Contractors entering the architectural metal business need more than just equipment.

The architectural sheet metal industry offers significant opportunities for contractors, but success depends on far more than purchasing the right equipment. In a recent MetalCast™ episode, Karen Edwards spoke with Ken McLaughlin of Carlisle Architectural Metals about how contractor partnerships have shaped the growth of Drexel Metals and the broader architectural metal market.

Ken explained that Drexel Metals was founded in 1985 with a focus on serving contractors working in the portable roll-forming space. Over time, that commitment evolved into a business model centered on helping contractors navigate the increasingly complex architectural metal environment. “Drexel has always been the partner to the contractor. That's been their model,” Ken said.

This philosophy has become increasingly important as metal roofing and architectural metal cladding systems continue to gain market share. According to Ken, growth has been driven by contractors, manufacturers and the design community working together to educate the market and expand awareness of metal building solutions.

Yet opportunity often comes with challenges. Contractors pursuing higher-end architectural work must balance homeowner expectations, aesthetics, performance requirements and risk management. Projects may call for specific design features, lower-slope applications, fire protection considerations or tested assemblies that meet regional building requirements. “A lot of the smaller contractors have annual revenue that rivals some of these large contractors,” Ken noted, pointing out that specialty residential projects can be just as demanding and profitable as larger commercial work.

Finding the right partner often is the difference between success and frustration. Contractors may be tempted by machinery or systems that appear to solve immediate challenges, but Ken emphasized the importance of understanding long-term implications, particularly when it comes to testing, code compliance and system performance.

As more contractors look to expand into architectural metal work, the conversation shifts from simply acquiring equipment to building a sustainable strategy. This broader approach sets the stage for the next step: creating a support system that helps contractors grow with confidence.

Listen to the full podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about architectural sheet metal contractor partnerships.

By The Coffee Shops®.  

Tested metal roofing systems help contractors deliver long-term protection against wind, hail, moisture and ultraviolet exposure. 

Weather resilience is becoming an increasingly important consideration for residential and commercial roofing projects. This article by Drexel Metals explains that properly designed metal roof systems can withstand high winds, hail, heavy rain, snow and prolonged ultraviolet exposure while providing a service life of 40 to 60 years. 

This performance begins below the metal panels. Rigid roof insulation helps resist temperature extremes, while underlayment provides a barrier against moisture from rain and melting snow and ice. Above these components, durable metal substrates with polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), an ingredient in Kynar® finishes, help the system resist weathering. Seamed panels and secure attachment methods such as clip systems support the roof’s ability to shed snow, prevent water penetration and withstand wind forces. 

Third-party testing gives contractors measurable information about system performance. Drexel Metals roof systems are certified to standards addressing wind uplift, static pressure and air infiltration. These capabilities support approvals from the Florida Building Code, Texas Department of Insurance and Miami-Dade County for use in High Velocity Hurricane Zones. 

Independent technical documentation can also help project teams navigate code requirements. International Code Council Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) Evaluation Report ESR-5838 verifies that select Drexel Metals wall panel systems comply with applicable International Building Code and International Residential Code requirements. 

Metal roofing also offers protection against hail and wind-driven debris. Drexel Metals systems are certified to UL 2218 Class 4 Hail Impact and ASTM E1886 Missile Impact standards. Reflective finishes further help roofs manage sunlight by absorbing less solar energy and re-emitting solar radiation, which can reduce strain on air conditioning systems. 

For contractors, understanding these assemblies, certifications and performance standards creates an opportunity to deliver durable, efficient and low-maintenance roofing solutions. 

Read the full article to learn about weather-resistant roofing projects.

By The Coffee Shops®. 

Educating customers on Class A-rated metal roof assemblies and noncombustible building materials. 

As wildfires continue to threaten lives and property, contractors can give customers greater peace of mind by explaining how material selection contributes to a structure’s resilience. In this article, Drexel Metals shares that wildfire events are at a 10-year high. This means it is more important than ever that home and building owners are informed about their material options. Educating customers about how fire can spread and the risks certain materials carry can go a long way toward ensuring their future safety. 

During a wildfire, flying embers can travel ahead of the flames and land on roofs or other vulnerable areas. Roof assemblies that earn a Class A fire rating, the highest classification per Underwriters Laboratories 790 and ASTM International E108 testing standards, are designed to resist severe fire exposure, limit flame spread and reduce the likelihood that a roof becomes a fuel source. 

