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.

Honoring Mark's life and accomplishments.

We are deeply saddened to share that my longtime pillar of the metal building community Mark James passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2026. Mark is survived by his wife of 55 years Paula, his son Jarrod, his grandchildren Brooklyn, Harley, Julian and his great-grandson Trevon. A service will be held in Dallas in the near future.

Mark’s career began remarkably early. At just eight years old, he worked as a blueprint boy for his father’s company. He later attended the University of Missouri and continued his education at night through the Finlay School of Engineering in Kansas City, Missouri.

In the late 1970s, Mark designed roof systems using dimensional lumber to retrofit flat roofs with truss-framed sloped roofs — Ultimately contributing to more than 30 million square feet of retrofit projects. In 1981, he was recruited by Kirby Building Systems as their Special Projects Manager, prompting a move to Houston, Texas. In 1984, he accepted a district manager position with United Structures of America, and four years later, in 1988, he became a partner in Genesis Group, Inc. of Baton Rouge, where he worked on both new metal buildings and retrofit projects.

Moving now to Dallas, Texas, Mark joined Roof Hugger, Inc. in 2009, where his impact was immediate and lasting. He developed standard details, product specifications, sales presentations and represented the company at numerous industry association meetings. He became deeply involved in the Metal Construction Association (MCA), eventually serving as chairman of the retrofit council. In that role, he helped create many of the AIA education programs that continue
to be used today.

He was a familiar face at RCI (now IIBEC), MBCEA and other industry organizations. Mark also played a major role in creating and setting up many of the METALCON Live Demo displays, including the Metal Roofing Games Competition and the Solar Bay exhibit. To say he was well known in our industry is an understatement.

After retiring from Roof Hugger in 2014, Mark founded his consulting firm, RetroSpec, LLC, continuing to advise Roof Hugger, MCA and many other metal-related companies. He and Paula then moved to Hot Springs, Arizona, where they enjoyed a beautiful home and surroundings and after buying a large camper, they traveled across the country while he continued consulting remotely.

In 2019, Mark received MCA’s prestigious Larry A. Swaney Award, recognizing his commitment to communication, cooperation, unity and the advancement of the metal construction industry. Beyond his professional achievements, Mark was an accomplished artist, cabinet maker and interior designer. He loved his family deeply, and those of us who knew and worked with him will miss him profoundly.

The new board and executive committee were announced during IIBEC’s Annual Meeting of the Members, held March 12–15, 2026, in Sacramento, California.

The International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) on March 15, 2026, announced the results of its recent board and officer elections.

IIBEC President Chris Dawkins, PE, passed the president’s gavel to new IIBEC President Jennifer Hogan, REWC, CBECxP, RRO, LEED AP, Certified Passive House Consultant, making Dawkins IIBEC’s immediate past president. Burt Carver, RRC, RRO, is IIBEC’s new first vice president, and Julie Palmer, RRO, is IIBEC’s new second vice president. Joining the IIBEC Executive Committee as its secretary-treasurer is Jon Cannon, RRC, REWC, RRO, REWO, CDT.

New to the IIBEC Board of Directors for 2026–2027 are Region IV Director Mallory Buckley, RRO, PE, BECxP + CxA+BE and Region V Director André Coppin, RRC, RRO, AIA. Re-elected for a second term was Region VI Director Jon Solland, RRC, RWC, RRO, PEng. The full IIBEC Executive Committee and IIBEC Board of Directors for 2025–2026 are:

• President: Jennifer Hogan, REWC, CBECxP, RRO, LEED AP, Certified Passive House Consultant, Pretium Engineering Inc.
• First Vice President: Burt Carver, RRC, RRO, Apex Building Sciences Inc.
• Second Vice President: Julie Palmer, RRO, Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates Inc.
• Secretary/Treasurer: Jon Cannon, RRC, REWC, RRO, REWO, CDT
• Immediate Past President: Chris Dawkins, PE, Beech Consulting Inc.
• Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President: Brian Pallasch, CAE, IIBEC
• Region I: Norm Crouse, RRO, Dedicated Roof & Hydro Solutions
• Region II: Nick Tribble, RRO, SKA Consulting Engineers Inc.
• Region III: Charles T. Sietmann, RRC, RRO, REWO, CCCA, CIT, Building Technology Group
• Region IV: Mallory Buckley, RRO, PE, BECxP + CxA+BE, Walter P Moore & Associates
• Region V: André Coppin, RRC, RRO, RA, Cornerstone Architectural Group
• Region VI: Jon Solland, RRC, RWC, RRO, PEng, RJC Engineers
• Region VII: Stephanie Robinson, PEng, WSP Canada Inc.

