By The Coffee Shops®.  

Thanks to technology advancements and the introduction of highly accurate measurement data, contractors and takeoff experts can get the job done faster. 

In a recent episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Megan Ellsworth sat down with Melissa Dunson, director of marketing for Central States Manufacturing, to discuss the ways technology is revolutionizing metal roof takeoffs for the better.  

By implementing the latest digital measurement tools and platforms, roofing contractors can streamline their quote processes without sacrificing accuracy or quality. As Melissa notes, Central States not only offers a wide variety of metal roofing products, but they also provide their customers with the digital resources and applications to simplify their daily processes. Users are provided with the quotes needed for their metal takeoff projects in a quick timeframe, which enables them to then use that valuable time elsewhere. She shared, "We want to be able to quickly and accurately turn around full roof takeoffs and quotes for contractors and distributors." 

"As labor shortages have increased and everything takes longer than it should, contractors have to do more by hand. But time is money... We want to find a way to provide contractors with a way to get accurate roof takeoff estimates and quote faster," Melissa shared. "As measurement technology and software has changed significantly in recent years, we have tools and innovations that are having a big impact for metal contactors." 

The reliability of a project's measurements is critical to the success of a metal project. Any error can be costly and wasteful. But by utilizing a program that guarantees accurate measurements and results, users can rest easy knowing that their time is being put to good use, elsewhere.  

Listen to the conversation or Watch the episode to learn more about implementing software for streamlining measurement data and reports with Central States. 

October 8, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. PT/ 2:30 p.m. ET

You won't want to miss this special Coffee Conversations®, sponsored by MetalVue by Sherwin-Williams, coming to you LIVE from METALCON 2026 in Orlando, Florida! Join us on day two of the show as we meet with industry leaders and experts from the metal industry. Guests include manufacturers, service providers and contractors who will share their insights and wisdom straight from the trade show floor. You can watch from the comfort of your home, on your mobile device or in person from outside our soundstage at booth #408. The topics will center around what's hot across the country including what is to come for the rest of 2026 and into 2027. Join us for this great Coffee Conversations LIVE from METALCON on October 8, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. PT/ 2:30 p.m. ET! 

Get notified!

By The Coffee Shops®. 

Industry experts to explore how metal roofing supports sustainability, long-term value and resilience in residential construction. 

Sustainability is increasingly important when homeowners and construction professionals evaluate roofing options. On Thursday, October 8 at METALCON, the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) will present “Residential Metal Roofing – The Sustainable Choice,” a session focused on the environmental, performance and long-term advantages of metal roofing. 

The session will examine how metal roofing can help reduce resource consumption, lower lifecycle costs and improve building efficiency. Attendees will learn how attributes such as recycled content, recyclability, durability, longevity and energy-saving performance contribute to a roof’s overall sustainability. 

The discussion will also define sustainability and understand why it matters to homeowners. Presenters will address specific roofing characteristics that can affect environmental performance, from the recycled content used in metal roofing products to the material’s recyclability at the end of its service life. 

Beyond material considerations, the session will explore environmental benefits associated with metal roofing, including solar applications, water catchment and potential heating and cooling cost savings. Speakers will also cover how metal roofing performs during extreme weather events such as hail, high winds and hurricanes. 

The presenter lineup brings experience from across the metals, roofing, manufacturing, sales and sustainability sectors. Speakers include Melissa Dunson, vice president of sales at Central States; Renee Ramey, executive director of MRA; Brian Smallwood, marketing manager – construction for Steel Dynamics Inc.; Mitch Heitsch, director of sales at Westlake Royal Building Products; and Lauren Rogers, global sustainability manager for the Sherwin-Williams Coil and Extrusion team. 

Attendees will leave with practical guidance for communicating metal roofing’s sustainable advantages to homeowners, developers, architects, building owners and facility managers. 

Make sure to add this session to your calendar to learn about positioning residential metal roofing as a sustainable, durable and long-term building solution. 

By The Coffee Shops®.

Make sure these sessions and exhibitors are on your METALCON short list.