Many metal roofing systems can be installed as part of a Class A-rated assembly. Metal is noncombustible, meaning it does not add fuel when exposed to fire. Interlocking metal panels also can help form a barrier against ember intrusion. Beyond wildfire resilience, these systems are engineered to withstand high winds, heavy rain, snow and other severe weather while offering a range of profiles, colors and attachment styles. 

A family home in Boulder, Colorado shows how a metal building envelope can perform under extreme conditions. During a wildfire driven by a dry season and 100-mph winds, a nearby propane tank exploded and covered the property with flames, ash and shrapnel. The home’s metal roof, metal siding and stone siding resisted damage, leaving the structure standing. 

Contractors can help customers evaluate more than aesthetics by discussing Class A-rated roof assemblies and the fire-resistant properties of metal roofing and wall systems. Drexel Metals also offers metal wall panels and Defend-R CI Class A fire-rated wall insulation for projects seeking a more complete fire-resistant building envelope. 

To learn more about how fire-smart metal roofing from Drexel Metals can support resilient projects in wildfire-prone regions, read the full article here.

By The Coffee Shops®. 

Experience live metal system demonstrations, contractor-focused education and business growth resources at METALCON 2026. 

Metal professionals heading to METALCON 2026 can connect with Petersen, Drexel Metals and the Carlisle Architectural Metals team October 7-9 in Orlando, Florida. At Booth 1724, attendees can explore the companies’ offerings for metal cladding, accessories and rollforming equipment while meeting team members and finding resources designed to support efficiency and business growth. 

Live demonstrations will feature the Board and Batten wall panel system and T-seam metal roofing panels. Designed for vertical commercial and residential wall applications, Board and Batten panels install with concealed mechanical fasteners through pre-punched holes. The system is available in 12- and 16-inch widths, with a 2-inch-wide, three-quarter-inch-deep batten that creates dimensional interest while keeping trim offsets to a minimum. 

The T-seam roof system combines structural performance with architectural aesthetics. The panels can be factory-formed or field-formed to length, installed over several substrate types and mechanically field-seamed. Its concealed-fastener clip system is designed to allow thermal expansion and contraction. Because the panel is bi-directional, installers can begin in the center of a roof and work in both directions, helping multiple crews work simultaneously while creating a symmetrical appearance. 

Carlisle Architectural Metals is also sponsoring the new Contractor Business Success Center. Its expert-led sessions address profitability, operations, workforce development, storm resilience, sales strategies and leadership challenges in privately owned businesses. On Wednesday, October 7, moderator Brian McLaughlin will join panelists Colin Palladino, Richard Pruden and Matt Leonard for “Growing Your Metal Business: Real-World Strategies from Industry Leaders.” The panel will explore smarter operations, strategic equipment investments, portable rollforming, in-house fabrication and customized project solutions. 

On Thursday, October 8, Brandon Jackson will present “Mistakes to Avoid When Designing Metal Roof Systems.” Attendees will learn how slopes, penetrations, flashings, transitions and rooftop equipment can affect standing-seam metal roof design, and why addressing these conditions early can help prevent costly field problems. 

Visit Booth 1724 for demonstration times and additional details or to connect directly with the team. 

Learn more about the products, education and business resources available from Petersen, Drexel Metals and Carlisle Architectural Metals at METALCON 2026.

Drexel Metals continues to expand the resources available to support our customers with select wall panel systems now ICC-ES Evaluated by the ICC Evaluation Service, LLC. The release of ICC-ES Evaluation Report ESR-5838 provides independently verified documentation that helps architects specify with confidence while giving contractors and fabricators the technical information needed to streamline project approvals and installations.

ICC-ES Evaluation Reports demonstrate compliance with applicable International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC) requirements through an independent technical review. Recognized by building officials throughout North America, these reports simplify specification, plan review, permitting, and product approval, helping projects move from design to construction with greater confidence.

"Earning ICC-ES Evaluation Reports is another way Drexel Metals is investing in the success of our customers," said Mike Weis, Vice President of Sales, Carlisle Architectural Metals. "These reports provide architects and designers with trusted technical documentation while giving contractors and fabricators greater confidence during specification, permitting, and installation. It's another example of our commitment to delivering tested systems backed by the resources our customers need to succeed."

Evaluated Systems

• Drexel Facade® HL Panels
• Drexel Facade® BR Panels
• DMC 164 & 123 Panels
• DMC FWQ100
• 7.2 Rib Panel

Why It Matters

Whether you're designing a custom residence, multifamily development, or commercial project, having an ICC-ES Evaluation Report available helps simplify the path from design through installation. Contractors and fabricators benefit from streamlined submittals, clearer installation guidance, and greater confidence during inspections, while architects and engineers gain independently verified documentation that supports product specification and code compliance. The result is fewer questions during project review, reduced approval delays, and increased confidence from specification through final installation.

