By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

As daylight fades and temperatures drop, roofing contractors can strengthen safety culture by making mental health part of everyday crew conversations.

Editor’s note: Statistics and health information were checked against NRCA, CPWR and the National Institute of Mental Health.

When contractors prepare for winter, the conversation typically focuses on cold-weather safety, fall protection, equipment maintenance and changing schedules. Those priorities are essential, but the darker months also bring an important opportunity to talk about mental health.

Mental health and the construction industry

The construction industry has made meaningful progress in addressing mental health and suicide prevention, but the numbers show why this work must continue. The National Roofing Contractors Association reports that an estimated one in five adults live with a mental illness and fewer than half seek treatment. NRCA also notes that construction has the second-highest suicide rate among major U.S. industries. Research from CPWR, The Center for Construction Research and Training, found that the 2021 suicide death rate among construction workers was 46.1 per 100,000 workers, compared with 19.5 per 100,000 across all industries, making the construction rate 2.4 times higher.

Seasonal changes add another reason to keep mental health visible as winter approaches. The National Institute of Mental Health explains that many people experience mood changes when the days become shorter, while winter-pattern seasonal affective disorder often begins in late fall or early winter. Symptoms can include lower energy, difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep or appetite and social withdrawal, all of which deserve awareness and compassion rather than judgment.

Resources for roofers

Roofing is already demanding work, and shorter days can affect people differently. Contractors do not need to diagnose employees or turn supervisors into counselors. They can create a workplace where checking in is normal and support is easy to find.  Most of all, it is normalizing that when employees ask for help it is a sign of strength.

A practical place to begin is the NRCA Suicide Prevention Toolbox Talk. The resource helps supervisors and crew leaders start conversations about stress management, self-care and healthy lifestyles while recognizing when someone may be struggling. It identifies potential warning signs such as withdrawal, hopelessness, decreased productivity, increased tardiness or absenteeism, extreme mood swings and comments that suggest a person feels like a burden.

The toolbox talk also reinforces a message every roofing company can use. People do not need to be mental health experts to make a difference, but they do need to pay attention along with showing concern and responding when something does not seem right. Asking a coworker how they are doing, listening without minimizing their experience and helping them connect with support can be an important first step.

Contractors can download the toolbox talk and use it during winter safety meetings, then return to the topic throughout the season. Mental health should not be limited to a single annual presentation or awareness week. Short, consistent conversations can help make support part of everyday company culture and remind employees that they are not expected to handle difficult moments alone.

NRCA also offers a broader Mental Health Resource Center created for the roofing industry. Contractors can find fact sheets, posters, hard hat stickers, educational programs, English and Spanish materials and connections to additional construction-focused organizations. NRCA member companies can also access free online suicide prevention training through the association’s partnership with LivingWorks.

Roofing and mental health safety

At The Coffee Shops, we strongly encourage roofing contractors to review these resources and make mental health part of their winter safety strategy. Just as companies inspect equipment, monitor weather and reinforce fall protection, they should regularly check on the people who make their businesses successful. A stronger safety culture protects the whole person, both on and off the roof.

We also encourage contractors to look at the broader value of membership in the National Roofing Contractors Association. NRCA provides advocacy, education, technical expertise and workforce resources while continuing to invest in the health and well-being of roofing professionals and their families. Its mental health and suicide prevention materials give contractors credible, practical tools they can bring directly to their teams.

Winter presents real challenges, but it also creates an opportunity to strengthen connections across a company. By adding mental health to toolbox talks along with watching changes in coworkers and sharing trusted NRCA resources, contractors can help build workplaces where employees feel valued and supported. And those workplaces are where focus, decision-making and productivity all thrive.

If someone is in immediate emotional distress or may be considering suicide, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and call 911 when there is an immediate life-threatening emergency.

By The Coffee Shops®. 

NRCA leaders say persistent workforce challenges make industry engagement more important than ever. 

During a recent episode of the Roofing Road Trips® podcast, National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) leaders offered their insights regarding the state of federal advocacy and why roofing professionals should remain engaged despite an increasingly difficult political environment. 

When asked to describe the current state of advocacy in a word, NRCA Vice President of Government Relations Duane Musser shared “The one word I would use is challenging.” 

Duane explained that political polarization and a slower congressional process have made it harder to advance legislation, even when broad industry needs are clear. “We do, in this day and age, live in a challenging political and legislative environment in Washington, D.C. so our advocacy efforts have become more challenging.” 
 
