By Emma Peterson. 

Celebrate your crew and share your story with NRCA this June. 

Roofing is the hidden hero in many people’s lives; roofs protect their homes, families, businesses and possessions from the elements. To raise awareness about the significance of roofing and the important work of professionals across the roofing industry, the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) will be hosting their annual National Roofing Week from June 7-13, 2026. 

During the week, NRCA will be sharing stories from professionals around the industry across their social media platforms. NRCA encourages members to “share their stories of charitable giving, crew and staff appreciation and signature roofing projects” by using the #NationalRoofingWeek2026 tag.  

Another great way to show your support for this initiative is by decking your crew out in National Roofing Week swag! These shirts are a great way to show your roofing pride with style. You can find more detailed information about participation and National Roofing Week assets to use in your photos and videos online. 

This year’s event is sponsored by a variety of industry-leading companies, including Georgia-Pacific, SRS Distribution, International Roofing Expo, Hanover Architectural Products, OMG Roofing Products, Roofing Alliance, SOPREMA and TuffWrap. If you need more information on National Roofing Week, contact NRCA Director of Communications Krista Berns (847-493-7531 or kberns@nrca.net) or NRCA Social Media Manager Madison Mahoney (847-493-7548 or mmahoney@nrca.net). 

Join the NRCA in celebrating the essential work your crew does each day and promote the importance of hiring professionals!

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 first 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 indicate 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 fourth quarter of 2025, 75% of responses came from roofing contractors and 25% 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 bit.ly/RoofingSurvey. Survey responses may be submitted through April 20.

About National Roofing Contractors Association (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 www.nrca.net.

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn about engaging and retaining new hires through intentional training. 

In a new episode of Coffee Conversations®, Heidi J. Ellsworth is joined by a panel of industry leaders to talk about the importance of contractors helping new hires engage and connect with their company. This panel included Amy Staska, the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)’s VP of workforce development; Maureen Greeves, Tremco Roofing’s director of field operations; and Mandy McIntyre, WTI's CM development manager.  

Amy has been with the NRCA for over 20 years, and bringing new talent to the roofing industry has been a top concern during her tenure. She explained, “Training’s not cheap and a lot of contractors worry about if new hires are going to stick around...” The problem with this is that it creates a bit of a self-fulfilling prophecy where contractors hold new hires at an arm’s length to make sure they’re serious about the job, and new hires are unable to show their interest in the job because of that distance.  

So, how do you build a company that can avoid this pattern? Mandy shared, “I think the industry sometimes forgets about the human component of hiring. Those new people have emotions, they have goals, they have questions, they have fears and if you can cultivate people to be the best versions of themselves, that’s when you’re going to engage them and retain talent.” 

The key to cultivating them into the best version of themselves? Intentionality. Amy explained:  

At NRCA, we talk constantly about the idea of doing intentional training. It’s impossible to train all your new people to be experts immediately. But if you work towards conversational competence, so that someone can go up onto a roof and at least is going to understand a little bit of what's happening, and will be able to have better conversations with the crew there, they’re going to be more connected to your company and more likely to stay to keep learning. 

This is something that Maureen and the others on her team at Tremco have implemented over the last couple of decades. She shared, “We grew very fast, and one of the downsides of that is you can lose some of that intentionality that Amy mentioned. We realized that was happening, so we made changes.” Some changes were bigger, like hiring Mandy into her current role, but others were smaller, like opening conversations. Maureen elaborated, “We started simply talking to people and making sure they knew that they were a part of something bigger. And just that has been tremendous.”  

Mandy summed the entire conversation up well, saying, “At the end of the day, it's all about actions and feelings. If you're having a problem retaining people and recruiting people, take a good, hard look at what's going on and make some intentional changes to help people belong.” 

Watch the entire Coffee Conversation to hear more of Amy, Mandy and Maureen’s discussion.

Support National Roofing Week and the roofing industry, June 7-13. Order the official NRW 2026 T-shirt. We sold out last year, so don’t delay! 

NRCA has developed promotional materials designed to help you market your company and its services. These materials show prospective customers you are a professional dedicated to providing high-quality work at a fair price.

Get your shirt today!

Driving global collaboration through education, events and industry engagement.

RoofersCoffeeShop® (RCS), the award-winning place where the industry meets for technology, information and everyday business, is proud to announce a new partnership with the International Federation of the Roofing Trade (IFD), bringing together two influential industry leaders committed to advancing the roofing profession through collaboration, education and innovation. 

This partnership will focus on promoting IFD’s global initiatives and events, including the Connection Forum taking place in October 2026 in Vienna, Austria and the Young Roofers WORLD Competition in October 2027 in Budapest, Hungary. Through this collaboration, RCS will help amplify awareness and engagement across North America and beyond, connecting roofing professionals to international opportunities and resources. 