“I’m honored to be surrounded by a such a strong leadership team,” Hogan said. “IIBEC has never been better positioned to meet the demands of our evolving industry.”

The new board and executive committee were announced during IIBEC’s Annual Meeting of the Members, part of the 2026 IIBEC International Convention and Trade Show, held March 12–15, 2026, in Sacramento, California.

Contact: Christian Hamaker, director of publications and communications, 919-859-0742.

About the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC)

The International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) is an association of design professionals who specialize in building enclosure projects. IIBEC members design, investigate and manage roofing, exterior wall and waterproofing systems and projects. IIBEC’s 3,900 members worldwide are dedicated to the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and competence and are guided by a Code of Ethics that they reaffirm on an annual basis. The IIBEC Code of Ethics holds paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public in the performance of their duties.

The Excellence in Building Enclosure Consulting Awards went to winners in four categories.

The International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) awarded its Excellence in Building Enclosure Consulting (EBEC) Awards—now in their third year—to winners in four categories. The awards, handed out March 14 during the 2026 IIBEC International Conference and Trade Show in Sacramento, California, went to building enclosure consultants for the following projects:

• Roofing: “Roof Recovery & Embodied Carbon Material Selection,” submitted by Milirsan Pugalendiran, RRO, of WSP Canada Inc.
• Waterproofing: “Park Place on Peachtree Plaza Redevelopment,” submitted by: Christopher Giffin, F-IIBEC, RRC, AIA, of Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates Inc.
• Exterior Wall: “Raymond Desmarais Manor Deep Energy Retrofit,” submitted by Jennifer Hogan, REWC, CBECxP, RRO, LEED AP, Certified Passive House Consultant, of Pretium Engineering Inc.
• Building Enclosure: “Atrium on Commonwealth,” submitted by Christopher Grey, RRC, REWC, PE, Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH)

“The EBEC Awards are now in their third year, and I couldn’t be more excited about the quality and excellence of the building enclosure projects that have been awarded,” said IIBEC executive vice president and CEO Brian Pallasch. “It is exciting to see the promise of this new awards program come to life.”

The 2026 IIBEC International Convention and Trade Show took place March 12–15 in Sacramento, California.

About IIBEC

The International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) is an association of design professionals who specialize in building enclosure projects. IIBEC members design, investigate, and manage roofing, exterior wall, and waterproofing systems and projects. IIBEC’s 3,900 members worldwide are dedicated to the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and competence and are guided by a Code of Ethics that they reaffirm on an annual basis. The IIBEC Code of Ethics holds paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public in the performance of their duties.

Michael had been active with the IIBEC Mid-South Chapter for several years, serving as a chapter director, secretary/treasurer and vice president.

Michael Hadden, RRO®, an IIBEC member for 20 years, died February 2, 2026. A participant in more than 25 IIBEC events, Hadden most recently attended the 2025 IIBEC Building Enclosure Symposium in St. Louis, Missouri.

“A proud veteran of the United States Navy and mentor to many, Mike was the champion of second (and third and fourth) chances and always found good in even the worst of us,” stated a published obituary. “Mike loved God, his family, fishing and dogs. He was a protector, advisor and advocate for many. He took in those who had found themselves at the bottom of the cliff and tried to patch them up, clean them up, preach them up, and set them on a better path. He was strong enough to tell the truth when it would have been much easier to look the other way. He knew the truth can be hard to face, but anything else is a lie.”

Hadden, who worked for Building and Earth Sciences Inc. in Birmingham, Alabama, had been a Registered Roof Observer since 2005. He had been active with the IIBEC Mid-South Chapter for several years, serving as a chapter director, secretary/treasurer and vice president.

According to the published obituary, Hadden “traveled extensively for work and blessed many people along the way with his positive attitude, encouragement, and always a sense of humor.” A list of Hadden’s brothers — including Johnny Hadden, RRO, also an IIBEC member — sisters, and other surviving relatives is also included in the published obituary.

By Emma Peterson. 

This IIBEC education session is a great opportunity for contractors and other professionals interested in the legal landscape of construction. 

