By Emma Peterson. 

With more than 250 exhibitors, expanded educational programming and interactive experiences across the show floor, METALCON continues to be the industry's premier gathering for metal construction. 

METALCON, the only event in the industry dedicated solely to the application of metal in design and construction, is just around the corner! Produced by PSMJ Resources, Inc., in partnership with the Metal Construction Association, this year’s show will be hosted October 7-9, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida!  

This show brings metal professionals from across the country, whether you are a contractor, fabricator, manufacturer, supplier, designer or distributor, together to evaluate innovative products on the expo floor, build powerful partnerships at events, learn about the future of the industry in education sessions and push the industry forward, together. Keep reading to learn a bit about what to expect from this year’s show!  

METALCON 2026 education program 

Education has always been a cornerstone of the METALCON experience. For this year’s show, the METALCON team has expanded their educational offerings! In addition to their traditional metal construction, architecture, engineering and manufacturing workshops and complimentary sessions, they have added four Spanish-language education sessions! 

With industry-leading experts like Rob Haddock (S-5!), Vincent Sagan (Metal Building Manufacturers Association), Kermit Baker (American Institute of Architects), Amparo Sancen (Latinos En Roofing), Renee Ramey (Metal Roofing Alliance), Stephen Bender (University of Florida College of Design Construction and Planning), Kyle Rea (Adams and Reese) and Ryan Dalgleish (RAiNA), these sessions offer attendees a veritable wealth of information.  

Please note: All education sessions, except workshops, are included with your registration. No sign-up is needed. Just arrive at your selected session at the scheduled time and location. Seating is first come, first served. 

Browse the education offerings. 

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.

By The Coffee Shops®. 

Metal experts explain the capabilities metal roofing materials offer when it comes to fighting against hail damage.  

Since the beginning of this year, the Midwest and Southern United States have experienced a tremendous number of hailstorms, and the severity of each storm has far surpassed what they’ve normally seen in previous years. With the rate and intensity of hailstorms, homeowners in these regions are facing the question of what to do to best prepare their homes for future storms. In a recent article, Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) covers the basics of what homeowners should know about hailstorms, and how metal roofing is a superior option for hail protection.  

The roof is the home’s first, most powerful line of defense against damage from severe weather conditions, especially hail. While other traditional materials can face significant risks after such storms, metal roofs have been shown to be more durable and resistant to impact and wind damage. This durability is a measure proven through various impact rating tests.  

Impact ratings, such as the UL2218, are the nationally recognized standards for properly measuring a roofing material’s ability to withstand hail damage. Based on the results of a controlled, exact test, materials are giving a rating, Class 1 – 4, Class 4 being materials that were the most durable against testing measures. Most metal roofing systems boast a Class 4 rating, as metal panels are incredibly durable and resistant against denting and other damage that might occur from severe weather and hail.  

Though asphalt and other traditional materials are more common in residential projects across North America, metal roofing continues to grow in popularity, not only because of its incredible durability and lifespan, but for the amazing technological advancements being made; most metal roofs on the market can be designed to mimic the look of traditional materials or even take on a new, modern aesthetic!  

Learn more about the value of metal roofing to protect your home in the face of hailstorms!

Oregon roof earns Mountaintop Metal top honors in MRA's Best Residential Metal Roofing Competition.

A grand roof for a 9,000 square foot home in Lake Oswego, Oregon, has earned installer Mountaintop Metal and manufacturer The Aluminum Shingle Company top honors in the Metal Roofing Alliance’s (MRA) Best Residential Metal Roofing Project competition for the second quarter of 2026.

Massive in scale, the original composite asphalt roof on the home built in 2005 was discolored, stained and had lost many of its granules, detracting from the home’s beautiful appearance and worse, putting its performance at risk. The homeowners chose a gorgeous new metal roof that has the rich appearance of slate, adding stunning curb appeal while also helping reflect heat in the hot weather season to keep the home cooler.

The judges were impressed by the tremendous complexity of this re-roofing project and the craftsmanship demonstrated by the installer. It took Mountaintop Metal just three weeks to complete this project, which comprised of 76 facets and two rounded turrets. Metal turned out to be an excellent choice for the customized fabrication needed for this project, and to give the homeowners a lifetime roof that also promises excellent performance. Additionally, the new roof will require much lower maintenance in a region that receives a good deal of rainfall, as well as falling leaves and debris from towering trees that surround the home. “This re-roofing project is beyond impressive and shows off the skills demonstrated by our outstanding member companies,” said Renee Ramey, MRA executive director. “No doubt the new metal roof adds incredible style to this amazing home that will also stand the test of time.”

