By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

This upcoming webinar promisese to share insightful and impactful career lessons with the next generation.

Recently, the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) Emerging Professionals Committee has been hosting a series, Blueprints of an Enclosure Career, that gives a stage to industry veterans to share their experiences and advice for other professionals. With more than 150 registrants attending recent Blueprints webinars, the series has established itself as a valuable resource for professional development and career exploration.

Why is this series so valuable? The opportunity to hear firsthand from respected industry leaders about their career paths, lessons learned from industry leadership, the importance of volunteering and practical advice for those building careers is not only helpful for existing professionals but also a great way to engage newcomers. 

And at a time when the industry is working hard to cultivate future leaders, these conversations can be game changers. For example, IIBEC reports that after a recent session in the series, an engineer who was not yet a member reached out to learn more about entering the profession, available training opportunities and ways to become more involved in the industry. This is just one example of how career-focused discussions can connect experienced professionals with those seeking new opportunities and a clearer career path.

Whether you are exploring the profession for the first time or looking to take the next step in your career, make sure to register for the next webinar in this series. The webinar, which will take place on Thursday, July 23, 2026, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. E.T., will feature industry leader and legend Scott Hinesley as he shares the experiences, lessons and insights that have shaped his career. As chief growth officer for REI Engineers Inc., Scott Hinesley has spent more than 25 years helping shape the building enclosure profession. His influence extends far beyond his day-to-day responsibilities, with a long history of volunteer leadership within IIBEC. Over the years, he has served as IIBEC president, region director and Carolinas Chapter president. Today, he continues his commitment to the organization as chair of the IIBEC Nominating Committee and a member of the IIBEC Education Committee.

The upcoming webinar offers a powerful opportunity to hear directly from a leader who has successfully navigated decades of industry change. Attendees are encouraged to bring questions about the years of dedication, continuous learning and willingness to serve both the industry and its professionals that have defined Scott's professional journey as there will be time for a live conversation. 

Interested in learning from one of the building enclosure industry's most respected leaders? Register through IIBEC and discover how leadership, service and continuous learning can help shape a successful career in the industry. 

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Why every contractor should nominate an employee for the Roofing Alliance MVP Awards.

Every year our industry talks about labor shortages. We discuss recruiting, training, wages and benefits, all of which are incredibly important. But after sitting in the audience at the Roofing Alliance Most Valuable Player Awards during the International Roofing Expo (IRE) this past year, I was reminded that one of the most powerful tools we have for retaining great employees isn’t a new program or a bigger paycheck. It is simply making people feel valued. 

As I watched the awards ceremony unfold, I found myself looking around the room as much as I watched the stage. Families were beaming with pride. Company owners were smiling ear to ear. Coworkers were cheering for one another. It wasn’t just another awards presentation. It was a celebration of the people who quietly make our industry stronger every single day. 

The roofing industry has always been built on hardworking individuals who show up before sunrise, solve problems when no one else can and take pride in doing the job right. They lead crews, mentor younger workers, protect their teammates and represent their companies with professionalism. Most of them never ask for recognition. In fact, many would probably rather avoid the spotlight altogether. That is exactly why the Roofing Alliance MVP Awards are so special. They shine a light on the people who rarely seek it but deserve it more than anyone. 

As contractors, we spend a great deal of time talking about company culture. We know it matters because today’s workforce has choices. Skilled employees want more than a paycheck. They want to work somewhere they feel respected, appreciated and connected to a team. They want to know that their contributions matter and that someone notices the effort they put in every day. Recognition is one of the simplest ways to build that kind of culture, yet it is often overlooked. 

Watching the MVP Awards made that crystal clear. Every person recognized on that stage represented much more than individual achievement. They represented companies that took the time to tell their employees, “You matter.” That message resonates far beyond one evening at the International Roofing Expo. It comes back to the office, the warehouse and the jobsite. It becomes part of the company’s story and reinforces the kind of culture every contractor hopes to build. 

One of the most memorable moments of the evening was watching the team from Wagner Roofing, who sat in front of our table, celebrate as foreman Ariel Lemus was recognized for Outstanding Performance and Leadership. You could feel the pride coming from everyone who was there to support him. After more than two decades with Wagner Roofing, Ariel has become known not only for his exceptional craftsmanship but also for mentoring the next generation of sheet metal roofers. It was obvious that his company wasn’t simply celebrating an employee. It was a celebration of someone who has helped shape their culture for years. 

