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.

The survey is an industrywide effort to collect information about the reroofing market spearheaded by a coalition of trade associations.

The National Roofing Contractors Association encourages roofing professionals to join industry trade associations representing contractors, consultants and manufacturers in the U.S. and Canada in taking part in the latest Quarterly Market Index Survey for Reroofing to evaluate business conditions during the second quarter of 2026.

For more than two years, the survey has taken the pulse of the reroofing industry and continues to serve as a regular barometer of the industry’s business conditions. By asking a handful of business questions and measuring responses across several demographics, the survey helps give an indication of the reroofing market’s strength and trajectory. Your response provides valuable insight.

The results of the Quarterly Market Index Survey for Reroofing are made available to all survey participants via an online dashboard that enables users to filter results by region and other metrics.

For the previous survey that measured business activity during the first quarter of 2026, 70% of responses came from roofing contractors and 30% came from roof consultants. 

The survey is an industrywide effort to collect information about the reroofing market spearheaded by a coalition of trade associations, including the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association, Canadian Roofing Contractors Association, Chemical Fabrics & Film Association Inc., EPDM Roofing Association, International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants, Metal Construction Association, Metal Roofing Alliance, National Roofing Contractors Association, National Women in Roofing, Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association, Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association and Single Ply Roofing Industry.

The Quarterly Market Index Survey for Reroofing is available at https://bit.ly/RoofingSurvey. 

Survey responses may be submitted through July 20.

About NRCA

Since 1886, the National Roofing Contractors Association has been the home for generations of entrepreneurial craftsmen and enterprises who shelter and protect America’s families and businesses and each other. Our vision is the recognition of our members as professionals and to unite the industry to that purpose. NRCA is one of the construction industry’s most respected trade associations and the voice of roofing professionals and leading authority in the roofing industry for information, education, technology and advocacy. It represents all segments of the roofing industry, including contractors; manufacturers; distributors; architects; consultants; engineers; building owners; and city, state and government agencies. For information about NRCA and its services and offerings, visit nrca.net.

By The Coffee Shops™. 

Ways to protect your home from fire damage this wildfire season. 

Wildfires can start in an instant, going from a small floating ember to a raging, wide-spread fire in merely an instant. For homeowners, this means preparing ahead of time to keep their home safe and protected against these fierce forces of nature. The roofing experts at Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) share their most valuable tips for protecting your home against fires, and it all starts from the roof.  

To minimize the threat of wildfires, it’s important to make sure no treat is considered too small. From the smallest smolder to floating embers, any debris floating through the air can pose a serious risk to your home. To prevent damage caused by sparks, it’s recommended that homeowners continuously clean the gutters, roof, underside of decks and other surfaces of their home. Debris that piles up in these areas can be easy kindling for sparks to catch fire, leading to catastrophic damage. So, be sure to do routine cleaning to your property. 

Continuing the topic of cleaning up and removing any debris or outdated materials from your property, it’s also a good idea to take a look at any outdated or broken furniture and structures made of organic materials that might make potential kindling for future fires. Experts recommend tidying up and getting rid of these materials or structures can save you in the long run! 

Is there an exorbitant amount of plant life surrounding the home? If gardens have become unruly, or the landscaping could use a good trim and clean, it’s important to not let those tasks go unmanaged for too long. That extra tall grass you didn’t feel like cutting a week ago or that drooping limb on the apple tree could become a torch quickly if left unattended.  

While there’s only so much that can be done in the face of strong forces of nature, we humans can help do our part to minimize the harm and spread of wildfire events. Consider keeping the contact information of local authorities and rescue aid nearby; you never know when you might need it if things get out of hand in the face of a blazing fire. Check out the notification signups for services such as Watch Duty, and prepare an emergency go bag of essentials to have on hand in case things escalate quickly and you need to leave the property.

As the metal construction industry navigates shifting market conditions, evolving building codes, workforce challenges and increasing performance demands, METALCON 2026 will bring together the associations helping shape its future through education, technical expertise and collaboration.

Celebrating its 35th anniversary October 7–9, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, the event will feature its broadest association participation to date, with organizations representing the entire metal construction ecosystem.

“For 35 years, METALCON has brought together every corner of the metal construction industry to conduct business, discover solutions and build lasting relationships,” said Judy Geller, vice president of tradeshows at METALCON. “Our association partners are a big reason professionals come to METALCON. They bring technical knowledge and practical insights that help attendees stay current, solve problems and make better business decisions.”

