By Alex Tolle, The Coffee Shops®.

Explore education focused on everything from roof performance and evolving codes to building-envelope design and business management at this year's show.

Continuing education gives roofing professionals an opportunity to step away from daily demands and take a closer look at the systems, materials, requirements and economic forces shaping their work. At the Western Roofing Expo 2026, hosted by Western States Roofing Contractors Association, attendees can explore a broad seminar lineup designed to strengthen roofing knowledge, connect technical decisions to better-performing buildings and help them make better business deciscions. 

The program starts with the evolution of core roofing systems. Ken Klein will examine four decades of single-ply roofing, including changes in materials, attachment methods and detailing driven by jobsite experience. Trent Cotney and John Kenney will offer a wider industry perspective by tracing how roofing materials, craftsmanship, codes and technology have developed over time.

Fire resilience is another important focus. Marco Sieber and Maury Alpert will discuss roof coverings and underlayments that can help mitigate the effects of flame and embers in the wildland-urban interface. Building on that conversation, Jess Grandy will review developing ventilation regulations and fire-resistant vent options intended to help homeowners prepare their properties and meet applicable codes. 

Attendees can also deepen their understanding of moisture and climate-related performance. Phil Dregger will share findings from a three-year study involving water accumulation and wood decay below reflective roofing. Mindy Dahlquist will explore how snow retention, ventilation, roof geometry and material selection affect roof performance in cold and mixed climates across the western United States. 

Several sessions turn attention to design responsibilities and changing building requirements. Brian Chamberlain will clarify the differences between design expectations and manufacturers’ published warranty coverage. Matt Braun will examine emerging air-barrier requirements for reroofing and explain how air, moisture and thermal-control layers interact. Brian will also lead a session on roof-to-wall connections, addressing air leakage, wind resistance, product compatibility and trade coordination at one of the building envelope’s most important junctions.

In addition to the technically focused sessions, there are sessions that focus on business management. One such session will be taught by our President and CEO, Heidi J. Ellsworth! In the session, Roofing Trends That Matter, Heidi will share about the RoofersCoffeeShop 2025 Trends Report, which collected contractor survey data from more than 200 roofing professionals representing residential, commercial and mixed contractors of all sizes. Attendees of this presentation will "gain insight into how contractors are adapting through technology, digital marketing and operational changes" and get practical tips for using "marketing, technology and community involvement to build trust, increase visibility and strengthen long-term business stability."

Together, these seminars offer practical education for professionals working to improve installation, design, compliance and long-term roof performance. Select sessions also provide continuing education opportunities through the American Institute of Architects and the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants.

Learn more about the education available at the Western Roofing Expo 2026.

By Emma Peterson. 

Explore the articles that generated the most interest this month. 

In the last month, over 250 articles have been published on RoofersCoffeeShop.com. That’s a lot of reading to keep up with, especially for busy contractors who are going between the office and the field. To make it easier to keep up, we’ve looked at those hundreds of articles and picked out the most popular ones to showcase.  

In this list, there are a couple of articles authored by Heidi J. Ellsworth, the president of The Coffee Shops™. In one article she highlights how the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) is expanding mental health support through suicide prevention training, made possible through a collaboration with LivingWorks. The other article dove into the importance of awards and recognition during the current artificial intelligence boom.  

Our friends over at Cotney Consulting Group also contributed a few articles on our top 10 list, including one about crystalline silica exposure and another about creating an operational preparedness plan to navigate the current global political environment.  

Our number one article of the month showcased FMI Corporation’s 2026 Q2 North America Construction and Engineering Outlook Report and was written by Emma Peterson, senior content developer for The Coffee Shops™. This was not the only article of Emma’s that made the list, as her articles about turning data into business strategies, taking on leadership roles and the development of the metal roof retrofit industry were also featured. 

July 2026’s top articles 

10 - Eagleview warns emergency managers: A below average hurricane season is not a safe season by Eagleview. 

9 - NRCA expands mental health support with free suicide prevention training by Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

8 - NRCA Gold Circle Awards: Why recognition matters more than ever in the age of AI by Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

7 - When global events reach the rooftop by John Kenney, Cotney Consulting Group. 

6 - Building the metal roof retrofit industry by Emma Peterson. 

5 - Finding opportunity in every position by Emma Peterson. 

4 - ARCA’s Lotería Night brings fun and connection to the roofing community by Alex Tolle. 

3 - Connecting the dots between data and strategy by Emma Peterson. 

2 - The silica citation nobody sees coming by Cotney Consulting Group. 

1 - Construction growth expected in the next year by Emma Peterson. 

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Industry recognition creates credibility, strengthens marketing efforts and helps contractors stand out in a world where customers and AI tools are constantly searching for proof of expertise. 

Every day, roofing contractors complete exceptional projects, solve complex building challenges and develop innovative solutions for their customers. They invest in skilled craftsmanship, advanced technologies and highly trained teams to deliver results that protect buildings and communities. Unfortunately, many of those accomplishments remain known only to the people directly involved, limiting opportunities to build awareness and showcase expertise. 