As part of the partnership, RCS will be live on-site at the 2026 Connection Forum, delivering comprehensive event coverage through LIVE streaming, interviews and real-time content. In addition, RCS will present to attendees, sharing insights on industry trends, digital marketing and the growing importance of global connectivity within the roofing sector. 

IFD serves as a unifying force for the roofing industry worldwide, bringing together national associations, manufacturers and service providers to address shared challenges and advance best practices. With members that include leading organizations such as the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), Zentralverband des Deutschen Dachdeckerhandwerks (ZVDH) and the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), IFD plays a critical role in fostering collaboration across borders. By connecting professionals globally, the organization helps elevate standards, support workforce development and drive innovation throughout the industry. 

“Partnering with RoofersCoffeeShop is an exciting step forward for IFD as we continue to expand our global reach and impact. This collaboration allows us to better share the work we are doing to unite national associations, support workforce development and elevate roofing practices worldwide,” stated Gary Howes, IFD board member. “By working together, we are creating more opportunities for contractors, manufacturers and young professionals to connect, learn from one another and strengthen the future of the roofing industry on a truly international level.” 

One of IFD’s most impactful initiatives is the Young Roofers Championship, which highlights emerging talent and promotes the importance of skilled labor in roofing. By bringing young professionals together from around the world, the competition not only celebrates craftsmanship but also builds lasting relationships that support the future of the trade. 

“We are proud to partner with IFD to share their mission and promote their events that bring the roofing industry together globally,” said Heidi J. Ellsworth, president/CEO of The Coffee Shops. “The connection to the many national associations that are part of IFD is important for the future of roofing. They are bringing professionals and young roofers together to share best practices and encourage workforce development.” 

Through this partnership, RCS and IFD are reinforcing the importance of global collaboration in an increasingly connected industry. By sharing knowledge, elevating innovation and building relationships across continents, both organizations are helping shape a stronger, more resilient future for roofing professionals everywhere. 

For more information visit the IFD directory on RoofersCoffeeShop. 

About The Coffee Shops 

The Coffee Shops is the award-winning digital home of the roofing industry, delivering online communities that connect contractors, manufacturers, distributors and industry professionals. Through platforms including RoofersCoffeeShop®, MetalCoffeeShop®, CoatingsCoffeeShop®, OutdoorCoffeeShop® and AskARoofer™, The Coffee Shops provide trusted information, education and networking opportunities. With a focus on supporting industry growth through content, technology and engagement, The Coffee Shops help roofing professionals build their businesses and stay informed in a rapidly evolving marketplace. 

About the International Federation of the Roofing Trade (IFD) 

The International Federation of the Roofing Trade (IFD) is a global organization representing national roofing associations and industry partners dedicated to advancing the roofing trade worldwide. Through international collaboration, education and events, IFD promotes best practices, supports workforce development and fosters innovation across the industry. By connecting professionals from around the world, IFD plays a vital role in strengthening the global roofing community and elevating standards for the future.

April 14-15, 2026

Join fellow roofing professionals as we advocate for our industry! Congress must see and hear from you to understand the critical issues we face.

View our 2025 final itinerary, and review our 2025 advocacy issues, which focused on workforce challenges and pro-growth tax reform.

Watch our Roofing Day in D.C. preview webinar from 2025 to learn what you can expect each year.

Learn more about Roofing Day 2026!

By Jenny Yu. 

The NRCA calls for the roofing industry to make a holistic shift toward viewing mental well-being as part of worker safety. 

In this episode of Roofing Road Trips^®, Megan R. Ellsworth spoke with Cheryl Ambrose, vice president of enterprise risk management for the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), about how the organization is advocating for more awareness around mental health in the roofing industry.  

Cheryl said that creating a culture of care starts from senior leadership being willing to have conversations within the company and break down stigmas around issues of mental health and safety. 

“Visible senior leadership support is huge,” Cheryl stated. “Having senior leaders who show that they actively support mental health, suicide prevention and creating a culture that supports that without a stigma being attached — that is one of the strongest things a company can start doing to create long-term change.” 

After establishing a unified front, the company can strategize how to make employees feel comfortable bringing mental health issues up. Cheryl offered some starting points, from authoring clear health and safety policies to planning consistent internal and external messaging that invites open conversations. The NRCA collaborates with organizations like the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP), which curates resources that companies can adapt to establish official policies and frameworks. 

Beyond ensuring that a company has clear outward-facing materials and resources, Cheryl emphasized the importance of everyday, interpersonal interactions that may be unrelated to the job but ultimately normalize the willingness to seek help. “Maybe it's asking how people are and how your weekend was,” Cheryl offered. “Share stories of recovery or resilience that demonstrate that seeking help is a sign of strength, not a sign of weakness. Well-being is as much a part of the job, not something personal that they need to hide and keep tucked away.” 