Attendees will have direct access to organizations focused on the issues that matter most to metal construction. Participating associations represent every sector of the industry, including roofing, metal buildings, air barriers, rainscreens, extrusions, manufacturing, workforce development, diversity and inclusion, education and training.

Jeff Henry of the Metal Construction Association (MCA) said, “METALCON gives MCA members a powerful platform to showcase their products, reach new audiences and demonstrate metal’s unmatched design and performance attributes. By bringing manufacturers, contractors, architects, engineers and associations together in one place, METALCON creates opportunities to share knowledge, discuss common challenges and accelerate innovation in ways that benefit the entire industry.”

Association-led education

Participating associations will lead sessions on the issues driving change in metal construction today. Highlights include:

• Industry Outlook: Metal Construction Code Updates - What’s Changed and What It Means
  • Metal Construction Association
• Industry Outlook: 2027 - The Future of Metal Construction
  • Metal Construction Association, Metal Building Manufacturers Association and American Institute of Architects
• Reflective Insulation & Radiant Barriers in Metal Building Design: Solving Real-World Thermal, Moisture and Energy Challenges
  • Reflective Insulation Manufacturers Association-International
• Designing Walls for Reality, Not Perfection
  • Rainscreen Association in North America
• MCM in Practice: Installation, Inspection and Fixes
  • MCM Alliance
• Facilitating Product Acceptance with ICC-ES Certification
  • International Code Council
• Residential Metal Roofing - The Sustainable Choice
  • Metal Roofing Alliance
• Noncombustible Steel Framing Construction in High-Wind Regions
  • Steel Framing Industry Association
• Why Would Anyone Choose Cold-Formed Steel?
  • Cold Formed Steel Association
• From Vision to Profits: How to Build a Successful Business Plan in the Metal Industry
  • Latinos en Roofing
• The Hidden Carbon in Metal Buildings
  • Metal Building Manufacturers Association
• FORGE: Where Women in Metal Shape What’s Next
  • National Women in Roofing

Many of these organizations and others — including the Association of Women in Metal Industries, the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association, the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association, the National Roofing Contractors Association and Roofers in Recovery — will have a presence on the show floor, where attendees can connect directly with subject-matter experts and industry resources.

“Residential metal roofing is one of the fastest-growing segments in construction, and the professionals driving that growth need access to strong training, product knowledge and peer insight,” said Renee Ramey, executive director of the Metal Roofing Alliance. “METALCON brings those resources together in one place, which is why the Metal Roofing Alliance continues to support the event.”

“The value of METALCON is what happens when associations, experts and decision-makers are part of the same conversation,” Geller said. “As the industry continues to evolve, that shared environment helps professionals build connections, exchange ideas and identify solutions they can apply to their businesses.”

About METALCON

Established in 1991, METALCON is the only annual event dedicated exclusively to the application of metal in design and construction. Produced by PSMJ Resources, Inc., in partnership with the Metal Construction Association, it brings together decision-makers from across the metal construction ecosystem to explore innovations shaping the built environment. More than a trade show, METALCON serves as the industry’s annual business summit—where deals are made, partnerships are formed and the next 12 months take shape. For more information, visit www.metalcon.com

The Coffee Shops™. 

This Utah home won over the judges with its stunning craftsmanship and modern shine. 

Each quarter, Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) hosts the Best Residential Metal Roofing competition. For Q1 of 2026, the contractors showed off their impeccable skills and craftsmanship by entering their most impressive projects, and from the pool of applicants emerged a winner!  

Situated among the sunny and rocky landscape of Promontory, Utah sits a modern marvel, decked with mixed material siding and a sleek black metal roof. The property’s award-winning roof was made possible with the help of Drexel Metals materials, installed by VIOTELL Roofing Solutions.  

Spanning an impressive 10,000 square feet, this metal roof was chosen with the harsh Utah climate in mind, designed to outlast the extreme demands of local weather: bitter, snowy winters and dry, hot sunny summers. No matter the season, the choice of metal materials makes this roof the ultimate “jack-of-all-trades" protector against nature’s worst!  

Anthony Ortega of VIOTELL Roofing Solutions told the MRA, “We’re proud of this [project] because it represents what high-end metal roofing should look like when it’s done right. The design pushed complexity, which demands a higher level of coordination, craftsmanship and accountability.” And true to his word, the roof really is a modern marvel, delivering the best protection and lifespan metal materials can offer!  

