-storage standard'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Jenny Yu.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Central States Manufacturing continues to expand its Sentry lineup with security-focused innovations for modern storage projects.&nbsp;</h2>

<p>An exciting new product has hit the market: <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/central-states-manufacturing-inc">Central States Manufacturing</a>&rsquo;s <a href="https://centralstatesco.com/products/sentry-doors-and-hallways/door-and-hallway-accessories/">Sentry self-storage combo latch</a>. In further expanding its impressive Sentry product line, Central States Manufacturing establishes itself as a one-stop shop for durable and secure self-storage solutions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The new Sentry self-storage combo latch was engineered to support evolving security demands across modern storage facilities. Available in both yellow zinc and stainless-steel options, the latch system is designed to provide greater corrosion resistance and longer service life than traditional zinc alloy latches. According to Central States, the stainless-steel version has been tested to last three to five times longer in humid and salt-exposed environments.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The system also gives operators more options when it comes to access control. The latch can accommodate padlocks or cylinder locks on the same apparatus and can transition to a keyed bezel lock without replacing the latch itself. That versatility allows facility owners to adopt security systems over time while minimizing replacement costs and operational disruptions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In addition, the latch tongue is compatible with magnetic locking systems and emerging security technologies, helping facilities prepare for increased adoption of smart access systems. A 90-degree tongue angle also adds another layer of protection against security threats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&ldquo;With the Sentry self-storage combo latch, our goal was to raise the standard,&rdquo; said Andrew Wilson, chief engineering and innovation officer at Central States. &ldquo;The added versatility and security features give operators flexibility today and confidence for the future.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The new latch is now available across the full Sentry door lineup, including 6500 roll-up doors, 7500 roll-up doors and swing and locker doors. The launch continues Central States&rsquo; broader push to provide integrated self-storage solutions that streamline sourcing for contractors and facility owners.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://centralstatesco.com/products/sentry-doors-and-hallways/door-and-hallway-accessories/"><strong>Visit Central States Manufacturing&rsquo;s website to learn more about the Sentry self-storage combo latch and explore their full lineup of products!</strong></a></p>]]></content:encoded>
</item><item>
<title>Braving the storm with metal</title>
<link>https://www.metalcoffeeshop.com/post/braving-the-storm-with-metal</link>
<description>braving-the-storm-with-metal</description>
<pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 03:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/04/central-states-braving-the-storm-with-metal.png'
            alt='Braving the storm with metal'
            title='Braving the storm with metal'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Central States Manufacturing.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Metal roofing provides next-level resilience in the face of harsh weather conditions.&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

<p>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.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>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&rsquo;s why metal roofing has become a cornerstone of resilient building strategies for homeowners, builders and communities alike. As the experts at <a href="/directory/central-states-manufacturing-inc">Central States</a> explain, prioritizing the roof is the first step in storm preparedness.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Why roofing matters in storm preparedness&nbsp;</h3>

<p>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.&nbsp;</p>

<p>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.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>High wind roofing performance: Protection beyond the coast&nbsp;</h3>

<p>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.&nbsp;</p>

<p>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.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This performance is driven by:&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li>The inherent strength of steel&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Interlocking panel designs&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Engineered fastening systems that rely on screws rather than nails&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<p>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.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Hail resistant roofing for increasing impact risk&nbsp;</h3>

<p>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.&nbsp;</p>

<p>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 &amp; Home Safety show that metal roofs can withstand golf ball sized impacts without puncturing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>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.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Wildfire resistant roofing starts with non‑combustible materials&nbsp;</h3>

<p>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.&nbsp;</p>

<p>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.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Because of this performance, FEMA recommends fire-resistant materials like metal roofing for properties located in wildfire‑prone areas.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Metal roofing and faster post storm recovery&nbsp;</h3>

<p>Storm preparedness isn&rsquo;t just about surviving the event; it&rsquo;s about recovering quickly afterward. Buildings that experience roof failure often face prolonged repairs, higher insurance costs and extended displacement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Metal roofing contributes to community resilience and faster rebuilding by offering:&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li>Long service life&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Reduced maintenance requirements&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Strong post‑storm structural integrity&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<p>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.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Sustainability and long‑term value&nbsp;</h3>