Another inspiring story was Kenny Rodriguez, warehouse foreman for OMG Building Products, who received the Outstanding Community Involvement Award. Kenny’s leadership extends well beyond the workplace. Along with mentoring coworkers and helping drive operational excellence, he serves as a pastor and volunteers throughout his community. His story reminded everyone in the room that great employees don’t stop making a difference when they leave work each day. 

The evening culminated with the announcement of the Best of the Best Award, presented to Armando Landeros Solis, superintendent for Commercial Roofers Inc. After 25 years with the company, Armando has worked his way from apprentice to one of the organization’s most respected leaders. His humility, enthusiasm, commitment to mentoring his crew and dedication to both his company and his community made him a perfect example of what the MVP program represents. Watching his coworkers celebrate his accomplishment was every bit as inspiring as seeing him accept the award. 

As I left the ceremony, I couldn’t stop thinking about what those moments mean back at each of these companies. Imagine being the employee who returns home after receiving one of the roofing industry’s highest honors. Imagine the pride your coworkers feel knowing one of their own was recognized on a national stage. Those experiences strengthen culture in ways that no employee handbook or mission statement ever could. 

The Roofing Alliance is now accepting nominations for its next class of Most Valuable Player Awards, and I sincerely hope contractors across the industry take advantage of the opportunity. We all have exceptional people working within our organizations whose stories deserve to be told. Think about the individual everyone depends on, the person who mentors new employees, keeps the crew motivated and quietly leads by example. Taking the time to nominate them may be one of the most meaningful investments you make in your culture all year. 

Nominate someone today.

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

By making suicide prevention training readily available, NRCA is helping companies create safer, healthier workplaces while fostering a culture of care and support. 

Mental health continues to be one of the most important conversations taking place across the roofing industry. Roofing professionals face unique pressures, including physically demanding work, economic uncertainty, labor shortages and the daily responsibilities that come with running successful businesses. As awareness that mental health is not simply a benefit but an essential part of building stronger teams and healthier organizations grow, industry leaders and professionals are increasingly looking for ways to strengthen their mental health programs and policies. 

It's this growing interest that inspired the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) to partner with LivingWorks so that it's easier than ever for their members to access online suicide prevention training for NRCA member companies. The free program from this partnership is specifically designed to equip individuals, teams and organizations with evidence-based tools to recognize when someone may be struggling and help connect them with the support they need. 

In addition to this free training, NRCA has worked to provide a variety of mental health resources that allow organizations to deepen their mental health initiatives and provide broader education throughout their workforce. Some of these offerings include a 60% discount to expanded LivingWorks trainings, free hard hat stickers promoting awareness, suicide prevention fact sheets available in English and Spanish and break room posters. 

All of this is designed to keep mental health conversations visible and accessible in the workplace while reinforcing the message that mental health is a critical component of workplace safety and employee wellbeing. Overall, for roofing companies looking to strengthen their mental health programs, the new partnership between NRCA and LivingWorks offers a valuable opportunity to access trusted, proven resources and further the industry's commitment to caring for its people. 

Learn more about NRCA's mental health resources, available training opportunities and growing collection of workforce wellness tool by visiting their website.

By Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

Why roof deck assessments are essential before any roofing project. 

Safety has always been one of the most important responsibilities in the roofing industry. Before a roofing crew ever steps onto a roof, contractors need confidence that the roof deck can support workers, materials and equipment. That is why the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) developed the Roof Deck Integrity Assessment Tool, a practical field guide designed to help roofing professionals evaluate the structural integrity and load-bearing capacity of roof decks before work begins. 

The tool serves as an important resource for roofing contractors, estimators, project managers and safety professionals who are responsible for assessing rooftop conditions during inspections, estimating and project planning. By providing a structured approach to evaluating roof decks, the assessment tool helps contractors identify potential hazards before they become serious safety incidents. 

One of the primary goals of the Roof Deck Integrity Assessment Tool is to support compliance with OSHA fall protection and structural safety requirements. Roof deck failures can result in severe injuries, fatalities, costly project delays and significant liability exposure. Conducting a thorough assessment before work begins helps reduce these risks while creating a safer environment for everyone involved on the project. 

