MetalCoffeeShop

From McMansions to green homes: Modern homeowner priorities

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 06:00:00 PDT

By Emma Peterson.

In this Contractor Outlook, we dive into what today’s homeowners really want alongside Allison Hadley.

Allison Hadley is the spokesperson of American Home Shield (AHS), a home warranty provider in the United States. Allison was commissioned by AHS to conduct independent consumer research in the home services field. More specifically, her recent study focused on the growing demand for greener homes. To learn more about this, we invited Allison on to Contractor Outlook™ to talk about her findings.

Allison’s study found that modern homeowners are beginning to prioritize green homes, which are homes that are more energy efficient than traditional structures. Allison shared what these homes look like, saying, “68% reported they were installing at least one energy efficient appliance. In many ways, this is the most easily affordable green home upgrade. Another 54% have solar panels, which is another relatively easy installation, and 40% have green landscaping (think rewilding lawns).”

The drive for these improvements is two-fold, with many homeowners being concerned about both rising utility prices and environmental impacts. Allison explained, “When we asked people why they were making home improvements towards energy efficiency and sustainability, 68% said that they were concerned about their environmental impact and sustainability and 80% said they were prioritizing cost savings on utilities.”

And this trend isn’t just with existing homeowners. Potential buyers are also looking for green homes as the future, “I also surveyed those who were looking to buy homes within the next year. And they said that they would be willing to pay an average of $73,827 more for an environmentally friendly, energy efficient green home than what they would pay for a more traditional home.”

What does all this mean for contractors and builders? Homeowners and homebuyers are shifting in their priorities and the professionals that continue to grow and succeed will shift with them. Allison summed up the findings of the study, saying, “I asked all the homeowners who own green homes, would they rather have a bigger, more traditional, less environmentally energy efficient home, or would they rather have a smaller greener home? And 63% said that they'd rather have a smaller greener home. It really goes to show you that the McMansion era is coming to an end close and a green home one is beginning.”

Listen to the newscast or Watch the recording to learn more about the priorities of the modern homeowner.

The market shift driving metal roofing

Wed, 27 May 2026 12:00:00 PDT

By Dani Sheehan.

Understand how resilience, energy efficiency and long-term value are reshaping roofing conversations.

From increasingly destructive hailstorms and hurricane-force winds to rising insurance premiums, higher energy costs and evolving building standards, homeowners and property owners are rethinking what role their roof plays in performance, longevity and resilience. As a result, owners are exploring roofing systems designed to perform in more demanding environmental conditions. Among those alternatives, metal roofing continues to gain momentum. While asphalt still covers nearly 80% of residential roofs in the United States, industry experts project the residential metal roofing market will continue growing by more than 4% annually in the years ahead.

By understanding the forces reshaping the market and how to position metal roofing within that conversation, you can grow your business to meet changing customer expectations, differentiate your offerings and build a more resilient business long-term.

Why the market is changing

Metal roofing’s growth is the result of multiple market forces converging at once, which has reshaped how homeowners, insurers, builders and policymakers think about roofing performance.

1 – Severe weather is changing customer priorities

Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent, more costly and more destructive across the United States. In fact, the U.S. has experienced nearly six times more billion-dollar severe storms over the last 20 years compared to the previous two decades, with annual losses climbing from approximately $2.5 billion to more than $15 billion.

In hail-prone regions, more than 12 million U.S. properties are now considered at high risk for hail damage, while coastal and inland wind events continue pushing homeowners to seek roofing systems designed for greater resilience.

2 – Insurance incentives are driving material decisions

More than one-quarter of residential insurance claims paid in 2024 were related to roof repair or replacement, driving insurers to look for building materials that reduce long-term risk. As insurers continue investing in resilience through organizations like the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), more homeowners are gaining access to premium discounts, grant programs and incentive programs tied to impact-resistant, storm-resilient roofing systems. Depending on the insurer and state, these incentives can range from 5% to 55% off insurance premiums.