In just a couple weeks, March 12-15, 2026, over 1,700 consultants, architects, engineers, design professionals and other professionals working in the building envelope industry will convene in Sacramento, California for the 2026 International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) Convention and Tradeshow.  

This event is not only a great opportunity to network with your peers in the industry and explore an extensive expo hall full of the latest advancements in building science technology, but it is also an opportunity for you to learn from industry leaders in education sessions designed to help you grow professionally! One such session is the “State of the Industry: A Look at Contract Provisions and Other Emerging Trends” led by Trent Cotney of Adams and Reese. 

Trent is one of the leading construction lawyers in the field. With over 25 years of legal experience, Trent is licensed in nine different states and serves as general counsel for more than 10 trade associations and organizations, including the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), Florida Roofing & Sheet Metal Association (FRSA), Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3) and Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA). 

In his IIBEC education session, which will be hosted Friday, March 13, 2026 from 9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Trent will share an up-to-date overview of the industry’s legal landscape and guide attendees through an exploration of “how recent legal developments, regulatory changesand market conditions are reshaping risk allocation, project delivery and compliance strategies.” Participants will walk away with actionable strategies that equip them to:  

• Navigate contract provisions confidently: Whether it’s scope of work, indemnification, payment terms or dispute resolution provisions, Trent’s session will help attendees recognize and navigate these key elements of a contract.  
• Analyze and respond to emerging trends: You will walk away with a better understanding of current and anticipated policy trends, such as those related to labor and immigration.  
• Evaluate risk management options: Attendees of the session will learn about evolving contract language as related to risk management for owners, general contractors and subcontractors. 
• Adapt their businesses to new market realities: Ultimately, this session will give you the skills needed to adapt your business to reflect new market realities. 

Not only is this a great opportunity for you to get a better understanding of your industry and boost your career, but Trent’s session has been approved for 1.25 IIBEC CEH and 1.25 AIA LU/Elective!  

If you haven’t already, make sure you are registered to attend the 2026 IIBEC Convention and Expo! And if you’re interested in learning more about Trent’s session or any of the other education opportunities at the show, check out the full schedule online.

IIBEC celebrates the best technical content from the last quarter century with four new IIBEC Interface 25-Year Collections.

For more than four decades, IIBEC Interface has delivered rigorous, field-shaping technical articles for building-enclosure professionals—documenting the evolving challenges in roofing, roof consulting and the broader enclosure industry. As we move deeper into the 21st century, IIBEC is proud to spotlight the very best of this work from the past 25 years across four key areas—air barriers, reroofing, metal roofs and consultants—guided by insight from the IIBEC Interface Editorial Board.

The Air Barriers, Reroofing, and Consultants collections cost $29 for members and $39 for nonmembers, while the larger Metal Roofs collection costs $39 for members and $49 for nonmembers. A bundle of all four books is available at a cost of $99 for members and $139 for nonmembers. Visit the IIBEC Marketplace to order, and make sure you’re logged in to receive IIBEC member pricing.

Whether you’re revisiting these pieces or exploring them for the first time, we hope you find them as valuable today as ever. We look forward to continuing to provide you with industry-leading building enclosure content for the next quarter century and beyond.

Visit the IIBEC marketplace.

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

The 2026 IIBEC Convention is an opportunity to reconnect with peers, expand professional networks, earn continuing education credits and explore solutions on the trade show floor.

If you are ready to reset your rhythm for 2026, it is time to head to Sacramento for the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) International Convention and Trade Show. Designed for building enclosure consultants, contractors and industry professionals, this year’s event brings together leadership insight, technical expertise and forward-thinking strategies to help attendees stay competitive in a rapidly changing construction landscape.

Attendees can start their convention experience with a strategic look at the legal and business forces shaping construction. The session State of the Industry: A Look at Contract Provisions and Other Emerging Trends, presented by Trent Cotney of Adams and Reese on Friday, March 13 from 9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., has been approved for 1.25 IIBEC CEH and 1.25 AIA LU/Elective credits. Participants will gain insight into critical contract provisions, emerging regulatory activity and practical risk management strategies they can apply immediately. For consultants and contractors navigating increasingly complex projects, this session provides guidance that can help protect businesses while strengthening client relationships.