 Still, he emphasized that despite the difficulties, their work is increasingly important, saying, “Advocacy has only become more important as the challenges grow.”  

A major focus continues to be workforce development. For NRCA, that means supporting policies that expand career and technical education (CTE), increase funding for Perkins grants and create more pathways into the skilled trades. According to the discussion, workforce issues have remained a central priority since Roofing Day in D.C. began in 2018. 

Brad Stine, NRCA's director of federal affairs, acknowledged the challenges and when asked for his own one-word assessment, Brad chose “potential.” 

“There's some potential there. We've seen an explosion of interest in apprenticeships. There's a lot of discussion on Capitol Hill, a lot of chatter, around the value of apprenticeships,” he shared. 

He pointed to growing bipartisan support for CTE programs and apprenticeships, noting that lawmakers on both sides of the aisle increasingly recognize the need to strengthen the skilled labor pipeline. As Congress continues to discuss workforce shortages, those areas remain opportunities for meaningful progress. 

The conversation also underscored the value of relationship-building. Heidi J. Ellsworth noted that engagement with elected officials often mirrors success in the roofing business itself, where trust and long-term connections drive results. Duane agreed, highlighting Roofing Day and political engagement through ROOFPAC as important tools for strengthening connections with policymakers. 

While progress may be difficult, NRCA's message was clear: advocacy remains one of the industry's most important investments. 

Listen to the full podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about roofing industry advocacy and workforce development. 

By The Coffee Shops®.

New tariffs on Canadian imports could affect construction costs and supply chains, making it important for roofing contractors to monitor pricing, supplier updates and project planning.

Roofing contractors already are navigating a challenging business environment, and a new round of tariffs on certain Canadian imports could add another factor to monitor in the months ahead. According to the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), new 50% tariffs on a broad range of Canadian products officially took effect August 22 after a brief delay from their original implementation date. The tariffs were announced July 20 and followed unsuccessful trade negotiations between the U.S. and Canada.  

While the tariffs are not aimed specifically at the roofing industry, they cover a variety of goods that can influence construction and building supply chains, including cement and some building materials. For roofing contractors, that means the potential for cost fluctuations throughout the broader construction market, even if roofing products are not directly affected.  

The tariffs were implemented under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, a trade measure used to address what the U.S. government considers discriminatory treatment of American industries. According to NRCA, the tariffs apply to covered goods regardless of whether they qualify under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). However, certain products already subject to tariffs under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 are excluded.  

For roofing businesses, the immediate impact may be less about specific products and more about overall market uncertainty. Changes in material pricing, transportation costs and supplier strategies often ripple through the construction sector when major trade actions are introduced. Contractors who rely on long-term estimates, fixed-price contracts or large project bids may want to keep a close eye on supplier communications and pricing trends in the weeks ahead. 

The announcement also serves as a reminder of how quickly economic and policy developments can influence the roofing industry. Whether it's tariffs, labor challenges or broader economic conditions, staying informed helps contractors make smarter purchasing decisions and better manage risk. 

As the situation develops, roofing professionals should continue monitoring updates from NRCA and their suppliers to understand whether these new trade measures could affect future project costs, material availability or business planning decisions. 

Learn more about tariffs on Canadian imports.

By Emma Peterson. 

Monica Murphy shares why the relationships, education and opportunities gained through NRCA's premier legal event can have a lasting impact. 

On October 7 and 8, 2026, the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) will be hosting their live LEGALCon event! This is the association’s premier legal event and aims to “equip roofing professionals with the insights they need to navigate the current complex business environment with confidence.” To learn more about the event and why contractors and professionals should attend, we spoke to Monica Murphy of Ray Nolan Roofing for a LEGALCon-focused episode of Roofing Road Trips®. 

Monica opened with some background information on the event, saying, “This is more than just a legal conference. Our scope covers everything from insurance and risk to AI and contract provisions.” As such, the event’s speaker list includes both attorneys and other industry leaders. She shared, “We have a lot of attorneys, a big one is Trent Cotney from Adams and Reese who is also the general counsel for NRCA. We also have non-attorneys, like Mark Graham with the NRCA who will be giving a technical update and Adrianne Anglin, also with the NRCA, who will be speaking on fleet safety.” 

