By Emma Peterson. 

From major industry announcements and scholarship awards to emerging market trends and wildfire preparedness, these were the RCS articles that got the most clicks this August.  

August was a month of announcements here at The Coffee Shops®! For our team, we launched a new microsite (www.RoofersCoffeeShop.ca) designed specifically for the Canadian market. Similar to our U.K. microsite (www.RoofersCoffeeShop.uk), this site will not only bring together contractors in its dedicated region but also strengthen the global roofing community.  

In addition to our big announcement, our site saw a lot of announcements and quite a few of them made our August 2026 top article list. For example, one of our R-Club members, Excel Roofing and Siding, sent out an announcement of a name change to Excel Slate and Copper. This change was designed to “better reflect the company’s long-standing expertise in slate roofing, copper craftsmanship and historic home restoration.”  

Another example was the Roofing Alliance’s announcement about the 2026-2027 Melvin Kruger Scholarship. “A total of $59,000 was awarded for new scholarships with an additional $55,000 for 12 renewal scholarships.” 

And coming in first and second on our August 2026 top 10 article list were two announcements, both from industry associations. In second place was an article about the Colorado Roofing Association’s new advisory about wildlife code requirements. As for first place, that went to the he Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) and the Metal Construction Association (MCA)’s announcement of the results of metal roofing market study conducted by FMI Consulting. 

The top 10 August articles 

10 - Excel Roofing and Siding becomes Excel Slate and Copper

9 - Why the most successful roofing contractors plan further ahead by John Kenney. 

8 - TPO or metal retrofit? Understanding the tradeoffs by The Coffee Shops® 

7 - When the economic signals don’t agree by John Kenney. 

6 - Becoming a ROOFEREE by Emma Peterson. 

5 - The secret to managing commercial roofing projects by Emma Peterson. 

4 - The Roofing Alliance announces 2026-2027 Melvin Kruger Scholarship recipients.

3 - Heavy-duty adhesives for every jobsite by The Coffee Shops®. 

2 - New advisory helps Colorado roofers prepare for wildfire code requirements by Alex Tolle. 

1 - New market survey forecasts strong growth, significant potential for residential metal roofing in U.S. 

By The Coffee Shops®. 

Industry leaders discuss how research-driven customers are changing the residential metal roofing market. 

Interest in residential metal roofing continues to grow, and according to industry leaders, today's homeowners are entering the buying process more informed than ever before. During a recent Coffee Conversations®, sponsored by the Metal Construction Association (MCA), Heidi J. Ellsworth spoke with a panel of industry experts about how changing consumer behavior is influencing the residential roofing market. 

Renee Ramey, executive director of the Metal Roofing Alliance, said homeowners are increasingly conducting extensive research before making roofing decisions. “I'm seeing a huge uptick in interest from homeowners just based on their own research and what they're finding is the wonderful benefits of putting a metal roof on your home,” Renee said. 

That shift is changing how roofing contractors approach sales, education and customer engagement. Rather than responding to emergency replacement needs, many metal roofing customers are evaluating long-term investments and researching products months before making a decision. 

According to Todd Miller, president of the Metal Roofing Alliance and Isaiah Industries, today's buyers are spending more time evaluating both products and contractors. “The metal roof customer, in particular, is not typically the customer who calls up and says, ‘Hey, I got rain pouring into my house. I need to do something immediately,’” he noted. “We are seeing people that are taking months, possibly even longer, to do their research.” 

Travis Sliger, of Forever Metal Roofing, has seen similar trends. Drawing from company data, he noted that metal roofing customers often spend three to six months researching before committing to a purchase. “They're becoming a lot more intentional about their roofing decisions,” he noted. “When we show up, they're asking questions that we weren't really getting five years ago.” 

As homeowners turn to online resources for information, the importance of accurate education and trustworthy content is more crucial than ever. Contractors who position themselves as educators and subject matter experts are often better equipped to build credibility with increasingly knowledgeable consumers. The result is a roofing marketplace where expertise, transparency and long-term value are becoming just as important as the products themselves. 

Listen to the recording or Watch the video to learn more about residential metal roofing.

Third-party verified environmental data helps project teams evaluate building enclosure solutions and meet growing sustainability reporting requirements.

The Metal Construction Association (MCA) has released updated industry-average environmental product declarations (EPDs) for three major metal cladding product categories: insulated metal panels (IMPs), metal composite materials (MCMs) and single skin metal cladding. The declarations provide independently verified environmental impact data to support sustainability reporting, material selection and compliance with green building programs.

Environmental product declarations are standardized, third-party verified documents that provide transparent information about a product’s environmental impacts over a typical life cycle. Developed using data from multiple manufacturers, industry-average EPDs serve as valuable benchmarking tools for architects, owners and contractors. They are particularly valuable during the design phase before a specific manufacturer has been selected.