The assessment tool includes guidance for evaluating a variety of roof deck conditions. For roof decks where the underside is visually accessible, inspectors can look for signs of water intrusion, staining, deterioration and structural concerns that may indicate compromised deck integrity. These visual indicators can provide valuable clues about hidden damage that could affect worker safety. 

The tool also addresses situations where the underside of the roof deck is inaccessible. In many commercial and industrial buildings, contractors may not have direct access to the deck structure below. The assessment guide provides criteria and procedures for evaluating these conditions and determining whether additional investigation or engineering review may be necessary before work proceeds. 

By documenting observations and following a consistent evaluation process, contractors can make more informed decisions about project planning, worker access and safety precautions. This proactive approach not only protects workers but can also help contractors avoid unexpected conditions that impact project schedules and budgets. 

The Roof Deck Integrity Assessment Tool is available as a downloadable PDF through the Stop Construction Falls Resource Page. Roofing professionals are encouraged to incorporate the assessment process into their standard pre-job planning and safety protocols. 

In addition to the assessment tool itself, NRCA offers ongoing educational opportunities through its popular Power Hour webinar series. These webinars regularly address technical roofing issues, risk management topics, safety best practices and emerging industry challenges. Contractors can access both upcoming live events and on-demand recordings through the NRCA Education Center, making it easier than ever to stay informed on critical industry issues. 

For those focused specifically on worker safety, NRCA also provides a wide range of fall prevention resources, including webinars and educational materials covering both residential and commercial roofing applications. These resources are designed to help contractors build stronger safety cultures while reducing the risks associated with roofing work. 

As roofing projects continue to become more complex, taking the time to properly assess roof deck conditions before work begins is one of the smartest investments a contractor can make. Safe projects start with informed decisions, and the NRCA Roof Deck Integrity Assessment Tool provides a valuable framework for protecting workers, ensuring compliance and reducing risk across every jobsite. 

For more information about the Roof Deck Integrity Assessment Tool, educational webinars and fall prevention resources, visit the NRCA. NRCA members can also reach out directly to the association's Enterprise Risk Management team for additional guidance and support.

By Emma Peterson. 

Articles of interest from June 2026. 

As the second fiscal quarter of the year comes to a close, it’s hard to believe we’re coming up on the halfway point of 2026. And the number of articles The Coffee Shops™ crew has published in that time (over 2,300 across all sites) can attest to how busy of a year it’s been. Of those thousands of articles, over 350 of them were posted in June alone. So, to help you keep up with all the news and information, we’ve rounded up the top ten articles from June.  

Our list starts off with an article highlighting Adams and Reese’s Trent Cotney’s May 2026 construction law updates and an article diving into a new Workforce Pell Grants that “could help roofing contractors recruit, train and grow the next generation of skilled workers.” 

From there, we have a wide variety of articles highlighting everything from the National Women in Roofing (NWIR) Oregon Council’s work coordinating a roof replacement for a Portland homeowner in need to how metal roofing protects against wildfires and the role of the Metal Construction Association (MCA) in the industry. 

Rounding out our list is our top three articles of June. In third place is an article our friends at Roof Hub wrote all about optimizing operational efficiency by using AI Smart Templates. Second goes to an article I wrote about how contractors can build trust and generate leads in a digital world. And first goes to Cotney Consulting Group’s article sharing a 5-year readiness playbook for roofing contractors. 

Top 10 articles from June 2026 

10 - Construction law insights and updates from May 2026 by Emma Peterson. 

9 - Workforce Pell Program could strengthen roofing’s workforce pipeline by Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

8 - Why government affairs matter to every roofing professional by Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

7 - Roofing community rallies for Oregon homeowner by The Coffee Shops™. 

6 - Maximizing fire resistance with metal by Anna Lockhart. 

5 - MCA advances technical leadership, expands market opportunities and builds momentum for 2026 by Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

4 - Navigating a new normal by Emma Peterson. 

3 - AI smart templates by RoofHub. 

2 - Word of mouth still works – It just looks different by Emma Peterson. 

1 - A 5-year readiness playbook for roofing contractors by Cotney Consulting Group. 

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Bringing contractors, manufacturers and industry leaders together for a day of connection, innovation and opportunity. 

There are certain events on the calendar that the roofing community simply does not miss, and in Arizona, the Arizona Roofing Contractors Association (ARCA) Expo is one of them. Each year, it draws together the people, products and perspectives that are actively shaping the industry, creating a day where business growth and meaningful relationships take center stage. 