Cheryl shared an example of one NRCA member whose company prioritizes authentic relationships. “They're not allowed to walk up to somebody and talk to them about a safety issue until they talk to them about how they are,” she retold. 

Other ideas Cheryl shared included providing a crew lunch on the job site, creating a space for relaxed but intentional conversations. These small steps can make people feel more seen and more comfortable, so if they ever do have a more serious issue or safety concern, they know they will be heard and supported.  

Finally, Cheryl emphasized that safety and mental health can and should be a larger community effort. “Involve trade partners, vendors and clients. Get them in the conversation,” Cheryl stated. “You'd be surprised how many of them really want to do more. They're looking for ways to get involved.” 

Read the previous article in this series or Listen to the podcast to learn more about ways companies can prioritize the mental health of their crews. Visit NRCA’s mental health webpage for more resources!

By Dani Sheehan. 

Roofing Day in D.C. isn’t about being perfect – it's about being present. It’s about learning, connecting and making sure your voice is represented. 

If you’ve never been to Roofing Day in D.C., it’s easy to feel unsure about what you’re signing up for. You might be wondering: is this for me? Will I know what to say? Does my voice really matter? 

The short answer: yes, yes and absolutely yes. 

In this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, I sat down with Duane Musser and Brad Stine of National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and Will Lorenz of General Coatings Manufacturing Corp for an inside look at the industry’s largest advocacy event of the year. Hosted by NRCA alongside industry partners, Roofing Day in D.C. brings contractors, manufacturers, distributors and service providers together in one place with one goal: making sure lawmakers understand the real-world impact of the decisions they make. 

“This is the one opportunity where our entire industry comes together, and we speak with one voice on the issues that are critical to the future prosperity of our industry,” Duane shared. If you’re thinking about attending for the first time, here’s what you can expect, and why it’s worth stepping outside your comfort zone. 

By showing up, you’re already an advocate 

One of the biggest misconceptions about Roofing Day is that you need lobbying experience or political knowledge to participate, but in reality, you just need to show up. “Last time I checked, there are no members of Congress that were roofers before they became members of Congress,” Brad emphasized. “So, I can almost guarantee you, the people that are going into these offices on our behalf or on the event's behalf, they will know more about the issue than the folks they're talking to. [You] are the experts.” 

No one understands the challenges facing the roofing industry better than the people working in it every day. Whether it’s workforce shortages or a noticeable decline in the housing supply, your perspective is exactly what lawmakers need to hear. 

Roofing Day’s agenda is designed with first-time attendees in mind. From advocacy training sessions to guided talking points, the event equips you with everything you need to feel confident walking into those conversations. 

Day one: Get comfortable, get prepared, get connected 

The event officially kicks off on the afternoon of April 14 in Washington, D.C., and the first day is all about preparation.  

You’ll attend advocacy training sessions, learn about the key issues being discussed on Capitol Hill and get a clear understanding of how meetings with legislators work. Attendees area also grouped by state, giving you time to meet your team, plan your approach and decide who will lead different parts of the conversation. “We want to educate and make everyone feel comfortable,” Brad explained. “When you’re heading to the Hill the next day, we want to inform you as much as we can.” 

Just as importantly, this is an incredible space for creating new connections. From the first evening reception to informal conversations throughout the day, Roofing Day in D.C. creates a space to network with peers from across the country. Whether you’re a contractor, manufacturer or supplier, you’ll be surrounded by people who understand your business and share your challenges. 

Day two: Take your story to Capitol Hill 

April 15 is the main event. The day starts with breakfast, a keynote speaker and issue briefings, including discussions on topics like career and technical education and housing policy, two areas that directly impact the future of the roofing workforce and market demand. Then, it’s time to head to Capitol Hill. Attendees typically participate in three to five meetings with senators, representatives or their staff.  

And if you’re nervous? That's completely normal. “Relax and enjoy it,” shared Will, who's a longtime attendee. “It’s a great, positive experience... And when you see the right opportunities, tell your story. Tell people what you know matters in your district.” That’s what these meetings come down to – sharing your experience. What’s happening in your business? What challenges are you facing? What solutions would actually make a difference? Those conversations are what shape policy. 

Another common concern for first-time attendees is walking into meetings without support. NRCA partners with Advocacy Associates to coordinate every meeting in advance, and you’ll receive a full schedule, issue briefs and talking points before you ever step into an office. “We try to pair first-time attendees with veterans,” Brad added. “We understand that people may be out of their element, and that’s absolutely fine.” 

You’re not in this alone 

At its core, Roofing Day is about making sure the industry is represented where decisions are being made. “Democracy is a participatory sport,” Duane emphasized. “We need to be seen on Capitol Hill and get our message out.” 

