By Jesse Sanchez. 

New single-ply, insulation and waterproofing systems support the manufacturer’s strategy to protect all six sides of the building envelope. 

Polyglass highlighted an expanding portfolio of roofing and waterproofing solutions during the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA) expo, including its official entry into the U.S. single-ply market. Lynn Connors, director of strategic marketing at Polyglass, joined Heidi J. Ellsworth to discuss the company’s new products, manufacturing investments and “seal the envelope” strategy. 

“We are officially launching our Mapeplan® PVC product solutions,” Lynn said. “So, we’re officially in the single-ply market now.” The technology has been manufactured and installed by Polyglass’ sister company in Italy for more than 15 years, providing experience that the manufacturer is now bringing to the U.S. market. Polyglass also introduced its Polytherm® line of polyisocyanurate insulation and recently expanded its insulation manufacturing capacity in Nevada. 

The additions support Polyglass’ goal of offering compatible systems for the entire building. “That strategy is really aimed at providing all six sides of the building performance solutions,” Lynn said. “Our goal is to be your choice as the industry experts in coming to us to help you protect all six sides of the envelope.” 

Polyglass also featured fire-rated and high-wind systems designed for extreme weather environments. Its Polystick® XFR product incorporates patented Burn-Shield Technology® and can help achieve a UL Class A assembly under certain metal roofing systems with a single ply of XFR, compared with traditional three-ply underlayment approaches. Additional systems address high-velocity hurricane zones and other demanding applications. 

Contractors at the show could see how these products work together through demonstrations that developed over time and presented the systems in real-world conditions. The approach emphasized vulnerable transitions, including roof-to-wall, wall-to-deck and deck-to-below-grade connections. Polyglass supports those transition areas through its Seal the Envelope™ warranty, which covers material and labor when Polyglass products are used throughout the specified system.  

Watch the full interview to learn more about Polyglass and its full-building roofing, waterproofing and insulation solutions!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Jeff Cole discusses Palisade® underlayments, growing interest in metal roofing and shifting market demand during FRSA 2026. 

Intertape Polymer Group (IPG) brought its Palisade roofing underlayment line to Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA) 2026, giving contractors an opportunity to experience the material’s traction firsthand. Jeff Cole, who has worked in the roofing industry for 20 years, represents Intertape Polymer Group’s ECP division, which specializes in building materials. His responsibilities include products across the building envelope, from roofing underlayment and house wrap to crawl space fabric. 

Jeff described Palisade as one of the company’s premium roofing underlayment brands. At the show, its distinctive surface drew attendees into the booth for a hands-on demonstration. Reflecting on those interactions, Jeff explained, “Everybody comes up and the first thing they want to do is walk on our material because it is patented. It is unique.” 

The material features a polka-dot grid designed to provide slip resistance. According to Jeff, users do not need to press the ball of their foot into the surface to gain traction, allowing contractors to understand the product’s value through a direct demonstration. Emphasizing the stability of the surface, Jeff added, “You can almost stand on it flatfooted and play tennis on it. It’s very sure-footed stuff and that’s why people tend to like it.” 

Beyond underlayments, Jeff identified metal roofing as a major topic on the show floor. He pointed to severe weather, insurance pressures and homeowner interest in longer-lasting roofing systems as factors contributing to the conversation. Summarizing the broader shift, Jeff observed, “The buzz is metal roofing. That seems to be a bigger and bigger component and the roofing numbers show that.” 

IPG is also promoting Palisade Butyl-HT Plus, one of two product launches planned for 2026. Jeff described the product as a pure extruded butyl with strong tack and a broad operating temperature range. The product had already launched by the time of the event, with FRSA serving as a key promotional opportunity. 

Jeff also noted a recent shift in customer demand. After shingles were down about 10% in the first quarter, he said several major customers had contacted the company asking it to increase production to help prevent material shortages. 

Watch the full interview to learn more about the roofing underlayment innovations and market trends Jeff Cole discussed at FRSA 2026! 

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Employers can strengthen recruitment and retention by aligning workplace practices with Gen Z’s priorities around growth, flexibility, purpose and connection. 

As more members of Generation Z enter the workforce, employers are finding that traditional hiring and retention strategies may not be enough to keep younger workers engaged. The Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA) advises companies seeking to build lasting relationships with Gen Z employees to look beyond compensation and focus on workplace culture, professional growth and meaningful communication. 

Although salary remains important, Gen Z workers also value purpose, flexibility and a healthy work-life balance. They are drawn to inclusive workplaces, opportunities to develop their skills and employers that demonstrate responsibility toward their communities and the environment. 

Recruitment efforts can begin on the social media platforms Gen Z already uses. Companies can feature younger employees in recruitment content, share authentic testimonials and highlight workplace values through videos and other digital materials. Interactive hiring events can also give candidates a clearer sense of a company’s mission, leadership and culture. 