<p>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.&nbsp;</p>

<p>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.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Preparing for the next storm starts now&nbsp;</h3>

<p>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 &ndash; high winds, hail and fire, making it one of the most effective tools available for storm preparedness.&nbsp;</p>

<p>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.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>Original article source: <a href="https://centralstatesco.com/news/storm-preparedness-starts-at-the-roof-how-metal-roofing-builds-long-term-resilience/">Central States Manufacturing</a></em></p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title>The rise of self-storage and metal buildings: A perfect partnership for growth</title>
<link>https://www.metalcoffeeshop.com/post/the-rise-of-self-storage-and-metal-buildings-a-perfect-partnership-for-growth</link>
<description>the-rise-of-self-storage-and-metal-buildings-a-perfect-partnership-for-growth</description>
<pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 12:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/04/mcs-the-rise-of-self-storage-buildings.png'
            alt='MCS the rise of self-storage buildings'
            title='MCS the rise of self-storage buildings'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Heidi J. Ellsworth.</p>

<h2>Explore the trends, benefits and future of metal construction in the self-storage sector.</h2>

<p>The self-storage industry continues to be one of the most resilient and steadily growing sectors in commercial construction. Driven by lifestyle changes, population&nbsp;mobility&nbsp;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.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the same time, metal building systems are leading the way as the preferred construction method for self-storage. Manufacturers like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/central-states-manufacturing-inc" rel="" target="_blank">Central States Manufacturing</a>&nbsp;are helping drive this shift by providing high-performance metal panels, structural components and door systems designed for durability,&nbsp;efficiency&nbsp;and long-term value.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The growth of self-storage is being fueled by clear, consistent trends. Homeowners are downsizing or&nbsp;relocating&nbsp;more&nbsp;frequently, creating a need for both short-term and long-term storage. Businesses are using storage units to manage inventory,&nbsp;equipment&nbsp;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.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Metal buildings are central to meeting that demand because they offer clear advantages over traditional construction. Speed to&nbsp;market&nbsp;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&nbsp;impacts&nbsp;occupancy and profitability.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Cost efficiency continues to drive decision making. Metal systems reduce labor costs, minimize material&nbsp;waste&nbsp;and offer predictable pricing. Over the life of the building, they&nbsp;require&nbsp;less maintenance than wood or masonry structures. Metal resists pests,&nbsp;moisture&nbsp;and fire, making it an ideal solution for protecting stored goods while reducing long-term operational expenses.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Durability and performance are essential in self-storage design. Facilities must withstand constant use, changing weather&nbsp;conditions&nbsp;and long lifecycles. Metal panels and structural systems provide the strength and resilience needed to&nbsp;maintain&nbsp;performance over decades. High-quality metal doors add security, ease of operation and longevity, supporting&nbsp;a better customer experience.&nbsp;</p>