As Will put it, “If we’re not having a discussion about roofing needs, someone else is getting ahead of us and may close off opportunities for all of us.” 

When the industry shows up together, it makes an impact. If you’ve been on the fence about attending, consider this your sign to go for it. Register to attend Roofing Day in D.C. before April 7, 2026! And for a deeper dive into what to expect and the key issues we’ll be advocating for, be sure to listen to the full podcast episode. 

By Emma Peterson. 

Check out what The Coffee Shops™ readers are clicking on. 

It’s hard to even believe that it’s already April. If your March has been anything like ours has been at The Coffee Shops™, it has been very busy! So, to help our readers keep track of everything that happened in the last month, we put together a list of the top-read articles on RoofersCoffeeShop®, MetalCoffeeShop® and CoatingsCoffeeShop® in March 2026.  

One thing we noticed when looking at the data for our trending article topics was the sheer number of articles focused on workforce development and business advice. For example, Emma Peterson highlighted how SkillsUSA helped two young roofers find a mentor for life and how National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) has made workforce development one of their key initiatives.   

Additionally, Jenny Yu shared key information for metal roofers about how Sherwin-Williams' MetalVue program acts as “a comprehensive support system for contractors that connects them to all the tools they might need” to succeed. Additionally, John Kenney of Cotney Consulting Group dove into general construction safety practices and how the fundamentals are key to building a long-lasting, successful business.  

Our top article list from March 2026 

10 - Finding the path to roofing by Emma Peterson 

9 - Navigating a new world of technology by Emma Peterson 

8 - Business-in-a-box for metal roofing by Jenny Yu 

7 - Finding your path through mentorship by Emma Peterson 

6 - Brakes and beyond: Products for efficiency and customization by Jenny Yu 

5 - The state of roofing recruitment and retention by Emma Peterson 

4 - General construction safety principles: The core practices every outdoor trade should follow by John Kenney 

3 - Inspiring the next generation of roofers by Emma Peterson 

2 - A new safety frontier by Emma Peterson 

1 - Level up your team with training by Emma Peterson 

By Dani Sheehan. 

Roofing Day in D.C. offers an opportunity to advocate in support of policies that strengthen communities and expand access to safe, reliable housing. 

The U.S. is currently facing a shortage of roughly 1.5 million housing units each year. Not only does this gap create challenges for homebuyers and renters, but it also puts pressure on entire communities, from workforce stability to economic growth. The roofing community has a unique and important voice in this conversation, which is why affordable housing is a key focus at this year’s Roofing Day in D.C. on April 14-15, 2026. 

For the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and Roofing Day in D.C. partner organizations, the conversation isn’t just about acknowledging the housing crisis; it’s about advancing specific, bipartisan solutions that can help address it. The roofing industry is advocating for legislation designed to increase housing supply in realistic, scalable ways, through new construction, redevelopment or rehabilitation. 

Reimagining existing spaces 

The Revitalizing Downtowns and Main Streets Act (H.R. 2410) focuses on converting vacant or outdated commercial properties into residential housing. Instead of leaving office buildings and storefronts empty, this legislation creates a pathway to bring them back into use. 

By offering a federal tax credit for conversion costs, the bill helps make these often complex projects financially feasible. It also includes provisions to ensure a portion of the resulting housing remains affordable for local communities over the long term.  

Closing the gap in underserved communities 

In many parts of the country, especially in both rural areas and underserved urban neighborhoods, the economics of building or renovating homes simply don’t add up. The cost to construct or rehabilitate a home can exceed what buyers in the area can afford to pay. Because of this, many projects never happen, and communities continue to struggle with limited housing options. 

The Neighborhood Homes Investment Act (H.R. 2854/S. 1686) addresses that gap directly by providing tax credits to offset the difference between development costs and market value. It’s a targeted approach that encourages investment where it’s needed most, while also ensuring homes remain attainable for local residents. 

Why you should be part of this conversation 

Housing availability affects where people live, how communities grow and whether local economies can support the businesses that rely on them. It influences workforce stability, community resilience and long-term development patterns. 

You see these impacts firsthand. You work in the neighborhoods being discussed. You see which projects move forward and which don’t. You understand the real-world challenges behind the numbers. Lawmakers need this perspective to help ensure meaningful change. 

As the largest roofing industry advocacy event, Roofing Day in D.C. creates a space where you can directly inform policy conversations. When you meet with members of Congress, you are representing the industry as a whole and helping to bridge the gap between legislation and implementation.  

Advocating for affordable housing is about recognizing the role the roofing industry plays in the larger built environment. Every project, whether it’s new construction, a retrofit or a repair, contributes to the safety, accessibility and longevity of housing in this country. 

Don’t wait! Register for Roofing Day in D.C. this April 14-15, 2026, and share your voice in shaping policies to address the affordable housing crisis in the United States.