Flexibility is another significant consideration. Hybrid work models, adjustable schedules and results-based expectations can show employees that their employer values autonomy and trust. Once an offer is accepted, personalized welcome messages or videos from future managers and teammates can help new hires feel connected before their first day. 

During onboarding, FRSA recommends pairing new employees with both a peer and an experienced mentor. Cross-generational conversations can further strengthen workplace relationships by creating opportunities for employees to share experiences and better understand one another. 

Long-term retention also depends on continued learning. Experienced employees can share practical lessons in communication, time management, conflict resolution and teamwork, while professional development classes can help younger workers build skills and advance their careers. Employers can also invite Gen Z team members to contribute their knowledge of social media or artificial intelligence tools. 

Consistent feedback and recognition help complete the strategy. Regular check-ins, two-way communication and public acknowledgment of employee accomplishments can reinforce that each person’s ideas and contributions matter. 

Learn more about FRSA's guidance for attracting, supporting and retaining Gen Z employees!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Regional Sales Manager Blake Reed shares how FlashCo products help contractors save time while supporting code-compliant roofing installations. 

At the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA) show, FlashCo Regional Sales Manager Blake Reed joined Megan Ellsworth on The Coffee Shops™ Sound Stage, sponsored by TAMKO®, to discuss the manufacturer’s commercial roofing accessories, expanding presence in the Southeast and newest edge metal offering. Blake recently joined FlashCo after working elsewhere in the roofing industry. His new position marks his first oppertunity to work on the manufacturing side of the business, where he now oversees a territory stretching from Mississippi to North Carolina and from Tennessee to Florida. 

FlashCo manufactures commercial roof accessories and flashings designed to arrive ready for installation. According to Blake, contractors visiting the company’s booth quickly recognized how these products could simplify work in the field. He shared, “Light bulbs are clicking. These are ready-to-install products that we can throw on our roof. Super easy and saves a lot of time.” 

That time-saving focus was central to FlashCo’s presence at the show. The event also allowed the company to connect directly with contractors, strengthen relationships with distribution partners, and meet with private-label strategic partners. Blake said, “One of the big things that we wanted to present is our new ES1-compliant edge metal system.” Although FlashCo has offered edge metal in the past, he explained that the system is new to the market and was being introduced to attendees on the show floor. 

The response was encouraging, particularly in a region where code compliance and reliable performance are major priorities. Blake said customers need confidence that the products they install will work as intended without requiring repeated service visits. FlashCo is also strengthening its Florida presence through local representative Aaron Foster, a former contractor who brings established industry relationships and firsthand knowledge of contractor needs. 

Watch the full interview to learn more about FlashCo’s time-saving commercial roofing accessories, new ES-1-compliant edge metal system and growing presence in the Southeast!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Atlas Roofing leader discusses her recognition from the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Association and the industry’s growing focus on resilient roof assemblies. 

At the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Association (FRSA) convention, Heidi J. Ellsworth welcomed Stephanie Daniels of Atlas Roofing to the sound stage to discuss industry service, professional development and the future of resilient roofing. Stephanie, senior director of strategy and innovation for Atlas Roofing Corporation, has worked in the roofing industry for nearly 30 years. After Atlas transferred her to Florida 20 years ago, she quickly recognized the importance of understanding the state’s demanding codes and wind-mitigation requirements. 

Joining FRSA became an important part of Stephanie’s education. By participating in committees and listening to experienced roofing professionals, she developed knowledge that helped shape her career. Reflecting on that experience, Stephanie said, “I would not be where I am in my career development without time spent in those rooms.” 

Her years of involvement were recognized during the convention when she received the Beer Award for enthusiasm, professionalism and getting things done in roofing. Stephanie explained that the recognition was especially meaningful because it came from professionals who contributed to her development. She noted, “When they tell me that I’m doing well, it means the world.” 

Stephanie is now helping address one of the industry’s most urgent priorities: resiliency. She emphasized that performance depends on the complete roof assembly, including the roof covering, decking, insulation, ventilation and underlayment. 

Resilient roofing systems can support contractors, homeowners and insurers as they navigate financial pressures, changing requirements and concerns about maintaining insurance coverage. Stephanie is also involved in standards-development efforts intended to strengthen impact and wind testing, although she noted that those processes can take years. 

In the meantime, contractors can prepare by monitoring changing code requirements, evaluating products and pursuing available programs such as the Fortified RoofTM contractor certification. Stephanie stated that Atlas has worked to ensure their roofing products and accessories meet the FortifiedRoof standards, helping contractors identify products that meet program requirements. Emphasizing the value of clearer guidance, Stephanie concluded, “I think  another big thing is just eliminating as much confusion as possible.” 

