By Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

Fire resistance, durability and design innovation are driving new demand. 

Metal siding is experiencing significant growth across residential and light commercial construction, and the reasons go far beyond aesthetics. In 2026, homeowners and contractors are increasingly choosing metal wall systems because they solve some of the biggest challenges facing building exteriors today: fire, pests and rot. What is especially notable is that this shift is not just anecdotal; it is backed by steady market growth and changing homeowner priorities. 

Globally, the metal siding market is growing at an estimated five to six percent annually, with steady expansion expected over the next decade. In the United States, growth is more measured, reflecting a mature market, but the real momentum is happening in higher-end residential applications where metal siding is gaining share due to performance, longevity and design flexibility. 

Unlike traditional materials, metal siding is non-combustible, making it an important option in areas where fire risk is increasing. It also resists insects and pests and eliminates the risk of rot caused by moisture exposure. These performance advantages are aligning with a market that is prioritizing long-term durability and reduced maintenance, especially among homeowners investing in remodels and “forever homes.” 

At the same time, the broader siding market continues to grow at approximately four to five percent annually, driven largely by residential remodeling and exterior upgrades. Within that growth, metal siding is carving out a larger role, particularly in premium segments where homeowners are willing to invest more upfront for lower lifetime costs and better performance. 

Equally important is what is happening on the roofing side of the metal market. Metal roofing is not only growing; it is outperforming many traditional roofing materials and is projected to exceed five billion square feet of volume by 2029, with residential applications representing the majority of that demand. This growth is driven by the same factors influencing siding, including durability, sustainability, insurance considerations and long-term value. 

What is accelerating adoption across both roofing and siding is the rapid evolution of color, coatings and profiles. Contractors and homeowners are no longer limited to basic painted panels. Today’s metal systems offer an expanding range of matte finishes, textured coatings and nature-inspired colors such as charcoals, slate grays, greens and patina-style metallics that are seeing the fastest growth in demand. Matte and low-gloss finishes in particular are gaining popularity because they reduce glare, hide handling marks and elevate the perceived quality of both roofing and siding systems. 

Advanced coating technologies are playing a central role in this transformation. Modern coil coating processes create highly durable, factory-applied finishes that bond tightly to the metal surface, improving corrosion resistance and long-term performance. These coatings also enable printed and textured designs that realistically replicate wood grain, stone, tile and even traditional siding profiles, allowing metal to deliver both performance and aesthetics. 

Companies like Sherwin-Williams are leading this innovation with advanced coil coating systems that provide UV resistance, fade protection and long-term color retention while supporting a wide range of architectural finishes. At the same time, manufacturers such as Central States Manufacturing are bringing these innovations to market through finished metal siding and roofing panels that incorporate these new colors, textures and profiles into complete building envelope systems. 

This is an important distinction. While some companies in the supply chain focus on coated coil, manufacturers like Central States are delivering ready-to-install siding and roofing systems that allow contractors and homeowners to take full advantage of these design advancements in real-world applications. 

For contractors and homeowners, metal siding represents a shift in thinking. It is no longer a niche or purely commercial solution. It is a high-performance, design-forward option that meets the demands of modern construction while delivering resilience against fire, pests and moisture-related deterioration. 

As fire resilience, durability and long-term value continue to shape building decisions, metal siding and roofing are positioned to play an even larger role in the future of exterior design. The data supports what many contractors are already seeing in the field. This is not a short-term trend; it is a long-term shift toward better-performing materials that also meet the growing expectations for design and aesthetics. 

To learn more about these innovations, visit the directories for Sherwin-Williams and Central States Manufacturing on MetalCoffeeShop.com and RoofersCoffeeShop.com. 

By Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

Advanced coatings and integrated metal systems give contractors new ways to deliver durability, efficiency and design flexibility. 

Metal is moving well beyond traditional roofing and siding applications into some of the most dynamic areas of today’s building envelope. A major factor behind that shift is coil coating, a technology that continues to influence how metal products perform in real-world conditions. 

High-performance coil coatings from manufacturers like Sherwin-Williams provide a level of consistency and protection that field-applied finishes cannot match. By bonding coatings to metal substrates under controlled conditions, these systems help resist corrosion, UV degradation and surface wear. For contractors, that translates into fewer callbacks, better color retention and materials that hold up under demanding environments. 

Material selection is also being shaped by growing attention to fire performance. Metal’s non-combustible properties make it a strong choice for assemblies where fire resistance is a priority. Incorporating metal doors and components into projects can help meet stricter codes and insurance requirements while adding another layer of protection to the structure. 

At the same time, demand for metal products continues to rise across residential and light commercial construction. Growth in coil coating capacity reflects increasing use not only in roofing and siding, but also in fabricated components such as doors and architectural elements. This broader adoption is creating new opportunities for contractors to deliver more comprehensive metal packages on a single project. 

Design flexibility is another driver. Today’s coatings can replicate natural materials like wood while maintaining the strength of steel or aluminum, allowing contractors to meet aesthetic demands without compromising performance. Operable wall systems, sliding doors and statement entryways are becoming more common, requiring coordination across multiple trades and systems. 