<p>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.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Key trends are shaping the future of self-storage and metal buildings. Multi-story storage is expanding in urban areas as land costs&nbsp;rise&nbsp;and density increases. Modular and prefabricated construction is improving efficiency, reducing&nbsp;timelines&nbsp;and enhancing quality control. Facility upgrades are helping owners modernize older properties with new metal panels,&nbsp;doors&nbsp;and security systems that improve both performance and appearance. Technology integration is transforming operations with smart access,&nbsp;surveillance&nbsp;and automated leasing systems. Sustainability and resilience are becoming priorities as developers look for recyclable materials, energy&nbsp;efficiency&nbsp;and buildings that can withstand extreme weather.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The combination of self-storage growth and metal building innovation is creating significant opportunities across the construction industry. Developers&nbsp;benefit&nbsp;from faster builds and stronger returns. Contractors gain access to efficient, repeatable systems. Manufacturers continue to advance products that meet evolving market needs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Metal buildings have proven to be more than just a construction&nbsp;option&nbsp;for self-storage. They are the foundation of a business model built on efficiency,&nbsp;durability&nbsp;and adaptability. As demand continues to grow, this partnership will remain a driving force in shaping the future of commercial construction.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To stay informed&nbsp;on&nbsp;the latest trends, innovations and opportunities in metal buildings and self-storage,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.metalcoffeeshop.com/sign-up" rel="" target="_blank">follow the industry&rsquo;s growth on&nbsp;MetalCoffeeShop&trade;</a>&nbsp;and be part of the conversation shaping what comes next.&nbsp;</p>]]></content:encoded>
</item><item>
<title>What metal roofing can do for your business</title>
<link>https://www.metalcoffeeshop.com/post/what-metal-roofing-can-do-for-your-business</link>
<description>what-metal-roofing-can-do-for-your-business</description>
<pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 03:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/03/central-states-what-metal-roofing-can-do-for-your-business.png'
            alt='What metal roofing can do for your business'
            title='What metal roofing can do for your business'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Anna Lockhart.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Learn the importance of optimizing your business opportunities and offerings by adding metal roofing to your line up!&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sbBj6r4_HQ&amp;list=PLRcDNgR2cBzI9LeWyWr5r1zLb5zxeC2Rg&amp;index=10">Live from The Coffee Shops&trade; sound stage</a> at the 2026 <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/ire">International Roofing Expo</a>, Karen Edwards sat down with Melissa Dunson from <a href="/directory/central-states-manufacturing-inc">Central States Manufacturing</a> to discuss the latest updates from the brand and what attendees could expect from their booth on the trade show floor.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>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. &ldquo;If you know anything about what&rsquo;s happening in the metal industry right now, standing seam roofing is predicted to grow the fastest &ndash; 14% year-over-year,&rdquo; she explained. &ldquo;So, we&rsquo;ve set up some beautiful displays to highlight how our clip systems work and provide visuals when discussing quality, specs and availability with attendees.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p>IRE is the perfect opportunity for non-metal contractors to learn more about the opportunities metal can offer their business. &ldquo;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,&rdquo; Melissa added.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>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, &ldquo;We get a lot of people who say, &lsquo;I think I want to offer metal, but I need to know how to install and sell the product.&rsquo; And that&rsquo;s what we do. We&rsquo;re here to help contractors understand how to sell metal to home and building owners, and how to best communicate its value.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p>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&rsquo;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.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>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.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sbBj6r4_HQ&amp;list=PLRcDNgR2cBzI9LeWyWr5r1zLb5zxeC2Rg&amp;index=10"><strong>Watch the full conversation to learn more about the offerings from Central States Manufacturing and what metal can do for your business!</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0sbBj6r4_HQ?si=Mroi9EukQhj8N4d_" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>]]></content:encoded>
</item><item>
<title>Innovation, education and the momentum moving the industry forward</title>
<link>https://www.metalcoffeeshop.com/post/innovation-education-and-the-momentum-moving-the-industry-forward</link>
<description>innovation-education-and-the-momentum-moving-the-industry-forward</description>
<pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 06:00:00 PST</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/02/ire-innovation-education-and-the-momentum-moving-the-industry-forward.png'
            alt='Innovation, education and the momentum moving the industry forward'
            title='Innovation, education and the momentum moving the industry forward'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><h2>Across the show floor, soundstage interviews and educational sessions, IRE 2026 made it clear that the roofing industry is not standing still.&nbsp;</h2>

<p>While community defines the heart of the <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/ire">International Roofing Expo (IRE)</a>, 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&rsquo;s a deeper look at how it went, as told through the voices of our crew members who spent the week capturing it.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Technology everywhere&nbsp;</h3>

<p>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:&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote>
<p><img src="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/uploads/media/2026/02/ire-innovation-education-and-the-momentum-moving-the-industry-forward-1.JPG" style="float:right; height:300px; margin-left:20px; width:400px" />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.&nbsp;</p>
</blockquote>

<p>That buzz extended to manufacturers, distributors and long-established brands bringing tangible, jobsite-ready solutions to the floor. Karen Edwards, COO, emphasized, &ldquo;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&rsquo;s incredible.&rdquo; Startups and established brands showcased tools that have the potential to fundamentally change how contractors work day to day.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Innovation on display: Booths, launches and customer stories&nbsp;</h3>

<p>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:&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote>
<p>It&rsquo;s always so fun to see the same people each year, and also to see how some of our customers&rsquo; 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 <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/roof-scout">Roof Scout</a>. <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/central-states-manufacturing-inc">Central States Manufacturing</a> had a huge, amazing booth as well and it looked really great and made a statement.&nbsp;</p>
</blockquote>