“As sustainability expectations continue to grow across the construction industry, architects and building owners need credible, accessible environmental data to inform material selection,” said Jeff Henry, executive director of MCA. “These industry-average EPDs demonstrate the metal construction industry’s commitment to transparency, while providing the design community with trusted benchmarks that support informed decision-making and sustainable building practices.”

The industry average EPD for insulated metal panels (IMPs) helps document the sustainability advantages of IMP systems, including high thermal efficiency, reduced operational energy demand and integrated air, vapor and insulation performance in a single panel assembly. The declaration provides designers with quantifiable environmental data that can support whole-building life cycle assessments and sustainability planning.

For metal composite materials (MCMs), the EPD documents key sustainability attributes such as aluminum recyclability, reduced material waste through project-specific fabrication and the long service life associated with durable coil-coated finishes. The declaration gives architects and specifiers verified environmental performance data to support material evaluation and specification decisions.

The EPD for single skin metal cladding highlights environmental benefits commonly associated with roll-formed metal cladding systems, including recycled steel and aluminum content, long service life, low maintenance requirements and end-of-life recyclability. The declaration provides industry-wide environmental impact data that can help project teams support sustainable building design goals.

In addition to supporting sustainability assessments, MCA’s industry-average EPDs help project teams compare materials using consistent environmental metrics, simplify documentation for green building programs, and establish benchmarks against which product-specific EPDs may be evaluated.

About the Metal Construction Association

MCA exists to advance metal construction. Through MCA, a diverse group of companies involved in metal roof and wall systems come together to expand understanding of metal’s performance, durability and design potential through education, research and advocacy. By working collectively, MCA members create market demand, shape best practices, and support better building outcomes.

Residential metal roofing is on track to capture an estimated 16 percent of the total U.S. roofing market within the next four years.

The forecast for residential metal roofing in the U.S. is in growth mode and predicted to outpace the broader economy, according to a joint market study conducted by FMI Consulting and sponsored by the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) and the Metal Construction Association (MCA).

That is especially true in the roof replacement category. Residential metal roofing is on track to capture an estimated 16 percent of the total U.S. roofing market within the next four years, with roof replacements predicted to drive 96 percent of that overall share, while new construction accounts for the remaining four percent.

The study shows that residential metal roofing benefits such as longer lifespan, better durability, style and appearance and strong warranties align with top homeowner priorities. Metal roofing systems including standing seam and metal trim categories that are tied to improved performance and efficiency are experiencing growing demand. In hurricane and high wind regions, metal roofing products and pre-manufactured systems that carry all necessary certifications to meet or exceed codes and testing standards will be increasingly adopted.

Other factors forecasted to drive growth for the segment are overall housing trends. Research shows more people are staying in their homes for longer. That’s motivating them to select more durable/high value products that don’t need to be replaced as often, like quality metal roofing.

Standing seam is the clear value leader in residential metal roofing and is expected to account for the majority of shipment value through 2030. Metal shingles represent the next largest opportunity, while through-fastened products continue to hold a meaningful position and IMPs (Insulated Metal Panels) remain a smaller but fast growing niche.

Keys to sustained growth

For all the good news in the residential metal roofing category, there are some areas for improvement. Forecasts show that consumer awareness continues to be essential and efforts by trade groups such as the Metal Roofing Alliance are fundamental to driving familiarity and broad acceptance. As a highly-credible, nonprofit organization focused on providing robust education and information to homeowners as they make their re-roofing decisions, MRA represents the leading metal roofing players in the industry. MRA has become a primary resource to help consumers understand the full value proposition of quality metal roofing.

Those efforts are proving to be key. Like other high quality, longer-lasting products, while cost remains a barrier to entry for some homeowners when it comes to choosing metal roofing, the study shows that continued and sustained education is nearly as important. According to forecasts, leading roof selection factors align well with metal roofing’s benefits, especially lifespan, durability, appearance and strong warranties. The opportunity for the industry is to make these benefits easier for owners, architects and contractors to compare against lower-cost roofing options during early material selection. That includes comprehensive information, tools and resources that MRA makes available at www.metalroofing.com, which attracts thousands of homeowners every year.

“As metal gains market share against traditional industry (sub)-standard roofing material, our goal is to be the number one resource for homeowners to understand the tremendous value proposition of metal roofing and how it compares to other materials they may be more familiar with but deliver far fewer benefits,” said Renee Ramey, MRA executive director. “Clearly, with forecasts looking strong, the collective efforts of our manufacturer and contractor members are needed now more than ever to drive demand for the entire segment of residential metal roofing.”