Alongside this stunning Utah property, another metal roof was awarded recognition in the competition, as the MRA chooses two winners per quarter. Together, these residential projects represent the best of the best that the industry can offer and serves as a testimate to the beauty of metal roofing.  

Learn more about the Best Residential Metal Roofing competition and how to enter for next quarter’s competition!

By Anna Lockhart.  

One Texas home wows the judges and wins Metal Roofing Alliance’s (MRA) Best Residential Metal Roofing Project of Q1 for 2026! 

Each quarter, Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) presents awards to outstanding residential metal roofing projects that stand out against the rest. For Q1 of this year, MRA gave special recognition to the work of Metal Master Roofing out of Texas, for their work on a copper masterpiece. 

The homeowners wanted to replace their existing galvalume standing seam roof after experiencing storm damage. Of course, their replacement wouldn’t be just any material – they wanted to upgrade in style with a copper roof! Metal Masters Roofing was up for the challenge, enlisting the help of Copper Masters and M&C Seamless Gutters to bring this vision to life.  

Though supply chain issues proved difficult over the course of the project, stretching the timeline, they saw it through and finished the job with stunning results. Philip Miller of Metal Master Roofing shared with MRA, “This is the largest copper metal roof we’ve installed in the 45 years we’ve been in business.”  

What started as a unique challenge turned into an even more worthwhile result; a happy homeowner, stunning visuals and a major accomplishment under the team’s belt! Now, there’s a Best Residential Metal Roofing Project Award added to the list, too! 

Though the awards have been announced for Q1, there’s still time to nominate residential metal roofing projects for Q2! Open to U.S. and Canada, homeowners and industry professionals are encouraged to enter the competition!  

Learn more about the Metal Roofing Alliance’s Best Roofing Project Awards!

By Anna Lockhart.  

Do you know the best way to save on home renovations or roofing projects? Here’s how! 

No matter the time of year, there’s one thing that is always at the top of mind for homeowners – how will certain purchases impact my taxes? And with that worry comes a wave of follow up decisions: navigating whether to invest in home improvement projects, which design choices will offer the best value in the long run and so on. Knowing that the pressure to make the right choice for your finances can be overwhelming, Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) offers a comprehensive look at everything you need to know when it comes to tax breaks, rebates and incentives.  

Federal programs are a great place to start when navigating roofing upgrades or replacements, and how it can impact your financial planning. Select roofing upgrades can grant homeowners benefits, especially if the roofing option is an energy-efficient material, for example.  

The MRA points to the Federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit as a valuable opportunity to explore. In 2026, homeowners can claim back up to 30% of the cost of qualifying metal roofing materials (limitations do apply). Not only that, but based on the state homeowners reside in, they could gain further assistance and credit back for choosing energy efficient materials. Most notably, states like Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Texas, Oregon and Washington prioritize energy-efficient and eco-conscious roofing choices and understanding what your state offers can make a difference.  

Further, understanding the ins and outs of tax exemptions and how your project might quality is key to getting the most out of your purchases and investments. Is the roof for your primary residence? Will the roof you’re considering be ENERGY STAR® or Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) certified? Does the installation timeline meet tax deadlines? The answer to these questions can help refine your options and provide a clearer picture at how much you stand to gain or lose financially based on different materials.  

The MRA is dedicated to providing homeowners with the tools they need to succeed in installing and navigating metal roofing materials. And when it comes to your finances, metal roofing is an option that often pays back tenfold over the course of its lifespan. But when it comes to immediate payoff, there’s options to consider.  

Read the original article to learn more about your financial options!

By Emma Peterson. 

Get industry insights, education opportunities and more this June in Rosemont, Illinois. 

The Metal Construction Association (MCA)’s annual summer meeting is returning to Rosemont, Illinois this June! Taking place June 23-24, 2026, this meeting is meant to help your team stay ahead with industry insights, practical education and high-value networking opportunities.  

This year, the keynote speaker will be Johnny Quinn, sharing a talk all about Unstoppable Momentum. There will also be a new dual-track education system that allows your team to “choose their own education adventure." One track focuses on the business and technical side of roofing with information about codes, standards and a report from the Metal Roofing Alliance.  