Watch the full interview to learn more about how industry service, evolving standards and resilient roof assemblies are shaping the future of roofing!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Roofing contractors can improve profitability by equipping field leaders to manage labor, sequencing, communication and jobsite expectations. 

Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA) emphasizes the importance of strong field leadership as roofing contractors invest significant time into estimating, production reports, gross margin analysis and overhead absorption. Those numbers matter, but they do not install roofing systems. Field crews do, and their daily performance is largely shaped by crew leaders. 

Strong field leaders are more than experienced installers. They manage time, labor, sequencing, safety, quality, crew morale and client expectations while protecting the project margin. Their decisions about tear-off timing, material staging, labor assignments and scope concerns can directly affect profitability. As John Kenney, CEO of Cotney Consulting Group, states, “A strong foreman can outperform an average estimate, and a weak foreman can erode a strong one.” 

Effective field leadership begins with clarity. When crew leaders understand budgeted labor hours, scope boundaries and the installation sequence, crews can work with purpose. Without that context, even experienced teams may complete quality work while exceeding the labor budget. By the time an overrun appears in a cost report, the opportunity to correct it may already be gone. 

Contractors often promote their best installers without providing leadership training. However, technical ability and operational leadership require different skills. Field leaders need practical financial literacy, production planning, conflict resolution and consistent documentation habits. 

The most disciplined crew leaders establish a production rhythm, identify delays early and adjust crew assignments before inefficiencies grow. They also protect workflow through thoughtful staging and sequencing. Poorly positioned materials, excessive walking and tear-off that advances too far ahead of installation can waste time and increase jobsite exposure. 

Communication is equally important. Field leaders who raise concerns early, clarify uncertain scope and document jobsite conditions help prevent crews from performing work outside the contract. Their professionalism also shapes how general contractors, building owners and inspectors view the company. 

Contractors seeking sustainable growth should treat field leadership development as a structured business priority. Regular feedback, budget visibility, training and post-project reviews can help crew leaders reproduce disciplined performance across multiple teams. 

Learn more about Cotney Consulting Group’s training, technology and business advisory services!

By Emma Peterson.  

A look at the connections, conversations and community at FRSA 2026. 

At the beginning of June, the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Association (FRSA) held their much-anticipated Convention and Expo. The biggest regional roofing show in the United States, the event saw hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of attendees come together at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee, Florida for three days of education, networking and fun!  

The show kicked off with a Welcome Reception sponsored by our friends at Adams and Reese and featuring food along with an open bar. It was a great way to set the tone for the show and get ready for the business of the next few days. And the next few days were busy! 

There were countless education sessions and opportunities to attend, with highlights including the National Women in Roofing (NWIR)’s Table Talks session and the FRSA Business Luncheon, along with plenty of events to keep you busy, like the Beer Bust, sponsored by Mid-Atlantic Roofing Supply and GAF and the annual Foundation Auction. Not to mention the extensive trade show floor, featuring leading companies like GenFlex, Gaco, Elevate, MetalVue, Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings, H.B. Fuller, Marco Industries and Progressive Metals, that was waiting for attendees to explore between events and sessions. 

The Coffee Shops™ was in attendance with several crew members running a soundstage (sponsored by TAMKO) in the expo lobby. One such crew member, Jessica Bravo, our En Español program coordinator, shared a bit about the experience: 

FRSA is one of my favorite trade shows of the year. Since it takes place during the summer, it has a great family friendly atmosphere and it's always nice to see so many families attending together... This year, I had the opportunity to help run the soundstage. Sitting behind the equipment with headphones connected to the microphones, I was able to listen in on some truly great conversations and interviews throughout the event. 

Our president, Heidi J. Ellsworth, shared some highlights from the week, saying, “The TAMKO-sponsored sound stage served as a hub for industry conversations throughout the event, hosting more than 30 interviews with contractors, manufacturers, distributors, association leaders and roofing professionals from across North America. In addition, two full-length Coffee Conversations brought together expert panels to discuss key trends, challenges and opportunities impacting the roofing industry today.” 

If you want to check out some of those conversations, they are available on demand via the RoofersCoffeeShop® YouTube channel!

By The Coffee Shops™. 

Marco Industries will highlight solutions designed to improve roofing performance and contractor efficiency. 

In the article, "Countdown to Kissimmee!" Marco Industries highlights its anticipation for one of the roofing industry's most anticipated annual events: the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA) Convention and Expo. 

As a regular exhibitor and supporter of industry events, Marco Industries views trade shows as an opportunity to connect directly with roofing professionals, showcase product innovations and gather valuable feedback from contractors who rely on its solutions every day. The company notes that its team has already traveled extensively this year, meeting with roofing professionals across the country and strengthening relationships within the industry. 