<p><img src="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/uploads/media/2026/02/ire-innovation-education-and-the-momentum-moving-the-industry-forward-2.jpg" style="float:left; height:330px; margin-right:20px; width:547px" />Everyone puts so much time and energy into making their booths look good and flow, and they&rsquo;re really proud of them. There&rsquo;s a lot of intentional planning that goes into that.&nbsp;For us to go onto the show floor and highlight those booths &ndash; asking what they want to showcase and positioning ourselves where they feel best &ndash; 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.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Drake Porter, industry relations coordinator, echoed this sense of creativity and experimentation they witnessed across the show floor:&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote>
<p>Just seeing what all these folks are doing, whether it&#39;s tools or materials or an amazing <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/rocket-equipment">Trash Rocket</a> or a giant screen at Roof Scout was really cool. My favorite interview of the day was <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/western-states-metal-roofing">Western States Metal Roofing</a>, where she talked about different shingle sizes, metal and the 3D-printed display she created for the booth.&nbsp;</p>
</blockquote>

<p>Across the span of three days, Lauren and Drake had the chance to dance with the Pink Panther from <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/owens-corning">Owens Corning&reg;</a>, assist the <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/bitec-inc">BITEC&reg;</a> magician in passing cards around to the crowd and made custom hats with <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/tra-snow-sun">TRA Snow and Sun</a>, further highlighting the vastness of this year&rsquo;s exhibitor booths.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Education contractors can use&nbsp;</h3>

<p><img src="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/uploads/media/2026/02/ire-innovation-education-and-the-momentum-moving-the-industry-forward-3.jpg" style="float:right; height:320px; margin-left:20px; width:315px" />Education once again proved to be one of IRE&rsquo;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:&nbsp;</p>

<p>We were fortunate enough to be part of the <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/rt3">Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3)</a> 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.&nbsp;</p>

<p>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.&nbsp;</p>

<p>What stood out most to Karen was the engagement: &ldquo;It&rsquo;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.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Telling the industry&rsquo;s stories&nbsp;</h3>

<p><img src="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/uploads/media/2026/02/ire-innovation-education-and-the-momentum-moving-the-industry-forward-4.JPG" style="float:left; height:280px; margin-right:20px; width:373px" />One of the ways innovation came to life at IRE 2026 was through storytelling itself. James Ellsworth, CFO, exclaimed, &ldquo;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.&rdquo; As Karen hosted the majority of these interviews, she reflected, &ldquo;Being able to bring a little piece of the show to those people who weren&rsquo;t able to come was heartwarming. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRcDNgR2cBzI9LeWyWr5r1zLb5zxeC2Rg">They can tune into our videos, and they can see what&rsquo;s new</a>.&rdquo;&nbsp;The theme that consistently emerged was adoption. As Lauren noted, &ldquo;People are really adopting tech and AI, which is great to see in an industry that&rsquo;s typically slow to adopt. 2026 is the year of growth.&rdquo;&nbsp;Across tools, technology, education and storytelling, IRE 2026 highlighted real solutions, real learning and real momentum. And the industry is clearly ready for what&rsquo;s next.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRcDNgR2cBzI9LeWyWr5r1zLb5zxeC2Rg"><strong>Check out our YouTube playlist to hear from the experts themselves!</strong></a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title>Cool metal roofs: Where efficiency meets durability</title>
<link>https://www.metalcoffeeshop.com/post/cool-metal-roofs-where-efficiency-meets-durability</link>
<description>cool-metal-roofs-where-efficiency-meets-durability</description>
<pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 06:00:00 PST</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/02/central-states-cool-metal-roofs-where-efficiency-meets-durability.png'
            alt='Cool metal roofs: Where efficiency meets durability'
            title='Cool metal roofs: Where efficiency meets durability'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Emma Peterson.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Discover why metal roofing is leading the market when it comes to cool roofing solutions.&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

<p>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 <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/central-states-manufacturing-inc">Central States Manufacturing</a>, and Audrey McGarrell, communications manager for <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/cool-roof-rating-council-2">Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC)</a>, for <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/podcast/melissa-dunson-and-audrey-mcgarrel-shining-light-on-cool-roofs">an episode of Roofing Road Trips&reg;</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Cool roofs are the solution&nbsp;</h3>

