By Jenny Yu.  

Contractors will gain practical insights from leading experts while connecting with top manufacturers and suppliers. 

The Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA) is hosting its 104th Convention & Expo from June 10-12, 2026, at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in in Kissimmee, Florida. With a strong lineup of sponsors and an educational program packed with timely topics, this year’s event is set to provide contractors with practical insights and valuable networking opportunities. 

A wide range of industry leaders are lending their support for the event, underscoring its importance across the roofing and metal construction sectors. Platinum sponsors include Eagle Roofing Products, ABC Supply and TAMKO®; while gold sponsors CertainTeed LLC, Polyglass and SOPREMA further highlight the depth of industry participation. Additional support from emerald sponsor Adams & Reese LLP; sapphire sponsors BITEC, Drexel Metals, MetalForming LLC and Sika Corporation; silver sponsor SRS Building Products; bronze sponsors Duro-Last®, IB Roof Systems™, PAC-CLAD Petersen and Roof Hugger; and affiliate sponsor, Roofing Contractors Association of South Florida (RCASF), reinforce the event’s focus on innovation, performance and contractor success. 

Educational sessions 

Education remains the cornerstone of the convention, with sessions designed to address today’s most pressing challenges in the industry while providing attendees with opportunities to earn CE credits. Legal and compliance topics are a hot topic with multiple sessions led by Trent Cotney, RoofersCoffeeShop® Influencer and partner at Adams & Reese LLP, including: 

• “Building an OSHA Inspection SOP” - Wednesday, June 10, 8:00 a.m. 
• “Roofing Legal, Labor and Policy Trends” - Wednesday, June 10, 12:30 p.m. and Friday, June 12, 7:00 a.m. 
• “Artificial Intelligence in Roofing” - Thursday, June 11, 7:00 a.m. 
• “ICE Raids and I-9 Audit Defense” - Thursday, June 11, 8:15 a.m. and Friday, June 12, 8:15 a.m. 

These sessions will provide contractors with actionable guidance on navigating regulations, mitigating risk and adapting to emerging technologies.  

Business operations are also a key focus. John Kenney, Influencer of The Coffee Shops™ and CEO of Cotney Consulting Group, will lead “Estimating for Small Business” on Wednesday, June 10, at 9:15 a.m. and Thursday, June 11, at 7:00 a.m., offering practical strategies to improve accuracy and profitability for contractors of all sizes. Meanwhile, Chad Westbrook, founder of Service Alignment, will present “Documenting a Roofing Project” on Thursday, June 11, at 9:30 a.m. and Friday, June 12, at 7:00 a.m., helping attendees strengthen processes that support accountability, communication and long-term project success. 

Additional sessions cover critical issues including Florida Building Code updates, metal roofing best practices and safety topics such as heat illness prevention. The “SkillsUSA: Build a Workforce Pipeline” session on Thursday, June 11, at 9:30 a.m., will also highlight strategies for developing the next generation of roofers, a growing priority for contractors facing ongoing workforce shortages. Together, these seminars provide well-rounded education opportunities tailored to both roofing and sheet metal professionals.  

Register to reserve your spot and take full advantage of everything the 104th FRSA Convention & Expo has to offer!

By Jenny Yu.  

Carlisle Architectural Metals simplifies complex roofing projects with integrated systems and hands-on support across every stage of construction. 

At the 2026 International Roofing Expo in Las Vegas, Lauren White of The Coffee Shops™ stopped by the Carlisle Architectural Metals (CAM) booth to learn about how the company continues to be a leader in delivering comprehensive building envelope solutions under one umbrella. 

Mike Weis, vice president of sales, said the company’s evolution into a multi-brand platform is reshaping how it serves the industry. “We’re not just one company anymore supporting the contractor. We’re five brands. It’s a building solution,” he said, pointing to the integration of its five brands: PAC-CLAD Petersen, Drexel Metals, Hickman Edge Systems, Metal-Era and Citadel Architectural Products. 

That growth has required a deliberate approach to sales and support. Rather than relying on a centralized model, CAM emphasizes localized expertise supported by robust internal resources. “We have very localized support through our reps,” Mike explained. “Behind the reps, you have a full team of technical support, inside sales, estimating and engineering. We try to bring all that to every market we touch.” 

For contractors, that structure translates into faster response times and more cohesive project execution. Mike noted that having team members positioned close to job sites allows for real-time troubleshooting and collaboration. “If we have an issue in a market, we usually have somebody within an hour or two who can be on site to help solve problems and come together on design solutions,” he said. 

The approach reflects the relationship-driven nature of the construction industry, where evolving codes and architectural demands require constant communication. “It’s a very personal business,” Mike stated. “We want to be part of the solution from the design aspect all the way until the job gets closed out.” 

As building design grows more complex, Carlisle Architectural Metals is positioning itself as a single-source partner capable of supporting all aspects of the building envelope. “We’re covering all six sides of the building,” Mike said. “We want to be that one-stop solution for contractors and architects.” 

Watch the full interview to learn more about the CAM advantage of complex, integrated solutions.

By Jenny Yu.  

