By Alex Tolle.

The Colorado Roofing Association has released a member resource and announced an upcoming panel discussion with IIBEC to help roofing professionals understand the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code.

As communities across Colorado adopt and enforce the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code (CWRC), roofing contractors may encounter new project requirements and varying interpretations among municipalities. To help members navigate these changes, the Colorado Roofing Association (CRA) Building Code and Standards Committee has developed a new educational advisory focused on the code’s implementation.

The member-only resource explains:

• When the CWRC may apply to roofing projects and outlines practical considerations for contractors preparing to work under the new fire codes
• New structure-hardening and defensible-space requirements
• Recommendations for coordination with local building and fire departments and communication with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs)
• Documentation and compliance considerations
• Best practices intended to help contractors reduce inspection issues and project delays

It is important to note, that this advisory is a general educational resource. It is not a substitute for adopted codes, local amendments, project-specific requirements or guidance from the appropriate AHJ. Because code adoption, amendments and interpretations may differ by jurisdiction, CRA encourages contractors to verify the requirements for each project with the applicable AHJ. Members should also review the complete advisory for its legal disclaimer and limitations.

And the advisory isn't the only thing the CRA team is doing to help contractors navigate the new code. CRA will be collaboriating with the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) to host a panel dicsussion on September 10, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at MCA The Cube in Denver. The discussion, titled Fire Code: What Roofers Need to Know, will see roofing industry leaders, building officials, fire officials and legal counsels discuss code implementation, common questions and practical considerations for contractors.

Learn more about the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code by downloading the CRA advisory and exploring the upcoming CRA and IIBEC panel discussion.

A coalition of industry trade associations representing contractors, consultants and manufacturers in the U.S. and Canada has completed its Quarterly Market Index Survey for Reroofing for the second quarter of 2026.

The survey is an industrywide effort spearheaded by a coalition of trade associations, including the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association, Canadian Roofing Contractors Association, Chemical Fabrics & Film Association Inc., EPDM Roofing Association, International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants, Metal Construction Association, Metal Roofing Alliance, National Roofing Contractors Association, National Women in Roofing, Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association, Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association and Single Ply Roofing Industry.

Sixty-eight percent of survey responses came from roofing contractors, and 32% of responses came from roof consultants. 44% of respondents indicated they primarily work on low-slope roof systems; 44% indicated they primarily work on a blend of low-slope and steep-slope roof systems; and 12% indicated they primarily work on steep-slope roof systems.

Participants who identify as roofing contractors were asked to report the number of squares of reroofing material installed by their companies during the second quarter of 2026 compared with the same quarter in 2025. 35% of respondents reported the volume of reroofing materials installed increased, 28% reported no change and 37% reported a decrease in materials installed year-over-year.

37%  of all survey respondents indicated their customer inquiries increased. 32% of respondents reported no change in activity, and 31% indicated a decrease. Project contracts increased for 38% of respondents, 32% reported no change in activity and 30% indicated a decrease in project contracts.

Additionally, two indices offer insight regarding customer inquiries and project contracts across market segments. The indices are based on a 0 to 100 scale. A score of 50 or higher suggests expansion or optimism; a score below 50 indicates contraction or pessimism.

• The customer inquiries index score for the total industry decreased to 53.5 compared with 57.1 for the first quarter of 2026. The score for the steep-slope reroofing market is 31.8, the score for the low-slope reroofing market is 60.2, and the score for the blended low- and steep-slope reroofing market is 52.4.
• The project contracts index score for the total industry increased to 54.3 compared with 52.9 for the first quarter of 2026. The score for the steep-slope reroofing market is 40.9, the score for the low-slope reroofing market is 63.3, and the score for the blended low- and steep-slope reroofing market is 48.8.

As of July 2026, 30% of respondents reported no project backlogs, 32% indicated project backlogs of one to two months, and 24% indicated backlogs of three to four months. 14% of respondents reported project backlogs of five or more months.

The complete results of the Quarterly Market Index Survey for Reroofing are available to those who participate in the survey via an online dashboard that enables users to filter results by region and other metrics. Any contractor or consultant who wants to participate in the next quarter’s survey can sign up for a notification at http://bit.ly/37ank7D.

By Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

Advancing roofing knowledge through industry education. 

Trade shows are the best time for continuing education. This fall as roofing professionals head to Las Vegas, they will have an opportunity to sharpen their expertise and earn continuing education credits during IIBEC's Education Day at the Western Roofing Expo on September 30, 2026. 