In addition to the expanded scope, Monica and the NRCA team have worked to ensure that there are both formal and informal learning opportunities at the conference so that every attendee walks away with key knowledge and strategies that can be applied as soon as they return to their office. She explained:  

Attendees can of course get incredible information during their official talks, but sometimes you have questions that maybe wouldn't have been applicable to raise your hand during the seminar to ask in front of everybody. To make sure those questions also get answered, we've also planned breaks between each speaker where people can either network with your peers that are sitting around your table or to go ask the speaker that one-on-one question. 

Overall, LEGALCon 2026 is a two-day event that is a must-attend for anyone in the roofing industry. As Monica put it, “I really cannot express enough how valuable this event is... These roofing contractors, these speakers, we all want to help each other out and we all want to elevate our industry. And our business has really prospered because of opportunities that have come directly from LEGALCon.” 

If you haven’t already, register to attend LEGALCon 2026! The event is planned for October 7-8, 2026, at the Omni Hotel in Chicago, Illinois with registration closing on October 1, 2026. Want to learn more about the conference? Listen to the whole podcast or Watch the recording with Monica! 

By Emma Peterson. 

Explore this month’s most popular roofing stories.  

As we enter the final quarter of 2026, it can be hard to keep up with everything that’s happened so far! From the surge of AI tools to the constantly evolving landscape that is global geopolitics, there's a lot going on. To make it a bit easier, we highlighted the articles that resonated the most with our audience.  

For September 2026, our top ten list featured multiple articles focused on safety. One of these articles was written by Heidi J. Ellsworth, who is the CEO and president of The Coffee Shops®. Her article focused on Construction Suicide Prevention Week (which was September 14-18) and highlighted the importance of “creating a workplace where people know it is safe to speak up, supervisors know how to respond and everyone understands where immediate help is available.” The other safety article focuses more on the physical aspect of safety, specifically how maintenance and driver training are key to keeping your fleet of vehicles safe.  

The Coffee Shops’ talented writing team also made the list this month! One was Jesse Sanchez’s article about Polyglass’ new single-ply, insulation and waterproofing systems and how they protect “all six sides of the building envelope.” The other two articles from the editorial team came from me and focused on the state of the roofing industry market and an innovative solution to recycling construction waste.  

Read all ten of the top articles:

10 - METALCON announces inaugural 40 Under 40 honorees

9 - Customer reviews put roofing software on top

8 - An uneven but expanding market

7 - Keep your fleet safe on summer roads

6 - Master the market with metal

5 - Leadership takes the stage at MRCA

4 - Protecting all six sides of the building envelope

3 - How much wood could a Woodchuck divert?

2 - Don’t miss NRCA’s LEGALCon Live 2026

1 - Building a safer construction industry starts with a conversation

By The Coffee Shops®.

Explore the tools available to help protect one of your company's most valuable assets — Your people.

Roofing contractors are no strangers to prioritizing safety. Every day, companies invest time and resources into preventing falls, reducing jobsite hazards and protecting workers from physical injury. But as Suicide Prevention Month begins, industry leaders are being reminded that worker safety extends beyond hard hats and harnesses. Mental health deserves the same attention.

The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) is encouraging roofing professionals to use Suicide Prevention Month as a reminder of the importance of creating healthier, more supportive workplaces – both physically and mentally. And as part of its ongoing commitment to worker well-being, NRCA continues to partner with organizations focused on suicide prevention and mental health awareness to make sure construction professionals have the resources they need to do that.

Resources roofing companies can put to work

One of the biggest barriers to addressing mental health issues is knowing where to start. The good news is that contractors do not have to build a program from scratch.

NRCA is a member of the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP), a coalition of organizations committed to promoting mental health and suicide prevention throughout the construction industry. The alliance's mission is to provide and share resources that support mental health awareness while working toward the goal of a zero-suicide industry.

These resources include educational materials, workplace posters, published articles and guidance for planning training sessions and awareness events. Together, these tools can help companies begin conversations around mental health and provide employees with information about where to seek support when needed.

Construction Suicide Prevention Week returns

For contractors looking to take a more proactive approach, Construction Suicide Prevention Week, taking place September 14-18, provides a natural opportunity to reinforce company culture, educate supervisors and remind team members that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. The nationwide initiative is designed to raise awareness about the unique challenges construction workers face and the actions employers and coworkers can take to support one another.

A key event during the week is the Construction Suicide Prevention Week National Stand-Down on September 14. Similar to traditional safety stand-downs, the event provides an opportunity for companies to pause operations briefly and focus on education, awareness and discussion around mental health and suicide prevention.

NRCA is once again serving as a cornerstone sponsor of the initiative, reinforcing the association's belief that mental health is an essential component of workplace safety.