This year’s convention offers a full lineup of events designed to connect professionals and their families, on and off the show floor. 

The Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA) 104th Convention & Expo is set to return June 10–12, 2026, at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, bringing together roofing professionals for three days of networking, education and a wide range of exciting social events designed for attendees and their families!  

Eat, drink and network 

The fun begins at the Welcome Reception on Wednesday, sponsored by Adams & Reese LLP, featuring food stations and an open bar in a relaxed setting. The excitement continues the next evening with the Jimmy Buffett Casino Party, an evening of games, dancing and tropical flair, alongside key presentations. Throughout the expo, the Beer Bust, sponsored by Mid-Atlantic Roofing Supply and GAF, and complimentary Expo lunches from PAC-CLAD Petersen and USG Securock offer casual opportunities to connect. 

Give back 

A cornerstone of the convention, the Foundation Auction runs throughout the event, raising funds for the FRSA Educational & Research Foundation. With both in-person and online bidding, attendees can support scholarships and industry advancement from wherever they are! Bidding starts on June 5 at 8:00 a.m. and ends June 12 at 2:00 p.m. 

Spotlighting women and Spanish speakers in the industry 

Professional development meets community at the National Women in Roofing (NWIR) Table Talks Session on Wednesday, June 10, where women in roofing can exchange insights on leadership and relationship building in a round-robin format. Registration is $25 and includes refreshments. 

On Thursday, June 11, SRS Building Products and CertainTeed join forces to host a special session for Spanish speakers to learn, connect and celebrate. This event is free, with limited spots available. 

Family fun for everyone! 

Enjoy time with loved ones, starting with Wednesday's Family Fun Event featuring indoor mini golf and a new “Brick Lab” competition where families can build and race custom Lego cars. The Kids’ Program adds even more excitement throughout the convention, with pizza-making, scavenger hunts, arcade competitions and interactive gaming experiences, ensuring younger roofers-to-be are just as engaged as their parents. 

Sports and creative experiences 

For those seeking active or creative outlets, attendees can participate in golf and clay shooting tournaments or explore artistic options like a textured painting workshop and a chocolate rose culinary experience. 

From networking receptions to family activities and charitable giving, FRSA’s 104th Convention & Expo offers something for everyone.  

Register now to secure your spot and experience it all.

By Jenny Yu.  

At IRE, Carlisle Architectural Metals shares how metal material performance, design and resilience are shaping the future. 

At the 2026 International Roofing Expo, Heidi J. Ellsworth met with Mike Weis, vice president of sales for Carlisle Architectural Metals (CAM). CAM brings together five established metal brands under one umbrella. “CAM is comprised of five different brands. Five different metal brands,” Mike explained. “Petersen Aluminum Corporation (PAC), Drexel Metals, Metal-Era, Hickman Edge Systems and Citadel Architectural Products.” While CAM serves as the parent organization, Mike emphasized that each brand maintains its own identity. “We are still very brand focused because every one of the brands provides its own value and has its own niche and its own market focus.” 

With over 25 years working in the industry, Mike has witnessed the exponential rise of metal in the roofing industry firsthand. “The significance of it is substantial,” Mike stated. “You can talk about sustainability, performance, visual aesthetics, design solutions, ease of install, longevity of product — so many reasons why metal has become more impactful to the architectural industry.” 

One of the main factors driving the accelerated adoption of metal is the extreme weather taking place nationwide, from fires on the west coast to hurricanes on the east coast. “If you think about Florida down in the southeast, all that hurricane work, you have to design a structure that can withstand that,” Mike said. He added that rigorous testing remains critical, noting, “That’s why testing is so important. We’re always going to invest in testing and always try to make sure that we’re helping create a safe building, that we’re providing a safe solution.” 

Along with impressive durability and weather-resistant properties, with metal, you don’t have to sacrifice design and aesthetics for performance. “There’s this new digital print technology that’s out there,” Mike explained. “You can create wood grains, you can create marble-looking finishes, you can produce a weathering aspect. Architects are really driving this. They like to make sure they're maintaining the original design intent of some of these buildings. You can do so many things with metal.” 

As contractors move beyond traditional roofing into full building envelope solutions, Mike emphasized that metal is here to stay. “Metal is going to continue to grow,” Mike said. “Carlisle is investing in the right way, and we’re proud to be a part of it.” 

Watch the interview to learn more about how CAM is helping lead the industry into the realm of metal.

By Jenny Yu.  

Accelerate your business success at this year’s four-day event. 

The 2026 Carolinas Mid-Winter Roofing Expo returns to the Durham Convention Center in Durham, North Carolina, from February 16-19, 2026, bringing one of the Southeast’s largest regional roofing trade shows to contractors, manufacturers, suppliers and industry professionals. Hosted by the Carolinas Roofing & Sheet Metal Contractors Association (CRSMCA), the multi-day event features nearly 100 exhibiting companies showcasing the latest roofing technology, safety tools, equipment and industry services. 