Benefits for Architects and Designers

• Supports clear, code-referenced specifications
• Provides independently verified technical documentation
• Defines evaluated applications and system limitations
• Simplifies plan review and product selection

Benefits for Contractors and Fabricators

• Helps streamline permitting and submittals
• Provides clear installation guidance for evaluated systems
• Reduces uncertainty during inspections
• Supports smoother communication between project teams

To learn more about the evaluated wall panel systems, visit our individual product pages or download ICC-ES Evaluation Report ESR-5838 to review approved applications, installation requirements, and compliance information.

By The Coffee Shops™. 

Four things contractors should look for in their metal roofing supplier.  

A successful metal roofing project depends on more than installation quality — it also relies on having the right supplier behind the scenes. Having a supplier that supports your work from start to finish, helping improve efficiency, ensuring quality and keeping you on schedule is key not only to individual project success but to your business’ overall growth. So, what should you be looking for in your metal roofing supplier?  

1 – Quality 

One of the most important considerations is product quality, which often begins with domestic sourcing. Why domestic? Sourcing materials within the United States allows for greater control over production and quality assurance. Domestic manufacturing also contributes to more dependable supply chains, reducing delays and helping contractors keep projects on schedule while avoiding unnecessary labor and material costs. 

2 - Portfolio 

Beyond materials, contractors should take a system-based view of roofing. Metal roofing performance depends on more than panels alone — components such as underlayment, insulation, gutters and snow retention systems all influence long-term results. Working with a supplier that offers a complete system approach helps ensure compatibility across components, simplifying installation and improving overall roof performance. 

3 - Warranty 

Warranty coverage is another critical factor. Because metal roofs represent a long-term investment, strong warranties help protect both contractors and their customers. Look for suppliers that have solid, reliable warranties that do not diminish over time, like Drexel Metals’ non-prorated paint and substrate warranties for up to 35 years. 

4 - Service 

Finally, the best suppliers provide ongoing support well beyond the initial sale. Contractors benefit from access to technical expertise, training, continuing education and dedicated regional representatives who understand local market conditions. This level of support helps contractors troubleshoot issues, stay competitive and better educate customers about metal roofing solutions. 

Learn more about finding the right supplier to partner with on your next metal project.

By Emma Peterson. 

Explore how Drexel Metals combines experience, collaboration and digital tools to deliver exceptional metal solutions. 

Over the four decades that Drexel Metals has existed, the brand has grown, notably expanding their offerings through a 2011 acquisition of custom fabricator Met-Fab Manufacturing and becoming a part of the Carlisle Architectural Metals family in 2024. As the company has gone through these different phases of growth and development, it has made a name for itself by specializing in the distribution of painted metal through an on-demand approach, a dedication to premium quality fabrications and a commitment to cost efficiency. 

How has the Drexel team achieved this stellar reputation? By keeping their core business processes solid. These processes are described on their website:  

Our proven process starts by listening to each customer’s concepts and requirements. Then, our technical and architectural specialists consult, collaborate and troubleshoot throughout the entire project cycle with a commitment to authenticity and excellence that ensures the highest standards of quality and value. 

How does this process play out in reality? Oftentimes, the Drexel team recommends that customers start with their visualizer. Powered by Renoworks, this is a powerful tool that allows users to see what Drexel’s durable roof, wall and trim products would actually look like on their home or building. There are two ways to use Drexel’s visualizer:  

1. QuickView: This is the best starting place for customers that just want to explore their options. It uses auto-recognition technology to identify the roof and siding of a submitted photo. From there, the user can easily apply Drexel projects to their home or building – all online and all for free!  
2. ProView: For those further into a project, this visualizer provides a more customization options and a more realistic design experience. When using ProView, users send in their photo and any special details they want included. It comes at a $25 fee, but in return customers get an expertly prepared design within two business days. 

Try the visualizer yourself today!

By Emma Peterson. 

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

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

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

The core of the show 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Additional events and more 

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

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

Get registered and reserved 

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

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

Learn more about the 2026 WRE show!

By The Coffee Shops™. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Emma Peterson. 

We had a great time sharing stories and photos over social media with our roofing community!  

National Roofing Week is an annual event hosted by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) that aims to raise awareness of the roofing professionals who keep our communities safe and secure. The event also acts as a way to build community with other professionals, both near you and across the country.  