The 57th Annual ARCA Expo is set for Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the Prescott Resort & Conference Center in Prescott, Arizona. With decades of history behind it, this event has built a strong reputation as a must-attend gathering for roofing professionals throughout the region. 

What continues to make the ARCA Expo so impactful is the way it effortlessly connects individuals from across every corner of the industry. Contractors have the opportunity to engage directly with manufacturers and suppliers, gaining firsthand insight into the products, services and technologies that are driving change. These conversations tend to move beyond introductions, often developing into lasting partnerships and new ways of doing business. 

That sense of connection carries throughout the day, as the environment encourages interaction in a natural and productive way. Attendees find themselves reconnecting with familiar faces while also expanding their network, and those conversations often lead to new ideas and opportunities. It is this blend of relationship building and forward-thinking discussion that strengthens not only individual businesses, but the industry as a whole. 

The educational component adds another layer of value, with industry experts leading seminars focused on current trends, best practices and the challenges contractors are facing today. The ability to move between these sessions and conversations on the show floor creates a more dynamic experience, allowing attendees to immediately connect insight with real-world application. 

At the same time, the ARCA Expo maintains an energy that keeps people engaged from start to finish. Product demonstrations and interactive exhibitor experiences add a sense of momentum throughout the day, creating an atmosphere that is both informative and enjoyable. This balance helps ensure that attendees leave not only with new knowledge, but with a renewed sense of where the industry is headed. 

For companies looking to increase visibility, the expo offers a highly focused opportunity to connect with roofing professionals who are actively seeking solutions. Being present on the show floor allows businesses to showcase their offerings in a setting that encourages conversation, discovery and relationship building. 

As contractors continue to explore new technologies and expand into adjacent markets, events like the ARCA Expo play an essential role in keeping the industry connected and moving forward. They provide a place where ideas come together, partnerships are strengthened and the future of roofing continues to take shape. 

To be part of Arizona’s premier roofing industry event, visit the ARCA website to learn more and register today. 

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Residential softness, nonresidential strength and cost pressure are creating a complicated outlook for roofing contractors. 

The May construction numbers tell a story that roofing contractors should be watching closely. On one side of the market, residential construction continues to feel the weight of affordability challenges, elevated mortgage rates and cautious buyers. On the other side, non-residential work is showing strength, especially in areas like data centers, healthcare, manufacturing, utilities and infrastructure. For roofing, that means opportunity is still out there, but it may not look the same across every market, every contractor or every segment of the industry.

According to National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) reporting on Associated Builders and Contractors data, construction industry leaders were less optimistic in May even though confidence remained above the threshold that indicates expectations for growth. ABC’s Construction Confidence Index fell in all three categories during May, with staff expectations dropping from 65.5 to 61.3, profit margin expectations falling from 54.9 to 52.5 and sales expectations declining from 66.2 to 61.1. At the same time, ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator increased from 8.8 months in April to 9.1 months in May and was up 0.7 months compared with May 2025.

That combination — lower confidence but higher backlog — is important. It suggests contractors are still busy, but they are also feeling pressured. ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu said the increase in backlog largely reflects major data center investments across the country, noting that the 14% of ABC members under contract to work on data centers had much higher backlog at 11.6 months compared with 8.6 months for those not working on data centers. For roofing contractors, this reinforces a key reality of today’s market: growth is not evenly distributed. Contractors tied into large-scale commercial, industrial or specialty work may be seeing strong demand, while others may be facing tighter margins, slower decisions and more competitive bidding.

The residential side of the market continues to be more challenging. The U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development reported that privately owned housing starts in May were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,177,000, down 15.4% from the revised April estimate and down 8.7% from May 2025. Single-family starts were at a rate of 882,000, down 1.9% from April, while May housing completions were down 8.1% from April and 14.2% from May 2025. Thesenumbers matter to roofing because new residential construction directly affects demand for new roof installations, while slower completions can ripple through builders, suppliers, distributors and trade partners.

Builder confidence is also sending warning signals. The National Association of Home Builders reported that builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes fell two points to 35 in June, marking the 14th consecutive month that sentiment remained below 40. NAHB also reported that 35% of builders cut prices in June, up from 32% in May, and 62% were using sales incentives other than price cuts, up from 61% in May. NRCA highlighted the same numbers, noting that anything below 50 is considered negative in the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index and that builder sentiment dropped amid rising construction material costs and elevated mortgage rates. 