METALCON is just around the corner happening October 7-9 in Orlando, Florida! With over 60 education sessions and 250 exhibitors, it’s important for attendees to plan their schedules carefully. From new products and services to innovative solutions, you won’t want to miss the chance to talk to these Coffee Shop partners: Carlise Architechtural Metals, Central States Manufacturing, Malco, Roof Huger, Van Mark, ATAS International, Inc., Metal Construction Association (MCA), Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA), Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings and more! Don’t forget to stop by booth 408 to meet the MetalCoffeeShop team!

Featuring an impressive lineup of industry experts and motivational speakers, the METALCON headline sessions just scratch the surface of the learning opportunities.

Keynote: nothing Can Stop You

Former Major League Baseball pitcher Jim Abbott shares his remarkable journey from Flint, Michigan, to throwing a no-hitter at Yankee Stadium. Born without a right hand, Jim developed creative ways to pursue his goals while learning the importance of accountability and trust. His inspiring keynote explores how mindset can transform adversity into personal growth, helping attendees recognize their own challenges as opportunities to build resilience, adapt and celebrate the experiences that shape who they are.

Register today!

Keynote: Building Through Uncertainty: A Market Outlook for the Construction and Design Industries

What economic forces will shape construction and design during the next 12 months? Former American Institute of Architects Chief Economist Kermit Baker examines the indicators influencing project activity, sector growth and client priorities. Attendees will gain a data-driven view of shifting pipelines, regional market differences and emerging opportunities. The session provides a forward-looking framework to help industry professionals anticipate risks, align business planning with changing conditions and make informed decisions in an uncertain market.

Register today!

Industry Outlook: Metal Construction Code Updates: What’s Changed and What it Means

Code changes can lead to permit delays, redesigns and compliance gaps when they are missed or misunderstood. Industry experts Bill Beals, Paul Deffenbaugh and Bob Zabcik will break down significant recent and upcoming updates affecting metal construction. Covering design, specifications, fabrication and installation, the session will help attendees understand current compliance requirements, distinguish the roles of standards organizations and prepare for emerging trends that could influence future projects and business decisions.

Register today!

Industry Outlook: 2027 the Future of Metal Construction

Industry leaders examine the economic, regulatory, material and jobsite forces expected to shape metal construction through 2027. Panelists Kermit Baker, Jeff Henry, Vincent Sagan and Benton Trotter will connect current market realities with the challenges and opportunities ahead. Attendees will explore how supply conditions, evolving codes and construction pressures are influencing project costs, delivery methods and building practices, gaining practical insights for managing risk and positioning their businesses for the next 12 months.

Register today!

The formal sessions are just one way to learn. Attendees will also enjoy a massive exhibition hall where they can network and learn from each other. Make sure our MetalCoffeeShop booth 408 is on your list too!

While you’re in the hall, don’t miss our Coffee Shops partners including: Western States Metal Roofing, BITEC, Franklin International, Giddy Up, H.B. Fuller / GSSI, Latinos en Roofing, MARCO Industries, Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA), McElroy Metal, MetalForming Inc., MFM Building Products, RoofScope and more!

Don’t miss the metal event of the year! Register for METALCON and use code 30MCS for $30 off passes!

By The Coffee Shops®. 

In hard times, customers don’t want more options; they want one solid option that can do it all. Here’s how to be that one.  

In a recent episode of the MetalCast™ podcast, host Karen Edwards sat down with Melissa Dunson, director of marketing and communications for Central States Manufacturing, to discuss ways metal professionals can protect their businesses in the face of recession. From building a more resilient business model to emphasizing gaining momentum in sales and customer relationships, there are a few ways that the industry can prepare.  

Regardless of the economic climate, metal roofing consistently remains a reliable option for property owners because metal’s reputation precedes it; it’s durable, economical, sustainable and aesthetically versatile. This firmly held position as a tried-and-true material should give metal professionals the confidence to stick to their guns; metal isn’t going anywhere anytime soon!  

“You don't recession proof your business by selling more of the same thing. You recession proof it by giving customers more reasons to buy from you,” Melissa emphasized. The beauty of offering metal in your lineup is the versatility of what can be done with metal. 

