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. 

By The Coffee Shops™.  

New experiences, stronger audiences and a fresh message drive momentum for 2026. 

At the MCA Summer Meeting, METALCON show director Judy Geller outlined an ambitious vision for the event’s 35th anniversary, emphasizing growth, innovation and a renewed focus on delivering measurable value to attendees and exhibitors alike. 

A milestone year for the industry 

Celebrating 35 years, METALCON continues to position itself as a central hub for the entire metal construction industry. The event brings together contractors, architects, fabricators, manufacturers, suppliers, owners and developers under one roof — creating a unique environment where connections are made and business gets done. 

According to Judy’s presentation, the show is already demonstrating strong momentum heading into this year’s event in Orlando, with more than 235 contracted exhibitors and over 63,000 square feet of exhibit space nearly sold out. This high level of participation, along with continued investment from leading companies and MCA member organizations, underscores METALCON’s role as a key driver of industry engagement and growth. 

Shifting the message: From features to value 

One of the most notable changes for 2026 is how METALCON is positioning itself to prospective attendees. Instead of focusing on the number of booths or education sessions, organizers are shifting their messaging to highlight what attendees gain, and what they risk missing if they don’t attend. 

This value-driven approach emphasizes business opportunities, industry connections and competitive insights, helping attendees better understand the return on their time investment. 

New experiences designed to drive engagement 

Building on recent successes, METALCON is continuing to invest in immersive, one-of-a-kind experiences that draw attendees to the show floor and keep them engaged. 

For 2026, highlights include the U.S. Steel “Motion Experience,” a new “Future of Construction” feature and other interactive elements designed to spark conversation and drive traffic throughout the show floor. 

These attractions are designed to create energy, increase engagement and provide more opportunities for exhibitors to connect with attendees. 

Expanding audiences and building the next generation 

Another major focus this year is growing the audiences who influence purchasing and specification decisions. While contractors remain a core audience, METALCON is placing increased emphasis on architects, fabricators, manufacturers, owners, developers and emerging professionals. 

To support that goal, organizers highlighted expanded contractor education, more Spanish-language programming and networking opportunities and enhanced initiatives aimed at developing future leaders. 

Programs like the newly rebranded “Forge” initiative for women in the industry and the continued promotion of the 40 Under 40 program are helping strengthen the next generation of metal construction professionals. 

Creating measurable value for exhibitors 

A key theme throughout Judy’s presentation was delivering meaningful ROI for exhibitors. Data shows that a significant amount of purchasing occurs either on the show floor or within six months following the event, reinforcing METALCON’s importance as a business catalyst. 

By focusing on attracting the right attendees — those directly involved in purchasing and specification — the event aims to maximize value for exhibitors and maintain strong industry investment. 

More than a trade show 

Ultimately, METALCON is positioned as more than exhibits and education. It is a place where relationships are built, partnerships are formed and opportunities are created. 

With a nearly sold-out show floor, new experiential features and a clear focus on delivering value, the 2026 event in Orlando is shaping up to be one of METALCON’s most impactful years yet. 

By Emma Peterson. 

Articles of interest from June 2026. 

As the second fiscal quarter of the year comes to a close, it’s hard to believe we’re coming up on the halfway point of 2026. And the number of articles The Coffee Shops™ crew has published in that time (over 2,300 across all sites) can attest to how busy of a year it’s been. Of those thousands of articles, over 350 of them were posted in June alone. So, to help you keep up with all the news and information, we’ve rounded up the top ten articles from June.  

Our list starts off with an article highlighting Adams and Reese’s Trent Cotney’s May 2026 construction law updates and an article diving into a new Workforce Pell Grants that “could help roofing contractors recruit, train and grow the next generation of skilled workers.” 

From there, we have a wide variety of articles highlighting everything from the National Women in Roofing (NWIR) Oregon Council’s work coordinating a roof replacement for a Portland homeowner in need to how metal roofing protects against wildfires and the role of the Metal Construction Association (MCA) in the industry. 

Rounding out our list is our top three articles of June. In third place is an article our friends at Roof Hub wrote all about optimizing operational efficiency by using AI Smart Templates. Second goes to an article I wrote about how contractors can build trust and generate leads in a digital world. And first goes to Cotney Consulting Group’s article sharing a 5-year readiness playbook for roofing contractors. 

Top 10 articles from June 2026 

10 - Construction law insights and updates from May 2026 by Emma Peterson. 