Participation in National Roofing Week is primarily conducted online by posting photos and videos through the #NationalRoofingWeek2026 hashtag. And NRCA has created themes for each day of National Roofing Week to guide posts.  

Sunday – Kickoff  

The week kicked off with posts about the importance of roofers. NRCA started everything with a post sharing the schedule for the week and some highlights from last year’s National Roofing Week! Here at The Coffee Shops™ we joined in the fun on all our social media pages, making sure to thank the coating installers, roofing professionals and contractors who make our community amazing. 

Monday – Signature projects 

For the Monday theme, NRCA invited National Roofing Week participants to share photos showcasing their company’s signature residential and commercial projects. There were too many amazing projects posted to put them all here, but some that stood out to us came from QXO, Sika and Eagle Roofing Products!  

QXO’s post was a carousel of some of their customers projects, including one from Toitures Scott, one from Nedlaw Group and one from RUHS in California. Likewise, Eagle Roofing Products’ post showcased signature projects featuring their concrete roof tiles from across the country.  

As for Sika, they took the opportunity to shine the spotlight on their 2025 Sika Project of the Year award winners, which includes stunning projects like the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center project in Los Angeles, California and the South Station Tower project in Boston.  

Tuesday – Charitable projects 

The next day of National Roofing Week was all about giving back, and the National Women in Roofing (NWIR) Oregon Council stole the show with a free roof!

The replacement went to a community member in need, which is an incredible reminder of the power our industry has to do good.

They put it best in their post:  

Seeing contractors, manufacturers, distributors and industry partners come together with a shared purpose — without competition, without agendas, and focused solely on helping someone else — is truly inspiring. For one day, company names and logos took a back seat to teamwork, generosity and service. 

Projects like this showcase the heart of our industry. The relationships we build, the willingness to lend a hand, and the collective impact we can make when we work together are some of the best parts of being in roofing. 

NWIR extended huge thanks to industry partners, like Malarkey Roofing Products, ABC Supply, SRS Building Products, Owens Corning, Bliss Roofing and Raindrop Roofing NW, for making this incredible charitable project possible. 

Wednesday – Employee appreciation 

The midpoint of the week was all about the people who get things done – the employees that keep our industry moving. For this theme, the #NationalRoofingWeek2026 hashtag was flooded with pictures and appreciations for hardworking workers around the country. 

Drexel Metals posted some behind-the-scenes of their team hard at work, captioning it, “To everyone who continues to show up ready to learn, teach and push the industry forward: thank you. Your commitment is what drives stronger partnerships, better projects and continued progress year after year.” 

IKO Industries and CertainTeed also posted, shouting out the ROOFPROS who get the job done every day and recognizing the “craftsmanship, innovation, and dedication of the teams who help bring CertainTeed products and solutions to life” respectively.  

Thursday – Training and learning 

For Thursday, NRCA chose training as the theme, inviting contractors and companies to share the ways they keep learning and growing on the job. For this theme, GAF joined the party, sharing an incredible milestone from their GAF Roofing Academy – since 2020, the tuition-free program has helped more than 3,000 individuals find employment in the roofing industry!  

And this is just one of the many stories added to the #NationalRoofingWeek2026 hashtag! The Durable Restoration Company posted about the hard work their craftspeople put into their apprenticeship program and QXO shared how they connect their team with everything from stand downs to plant tours. 

Friday – Celebration 

And you can’t have National Roofing Week without taking the time to celebrate the amazing industry we are all a part of! For this theme, the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT) took their followers on a trip down memory lane, sharing the “conferences, tournaments, regional events and industry gatherings where Texas roofing professionals connect, learn and celebrate together.”  

Drexel Metals also posted, sharing a common sentiment of thanks related to the power of the industry, “From the shop floor to the jobsite, your dedication, craftsmanship and collaboration are truly what make a lasting impact. We’re proud to be part of an industry built on innovation, resilience and strong partnerships.” 

Saturday – Wrap up 

Overall, this year’s National Roofing Week was a resounding success. From everyone that posted to event sponsors like International Roofing Expo, Georgia-Pacific Building Products, SRS Distribution, Roofing Alliance and SOPREMA, it was all made possible thanks to the incredible roofing community.  

The Coffee Shops crew already can’t wait for next year’s roofing week! As Atlas Roofing put eloquently in their final #NationalRoofingWeek2026 post, “This week gave us the opportunity to celebrate the people, organizations and partnerships that make the roofing industry such a rewarding one to be part of. Here’s to another year of collaboration, innovation and success.”