The other track is perfect for your marketing and sales specialists and features to sessions hosted by The Coffee Shops™ own Karen Edwards! In one, Karen will moderate a panel all about hiring and retaining talent featuring Amy Staska from National Roofing Contractors Association alongside Mandy McIntyre and Maureen Greeves from Tremco WTI. The other session, a panel titled “Modern Marketing That Moves Metal,” will see Karen discussing how marketing has shifted from relationship-driven to relationship plus digital visibility with Sean McFarland and Mark Carlisle. 

These sessions are great examples of the type of expert insights you will have access to by attending the 2026 MCA Summer Meeting. And you will also have the opportunity to go beyond just listening to these experts speak, as MCA has organized powerful networking opportunities that allow attendees to “build relationships across the metal construction supply chain in a relaxed setting.” An example of these networking opportunities is the Chicago Dogs vs. Cleburne Railroaders baseball game outing on Tuesday, June 23 (additional $25 fee at registration). 

Ready to boost your professional development and set your team up for success in the second half of the year? Get registered to attend the 2026 MCS Summer Meeting (and take advantage of discounts when multiple attendees register from the same company).

Expanded program features hands-on demos, market outlooks, Florida CE credits and a new Latino Track.

 As METALCON marks its 35th anniversary in 2026, an expanded education and training program will give professionals from across the entire metal construction ecosystem new opportunities to build skills, improve performance and prepare for the year ahead. Taking place Oct. 7–9, in Orlando, Florida, this year’s program will emphasize practical training, market intelligence, technical education and business-focused learning.

With workforce development, changing codes, economic uncertainty and demand for field-ready training top of mind across the industry, METALCON will offer hands-on clinics, expert-led sessions, keynote presentations, industry outlook discussions, five specialized learning centers, Florida Contractor Continuing Education Credits and a new Latino Track featuring Spanish-language education and hands-on training.

"METALCON is more than a trade show - it is the metal construction industry's annual business and education summit," said Judy Geller, METALCON vice president of trade shows. "This year's education program reflects the issues professionals are navigating every day, from workforce development and field installation challenges to codes, building performance, technology, economic uncertainty and business growth. Attendees will leave with knowledge they can immediately apply in the field, in the office and across their organizations."

Hands-on training remains a defining METALCON advantage

What continues to set METALCON apart is its commitment to live, hands-on metal construction training. Attendees will have access to practical demonstrations and expert instruction designed to improve field performance, installation quality and jobsite efficiency.

METAL Mastery Clinics, presented by the Metal Construction Association and Metal Roofing Alliance, will take place on the show floor and feature industry best practices for the installation of standing seam metal panels, metal shingles and metal roofing retrofit systems. The clinics will help contractors better understand material selection, panel forming and proper installation techniques that improve efficiency, quality and building owner satisfaction.

The METALCON Training Zone, sponsored by Sherwin-Williams | MetalVue, will feature hands-on demonstrations using mock-ups and materials including painted steel, aluminum, zinc, copper and other specialty materials. Led by John Sheridan of Sheridan Metal Resources and his team of experts, demonstrations will be offered in English and Spanish, with tools available for audience testing and purchase.

Keynotes and industry outlook sessions address resilience, markets and what comes next

METALCON will feature keynote presentations and industry outlook programming that provide attendees with both inspiration and timely market intelligence.

Jim Abbott, inspirational speaker and Major League Baseball pitcher, will deliver "Nothing Can Stop You" on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 9:00 a.m., followed by a meet and greet. Abbott's keynote will focus on resilience, gratitude and the ability to turn challenges into strengths, offering attendees a powerful perspective on perseverance, adaptability and leadership.

Kermit Baker, a leading economic voice in the architecture, design and construction sectors and former chief economist for the American Institute of Architects, will present "Building Through Uncertainty: A Market Outlook for the Construction and Design Industries" on Thursday, Oct. 8, at 9:00 a.m. His keynote will examine the economic forces shaping project activity, demand, pipeline trends and sector growth, helping attendees understand how current conditions may affect backlog, bidding environments, project starts and strategic business decisions over the next 12 months.

METALCON will also feature two industry outlook sessions addressing the business and compliance issues shaping metal construction. “Outlook: 2027 — The Future of Metal Construction” will bring together leading voices for a forecast panel focused on material costs, evolving codes, supply chain pressures, economic conditions and jobsite realities. “Metal Construction Code Updates: What’s Changed and What It Means” will help attendees understand recent and upcoming changes to codes and standards, with practical implications for design, specification, fabrication and installation.