Programs like the FORTIFIED Roof, an initiative of IBHS and now active in all 50 states, are further accelerating demand for roofing systems that can meet stricter performance standards. More than 80,000 homes have already received FORTIFIED certification nationwide.

3 – Energy costs are changing the ROI conversation

As residential electricity costs continue trending upward – up roughly 6-7% year over year in late 2025 and early 2026 – homeowners are paying closer attention to how building materials impact long-term operating costs.

This is creating new interest in roofing systems that support energy efficiency, reduce heat gain and improve year-round comfort. Metal roofing’s reflective properties, cool roof compatibility and long service life are helping shift roofing conversations from upfront costs to lifecycle return on investment.

4 – Building codes and sustainability expectations are growing

State legislation, insurance reform and climate-focused building initiatives are beginning to influence how roofs are designed, installed and specified. As communities look for ways to reduce disaster recovery costs, improve wildfire mitigation and support energy-efficient construction, more resilient roofing systems are gaining traction. Metal roofing’s recycled content, full recyclability and solar-ready compatibility position it well within this evolving regulatory and consumer landscape.

Why homeowners are choosing metal roofing

While curb appeal and upfront cost still matter, more property owners are weighing long-term durability, energy performance, maintenance needs and resilience against severe weather when making roofing decisions. This creates an opportunity to position metal roofing not simply as an alternative product, but as a long-term solution designed to meet evolving homeowner priorities.

1 – Built for severe weather

Many metal roofing systems are engineered to withstand wind speeds exceeding 140 miles per hour through interlocking panel designs and mechanically fastened installation methods. In hail-prone areas, many products achieve a UL 2218 Class 4 impact rating, the highest impact-resistance classification available. This testing evaluates a roof system’s ability to withstand repeated impacts without failure.

Metal roofing also performs well in regions with heavy snow accumulation. The strength of steel panels allows many systems to withstand substantial snow loads while encouraging controlled snow shedding when properly designed with snow retention systems.

In wildfire-prone regions, metal roofing systems often carry a Class A fire rating because metal is naturally non-combustible. These systems are designed to resist flame exposure, including sparks and flying embers, and can help support broader fire-resilient building strategies.

Coastal environments create another challenge for roofing systems due to salt exposure and corrosion concerns. In these markets, protective paint systems and coatings become especially important. Choosing the right substrate, finish and coating system helps ensure long-term durability and appearance retention in harsh environments.

2 – Energy efficiency matters

Metal roofing naturally reflects solar radiation and releases absorbed heat more efficiently than many traditional roofing materials. This helps reduce heat transfer into the building and can lower cooling demand during periods of peak energy use.

Cool roof technology is becoming increasingly important in both residential and commercial construction. According to resources from the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC), roofing systems with higher solar reflectance and thermal emittance can help reduce heat gain, improve indoor comfort and contribute to lower cooling loads.

Solar reflectance measures how much sunlight a surface reflects.
Thermal emittance measures how effectively a material releases absorbed heat.
Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) combines both measurements into a standardized metric used to compare roofing performance.

Steel roofing panels with reflective coatings can achieve strong solar reflectance values while allowing heat to dissipate efficiently.

3 – Long-term performance and sustainability

While traditional roofing materials may require replacement multiple times over the lifespan of a home, metal roofing systems are often designed to last 40–70 years with proper installation and require relatively low ongoing maintenance. The extended service life reduces long-term replacement costs, minimizes disruption and decreases landfill waste associated with tear-offs and disposal.

For homeowners considering solar installation, metal roofing can be an ideal long-term pairing. Because the roof system is designed to last for decades, homeowners are less likely to face the cost and complication of removing and reinstalling solar panels for a roof replacement midway through the solar system’s life cycle.

Moving forward

As market expectations continue evolving, contractors are being asked to deliver systems that offer resilience, long-term value, energy performance and peace of mind. By understanding these changing priorities and educating customers effectively, metal roofing represents an opportunity to build stronger customer relationships and position your business for long-term growth.