9 - Workforce Pell Program could strengthen roofing’s workforce pipeline by Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

8 - Why government affairs matter to every roofing professional by Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

7 - Roofing community rallies for Oregon homeowner by The Coffee Shops™. 

6 - Maximizing fire resistance with metal by Anna Lockhart. 

5 - MCA advances technical leadership, expands market opportunities and builds momentum for 2026 by Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

4 - Navigating a new normal by Emma Peterson. 

3 - AI smart templates by RoofHub. 

2 - Word of mouth still works – It just looks different by Emma Peterson. 

1 - A 5-year readiness playbook for roofing contractors by Cotney Consulting Group. 

By The Coffee Shops. 

Understanding how this year’s midterms can have a broad impact on the metal industry.  

At the Metal Construction Association (MCA) Summer Meeting, legal counsel John Kelly delivered a timely, nonpartisan overview of the upcoming midterm elections, emphasizing process over politics and encouraging attendees to stay informed as the November elections approach. 

Framing his presentation as an educational baseline, John told attendees, “We’re going to talk about process. We’re going to talk about what’s coming and how to think through your choices.” He emphasized that his goal was not to influence political opinions but to help industry professionals better understand how the system works and what to watch in the months ahead. 

Why midterms matter 

Midterm elections, held halfway through a president’s four-year term, play a critical role in shaping national policy. John noted that “every seat in the U.S. House of Representatives and one-third of the seats in the United States Senate are up for election,” underscoring the broad impact of these contests. 

Currently, the balance of power in Congress is narrowly divided, making even small shifts in voter turnout potentially decisive. John explained that Republicans hold a slim majority in the House, while the Senate is similarly tight, with control hinging on a small number of seats. 

Because of these narrow margins, he stressed that the upcoming elections “will make a difference in terms of where we are years from now,” particularly when it comes to legislative priorities and policy direction. 

Breaking down the numbers 

To give attendees context, John reviewed the structure of Congress and how elections influence control. The Senate consists of 100 members serving six-year terms, with a simple majority typically requiring 51 votes. However, he pointed out that in many cases, 60 votes are needed to advance legislation due to procedural rules. 

In the House, all 435 seats are up for election every two years, with 218 votes needed to pass legislation. John noted that the current House majority is “just by a hair,” highlighting how competitive many districts have become. 

This balance underscores the volatility of midterm cycles, where a shift of only a few seats can change which party controls the legislative agenda. 

Historical trends and voter behavior 

Looking at historical patterns, John explained that the party in control of the White House often loses ground in midterm elections. “This trend is sometimes known as the presidential penalty,” he said, citing past elections where incumbent parties lost dozens of House seats. 

Turnout is another key factor. Midterms typically draw about 40% of eligible voters, compared to closer to 60% in presidential election years. That lower turnout can amplify the influence of motivated voters, particularly those driven by strong opinions about the direction of the country. 

“Enthusiasm and dissatisfaction pull voters to the polls in greater numbers,” John said, noting that voters often use midterms to send a message about the current administration. 

Key issues shaping the election 

John highlighted several major issues likely to influence voters this cycle, beginning with the economy. Rising consumer prices and fluctuating energy costs, he said, “become a volatile campaign issue” that resonates with a wide range of voters. 

He also pointed to global conflict and immigration policy as significant factors shaping voter sentiment. Each issue carries both economic and social implications, which can shift priorities across different regions and demographics. 

In addition to policy concerns, structural factors such as redistricting and legal rulings on voting practices could play an outsized role in determining outcomes. John encouraged attendees to pay close attention to these developments as they evolve ahead of Election Day. 

What to watch in the months ahead 

With just over four months until the election at the time of the presentation, John emphasized the importance of staying informed. He pointed attendees to nonpartisan forecasting tools and political analysis resources, like Sabato’s Crystal Ball, to track key races and trends. 

He also cautioned that the political landscape can shift quickly. “What we know today could be a different analysis” in the coming weeks, he said, noting how rapidly external events can influence voter perception and campaign momentum. 

Ultimately, control of Congress will depend on a handful of competitive races, especially in closely divided districts and battleground states. While early indicators suggested the House could be more likely to change hands, the Senate outlook remained more uncertain. 

Participation matters 

John closed his presentation with a reminder about civic engagement, reinforcing that election outcomes are shaped by those who show up. 

“We do not have government by the majority,” he said. “We have a government by the majority who participate.” 

For professionals in the metal construction industry, understanding the mechanics of elections and their potential policy impacts is critical. As John’s presentation made clear, even small shifts in participation and voter sentiment can have lasting effects on legislation, regulation and the business environment.