<p>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.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The result of higher reflectance? Audrey explained, &ldquo;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.&rdquo; Melissa added to Audrey&rsquo;s point, sharing, &ldquo;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.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Sourcing cool roofing&nbsp;</h3>

<p>When it comes to finding the right cool roofing products for specific projects, a great place to start is with <a href="https://coolroofs.org/directory/roof">CRRC&rsquo;s Rated Roof Products Directory</a>. Audrey shared a bit about it:&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>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&rsquo;ve done our testing, we review the data and publish an initial rating. It&rsquo;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.&nbsp;</p>

<p>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, &ldquo;The age testing is key because people don&#39;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.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Cool metal roofs are the future&nbsp;</h3>

<p>Based on data from this aged testing, metal roofing has emerged as a great option for a cool roof. Melissa explained:&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>One of the things that we found about metal is it performs year after year in very strong way. That&rsquo;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&#39;s even more reflective. So metal is really a natural fit if people are looking for a long-lasting, durable, cool roof.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/podcast/melissa-dunson-and-audrey-mcgarrel-shining-light-on-cool-roofs"><strong>Listen to the whole episode to learn more about getting high-performance, cool metal roofs.</strong></a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title>A booth to remember at IRE 2026</title>
<link>https://www.metalcoffeeshop.com/post/a-booth-to-remember-at-ire-2026</link>
<description>a-booth-to-remember-at-ire-2026</description>
<pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 03:00:00 PST</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/02/central-states-a-booth-to-remember-at-ire-2026.png'
            alt='A booth to remember at IRE 2026'
            title='A booth to remember at IRE 2026'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Anna Lockhart.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Central States Manufacturing is bringing their A-game to IRE 2026 with a thoughtfully designed booth for the trade show floor.&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

<p>In preparation for the upcoming roofing event of the year &ndash; <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/ire">International Roofing Expo 2026 (IRE)</a> &ndash; brands across the industry are gearing up to make a bold presence with their booths on the trade show floor. For <a href="/directory/central-states-manufacturing-inc">Central States Manufacturing</a>, that means preparing ways to optimize their in-person interactions with attendees and amplifying a clear message: we&rsquo;re here to stand out.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>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&rsquo;s goal is to network with individuals who could potentially become long-time customers. &ldquo;Our goal is to make sure people know we exist,&rdquo; she explained. &ldquo;I want [potential customers] to be impressed enough by our size and capabilities that they walk away thinking, &lsquo;These are the people you want to work with.&rsquo;&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p>To make this goal a reality, the Central States team has spent considerable time crafting the ideal booth layout, highlighting the brand&rsquo;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&rsquo;s impressive capabilities of production and full-service support services.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>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. &ldquo;We&rsquo;re creating a space where people can experience not just our products, but the tools and support we offer to help them succeed,&rdquo; Melissa noted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>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!</p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title>Tech that works for you</title>
<link>https://www.metalcoffeeshop.com/post/tech-that-works-for-you</link>
<description>tech-that-works-for-you</description>
<pubDate>Sun, 11 Jan 2026 12:00:00 PST</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/01/central-states-tech-that-works-for-you.png'
            alt='Tech that works for you'
            title='Tech that works for you'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Anna Lockhart.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<h2>Finding a platform designed to not only meet needs, but anticipate them, can be a game changer in securing sales success. Here&rsquo;s how Central States Manufacturing&rsquo;s Central Link delivers those results.&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