When your company grows beyond you

Sun, 24 May 2026 06:00:00 PDT

By Emma Peterson.

How succession planning and fractional advisors help owners secure their legacy and their company’s future.

In the trades, businesses often start as small, family-owned operations. And when these businesses are small, it’s natural that many owners find themselves wearing multiple hats and managing a seemingly endless list of day-to-day tasks. But as any company grows, it becomes necessary for that to change. This change is what Kristen McAlister of Cerius Executives stopped by The Coffee Shops™ to talk about in an episode of Contractor Outlook™.

Letting go of a business that you’ve poured blood, sweat and tears into can be hard. But if you want your business to thrive long-term, planning for that letting go, for that succession, is key. Kristen explained, “Whether you're looking to pass your business onto the next generation or the next owner, succession planning is key. And the key to good planning is thinking of your legacy as the team you’ve built, not yourself.”

What does this mean? Building a legacy means building something that outlasts you. And the way you do that as a company owner is to hire a team that can run your business without you managing every little thing. So, how do you learn to take that step back? That’s something that Kristen and the Cerius team help owners do all the time! She shared:

We are placing a lot of experts in businesses for interim positions as fractional advisors. In this role, these experts come in for however much time the owner wants, whether that’s five hours a month or a full 40 hours a week, and are there to help them decouple themselves from the business, so it’s less reliant on them. And we're still keeping that legacy that they started the company with; we’re just figuring out how to make it so the owner could go on a multi-week vacation or eventually retire and know their legacy will live on.

And to be clear, these fractional advisors are not placed to take over from the people who have built the company. In fact, in many cases Kristen has seen them help with the handover to original employees or team members. She noted,“A lot of owners want to hand the company to an operations person who’s grown up in the company. And we’ll put a fractional advisor in place to work alongside that person, to make sure they have the tools and skills needed to succeed. Like on-the-job coaching. And then when that person is confident and comfortable, the advisor leaves them to carry on the legacy.”

Want to learn more about how fractional advisors can help with succession planning? Listen to the episode or Watch the recording!

RoofersCoffeeShop® announces opening of 2026 Roofing Industry Trends Survey

Wed, 20 May 2026 17:00:00 PDT

The 2026 Trends Survey, sponsored by QXO, captures insight into the pressures roofing contractors are navigating and the goals guiding their businesses.

RoofersCoffeeShop®, the award-winning place where the industry meets for technology, information and everyday business, announces the opening of its latest Roofing Industry Trends Survey, sponsored by QXO. Now in its tenth year, the Trends Survey seeks contractor perspectives on the factors influencing business performance, including workforce training, AI adoption, technology gaps, hiring efforts, immigration challenges and keeping skilled employees.

“We are committed to understanding the realities contractors face, the changes shaping the market and the resources that can help them succeed,” said Heidi J. Ellsworth, president/CEO of RoofersCoffeeShop. “This survey is one way we can capture the challenges, opportunities and trends shaping the market in real time. When contractors share what they are seeing every day, it gives the entire industry a clearer picture of their challenges, helping us identify where support is needed and how we can better serve the industry moving forward.”

The 2026 Trends Survey is designed to discover the key business challenges contractors are facing, from operational issues to workforce demands, while also examining the digital tools and platforms they are leveraging to improve efficiency. The survey covers a variety of contractor needs, including training, software and marketing tactics, and offers an in-depth look at how strategies for lead generation, recruitment and retention are influencing business success.

Since 2016, RCS has been surveying contractors and has created seven Trends Reports, each focusing on the industry's biggest challenges, identifying key business priorities and providing an overview of the sector's overall health.

Contractors are urged to take the 2026 Trends Survey today!