For roofing contractors serving the residential market, this does not necessarily mean demand disappears. Roof replacement, repair, insurance restoration and service work continue to move based on roof age, weather, homeowner need and property maintenance. But it does mean contractors may need to pay closer attention to homeowners' sensitivity around pricing, financing and project timing. When builders are offering incentives and cutting prices, consumers become more aware of deals and negotiations. Roofing contractors may need to communicate value more clearly, especially around durability, ventilation, energy performance, warranties and long-term protection of the home. 

The broader building industry is also showing signs of strength, but much of that strength is concentrated in large nonresidential and infrastructure projects. Dodge Construction Network reported that total construction starts improved 34.1% in May to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1.78 trillion. Nonresidential building starts grew 17.8%, nonbuilding starts increased 91.9% and residential starts fell 2.1% over the month. On a year-to-date basis through May, total construction starts were up 12.7%, with non-residential starts up 12.3%, nonbuilding starts up 32.9% and residential starts down 4.9%. 

That is a clear reminder that the building industry is not moving as one market. Dodge reported that megaproject starts in healthcare, manufacturing, utilities and data centers drove sizable gains in May, while pockets of weakness remained in institutional construction, warehouses and residential construction. This unevenness affects roofing in very practical ways. Commercial roofing contractors may see opportunities tied to healthcare campuses, manufacturing facilities, energy projects, public work and data centers, while residential-focused companies may see a slower new construction pipeline. Distributors and manufacturers are navigating this split, balancing inventory and demand across steep-slope, low-slope, metal, coatingsand specialty systems. 

Labor adds another layer to the picture. The NRCA reported that construction employment added 17,000 jobs in May, according to Associated Builders and Contractors, while nonresidential construction added 15,700 jobs with gains in all three subsectors. Non-residential specialty trade contractors added 11,400 jobs, heavy and civil engineering added 2,600 jobs and nonresidential building added 1,700 jobs. More construction jobs are good for the overall economy, but they also increase competition for skilled labor. Roofing contractors already dealing with workforce challenges may find themselves competing not just with other roofers, but with the broader construction market for crew members, foremen, estimators, project managers and service technicians. 

Material costs are another concern. The Associated General Contractors of America reported that input prices for new nonresidential construction rose 1.8% in May and 8.4% year over year, far outpacing the 3.5% year-over-year increase in what contractors said they would charge for new nonresidential building construction. The same report noted significant increases in diesel, aluminum, copper, brass and structural steel, and said construction respondents reported higher prices for items including construction materials, HVAC equipment, roofing materials and steel products. For roofing, this points directly to margin pressure. Even when backlog is strong, contractors can struggle if material, fuel, freight and labor costs move faster than pricing. 

The path forward is not all negative. The same May numbers show that demand still exists, especially in non-residential, infrastructure and specialized building sectors. Dodge Construction Network reported that nonresidential starts were up 12.3% year to date through May, commercial and industrial construction gained 32.9% and manufacturing starts rebounded 116.1% month over month in May. For roofing companies that can diversify across service, maintenance, reroofing, restoration, metal, coatings, commercial replacement or public work, the current market may create opportunities to stabilize revenue even when one segment slows. 

The takeaway for roofing professionals is that May’s construction numbers are less about a single up-or-down market and more about a market that is shifting. Residential construction is under pressure. Nonresidential work is being lifted by large projects, but not every contractor has access to those opportunities. Backlog remains encouraging, but confidence is slipping. Jobs are being added, but labor remains competitive. Material costs are increasing, but customers are still watching pricescarefully. 

For roofing contractors, now is the time to stay close to the numbers, understand the sectors driving work in their region and protect margins through disciplined estimating, strong purchasing relationships and proactive communication with customers. The building industry is still moving, but it is moving unevenly. Roofing companies that understand where the momentum is — and where the pressure points are — will be better positioned to adapt. 

Source note: This article draws from NRCA coverage of contractor confidence, employment market and homebuilder sentiment, U.S. Census Bureau May residential construction data, Dodge Construction Network May construction starts data, National Association of Home Builders builder sentiment reporting and Associated General Contractors of America reporting on May construction input prices.

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

The MCA Summer Meeting will drive innovation, education and industry growth.