That is why applying for industry awards is one of the smartest marketing investments a contractor can make. The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) is currently accepting nominations for its Gold Circle Awards, which recognize outstanding roofing-related projects and services completed between June 1, 2023, and May 31, 2025. Contractors can be recognized in four categories:

1. Outstanding workmanship
2. Innovative solutions
3. Artisan workmanship
4. Wall panels and facades

Entering any of these categories is a huge opportunity for roofing professionals — and not just for the chance to win an exciting award. The application process for this contest is an often overlooked part of the award process, but it is very valuable for contractors.

Preparing a nomination requires contractors to document what made a project successful, gather photography, organize project details and tell the story behind the work. In many cases, that information becomes some of the most valuable marketing content a company will create all year. What starts as an award submission can quickly become:

• Case studies that demonstrate expertise.
• Photo catalogs that support sales efforts and marketing campaigns.
• Newsletter stories that help customers understand how a contractor solves problems and delivers value.
• Material for customer presentations and social media posts. 

Ultimately, every nomination creates an opportunity to tell a story that reinforces a company's reputation and differentiates it from competitors in an increasingly crowded marketplace. 

That visibility has become even more important as artificial intelligence changes how customers search for information. Today’s customers frequently use search engines and AI-powered tools to research contractors before making buying decisions. These systems look for evidence of expertise, credibility and trust.

Award nominations and recognition contribute directly to that visibility. Every published project profile, news announcement or industry article creates another piece of content that customers and AI tools can discover. Contractors who consistently share accomplishments, publish project profiles and promote industry recognition create a stronger digital footprint that helps them stand out online and increases the likelihood that prospective customers will encounter their expertise during the research process.

In many ways, recognition has become one of the most powerful forms of third-party validation available. And by leveraging it properly, contractors can create future opportunities for themselves, whether that's drawing in a new client through marketing efforts or improving company culture through recognition of hard work and talent. The NRCA Gold Circle Awards provides an outstanding opportunity to do this, to celebrate excellence and create content that supports business growth long after the awards presentation is over.

If you know an NRCA member who completed an exceptional roofing project or service between June 1, 2023, and May 31, 2025, consider submitting a nomination before the September 18 deadline. Past Gold Circle winners can be found on RoofersCoffeeShop, offering strong examples of how award-winning projects can build visibility, strengthen credibility and showcase expertise for years to come. 

By Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

Funding quality craftsmanship and building the future workforce. 

One of the biggest challenges facing the construction industry today is finding and developing skilled workers. For metal building contractors, investing in training is essential not only for workforce development but also for maintaining quality standards and meeting accreditation requirements. A new funding opportunity from the Ketenbrink Education Foundation (KEF) is making that investment easier by helping companies offset the cost of training their teams.

The foundation is currently offering immediate mini grants for companies that enroll employees in the Metal Building Institute (MBI) Quality and Craftsmanship (Q&C) 101 training series. According to information shared by Jacqueline Meiluta, companies can receive $250 in grant funding for each employee who successfully completes and passes the testing portion of the training program, with grants available for up to five employees per company. 

The financial benefit is significant. While the Q&C 101 testing costs $110 per participant, contractors can receive $250 per employee through the grant program, creating a positive return on their training investment while strengthening workforce capabilities. 

The opportunity comes at a critical time as the industry continues to focus on workforce development, safety and installation quality. The Q&C training program is designed to help workers better understand metal building construction standards and best practices. In fact, completion of MBI Quality and Craftsmanship training is a required component of AC478 accreditation, making the program especially valuable for contractors pursuing or maintaining accreditation status. 

The grant funding is being provided through the Ketenbrink Education Foundation, whose mission is to help metal building construction workers and aspiring industry professionals acquire the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the field. The foundation also works to improve the availability of technical and practical training throughout the metal building industry. 

As noted in the foundation's materials, industry leader Bob Ketenbrink emphasized the importance of proper training, stating that one of the most important needs in the metal construction industry is ensuring workers are trained to safely and correctly install materials so building owners receive the highest quality results from their investment. 

To encourage participation, KEF has allocated $50,000 to the program, enough to support approximately 200 newly trained craftsmen across the industry. The grants are available on a first-come, first-served basis and will close once funding has been exhausted. Each company is eligible for up to $1,250 in total grant funding. 

Programs like this demonstrate how industry associations and foundations continue to invest in the future of construction. By helping contractors reduce training costs while improving workforce competency, the KEF grant program creates a win-win opportunity for employers, employees and the customers who depend on quality construction. 

Contractors interested in taking advantage of the funding should act quickly while grants remain available. Applications can be submitted through the foundation's online application process. 

Learn more about the grant opportunity and apply today through the KEF application portal. Investing in training today can help strengthen your workforce, support accreditation goals and position your company for long-term success. 

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.