About RoofersCoffeeShop

As an award-winning website and online community, RoofersCoffeeShop is committed to being a roofing professional advocate by supplying consistent information, education and communication avenues for all roofing professionals, and especially contractors, while promoting the positive growth, education and success of the roofing industry overall. Visitors to the site continue to find excellent opportunities for sharing information while participating in important ongoing conversations concerning new technologies, safety and the overall roofing trade. From the rooftop to the board room, RoofersCoffeeShop.com is “Where the Industry Meets!” For more information, visit www.rooferscoffeeshop.com.

About QXO

QXO is the largest publicly traded distributor of roofing, waterproofing, and complementary building products in the United States. The company plans to become the tech-enabled leader in the $800 billion building products distribution industry and generate outsized value for shareholders. QXO is targeting $50 billion in annual revenues within the next decade through accretive acquisitions and organic growth. Visit www.qxo.com for more information.

Local sheet metal shops on the rise: How demand for metal construction is reshaping fabrication

Mon, 11 May 2026 12:00:00 PDT

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Regional fabricators are expanding as metal construction drives new opportunities.

Across North America and beyond, local and regional sheet metal shops are seeing renewed growth as demand for metal construction continues to accelerate. From roofing and siding to architectural metal and building envelope systems, the increasing use of metal is reshaping not only how buildings are constructed but also how fabrication is delivered.

The data supports what contractors and manufacturers are seeing in the field. The global sheet metal market is growing at approximately 4.8% annually, with construction representing one of the largest end-use segments. At the same time, broader market projections show even stronger long-term expansion, with the industry expected to grow at 6–7% annually through 2030, driven largely by building and construction demand.

This growth is being fueled by the increasing adoption of metal across the building envelope. Metal roofing, wall panels, soffits, trim and architectural features are all, seeing expanded use due to durability, sustainability and performance. As these systems become more complex, they require more precise, customized fabrication, creating a surge in demand for sheet metal shops at the local and regional level.

In fact, fabrication itself is accelerating. Industry forecasts indicate that metal fabrication production could grow by over 5.5% in 2026 alone, signaling a strong rebound tied to construction and manufacturing activity. This is particularly important for roofing and siding contractors who rely on fast, accurate fabrication for flashing, trim and custom details that cannot be standardized across projects.

Another key driver is the shift toward localized supply chains. With ongoing pressure on lead times and logistics, contractors and manufacturers are increasingly turning to nearby fabricators who can deliver faster turnaround and greater flexibility. This is creating opportunities for regional sheet metal shops to expand capabilities, invest in automation and capture more value within their markets.

At the same time, the industry is seeing a parallel trend toward consolidation at the national level. Metal fabrication and manufacturing have become highly active sectors for mergers and acquisitions, with hundreds of transactions across manufacturing in recent years as companies look to scale, invest in technology and secure supply chains. Larger organizations are acquiring regional shops to expand geographic reach and capabilities, while private equity continues to invest in fabrication businesses that offer specialized or high-margin services.

This dual trend of local growth alongside national consolidation is defining the future of the industry. Smaller and mid-sized sheet metal shops are thriving by focusing on customization, speed and close relationships with contractors. While larger manufacturers are building networks of fabrication facilities to serve national and regional demand more efficiently.

Technology is also playing a major role. Advances in CNC machinery, laser cutting and automated fabrication systems are allowing shops to increase output, improve precision and reduce waste. These investments are enabling regional fabricators to compete at a higher level while meeting the growing demands of modern construction.

For metal building professionals, the impact is clear. Sheet metal shops are no longer just suppliers. They are becoming essential partners in delivering high-performance buildings and building envelopes. As metal continues to gain share across erecting, roofing, siding and architectural applications, the need for skilled, responsive fabrication will only increase.

The result is a strong and sustainable growth path for local and regional sheet metal shops. Driven by construction demand, supported by technology and shaped by consolidation trends, these fabricators are positioned to play a critical role in the future of metal construction.

Is AI coming for our jobs?

Sun, 10 May 2026 06:00:00 PDT

By Emma Peterson.