As members of the Metal Construction Association (MCA) gather for their Summer Meeting, the conversations reflect an industry that continues to evolve with purpose. From technical education and market development to workforce recognition and major events, MCA is helping shape the future of metal construction while providing resources that support manufacturers, contractors, architects and design professionals. 

That leadership starts with a strong commitment to education and technical clarity. As demand grows for high-performing building systems, MCA continues to release updated technical bulletins and white papers that help the industry navigate changing codes, safety expectations and performance requirements. MetalCoffeeShop’s Karen Edwards participates in the MCA marketing committee and works to help amplify these important resources and events for the broader metal community. 

The latest updates address issues that are influencing projects across North America, including the use of foam plastic insulation within combustible wall assemblies, fire performance testing for metal composite materials and the changing landscape of cool roof requirements. By bringing these topics into focus, MCA is giving the industry practical guidance that supports better decisions in design, specification and installation. 

That same focus on practical support is also driving MCA’s work to expand opportunities for metal in residential construction. The new Residential Wall Marketing Initiative is designed to increase awareness and adoption of metal wall systems by clearly communicating their durability, design flexibility, low maintenance and long-term value. With member participation and support, the initiative will help fund outreach, tools and marketing resources that can open new doors in a rapidly growing segment of the market. 

As MCA looks to strengthen market awareness, it is also preparing for one of the industry’s most anticipated gatherings. METALCON 2026, scheduled for October 7-9 in Orlando, will celebrate its 35th anniversary with a renewed emphasis on hands-on education. MCA will have a prominent presence at the show through Metal Mastery Clinics that highlight best practices for standing seam systems, metal shingles and retrofit applications. 

The momentum around events and education also extends to the people who will carry the industry forward. MCA’s new 40 Under 40 program is designed to recognize emerging leaders who are already making an impact in metal construction. Alongside that recognition, the association continues to invest in workforce development through its scholarship program, providing financial support to students connected to member companies and helping build the next generation of industry professionals. 

Together, these efforts show how MCA continues to position metal as a high-value solution for both commercial and residential construction. Through technical leadership, collaborative engagement, market development and investment in future talent, the association is helping keep metal at the forefront of performance, sustainability and design innovation. 

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

The MCA Summer Meeting will drive innovation, education and industry growth.

As members of the Metal Construction Association (MCA) gather for their Summer Meeting, the conversations reflect an industry that continues to evolve with purpose. From technical education and market development to workforce recognition and major events, MCA is helping shape the future of metal construction while providing resources that support manufacturers, contractors, architects and design professionals. 

That leadership starts with a strong commitment to education and technical clarity. As demand grows for high-performing building systems, MCA continues to release updated technical bulletins and white papers that help the industry navigate changing codes, safety expectations and performance requirements. MetalCoffeeShop’s Karen Edwards participates in the MCA marketing committee and works to help amplify these important resources and events for the broader metal community. 

The latest updates address issues that are influencing projects across North America, including the use of foam plastic insulation within combustible wall assemblies, fire performance testing for metal composite materials and the changing landscape of cool roof requirements. By bringing these topics into focus, MCA is giving the industry practical guidance that supports better decisions in design, specification and installation. 

That same focus on practical support is also driving MCA’s work to expand opportunities for metal in residential construction. The new Residential Wall Marketing Initiative is designed to increase awareness and adoption of metal wall systems by clearly communicating their durability, design flexibility, low maintenance and long-term value. With member participation and support, the initiative will help fund outreach, tools and marketing resources that can open new doors in a rapidly growing segment of the market. 

As MCA looks to strengthen market awareness, it is also preparing for one of the industry’s most anticipated gatherings. METALCON 2026, scheduled for October 7-9 in Orlando, will celebrate its 35th anniversary with a renewed emphasis on hands-on education. MCA will have a prominent presence at the show through Metal Mastery Clinics that highlight best practices for standing seam systems, metal shingles and retrofit applications. 

The momentum around events and education also extends to the people who will carry the industry forward. MCA’s new 40 Under 40 program is designed to recognize emerging leaders who are already making an impact in metal construction. Alongside that recognition, the association continues to invest in workforce development through its scholarship program, providing financial support to students connected to member companies and helping build the next generation of industry professionals. 

Together, these efforts show how MCA continues to position metal as a high-value solution for both commercial and residential construction. Through technical leadership, collaborative engagement, market development and investment in future talent, the association is helping keep metal at the forefront of performance, sustainability and design innovation. 

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.