Supporting your team year-round

While September shines a spotlight on mental health awareness, contractors can make a lasting impact by continuing these conversations throughout the year. Simple actions such as supervisor training, sharing support resources, fostering open communication and encouraging employees to look out for one another can help create a stronger workplace culture.

NRCA also provides free suicide prevention training for member companies through its Be Tough Enough initiative, providing another valuable resource for businesses that want to equip their teams with practical knowledge and support strategies.

Building a stronger industry

Construction is a high-pressure environment with long hours, physically demanding work, financial stress, travel demands and seasonal uncertainty. While these challenges are often viewed as part of the job, this can all take a toll on workers. And for an industry that prides itself on physically taking care of its people, it has become clear that mental health deserves the same level of commitment. Suicide Prevention Month serves as an important reminder of the available resources and awareness initiatives that are there to help contractors encourage open dialogue,and can help create workplaces where employees feel supported in all ways.

To learn more about the resources available through NRCA, the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention and Construction Suicide Prevention Week, visit the NRCA website.

By The Coffee Shops.

LEGALCon Live offers a focused environment to learn from experts, strengthen business practices and build connections with fellow industry leaders.

Legal issues, workforce challenges, contract risks and insurance questions impact every roofing business. That’s why NRCA’s LEGALCon Live 2026 is an event roofing professionals should have on their radar this fall. Designed specifically for roofing contractors, the conference delivers practical education, risk management strategies and business insights that can help companies operate more efficiently and protect their bottom line.  

Taking place October 7-8, 2026, at the Omni Hotel in Chicago, LEGALCon Live is NRCA’s premier legal conference. The event is built to help roofing professionals navigate today’s increasingly complex business environment and address issues proactively before they become costly problems. Rather than reacting to challenges after they arise, attendees will gain knowledge and strategies that can help reduce risk and strengthen their businesses. 

Education tailored for roofing contractors 

One of the biggest advantages of LEGALCon Live is that the content is created specifically for the roofing industry. The program covers a wide range of topics, including: 

• Legal issues affecting roofing companies 
• Technical developments and industry trends 
• Business management strategies 
• Insurance and risk mitigation 
• Workforce and employment challenges 

Attendees will hear directly from industry experts and gain practical takeaways they can apply immediately within their organizations. Whether you are dealing with contract disputes, workforce concerns, compliance requirements or operational challenges, the conference offers valuable insights designed for roofing professionals.  

Valuable for every leadership role 

LEGALCon Live is not just for company owners. NRCA notes that the conference is relevant for a broad range of roofing professionals, including: 

• Owners and CEOs 
• COOs and senior leadership teams 
• Human resources professionals 
• Safety directors 
• Training leaders 
• Legal counsel 
• Office managers 
• Project managers 

This makes the event a great opportunity to bring multiple team members so different departments can learn, collaborate and bring fresh ideas back to the business. NRCA is also offering discounted registration rates for additional attendees from the same company, making it easier for organizations to invest in team development.  

More than education 

Beyond the conference sessions, LEGALCon Live provides opportunities to network with roofing professionals from across the country. Attendees can exchange ideas, discuss common challenges and learn how other contractors are adapting to changing business conditions. The event also includes a cocktail reception that encourages networking in a relaxed environment.  

In addition, participants can earn continuing education credits from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC), adding even more value to the experience.  

Invest in your company's future 

Today's roofing market continues to evolve, bringing new legal requirements, workforce concerns, insurance considerations and operational challenges. Successful contractors are those who stay informed and prepare ahead of potential risks. LEGALCon Live offers a focused environment to learn from experts, strengthen business practices and build connections with fellow industry leaders.  

For roofing contractors looking to improve operations, mitigate risk and position their companies for long-term success, this conference is a valuable investment. Registration is currently open, and interested contractors are encouraged to secure their spots before registration closes on October 1.  

September 24, 2026 - 10 a.m. ET | 7 a.m. PT

In this RoofersCoffeeShop® Coffee Conversations®, sponsored by SRS Distribution, we are joined by Brandi McElhaney, show manager at Informa and Keenan Perry, director of field & event marketing at SRS Distribution. They will share the history and continued growth of the International Roofing Expo (IRE) while highlighting what will make the 2027 show stand out. From new products and innovations on the expo floor to education, networking and special events, the panel will cover the opportunities attendees won’t want to miss. They’ll also offer practical advice for first-time attendees, discuss efforts to create a welcoming industry experience and share what roofing professionals can do now to prepare for IRE 2027.