This architectural shift is being fueled by advancements in coating technologies. Today’s coil coatings allow metal doors and panels to replicate the look of natural materials like wood and stone while delivering the durability of steel or aluminum. Rich woodgrain finishes, matte textures and metallic tones give designers and homeowners the ability to create warm, inviting spaces without sacrificing performance. 

Companies like Central States Manufacturing are supporting this evolution with integrated product offerings that align roofing, siding and accessory components. This system-based approach helps streamline installation and ensures compatibility across the build. 

For contractors, understanding how coatings and metal systems work together is becoming essential. Performance is no longer tied to a single product. It is built through the combination of materials, finishes and installation practices that deliver durability and consistency over time. 

To learn more about advanced coil coating technologies and metal building solutions, visit the directories for Sherwin-Williams and Central States Manufacturing on MetalCoffeeShop.com. 

By Jenny Yu.  

The SkillsUSA 2026 Championship will connect students, educators, contractors and manufacturers through hands-on skilled trades competitions. 

After a year of honing their skills and participating in local competitions, students from across the country are set to compete at the culminating event: the SkillsUSA 2026 Championship. Taking place at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta from June 1-5, 2026, the event brings together more that 6,700 state champions competing across 114 skilled and leadership contests as part of the broader National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC). 

On top of providing the platform for students to compete and showcase their talent, the SkillsUSA program builds the next generation of skilled professionals and elevates the value of careers in the trades. Roofing continues to expand its presence at the event as students can explore career opportunities and compete in roofing-related challenges including Commercial Roofing and Teamwork. According to the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), the competitions are designed to connect career and technical education students with real-world industry opportunities while helping address the skilled labor shortage facing roofing contractors nationwide. 

Here at RoofersCoffeeShop®, we are excited to be a sponsor of the NRCA Roofing Pavilion, the event’s central hub for students and CTE teachers to connect with industry professionals on training and career opportunities.  

Additional sponsors supporting the NRCA booth include ABC Supply, Central States Manufacturing, Georgia-Pacific Building Products, Johns Manville, Elevate™, IB Roof Systems™, Leister, National Roofing Partners, National Women in Roofing (NWIR), QXO, Roofing Alliance, Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3), SRS Distribution and TAMKO®. This robust participation reflects industry-wide collaboration to help SkillsUSA continue to grow as a pipeline for skilled professionals entering the trades. 

The SkillsUSA Championships have become a critical recruiting and education platform for the roofing industry. NRCA notes if even 5% of SkillsUSA students entered roofing careers, the industry could gain more than 5,000 new workers annually. 

To learn more about the 2026 SkillsUSA Championships, the Roofing Pavilion and ways to get involved, visit the SkillsUSA and NRCA websites. We hope to see you there! 

By Anna Lockhart.  

As metal building materials continue to rise in popularity, it’s time for contractors across the building envelope to get in on the action! 

For superstar brands like Central States Manufacturing, the International Roofing Expo (IRE) 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. Visiting their booth during this year’s trade show, The Coffee Shops™ Editor in Chief Lauren White spoke with Central States Manufacturing’s Director of Marketing Melissa Dunson to find out more about the brand’s plans for 2026.  

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.  

“We’re not just residential. If you’re interested in metal roofing, there’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,” Melissa shared. “We even do siding, walls, full metal buildings with frames and metal roll-up doors. If it’s metal, we’ve got it.”  

Such an expansive and all-encompassing line-up of products puts Central States in a prime place for being multiple industries’ go-to supplier for any and all of their metal needs. And as consumers – home and building owners alike – continue to show a growing interest in metal, now is the time for contractors to explore the benefits of the material.  

In particular, Melissa noted that they’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, “The metal market is expected to grow drastically, particularly for standing seam and residential spaces. Our Central Snap® product has become popular because of this. It has a hidden fastener and isn’t exposed, which really provides an excellent lifetime warranty. It has the longevity and beauty that people are looking for.” 

Pivotal to the conversation was Melissa’s emphasis on the fact that, no matter what your current experience is with metal, if you’re a contractor, there’s always time to get into it. She noted, “I would just like to say to any roofer out there interested in metal roofing. It’s okay if you don’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 – metal.” 

Ultimately, her message was loud and clear: metal isn’t going away anytime soon, so it’s better late than never to find out how to incorporate metal into your business services. Residential, commercial, agricultural – if it can use metal, brands like Central States Manufacturing have you taken care of! 

Watch the interview to learn more about Central States Manufacturing and the latest highlights straight from the metal industry!

By Jenny Yu.  

Central States Manufacturing continues to expand its Sentry lineup with security-focused innovations for modern storage projects. 

An exciting new product has hit the market: Central States Manufacturing’s Sentry self-storage combo latch. 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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

“With the Sentry self-storage combo latch, our goal was to raise the standard,” said Andrew Wilson, chief engineering and innovation officer at Central States. “The added versatility and security features give operators flexibility today and confidence for the future.” 

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’ broader push to provide integrated self-storage solutions that streamline sourcing for contractors and facility owners. 

Visit Central States Manufacturing’s website to learn more about the Sentry self-storage combo latch and explore their full lineup of products!

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

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.