Five learning centers connect attendees with targeted education

Designed for contractors, fabricators, architects, engineers, installers, designers and specifiers, the broader education program is organized around five specialized learning centers to help attendees quickly identify sessions relevant to their roles, business needs and technical interests:

• Contractor business success center: Practical strategies for improving profitability, operations and workforce development.
• Installation & techniques learning center: Jobsite-focused training on installation best practices, safety and field challenges.
• Metal performance learning center: Education focused on building performance, resilience, codes, standards and compliance.
• Tools & technology zone: Emerging technologies, software, automation and productivity tools changing how metal construction professionals work.
• Design district: AIA-accredited education for architects, designers and specifiers focused on design innovation and the use of metal in the built environment. 

Unlike general construction events, METALCON's education program is focused exclusively on the application of metal in design and construction, providing attendees with targeted insights and practical knowledge unavailable anywhere else.

Florida Contractor Continuing Education Credits

METALCON will offer dozens of Florida Contractor Continuing Education Credits, giving Florida contractors an opportunity to earn a significant portion of the continuing education required to maintain their licenses while gaining practical industry knowledge.

New latino track expands access to focused education and training

In response to the needs of the industry and the growing community of Spanish-speaking professionals in metal construction, METALCON will introduce a new Latino Track featuring educational sessions presented in Spanish, along with Spanish-language hands-on demonstrations in the METALCON Training Zone.

The new Latino Track is designed to expand access to high-value technical, business and leadership education while supporting contractors, installers, roofing professionals and project teams who are helping shape the future of the metal construction industry.

Sessions in the Latino Track include:

• From Vision to Profit: Building a Winning Business Plan in the Metal Industry
• Behind the System: Leadership, Communication & Growth in Modern Roofing
• From Coil to Code: How High-Performance Metal Roofing Systems Are Engineered, Tested and Manufactured
• Why Engineered Roofing Systems Matter More Than Ever 

METALCON takes place at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando from Wednesday, Oct. 7, through Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, with pre-show workshops beginning Tuesday, Oct. 6. Registration is now open at www.metalcon.com

About METALCON

Established in 1991, METALCON is the only annual event dedicated exclusively to the application of metal in design and construction. Produced by PSMJ Resources, Inc., in partnership with the Metal Construction Association, it brings together decision-makers from across the metal construction ecosystem to explore innovations shaping the built environment. More than a trade show, METALCON serves as the industry's annual business summit - where deals are made, partnerships are formed and the next 12 months take shape. For more information, visit www.metalcon.com

By Anna Lockhart.  

Taking a closer look at the most common ways metal roofing materials help protect homes and businesses from wildfires.  

Across the western United States and Canada, wildfire season poses a serious risk to people and their homes. Building intentionally with fire protection in mind is not just a recommendation, but a necessity these days. Whether you’re looking to reroof your current residence or building a new property, choosing a roofing material designed to resist fires and endure decades of wildfire seasons to come is key. Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA), in their mission to educate roofers and homeowners of the value of metal roofing materials, shared valuable insights into why metal roofs are the ideal solution to protect your home against fires.  

As the MRA notes, there are three main concerns to think about when it comes to a home catching fire: wind-driven embers, radiant heat and direct flames. Traditional roofing materials such as shingles can be susceptible to significant damage from direct flames or embers. On the other hand, materials like metal are designed to withstand the flames; from the sleek panel designs to the non-combustible makeup of metal itself. 

As flames can reach intense temperatures, the threshold of a roofing material’s resistance to heat is important to consider. In regions where wildfires are common possibilities, knowing what your roof can withstand is crucial. Considering this, metal is yet again a reasonable option. Common material makeup of metal panels can include a base of steel (melting point starting at ~2,500°F), aluminum (~1,200°F) or copper (~1,980°F), all of which have a minimum melting point multiple times higher than traditional materials.  

With these details in mind, it’s easy to build a picture of what metal materials can do to help fortify your roof’s defense against fire. Metal’s non-combustible composition, higher ignition resistance and modern panel design are critical factors that each play into the overall durability and outstanding lifespan metal roofs can offer in the face of natural disasters and weather like wildfire season.  

Read the MRA’s full article breaking down the science behind metal’s superiority when it comes to wildfire protection!