That afternoon, the Opening Ceremony and keynote will comence (Friday, March 13 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.). It will feature award-winning filmmaker and dynamic storyteller Brett Culp. Titled Superhero Leadership in Uncertain Times, his talk challenges attendees to rethink leadership not as authority or title but as service, authenticity and mission over ego. Through cinematic storytelling, humor and powerful real-world examples, his presentation is designed to leave professionals energized, grounded and ready to lead with clarity even when the ground feels unsteady. It is the kind of keynote that goes beyond inspiration, offering a renewed perspective on how strong leadership can guide teams and projects through uncertainty.

Then Sunday morning (9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.) kicks off with Aaron B. Nelson, RBEC, RRO's presentation of The 1,000,000 Square-Foot Conundrum and Other Boxes to Climb Out Of, also approved for 1.25 IIBEC CEH and 1.25 AIA LU/Elective credits. Using real-world case studies, the session explores how reframing problems, breaking down complexity and tailoring solutions to each building’s unique needs can lead to stronger outcomes for both clients and project teams. Large-scale projects demand creative thinking and strategic execution, and this presentation offers practical tools that attendees can bring back to their organizations.

Later that day, from 4:15 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tom Gernetzke, F-IIBEC, RBEC, CBECxP, and Amy Peterselli, JD, will lead Navigating the High-Risk World of Community Association Projects. Approved for 0.75 IIBEC CEH and 0.5 AIA LU/Elective credits, this advanced session examines one of the highest-risk categories consultants face. Attendees will learn about legal and insurance considerations, communication strategies and risk management techniques that support successful HOA and condominium projects while helping protect their practices.

Throughout the entire convention, RoofersCoffeeShop will be on site with a live sound stage sponsored by Western Colloid.  Make sure to stop by and share your insights on the trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the building envelope industry in 2026 with our crew. 

Overall, the 2026 IIBEC Convention is an opportunity to reconnect with peers, expand professional networks, earn continuing education credits and explore solutions on the trade show floor that can drive business forward. As the industry continues to evolve and client expectations rise, events like this provide the clarity and momentum professionals need to lead with confidence. Now is the time for contractors along with building envelope consultants to get their grove back on track.

Review the full schedule, secure your registration and make plans to join the building enclosure community in Sacramento. Visit IIBEC.org to learn more and register today.

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Every swing, every putt and every sponsorship helps strengthen the future of the profession.

Spring in Northern California sets the perfect stage for a day on the links, and the 2026 RCI-IIBEC Foundations' Golf Outing is shaping up to be a standout event. Registration is now open for Thursday, March 12 at the Haggin Oaks Alister MacKenzie Course in Sacramento, California, and golfers are encouraged to secure their spot early as the field is limited to just 144 players.

Hosted by the RCI-IIBEC Foundation and RCI Foundation Canada, this annual outing brings together building enclosure professionals, manufacturers, consultants and friends of the industry for a day that blends great golf with meaningful impact. With the generous support of event sponsors SOPREMA and Performance Roof Systems the outing will once again raise critical funds for the next generation of industry leaders.

Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Joe Hale Student Sponsorship Fund along with the Lyons and Newlan academic scholarship funds. These programs play a vital role in supporting students pursuing education and careers in building enclosure science, roofing, waterproofing and related disciplines.

The venue itself is a highlight. Designed by the legendary Alister MacKenzie the Haggin Oaks course is known for its flowing layout, strategic shot values and timeless design philosophy. MacKenzie believed golf should be enjoyable for players of all skill levels, while still rewarding, thoughtful, shot making and smart positioning. His designs are famous for balancing challenge and playability, and Haggin Oaks delivers exactly that experience. Golfers can expect approachable holes, subtle risk and reward decisions, and just enough unpredictability to keep the round exciting from the first tee to the final green.

Beyond the course, the outing offers unmatched networking opportunities. Participants will spend the day alongside peers from across the industry, building relationships that extend well beyond the fairways. Whether you are reconnecting with long time colleagues or meeting new faces, the relaxed atmosphere of the golf course provides the ideal setting for meaningful conversation and collaboration.

Golfers, sponsors and supporters alike are invited to be part of this special day. Individual and team registrations are available, along with sponsorship opportunities that offer visibility while directly supporting scholarship and student sponsorship initiatives. Space is limited, and the event has a strong history of selling out, so early registration is highly recommended.

To reserve your spot and learn more visit https://birdease.com/RCIIIBECFoundationsGolf.

It is more than a round of golf. It is a chance to give back, support education and enjoy a memorable day on a classic course. The RCI-IIBEC Foundations look forward to welcoming you to Sacramento this March.