Designed for roofing consultants, contractors, architects and other building enclosure professionals, the program offers a full day of education focused on roofing fundamentals and the future of building codes. The day begins with Roofing Practice Series: Roof Assemblies – Fundamentals, a comprehensive course covering the design, installation, inspection and maintenance of roof systems. Attendees will gain a stronger understanding of roofing terminologies along with the importance of common roof assemblies, water and vapor movement, heat transfer and the overall role that roof design plays in protecting buildings while supporting energy efficiency and code compliance. 

As building science continues to evolve and performance expectations increase, roofing professionals are expected to understand more than ever before. Today's projects require knowledge of how moisture management, thermal performance and material selection work together to create durable and resilient roof systems. This session helps attendees strengthen their technical foundation while earning 3.0 IIBEC Continuing Education Hours (CEHs) and 3.0 AIA Learning Units/Health, Safety and Welfare credits. 

The afternoon session, Changes to the I-Code 2027 Edition, focuses on significant updates coming to the International Code Council's 2027 codes. Participants will learn about evolving energy conservation requirements, key differences between ASHRAE 90.1-2025 and the 2027 International Energy Conservation Code, as well as broader trends influencing the code development process. The course also provides insight into how code changes are developed and adopted throughout the industry. 

For contractors, consultants and design professionals, staying ahead of regulatory changes is a key part of delivering successful projects. Understanding upcoming code requirements not only helps ensure compliance but also allows professionals to provide greater value to building owners seeking long-term performance, sustainability and resilience. The session provides 1.5 IIBEC CEHs and 1.5 AIA Learning Units. 

Opportunities like IIBEC's Education Day continue to be an important part of industry events such as the Western Roofing Expo. Beyond earning credits, attendees gain access to practical knowledge that can be applied immediately in the field while also preparing for changes that will shape roofing and building enclosure design for years to come. 

To learn more about IIBEC's Education Day and register for the program at the Western Roofing Expo, visit the IIBEC website and secure your place today.  Be sure to also enter the Western Colloid WRE contest for free registration at 2026 Western Roofing Expo Ticket Giveaway — RoofersCoffeeShop®.

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 Emma Peterson. 

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

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

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

The core of the show 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Additional events and more 

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

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

Get registered and reserved 

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

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

Learn more about the 2026 WRE show!

The survey is an industrywide effort to collect information about the reroofing market spearheaded by a coalition of trade associations.

The National Roofing Contractors Association encourages roofing professionals to join industry trade associations representing contractors, consultants and manufacturers in the U.S. and Canada in taking part in the latest Quarterly Market Index Survey for Reroofing to evaluate business conditions during the second quarter of 2026.

For more than two years, the survey has taken the pulse of the reroofing industry and continues to serve as a regular barometer of the industry’s business conditions. By asking a handful of business questions and measuring responses across several demographics, the survey helps give an indication of the reroofing market’s strength and trajectory. Your response provides valuable insight.

The results of the Quarterly Market Index Survey for Reroofing are made available to all survey participants via an online dashboard that enables users to filter results by region and other metrics.

For the previous survey that measured business activity during the first quarter of 2026, 70% of responses came from roofing contractors and 30% came from roof consultants. 

The survey is an industrywide effort to collect information about the reroofing market spearheaded by a coalition of trade associations, including the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association, Canadian Roofing Contractors Association, Chemical Fabrics & Film Association Inc., EPDM Roofing Association, International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants, Metal Construction Association, Metal Roofing Alliance, National Roofing Contractors Association, National Women in Roofing, Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association, Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association and Single Ply Roofing Industry.

The Quarterly Market Index Survey for Reroofing is available at https://bit.ly/RoofingSurvey. 

Survey responses may be submitted through July 20.

About NRCA

Since 1886, the National Roofing Contractors Association has been the home for generations of entrepreneurial craftsmen and enterprises who shelter and protect America’s families and businesses and each other. Our vision is the recognition of our members as professionals and to unite the industry to that purpose. NRCA is one of the construction industry’s most respected trade associations and the voice of roofing professionals and leading authority in the roofing industry for information, education, technology and advocacy. It represents all segments of the roofing industry, including contractors; manufacturers; distributors; architects; consultants; engineers; building owners; and city, state and government agencies. For information about NRCA and its services and offerings, visit nrca.net.

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Helene's career is defined by leadership and service. 