During slow economic cycles, there’s still plenty of work to be done with metal. Melissa shared, “[With metal] in your back pocket, you can easily say, ‘I'm going to offer customers of various types of backgrounds different kinds of products that appeal to those different types of customers.” By keeping the various uses of metal in mind and available to customers, you’re not only expanding what your customers can gain from your services, but you’re opening your business up to more business no matter the project needs.  

For example, some areas are seeing a falling out of the popularity of asphalt shingles, whether that be for environmental, economic or aesthetic reasons. In its place, metal has become a popular option. Being able to take note of these changes before they take off full scale can not only open the door to a whole new group of customers but also gives your business the competitive edge over those who aren’t paying so close attention.  

Make the most of what you can do with metal. After all, as Melissa said, “Customers don't want more contractors. They want one contractor who can solve more of their problems.” 

Listen to the conversation or Watch the recording to learn more about recession-proofing your business.

By Anna Lockhart.  

Standing seam metal roofing is all the rage but comes with a heavy cost. Central States says: what if you could get the look, for less?  

Metal roofing has continued to surge in popularity as homeowners have become aware of the benefits of choosing metal for their project needs. In home design, a metal roof not only means modern aesthetics and security against harsh weather, but significant cost and energy benefits for decades to come. A popular design look among owners seeking to upgrade to metal is the standing seam metal roof. However, the upfront cost and project timelines needed for installation of a standing seam roof can deter some homeowners from committing to the option. With Horizon-Loc® from Central States Manufacturing, your customers can get the modern, sleek aesthetics they’re hoping for without the burden of complex installation or high material costs. 

Horizon-Loc is a concealed-fastener metal roof engineered with Fluropon® finishes, offered in a range of colors with added protection against fading. The system has been thoughtfully created with diverse market needs in mind, from its strong wind performance and durability to the nationwide availability for purchasing. Central States has carefully designed a product that can deliver on all fronts for customers: from the system’s simple installation process to the variety of color and feature options, Horizon-Loc is a practical choice for any residential need.  

Ease of installation  

A key feature of the Horizon-Loc metal roofing system is that it doesn't need complex seaming equipment or complicated installation methods. Horizon-Loc can be assembled without clips and are meant simply to snap together with ease, allowing contractors and their crews to assemble a system in no time at all.  

Wind defense 

Many homeowners are drawn to metal roofs for their superior durability and defense against harsh weather conditions. In areas where strong winds and storms are common, a metal roof is the only surefire solution for protecting a home. Horizon-Loc roofs are engineered with wind-lift performance in mind, delivering excellent performance against high wind activity and severe weather.  

CentralGuard® 

Central States stands behind the integrity of its products with CentralGuard®, a promise that extends beyond a lifetime paint warranty to provide multiple layers of protection that help safeguard customers' homes for decades to come.  

Horizon-Loc is more than just a metal roofing system; it’s Central States Manufacturing’s commitment to outstanding quality, excellent craftsmanship and customer satisfaction. Their focus on providing long-term value and durability can be seen in the stunning results of each system installed, ready to protect and amplify each homeowner’s property.  

Learn more about the Horizon-Loc metal roofing system today.

By The Coffee Shops™. 

Having the right latch system is critical to ensuring success and unit integrity for any storage business.  

In an episode of MetalCast™, host Karen Edwards sat down with Andrew Wilson, chief engineering and innovation officer for Central States Manufacturing, to discuss the importance of high-quality latch systems for self-storage units, and how their latest Sentry line is delivering just that! 

Since the 1980’s, Central States has offered customers metal building products, and over the course of the last four decades, the brand has become quite the expert in metal. They know customers rely on metal products to provide long-term results and durability in the face of harsh weather conditions. Offering metal solutions to the storage industry was simply a natural next step for them. As Andrew shared, on top of their extensive line of metal storage solution products, adding latch systems was the right choice to round out their line.  