The upcoming FRSA Convention and Expo from June 10-12 marks the 104th edition of the event and continues to be recognized as one of the largest regional roofing trade shows in the United States. Held at the Gaylord Palms Convention Center in Kissimmee, Florida, the event draws nearly 4,000 roofing and sheet metal contractors, architects, building officials and industry suppliers each year. 

A key attraction of the show is its expansive exhibit floor, which features more than 230 exhibitors presenting products, services and technologies designed to support roofing professionals. For contractors, the event offers a unique opportunity to compare solutions, explore new products and connect directly with manufacturers and suppliers. 

At this year's show, Marco Industries will welcome attendees to its booth, where company representatives will be available to discuss roofing ventilation and accessory solutions designed to help contractors improve efficiency, reduce callbacks and deliver long-term performance. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about products including the company's LP2™ Ridge Vent for metal roofing applications and its Python™ Steep-Slope Ventilation line. 

For Marco Industries, the annual gathering remains an important opportunity to engage with customers, share expertise and support the continued growth of the roofing industry. Don’t miss their booth, open Thursday, June 11, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Friday, June 12, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 

Read the full article to learn more about Marco Industries' plans for the event, and sign up to attend FRSA 2026 to connect with industry leaders, discover new products and expand your professional network. 

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Gain clearer guidance on how updated code language standardizes flashing practices and reinforces manufacturer-aligned installation. 

Roofing contractors preparing for upcoming projects will need to take a closer look at the changes made to flashing requirements in the 2026 9th Edition of the Florida Building Code, scheduled to be implemented starting December 31, 2026, as outlined by the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA). While flashing has always been central to protecting roof systems from moisture intrusion, the latest revisions move decisively to eliminate ambiguity and establish a more consistent standard across all roof types. 

The code continues to define flashing as the component used to seal roofing systems where they are interrupted or terminated. What has changed is how clearly that responsibility is communicated. Updated language in Section 1503.2 reinforces flashing’s role in safeguarding the entire roof assembly, extending beyond traditional areas such as wall intersections and parapet walls to include penetrations, joints and system transitions. The result is a more comprehensive expectation: flashing is not limited to isolated conditions but is essential to the integrity of the full roofing system. 

This clarification directly addresses a gap that existed in previous editions. In some roof covering sections, flashing was not explicitly referenced, which led to inconsistent interpretations in the field. The 2026 update resolves that issue by introducing a uniform requirement across a wide range of systems, including metal panels, shingles, built-up roofing, modified bitumen and photovoltaic assemblies. Each now specifies that flashing must comply with both the code and the manufacturer’s installation instructions. 

That alignment with manufacturer guidance strengthens both installation practices and code enforcement. In parallel, the revisions refine where flashing must be installed, adding clearer direction around roof edges, penetrations and transitions between materials. New exceptions further distinguish between steep- and low-slope applications, offering more precise, condition-based guidance for contractors. 

The code also expands into adjacent systems. A new section addressing lightning protection systems reinforces that any roof penetration or attachment must maintain proper flashing integration, ensuring continuity across all components. 

These updates establish a clearer, more enforceable baseline. For contractors, that clarity supports better planning, more consistent execution and improved long-term performance as the industry adapts to evolving building code requirements. 

Learn more about how updated Florida Building Code flashing requirements impact installation practices, compliance standards and long-term roof system performance!

By Jenny Yu.  

The MetalVue Roadshow is set to provide contractors with the knowledge, resources and confidence to develop metal roofing businesses that last. 

Before the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA) Convention and Expo officially begins, attendees have an opportunity to get the party started early by attending a special Sherwin-Williams MetalVue event! Titled “MetalVue Roadshow: Grow With Metal,” this experience is free of charge and takes place on June 9, 2026, from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Florida. 

The focus of this event is to help contractors unlock new business opportunities by demystifying metal roofing. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the resources available to them through MetalVue, Sherwin Williams’ comprehensive program that helps both manufacturers and contractors sell more residential and commercial metal roofs.  

Attendees will gain the knowledge and tools to build long-term, sustainable metal roofing businesses. Industry experts will share insights on how to train installation crews for high-quality installation and customer satisfaction, as well as techniques for selling metal roofing with more confidence.  

One key resource that attendees will explore at the MetalVue Roadshow is Roofing Passport, the industry’s only fully automated roofing software platform for both estimating and ordering. Roofing Passport, applicable for both residential and commercial roofs, integrates seamlessly with Eagleview for precise aerial property measurements of existing structures and with Roofing WRX for estimation derived from drawings for new construction.  

MetalCoffeeShop is proud to be a partner of the MetalVue Roadshow. Other partners include Watts Removal Products, GiddyUp Roofing Software, Sheridan Metal Resources, Uplevel Digital and The StoneGate Group. With this full suite of industry leaders providing resources and support, the MetalVue Roadshow is set to be the pre-FRSA event you can’t miss.  

Register now to secure your spot for the FREE Metal Vue Roadshow before FRSA begins!