<p><a href="https://www.metalcoffeeshop.com/podcast/zach-coats-and-delton-rhodes-metal-quoting-tools-that-work">In this episode of the MetalCast&trade; podcast</a>, host Megan Ellsworth sat down with Zach Coats and Delton Rhodes from <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/central-states-manufacturing-inc">Central States Manufacturing</a> to discuss the brand&rsquo;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&rsquo;re looking to streamline business operations or get the most out of your time with the help of technology, Central States&rsquo; platform is ready to assist.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>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, &ldquo;Central Link is a customer portal where our various customer types can do pretty much anything. It&#39;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.&rdquo; With the program, customers of all types can go in and manage their business fully, with ease.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>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, &ldquo;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&#39;re in contact with.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The benefits don&rsquo;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, &ldquo;With the Building Package Wizard, we offer a variety of Central States bolt-up buildings. They&#39;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.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p>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.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.metalcoffeeshop.com/post/zach-coats-and-delton-rhodes-metal-quoting-tools-that-work-podcast-transcript">Read the transcript</a>, <a href="https://www.metalcoffeeshop.com/podcast/zach-coats-and-delton-rhodes-metal-quoting-tools-that-work">Listen to the conversation</a> or <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_63CcdgLF0">Watch the MetalCast</a> to learn more about how Central States Manufacturing is helping contractors make the most of their tech.&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title>Top November articles: Training, tradeshows and more</title>
<link>https://www.metalcoffeeshop.com/post/top-november-articles-training-tradeshows-and-more</link>
<description>top-november-articles-training-tradeshows-and-more</description>
<pubDate>Mon, 01 Dec 2025 06:00:00 PST</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2025/11/tcs-top-november-articles-training-tradeshows-and-more.png'
            alt='Top November articles: Training, tradeshows and more'
            title='Top November articles: Training, tradeshows and more'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Emma Peterson.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>It&rsquo;s been a busy month at The Coffee Shops&trade;, here are some must-read articles to keep you informed.&nbsp;</h2>

<p>November has been a busy month here at The Coffee Shops&trade;! Our crew has been hard at work and you can tell from the number of articles we published this month. To recap everything that&rsquo;s happened, we&rsquo;ve collected the top five articles from November (as well as five honorable mentions).&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>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 <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/tremco">Tremco</a> mobile <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/training-that-meets-you-where-youre-at">training program that travels the country</a> meeting contractors at their offices! The other is about <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/tis-the-season-for-learning">the upcoming Tremco webinar series</a>. This series is a great opportunity for contractors to earn AIA LU|HSW credits and doesn&rsquo;t kick off until December 4, 2025, <a href="https://share.hsforms.com/1J6uMlu2xR3WOL0gKhWYhMQ2k07m">so there&rsquo;s still time to register</a>!&nbsp;</p>

<p>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&nbsp; <a href="https://www.coatingscoffeeshop.com/world-of-concrete-2026">2026 World of Concrete</a> show and the <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/showcasing-innovation-efficiency-and-hands-on-education">innovations, demos and education</a> that will be hosted there. <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/ire-2026-events-you-cant-miss">In the other, which is also our top article of the month</a>, Coffee Shops writer Jenny Yu explores six events that should be on your <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/ire">International Roofing Expo (IRE)</a> 2026 itinerary.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Explore our top articles from November 2025&nbsp;</h3>

<p><strong>Five honorable mentions&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>10 - <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/all-the-reasons-to-roof-in-the-fall">All the reasons to roof in the fall</a> by Central States Manufacturing&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>9 - <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/rcaw-basic-shelter-project-brings-a-new-roof-and-new-hope-to-tacoma-widow">RCAW Basic Shelter Project brings a new roof &mdash; and new hope &mdash; to Tacoma widow</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>8 - <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/trade-association-coalition-announces-q3-findings-from-market-index-survey-for-reroofing-2">Trade Association Coalition Announces Q3 Findings from Market Index Survey for Reroofing</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>7 - <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/tis-the-season-for-learning">&lsquo;Tis the season for learning</a> by Emma Peterson&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>6 - <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/training-that-meets-you-where-youre-at">Training that meets you where you&rsquo;re at</a> by Emma Peterson&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>The top five&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>5 - <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/showcasing-innovation-efficiency-and-hands-on-education">Showcasing innovation, efficiency and hands-on education</a> by Jesse Sanchez&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>4 - <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/rooferscoffeeshop-releases-2025-roofing-industry-trends-report">RoofersCoffeeShop&reg; releases 2025 Roofing Industry Trends Report</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>3 - <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/roofing-in-a-deregulatory-era">Roofing in a deregulatory era</a> by Emma Peterson&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>2 - <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/roof-smart-why-common-sense-is-your-first-line-of-safety">Roof smart: Why common sense is your first line of safety</a> by Cotney Consulting Group&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>1 - <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/ire-2026-events-you-cant-miss">IRE 2026: Events you can&rsquo;t miss!</a> by Jenny Yu</strong></p>]]></content:encoded>
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