“[Our Sentry line] hit the market in the middle of last year, and it's been very well received and very successful. We're happy with how it's performed. We’ve gotten good feedback, always looking for more feedback. And we know there's always things we can continue to do better,” Andrew noted. Now, as the line continues to see success and they’ve taken feedback into consideration, Central States is introducing a high-performing latch system to round out the system and customer needs. 

Andrew shared, “The latch offers good corrosion performance, good strength and good durability.” Additionally, the latch system is a flexible add-on to the existing Sentry line for customers who want the option to overlock or need a padlock. “It really helps the ownership of the unit be able to have an extra layer of protection for their tenants.” 

Stronger locks, multiple customization abilities and designed to complement the existing Sentry line – the latch system products were designed with customer needs and convenience in mind, from step one.  

Just like with metal roofing, investing in a metal storage solution offers buyers the same benefits of a long lifespan, durability in the face of severe weather and more. In offering these solutions, the Central States team hopes to build life-long partnerships with customers and offer a wealth of resources to make the most of their investments. Andrew added, “We want to help people improve their business and give them good advice. And it's all about collaboration. Again, we're going to win by having repeat customers, people who trust us, who know that we're not in it to make a buck on the next job. We're in it for the long haul. And that's really what that team is really focused on.” 

Listen to the conversation or Watch the recording to learn more about Central States Manufacturing’s Sentry line and new latches!  

Central States introduces the latest integration of Central Link and Saberis for optimal management efficiency.  

Central States Manufacturing understands that contractors value their time. That’s why the company prioritizes applications designed to streamline business management processes, allowing contractors to spend less time in the office and more time securing sales and generating leads. Central Link is their solution; a customer portal designed to provide customers a direct link to all things Central States. From order quoting and submissions to 24/7 tracking, Central Link is a free, must-have application that presents users with the resources needed to bring any project to life.  

Taking the application a step further, Central States has introduced their integration with Saberis, a platform aimed at streamlining the ordering process. With Saberis, customers can access and submit quote data directly from their Central Link account to Saberis, connecting directly with ordering systems and data tracking. Worries about keeping up with various files and quote data are a thing of the past. Now, users can focus on what matters most: getting results faster and getting back to work on the important day-to-day tasks.  

With traditional data entry, the ordering process could be a painstaking task, increasing the risk for data errors.  But with Central Link and Saberis, together, Central States has provided their customers with improved data accuracy and faster order processing. 

Central States encourages their customers to take advantage of the benefits offered through the free Central Link platform, and to learn more about possibilities the Saberis integration can offer.  

Learn more about the Central Link integration with Saberis.

By Anna Lockhart.  

Get to quoting faster with quick takeoff turnaround from Central States Manufacturing. 

Correctly calculating a metal roof takeoff is an important part of the estimating process, and a measurement that, if inaccurate, can lead to serious consequences. This is why Central States Manufacturing, is finding ways to simplify the takeoff process – so distributors and contractors can get to accurately quoting and ordering faster.  

Takeoffs must be calculated by taking roof geometry, panel layouts, trim details, waste management and other details all into account. It’s no small task, and it’s certainly time consuming. For contractors looking to cut back on the labor and time required for these estimations, Central States is offering a premium takeoff service at no additional charge to their customers and promising a turnaround time of 48 hours or less.  

Working with Central States, distributor reps and contractors can trust that something as simple as an address can be turned into an accurate takeoff and an actionable quote.  As a metal panel manufacturer, the Central States Takeoff Team of metal experts knows first-hand the intricacies of takeoffs, and aims to tackle the challenges that work can bring. With their partnership, contractors can expect clear, ready-to-use quotes and a simple submission process that helps reduce admin time.  

Creating an accurate estimate that aligns with real-life product systems can be a gamble if your team isn’t an expert in the product line, but this is where Central States shines. Their team knows intimately the ins and outs of each product line item, and how those measurements should be reflected in detailed cut lists and quotes.  

Protect your margins and execute projects with confidence. Central States aims to be a partner that can be depended on to provide high-quality materials as well as a reliable resource to turn to when you need fast and accurate takeoffs and quotes.  

Learn more about Central States Manufacturing and their mission to simplify tearoffs.

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.