For more information about MRA, how to get involved and the benefits of membership, visit www.metalroofing.com

About the MRA

Representing the residential metal roofing industry in the United States and Canada, the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) was formed to help educate consumers about the many benefits of metal roofing. For more information about MRA membership, residential metal roofing resources and tools, visit MRA at www.metalroofing.com.

In this episode of Coffee Conversations® on MetalCoffeeShop®, sponsored by the Metal Construction Association (MCA), Heidi J. Ellsworth talks with Todd Miller, president of Isaiah Industries, Renee Ramey, executive director of the Metal Roofing Alliance and Travis Sliger, founder of 4Ever Metal Roofing about what asphalt shingle contractors need to know before adding metal to their business. As more homeowners explore metal roofing for durability, resiliency, energy performance and curb appeal, many shingle contractors are looking at metal as a growth opportunity. But the transition requires more than simply offering a new product. From training crews and evaluating the roof deck to understanding ventilation, estimating, accessories, warranties and customer expectations, the discussion will focus on the five key mistakes contractors make when moving from asphalt shingles into residential metal roofing and how to avoid them. Attendees will walk away with practical guidance for entering the metal market responsibly, protecting profitability and building long-term homeowner confidence.

Register today!

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.

In this episode of Coffee Conversations® on MetalCoffeeShop®, sponsored by the Metal Construction Association (MCA), Heidi J. Ellsworth talks with Todd Miller, president of Isaiah Industries, Renee Ramey, executive director of the Metal Roofing Alliance and Travis Sliger, founder of 4Ever Metal Roofing about what asphalt shingle contractors need to know before adding metal to their business. As more homeowners explore metal roofing for durability, resiliency, energy performance and curb appeal, many shingle contractors are looking at metal as a growth opportunity. But the transition requires more than simply offering a new product. From training crews and evaluating the roof deck to understanding ventilation, estimating, accessories, warranties and customer expectations, the discussion will focus on the five key mistakes contractors make when moving from asphalt shingles into residential metal roofing and how to avoid them. Attendees will walk away with practical guidance for entering the metal market responsibly, protecting profitability and building long-term homeowner confidence.

Register today!

By The Coffee Shops.™ 

The Metal Construction Association’s (MCA) scholarship program continues to support the educational aspirations of students connected to its member companies. 

Now in its third year, the MCA scholarship program awards $2,000 to selected students pursuing postsecondary education across a variety of fields, including college, vocational and trade programs. Recipients are chosen through a blind and competitive selection process that evaluates academic achievements, personal essays, extracurricular involvement and commitment to future career goals. 

Recognizing the 2026 scholarship winners 

This year, five outstanding students were honored, each representing a unique path and ambition: 

• Mattias Carney (Ontario, Canada): Mattias has received an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. He plans to pursue a STEM-focused education and aims to become a U.S. Air Force officer, demonstrating a strong commitment to leadership and service. 
• Rory Huck (Littleton, Colorado): Rory is currently studying at the University of Redlands, double majoring in mathematics and data science. Her academic focus reflects her goal of becoming an actuary, a career requiring precision and analytical expertise. 
• Hannah Bergthold (Siloam Springs, Arkansas): Hannah will attend the University of Arkansas to major in education. Her passion for teaching and helping others positions her for a meaningful career in the classroom. 
• Drew Sailors (Logansport, Indiana): Drew is studying agriculture business sales at Ivy Tech Community College and plans to continue at Purdue University. His background in organizations such as 4-H and FFA supports his career goals in agriculture and sales. 
• Colton Burks (Joshua, Texas): Colton will attend Ottawa University to study coaching and administration. His passion for athletics and mentorship will guide him toward a future in coaching and education. 

Investing in the future 

The 2026 scholarship recipients showcase a diverse range of talents and interests — from military service and data science to education and agriculture — reflecting the versatility and strength of the MCA community. The program not only provides financial assistance but also reinforces the association’s ongoing commitment to investing in the next generation of industry leaders. 

By supporting these students and celebrating their achievements through personalized profiles and photos, MCA continues to strengthen its connection to both member companies and their families while helping shape a promising future for the industry. 

By The Coffee Shops.™ 

The Metal Construction Association’s (MCA) scholarship program continues to support the educational aspirations of students connected to its member companies. 

Now in its third year, the MCA scholarship program awards $2,000 to selected students pursuing postsecondary education across a variety of fields, including college, vocational and trade programs. Recipients are chosen through a blind and competitive selection process that evaluates academic achievements, personal essays, extracurricular involvement and commitment to future career goals. 