Denver Riggleman shares his thoughts on how AI will impact jobs and the larger workforce.

As AI and automation increasingly become present in our daily lives, a common concern is that these technologies will take jobs away from people. This type of concern is not new. Every time a new technology is introduced, people naturally have hesitation and fear how things will change. And it does change things; think about the now-obsolete jobs like switchboard operators and projectionists. But it’s also important to remember that the technology that took over for those roles also made new opportunities.

To look at how AI might change our workplace, both in creating jobs and taking over certain roles, Heidi J. Ellsworth spoke with Denver Riggleman, the co-founder and CEO of Hootl, for an episode of Contractor Outlook all about AI.

The honest truth is that AI might take away some jobs, just like how technological advancements over the years have changed the roles necessary for operation. Denver shared, “I'm going to be very blunt, AI will take jobs that automation can automate. Take call centers, for example. I would say in the next 15 to 20 years, they will be all AI regardless.” But at the same time, automation is also a powerful tool for enabling businesses to grow and hire more employees in other sectors. Denver explained:

Say you ‘lose’ 10 jobs at the admin processing level because AI is automating the mundane tasks. You now have the payroll space to hire people or have the people that were working those jobs change focus to working on higher-skill level tasks. And then with more people working on those higher-level tasks, you’re able to expand your gross revenue with a higher margin.

In other words, AI might take over certain roles. By taking those mundane and tedious tasks off of people’s plates, however, it allows them to work on high-level tasks that not only are more engaging for them but also can help your company grow. And company growth often goes hand-in-hand with hiring new employees.

Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording to hear more insights into the role of AI in our workforce.

Beyond the roof: Taking care of families in need

Fri, 08 May 2026 06:00:00 PDT

By Emma Peterson.

Learn about the partnership between the Roofing Alliance and Ronald McDonald House.

In 2017, Charles Antis of KPost Roofing and Waterproofing stood up in a Roofing Alliance meeting and suggested a nationwide project where roofers could adopt Ronald McDonald House programs. Our very own Heidi J. Ellsworth was there that day and has seen how that idea has grown over the last decade. To talk about this initiative, she hosted Katie Fitzgerald, president and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Global, for an episode of Contractor Outlook.

Ronald McDonald House dates back to the 1970s when a renowned pediatric oncologist named Dr. Audrey Evans realized that many of the families of her patients at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia had nowhere to stay during treatment. For families who traveled especially far for their child’s treatment, some would even sleep in waiting room chairs or on hospital floors, just to be close

In partnership with McDonald’s and the Philadelphia Eagles, she opened the first Ronald McDonald House, which provided families with free housing so they could be close to their children and the life-saving treatment they needed. Today, there are over 400 Housesin 60countries and regions.

The growth was incredible, but with that growth came support needs. Katie explained:

In the United States alone, our 165 standalone Houses, which are safe havens of comprehensive support for families with social services, emotional support, meals, transportation, art therapy and even schooling, take up around six million square feet of physical infrastructure. That’s a lot to take care of and honestly, our organization is very lean. Our Houses need help with the day-to-day operations, let alone the bigger maintenance tasks.

It's that need that Charles’ idea aimed to fill, and the best part is it worked! Heidi shared some of her first-hand experience of what the mobilization looked like after Charles’ presentation to the Roofing Alliance in 2017, saying, “Contractors were calling contractors across the country. Someone from Philadelphia was calling someone in Oregon or Washington or wherever it may be and saying, ‘Hey, we're doing this here. You guys really should think about this.’ And it was because they shared their stories of supporting Ronald McDonald House and how powerful it was that a lot of people were able to get involved, adopt and be a part of this big program.”