With this phase of the competition now closed, the search is on for MRA’s Best Residential Metal Roofing project for the third quarter of 2026. Open to U.S. and Canada homeowners, contractors, installers and manufacturers, honors are awarded for project appearance, performance and originality/use of materials. Interested participants can find information about how to enter and competition rules online at https://www.metalroofing.com/mra-contest-form.

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.

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.

By The Coffee Shops™. 

When it comes to investing in a roof built to last, it’s important to do things the right way.  

Choosing to pursue a roofing project can be scary; roofing materials and services are an investment, and while price tags and timelines may be a bit hard to understand at face value, it’s important to know that the price tag attached to roofing often comes with genuine benefit. The experts at Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) share their insights to approaching the task of picking and installing a roof, and how to get it right the first time. 

For example, it might seem like the easiest and less painful choice for your wallet to go with a “bargain” roofer or material, but the truth is, cheaper is rarely better. Picking a less expensive material or less than reputable contractor may give your wallet a break for the time being, but in all likelihood, that decision will probably come back to haunt you sooner rather than later.  

And the price will likely be more to fix the mistakes than it would have been to do things the proper way from the beginning. Roofs are intricate systems designed to be the first line of defense for your home in the face of harsh weather or natural disaster.  

Another factor to consider is that, while it can be easy to put the decision of picking an installer “out of sight, out of mind,” in the moment, the fact of the matter remains: a poorly researched roofing professional is more of a risk than they’re likely worth. To do things right the first time, it’s vital to research the team taking on your roofing project and ensuring their reviews and material quality speak to their trustworthiness. A trustworthy and worthwhile roofer or labor crew will do the job correctly, no shortcuts, meaning that your roof will be ready to withstand whatever Mother Nature brings its way when the time comes. 

And lastly, it’s important to know and understand the design of a roof. Some roofs are limited in what creative or decorative liberties can be taken depending on the home’s layout. It’s advised to do what you can with what you have when it comes to design; pick the best colors and textures your heart desires, but proceed with caution when it comes to going outside the box on what materials or styles are recommended for your climate and region. Otherwise, the damage a roof takes in the face of weather it’s ill equipped to battle can be costly and not worth the risk.  

Ultimately, when it comes to protecting your home and investments, an informed decision is a decision well made. Whether that be deciding on hiring a professional to work with based on reviews and credentials or purchasing products after exploring each option on the market, the best way is the informed way! 

MCS Influencer Renee Ramey says that education is the key to winning over an HOA. 

Editor's note: The following is the transcript of a live interview with Renee Ramey of Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA). You can read the interview below, listen to the podcast or watch the recording.

Lauren White: Hello everyone, I'm Lauren White here from MetalCoffeeShop.com and for our July Metal Influencer Response, and I'm here with the one and only Renee Ramey. Renee, it's good to see you.

Renee Ramey: Nice to see you, Lauren.

Lauren White: So Renee, today for our month of July question, it's all about navigating HOAs. So what advice do you have for people out there about navigating HOAs?

Renee Ramey: Yeah, yeah. And I speak from the MRA perspective as well as personal experience you know. HOA's a lot of times are not very educated on the options specifically as it relates to building materials, specifically as it relates to roofing, metal roofing. And so I think my number one piece of advice would be that don't take the rules as golden, right? It's okay to push back. It's okay to ask why something's not included, keeping it on the topic of roofing specifically. I've had many stories from many homeowners who have been successful in pushing back on their HOA when they say no metal roofing with educational material, information, and just letting them see what metal roofing is all about. And many times the HOA will adjust course and allow metal roofing. So that's probably a long answer to say - education and not giving up, just making sure that you're persistent.

Lauren White: Yeah, absolutely. And like you said, not a lot of people know all the ins and outs of all the different roofing materials and especially metal, and it's important to have that education. And the MRA has so many resources available to help with that education as well.

Renee Ramey: Yeah, we have actually several things that I send out again on the regular to homeowners to just help get their message across and dispel the myths about metal roofing with the HOA.

Lauren White: Yeah, absolutely. Well, Renee, thank you again for another influencer response and for your insights. We appreciate them. And you can find more information about Renee and the MRA on Metal Coffee Shop in their directories. And we will see you next month, Renee.

Renee Ramey: Sounds perfect. Thanks, Lauren.

Lauren White: Thank you.