Recognizing the 2026 scholarship winners 

This year, five outstanding students were honored, each representing a unique path and ambition: 

• Mattias Carney (Ontario, Canada): Mattias has received an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. He plans to pursue a STEM-focused education and aims to become a U.S. Air Force officer, demonstrating a strong commitment to leadership and service. 
• Rory Huck (Littleton, Colorado): Rory is currently studying at the University of Redlands, double majoring in mathematics and data science. Her academic focus reflects her goal of becoming an actuary, a career requiring precision and analytical expertise. 
• Hannah Bergthold (Siloam Springs, Arkansas): Hannah will attend the University of Arkansas to major in education. Her passion for teaching and helping others positions her for a meaningful career in the classroom. 
• Drew Sailors (Logansport, Indiana): Drew is studying agriculture business sales at Ivy Tech Community College and plans to continue at Purdue University. His background in organizations such as 4-H and FFA supports his career goals in agriculture and sales. 
• Colton Burks (Joshua, Texas): Colton will attend Ottawa University to study coaching and administration. His passion for athletics and mentorship will guide him toward a future in coaching and education. 

Investing in the future 

The 2026 scholarship recipients showcase a diverse range of talents and interests — from military service and data science to education and agriculture — reflecting the versatility and strength of the MCA community. The program not only provides financial assistance but also reinforces the association’s ongoing commitment to investing in the next generation of industry leaders. 

By supporting these students and celebrating their achievements through personalized profiles and photos, MCA continues to strengthen its connection to both member companies and their families while helping shape a promising future for the industry. 

By The Coffee Shops. 

What metal contractors can learn from an Olympic mindset. 

At the Metal Construction Association Summer Meeting, former NFL player and U.S. Olympian Johnny Quinn delivered a high-energy keynote packed with lessons on resilience, trust and consistent execution — all themes that strongly resonated with metal contractors and industry leaders.  

From adversity to opportunity 

By age 26, Johnny shared that he had been cut three times, lost $2.6 million, and blew out his knee. He thought his story was over…but then he shared the viral story that put him in the spotlight — breaking down a bathroom door after getting trapped in the Olympic Village. What could have been a setback instead became a springboard for new opportunities. 

“Breaking down a door in the Olympic Games truly opened the door to some opportunities,” he said.  

That moment led to media exposure and new professional doors, reinforcing a key message: setbacks often create unexpected opportunities. For contractors navigating project delays, labor challenges and shifting timelines, the takeaway is clear — how you respond matters more than the obstacle itself. 

Mastering the fundamentals 

Drawing on his NFL experience, Johnny challenged the idea that success at the highest level requires complex strategies. Instead, he emphasized repetition and discipline. 

“Master the fundamentals and don’t outgrow the basics,” he explained.  

For metal contractors, this translates directly to daily operations — consistent communication, jobsite safety, quality installs and strong supplier relationships. These fundamentals form the backbone of long-term success. 

Building trust that drives business 

One of the most relevant themes for contractors was Johnny’s focus on trust — not just building it, but accelerating it. 

“Your ability to earn trust… your speed to trust,” he said, urging leaders to think about how they establish credibility faster with teams and customers.  

In construction, where timelines are tight and margins matter, trust is everything. Johnny emphasized that trust is built through alignment between words and actions. 

“Our words matter… but it’s our actions [that matter]. When our words and our actions don’t line up… trust is going to unravel.”  

Aligning effort with results 

Johnny challenged attendees with a question that applies to every contractor and business owner: 

“Does your effort level actually match what you hope for?”  

Whether it's growing a business, improving crew performance or strengthening customer relationships, results come from consistent, aligned actions. He emphasized that teams that match effort with direction are the ones that win market share and drive growth. 

Managing time like a high performer 

Johnny also introduced a practical framework for managing time — one that contractors can apply immediately on and off the jobsite. 

When faced with any task, he encouraged asking four questions: Can I eliminate it? Can I automate it? Can I delegate it? Or should I execute it? 

“Winners quit things that don’t work,” he said, reframing the idea that doing more always equals better. For busy contractors juggling crews, bids and operations, this approach can help prioritize high-value work and reduce inefficiencies. 

Choosing action over excuses 

Johnny’s journey through setbacks — being cut from NFL teams, injuries and career uncertainty — grounded his message in real-world experience. He emphasized that adversity always presents a choice. 

“When life gets tough, we can blame others, we can give up or we can collaborate and find a way to get the job done,” he said. The most successful contractors, like elite athletes, choose to adapt, collaborate and push forward with the resources they have. 

Discipline beats motivation 

As the keynote wrapped up, Johnny highlighted a critical distinction for long-term success. 

“Motivation goes away daily… it’s these little disciplines over time that actually matter and move the needle,” he said. For contractors, that means the daily habits — showing up prepared, following processes, maintaining safety standards and communicating clearly — are what ultimately drive success. 

Final takeaway 

Johnny’s keynote at the MCA Summer Meeting delivered a message that resonates across the metal construction industry: success is built on consistency, trust and disciplined execution.  

From the jobsite to the boardroom, the principles remain the same — master the basics, align your actions with your goals and choose progress over excuses every single day.