For Katie and broader Ronald McDonald House System, that mobilization was game changing. She explained, “I think since that time, there's been over $3 million of support for everything from maintenance to full-on roof replacement. The partnership is saving our nonprofit partners who perform this work tremendous amounts of money that they can put into the family instead. It’s been amazing... And one of the best parts is just seeing roofers all over the country fall in love with our mission and go beyond the roof to help. I know roofers around the country have been involved in other sorts of activities to take care of the houses beyond the roofs — fundraising, volunteering, collecting holiday gifts and more! They’re really connected with this mission so beautifully and we need the help.”

Listen to the newscast or Watch the whole episode for more about how contractors all over are supporting Ronald McDonald House’s incredible mission.

Seeing the big picture

Sun, 03 May 2026 06:00:00 PDT

By Emma Peterson.

How the Farnsworth Group fosters business growth by helping contractors and other professionals better understand the market around them.

One of the hardest parts of running a business is balancing the day-to-day tasks while also working on big picture planning. To dive into how data can help you run your company, Eric Voyer, a senior consultant at the Farnsworth Group, came by for an episode of Contractor Outlook™.

The Farnsworth Group is a consulting firm that serves two primary functions – to provide insight into the industry on a whole and to help customers utilize that information in their businesses. As Eric put it, “We help manufacturers, retailers, trade associations and other professionals in the building products and home improvement space answer questions. They come to us with challenges and then it's our job to help them try and sort that out in a strategic fashion and just answer the question of how they can get more business based on their understanding macrotrends in the larger industry.”

In our conversation with him, Eric highlighted two macrotrends that the Farnsworth Group consultants are talking to their clients about:

The rise of data centers: Overall, there have been some drops in construction, specifically on the commercial side. Eric shared, “It used to be that commercial construction was running around $80-70 million, now it's dropped somewhere around half of that.” But what’s really interesting is the rise of data centers as the loss replacer in this sector. This not only is rewarding businesses that build new data centers, but also those who work with the infrastructure around the data center, like distributors of copper and HVAC inspectors.

Overall uncertainty: We’re all probably sick of this word, but uncertainty really is one of the biggest trends that Farnsworth Group is helping their clients navigate. Eric explained, “We're seeing drops on a regular basis because people just don't know. Are we going to have tariffs? Are we not going to have tariffs? Are we going to have material shortages? Just this month we saw a 40% increase in diesel cost that we couldn’t have predicted two months ago.”

These trends are just two examples of the key areas of focus that the Farnsworth Group is able to identify as a third-party consulting firm. And by identifying them, they are able to help their clients find an effective balance between managing their day-to-day operations and the long-term success of their companies.

Listen to the newscast or Watch the recording to learn more!

MetalCoffeeShop

From McMansions to green homes: Modern homeowner priorities

In this Contractor Outlook, we dive into what today’s homeowners really want alongside Allison Hadley.

Top May articles: AI, profitability and market understanding

Catch up on the biggest industry stories from May 2026.

May 2026 top article list

The market shift driving metal roofing

Understand how resilience, energy efficiency and long-term value are reshaping roofing conversations.

Why the market is changing

Why homeowners are choosing metal roofing

Moving forward

When your company grows beyond you

How succession planning and fractional advisors help owners secure their legacy and their company’s future.

RoofersCoffeeShop® announces opening of 2026 Roofing Industry Trends Survey

The 2026 Trends Survey, sponsored by QXO, captures insight into the pressures roofing contractors are navigating and the goals guiding their businesses.

Local sheet metal shops on the rise: How demand for metal construction is reshaping fabrication

Regional fabricators are expanding as metal construction drives new opportunities.

Is AI coming for our jobs?

Denver Riggleman shares his thoughts on how AI will impact jobs and the larger workforce.

Beyond the roof: Taking care of families in need

Learn about the partnership between the Roofing Alliance and Ronald McDonald House.

Seeing the big picture

How the Farnsworth Group fosters business growth by helping contractors and other professionals better understand the market around them.

Top April articles: International partnerships and stories of giving back

April showers bring...a lot of interesting articles to The Coffee Shops™!

The top ten articles of April 2026