Helene Hardy Pierce has long been a respected voice, dedicated volunteer and champion for excellence in the roofing and building enclosure industries. I am honored to also call her a longtime friend. When I heard that ASTM International had presented her with the Katharine E. Morgan Women in Leadership Award, I was thrilled. The recognition honors both her professional achievements and her enduring contributions to the industry. She has given so much back, and even more, she has empowered women like me to do more in this industry. 

For those who have worked alongside Helene, the award comes as no surprise. Her career reflects a consistent commitment to advancing technical knowledge while strengthening the industry through collaboration and service. As a longtime member of IIBEC since 1993, she has played an active role in shaping conversations that influence roofing, waterproofing and building enclosure performance. 

Helene’s leadership has extended across numerous organizations and initiatives. She has been deeply involved with ASTM’s roofing and waterproofing committee, where her efforts have contributed to the development of standards that guide best practices across the industry. Her influence is also felt through her work with IIBEC, where she is recognized as a fellow and has served as a member of the Interface Editorial Board. 

Beyond her technical expertise, Helene has always been committed to sharing knowledge. Through her authored articles, mentorship and volunteer roles, she has helped elevate the next generation of professionals. Her service on the IIBEC Industry Liaison Committee and the RCI-IIBEC Foundation Board of Directors demonstrates a career rooted not just in personal success, but also in building opportunities and resources for others across the roofing and building enclosure community. She was also at the forefront of National Women in Roofing, working with the early founders to help women find their voice in the industry. 

Her contributions have been recognized before. In 2019, she received the NRCA J.A. Piper Award, the roofing industry’s most prestigious honor, recognizing professionals who have devoted constant, outstanding service to NRCA and the roofing industry. She was also the first woman to earn the honor, further underscoring the significance of her leadership and service. In 2022, she received IIBEC’s Outstanding Volunteer Award, adding to the depth of recognition and respect she has earned from her peers. But recognition has never been the goal. For Helene, the work has always been about strengthening the industry and improving the way professionals collaborate, design and build. 

The Katharine E. Morgan Women in Leadership Award carries particular significance, celebrating individuals who not only excel in their fields but also pave the way for others. Helene embodies that mission. Her career reflects how leadership, when grounded in service and expertise, can create a lasting impact well beyond individual projects or organizations. 

At RoofersCoffeeShop®, we celebrate Helene’s achievements and the example she sets for all of us. Her story is a powerful reminder that leadership is not just about reaching the top, but about lifting others along the way and shaping the future of the industry for generations to come. Thank you, Helene, for everything you have done for the industry and for helping women thrive. 

By Alex Tolle, The Coffee Shops™.

If you are looking to sharpen your skills and stay current on today’s most widely used roofing systems, there is a great opportunity coming up this summer.

The International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) is hosting the next course in its Roofing Practice Series on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, from noon to 4 p.m. ET. This session, “Membrane Roofs–Polymeric,” is focused on helping roofing professionals better understand the materials and systems they are working with every day. If you or your team missed earlier sessions, the first two courses in the series are already available on demand, making it easy to catch up.

This course takes a practical approach to polymeric roofing systems, breaking down key components contractors regularly install and maintain. Topics include single-ply membranes, fluid-applied membranes and spray polyurethane foam roofing systems. Additionally, this course provides continuing education opportunities. It has been approved for 3.5 IIBEC continuing education hours and has been submitted for AIA continuing education credit.

For contractors working in commercial and low-slope roofing, these systems are everywhere. Having a solid understanding of how they are designed, installed, inspected and maintained can make a real difference on the job. It can help crews avoid callbacks, improve installation quality and build stronger confidence with building owners and specifiers. One of the biggest benefits of courses like this is how they connect the “why” behind the work. When your team understands how these systems perform over time, it becomes easier to make the right decisions in the field and communicate value to customers.

The course is open to a wide range of industry professionals, including contractors, consultants, architects, engineers and building owners. Registration is $295 for IIBEC members and $450 for nonmembers. Even if you cannot attend live, you can still register and watch the recording later, which is a nice option for busy schedules.

At the end of the day, staying competitive in today’s roofing market means continuing to learn. As polymeric systems continue to dominate the commercial space, investing a few hours into understanding them better can pay off long-term. Training like this is not just about education. It is about building better crews, delivering better roofs and setting your business apart.

Sign up for the session today!

By Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

Advancing retrofit solutions through engineering, collaboration and industry partnership. 