Register today!

By The Coffee Shops®.

A career in roofing can leave a mark in countless ways — through the businesses built, the people mentored, the jobs created and the communities served. Planned giving offers another way to leave a lasting impact.

Through the Roofing Alliance's Planned Giving Program, industry leaders can help ensure the work they value today continues well into the future. A planned gift can support scholarships, education and workforce development, research, innovation, community outreach and other initiatives designed to strengthen the roofing industry for generations to come.

For many donors, the decision is deeply personal. It may be a way to honor a family member or mentor. It may reflect pride in a company built over decades. It may be an opportunity to give back to an industry that provided a career, friendships and opportunities along the way. Or it may simply be a belief that the next generation deserves the same chance to succeed.

Whatever the motivation, planned giving allows donors to connect their legacy with the future of roofing.

The Roofing Alliance has always been about looking beyond today. Its members invest in students, professionals, research, education and new ideas because they understand that a strong industry must continually prepare for what comes next. Planned gifts can help sustain that work while also opening doors to new possibilities.

Donors may choose to support a particular area that is meaningful to them, including scholarships, workforce development, education, research or innovation. Gifts also can help advance the work of the Center for Roofing Innovation and Leadership, which brings industry and academia together to address emerging challenges, develop new knowledge and help prepare roofing for the future.

There is no single way to create a legacy, and planned giving can be structured to reflect an individual donor’s interests, financial circumstances and estate-planning goals.

Ways to give

Planned giving opportunities may include:

• A bequest through a will or trust, including a specific dollar amount, percentage or portion of an estate.
• Beneficiary designations through retirement plans, life insurance policies or other eligible financial accounts.
• Named or endowed gifts supporting scholarships, education, research or other areas of special interest.
• Memorial or tribute gifts recognizing an individual, family, mentor or company.
• Other charitable arrangements developed in consultation with a donor’s financial, tax or estate-planning advisers.

Planned gifts can be made at many different levels. What matters most is the intention behind the gift and the impact the donor wants it to have.

The roofing industry has been shaped by generations of people willing to invest their time, knowledge and resources in those who would follow them. Planned giving continues that tradition. It is an opportunity to say: This industry mattered to me, and I want to help make sure it remains strong for those who come next.

You helped build roofing’s future once. Your legacy can help build it again.

For more information about planned giving opportunities through the Roofing Alliance, please contact Alison L. LaValley, CAE, Executive Director.

By The Coffee Shops®. 

Students apply classroom training, meet industry professionals and discover career opportunities in roofing. 

For students exploring the trades, understanding what a career might actually looks like can be difficult without firsthand experience. In an episode of Roofing Road Trips® sponsored by National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down with Chase Huang and Damien Holloway, student champions of the 2025 SkillsUSA roofing competition, along with their mentor Tim Stephens, vice president of Architectural Sheet Metal, Inc. They discussed how SkillsUSA helps bridge the gap between theoretical roofing education and job experience by moving education beyond the classroom and giving students a chance to practice their abilities in an industry setting. 

Tim explained that no description of a career can replace direct exposure to the work. Students may know they want to work in construction, but without experience on a jobsite, they may not consider roofing as an option. “Nothing takes the place of real-world experience,” he said. “You get your hands in it, and you can see, okay, maybe there is an opportunity that I never thought existed.” 

For Damien Holloway, the experience was valuable because students were evaluated by professionals rather than practicing only in front of an instructor. The competition also introduced participants to companies supporting the roofing industry through booths and demonstrations. 

That connection benefits contractors as well as students. Contractors can observe participants installing the same types of systems their teams work with every day, while students can ask questions, explore potential employers and better understand what companies are looking for. 

The experience is worthwhile even when a participant does not win. According to Chase, the event gives students the opportunity to prove themselves as professionals. “I would say for students, SkillsUSA is one thing lifetime experience. If you have ambition, it's time to prove your talent and skills. All I can think of is the pros and the I will highly, highly encourage you students to go,” he said. 

By providing students with the chance to practice their skills in a hands-on environment, they are empowered to take ownership over their learning and future careers. The opportunity to test their skills while also learning from mentors and peers provides valuable feedback that will guide them moving forward. Whether students confirm that roofing is right for them or discover a different direction, they leave with meaningful real-world experience.  

Listen to the full podcast learn more about how SkillsUSA connects education with real-world roofing careers.