In today’s evolving construction landscape, the role of building enclosure professionals has never been more critical. From ensuring long-term performance to meeting increasingly complex energy and structural requirements, consultants are at the forefront of delivering smarter, more resilient buildings. That is why partnerships between manufacturers and organizations like the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) are so important to the future of the industry. 

For companies like Roof Hugger, this commitment goes beyond participation. It is about actively supporting the consultants, engineers and professionals who are specifying and guiding building enclosure solutions every day. They have built a reputation of delivering proven, engineered retrofit systems designed specifically for metal buildings. These solutions are not just about covering an existing roof. They are about enhancing the entire building system. By eliminating the need for a costly tear-off, their retrofit approach helps extend the life of existing structures while improving structural integrity, increasing energy efficiency and delivering long-term value. 

This aligns directly with the priorities of IIBEC members who are tasked with evaluating total building performance. Consultants are increasingly looking for solutions that address multiple challenges at once, including sustainability, cost control and durability. Roof Hugger’s engineered systems provide a practical path forward, offering tested and reliable options that meet these demands while minimizing disruption to building occupants. 

What stands out is Roof Hugger’s willingness to support projects at every stage. Whether a consultant is in the early phases of evaluating options or preparing specifications for a complex retrofit, their team offers expertise that ranges from individual Hugger components to complete engineered systems. This collaborative approach reflects a deep understanding of how building enclosure consultants work and what they need to deliver successful outcomes. 

Equally important is the company’s focus on tailoring solutions to each project. No two buildings are exactly alike, and retrofit systems must account for varying structural conditions, climates and performance goals. By providing preliminary evaluations and customized engineering support, Roof Hugger helps ensure that each system is designed with precision and purpose. 

Their message to the industry is straightforward and resonates strongly with the IIBEC community. At Roof Hugger, they are committed to providing proven, engineered retrofit solutions that extend the life of metal buildings while improving performance and efficiency without the need for tear-off. They welcome the opportunity to support projects at any stage, offering guidance, technical insight and responsive service to meet the specific needs of each client. 

As the demand for retrofit solutions continues to grow, partnerships between manufacturers and organizations like IIBEC will play an increasingly important role. By aligning innovation with education and professional standards, companies like Roof Hugger are helping to shape a more sustainable and resilient future for the built environment. 

For more information, visit the Roof Hugger directory on RoofersCoffeeShop® and MetalCoffeeShop®.

The survey is an industrywide effort to collect information about the reroofing market spearheaded by a coalition of trade associations.

The National Roofing Contractors Association encourages roofing professionals to join industry trade associations representing contractors, consultants and manufacturers in the U.S. and Canada in taking part in the latest Quarterly Market Index Survey for Reroofing to evaluate business conditions during the first quarter of 2026.

For more than two years, the survey has taken the pulse of the reroofing industry and continues to serve as a regular barometer of the industry’s business conditions. By asking a handful of business questions and measuring responses across several demographics, the survey helps indicate the reroofing market’s strength and trajectory. Your response provides valuable insight.

The results of the Quarterly Market Index Survey for Reroofing are made available to all survey participants via an online dashboard that enables users to filter results by region and other metrics.

For the previous survey that measured business activity during the fourth quarter of 2025, 75% of responses came from roofing contractors and 25% came from roof consultants.

The survey is an industrywide effort to collect information about the reroofing market spearheaded by a coalition of trade associations, including the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association, Canadian Roofing Contractors Association, Chemical Fabrics & Film Association Inc., EPDM Roofing Association, International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants, Metal Construction Association, Metal Roofing Alliance, National Roofing Contractors Association, National Women in Roofing, Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association, Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association and Single Ply Roofing Industry.

The Quarterly Market Index Survey for Reroofing is available at bit.ly/RoofingSurvey. Survey responses may be submitted through April 20.

About National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)

Since 1886, the National Roofing Contractors Association has been the home for generations of entrepreneurial craftsmen and enterprises who shelter and protect America’s families and businesses and each other. Our vision is the recognition of our members as professionals and to unite the industry to that purpose. NRCA is one of the construction industry’s most respected trade associations and the voice of roofing professionals and leading authority in the roofing industry for information, education, technology and advocacy. It represents all segments of the roofing industry, including contractors; manufacturers; distributors; architects; consultants; engineers; building owners; and city, state and government agencies. For information about NRCA and its services and offerings, visit www.nrca.net.