Attendees can expect an energized atmosphere where networking and product innovation drive the conversation. On Wednesday, February 18, keynote speaker Mike Metcalf, Jr., of D.E.C.K. Leadership will take the wheel. A NASCAR pit-crew coach, Mike will present “12 Second Culture,” a presentation that will inspire leaders to run their crews like a cockpit, prioritizing efficiency, teamwork and kindness. 

Wednesday is also Trade Show Day, where exhibitors will offer exciting hands-on demonstrations of the latest technological trends. One demonstration to pencil into your calendar is “Mastering TPO Hand Welding” with Johns Manville at 1:45 p.m. Pull up to booth #311 to learn the best practices of hand welding TPO membranes from their team of technical experts! 

Alongside the bustling exhibition floor, CRSMCA’s expo includes educational opportunities designed for professionals at every level. Thursday, February 19, is Education Day when the learning switches to full gear. Curated sessions will deliver actionable takeaways that help businesses sharpen operations and stay ahead of evolving market demands. Here are the three educational sessions you can’t miss:  

Session 1: How to build a profitable business that you can sell or take to the bank  

• Presenter: Matt Thompson, Splash Omnimedia 
• When: Thursday, 2/19, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. 

Session 2: PVC - The other white sheet 

• Presenter: Mary Beth Reed, GAF 
• When: Thursday, 2/19, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. 

Session 3: Modern roofing technologies 

• Presenter: Hannah Safren, Polyglass 
• When: Thursday, 2/19, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 

Registration fees cover access to all education sessions, networking receptions, trade show entry and more! Sponsorship packages are still available, providing a variety of booth, advertising and branding opportunities. Sponsors include BITEC, Inc.® and KARNAK (Team Goodwill) and Petersen Aluminum Corporation (PAC), a Carlisle Architectural Metals company (Team Diamond). 

Register and learn more about the 2026 Carolinas Mid-Winter Roofing Expo!

By Jenny Yu.  

In a time of market uncertainty, this company unites five leading brands to fuel momentum across its architectural metals portfolio. 

In this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Karen Edwards spoke with Carlisle Architectural Metals’ (CAM) Vice President of Growth, Brad Van Dam, about the latest trends in the industry and how contractors can stay competitive in both commercial and residential roofing. The CAM portfolio brings together some of the most established and trusted brands in the metals industry, including Hickman Edge Systems, Metal-Era, Drexel Metals, PAC-Clad Petersen and Citadel Architectural Products, with roughly 17 facilities across the United States. 

“It's really cool to see CAM putting the effort into growing these five brands and the overall architectural metals group,” Brad shared. “I’m very proud to be a part of that. My job is to grow it as the vice president of growth. I like to say, my job title is not vice president of decline. So, how do we get it going, regardless of what the market is doing and all the craziness around us? How do we continue to grow this business and grow for our people and our culture?” 

This growth is anchored in the appeal and performance of metal. “It hits on a lot of the key points that are important in the market — sustainability, durability, ease of installation,” Brad said. “Aesthetically, people like the look of metal. It’s clean, it’s sleek, it’s newer, it really gives you that feel of something unique and strong.” 

Brad acknowledged that market uncertainty, from tariffs to interest rates, continues to shape the behaviors and decisions in the industry, or what Brad calls “the pulse.” Yet, he maintained that those challenges have also opened new opportunities. “Data centers, large warehouses, some multifamily — those segments have done better during this uneasy market — really have shined for a lot of contractors. Those veins of strength add a lot of momentum,” he stated. 

From CAM’s perspective, their mission remains clear. “It’s full steam ahead,” Brad said. “How do we help customers? How do we focus on the customer? What are the ways that we can bring more value to those we’re dealing with?” 

Listen to the podcast to learn more about how CAM is meeting the shifting needs of an evolving roofing market. 

By PAC-CLAD | Petersen.  

ColorGard 2.0 is designed with roofers in mind. 

PAC-CLAD | Petersen, a Carlisle company, launched its new ColorGard 2.0 snow retention system. An updated solution to deliver improved performance, ColorGard 2.0 features easier installation, more efficient components and safer application. Developed to prioritize safety, dependability and simplicity, the system minimizes the danger of rooftop avalanches without compromising the high-quality performance and clean aesthetics of metal roofing. 

ColorGard 2.0 is a solution that prevents rooftop avalanches, which pose a risk during winter months as accumulated snow and ice can slide off the roof, endangering people and property below. This new design simplifies the assembly process and significantly reduces installation time. Installers no longer are required to preassemble ColorGard 2.0 before getting on the roof — it is now a true lay-and play system for new construction and retrofit applications. 

“We’re excited to offer a next-generation snow-retention solution that is born specifically from contractor feedback,” said Mike Weis, vice president of sales for Carlisle Architectural Metals. “It’s aimed at making the installation process easier and quicker to provide labor savings. The true lay-and-play system functionality and ease of installation aligns directly with Petersen’s values, and we’re pleased to offer this innovative solution.” Designed to last the life of a roof with corrosion-resistant materials, ColorGard 2.0 is load-tested on 500+ roof profiles, ensuring safety and reliability. 

The new VersaClip 2.0 can be installed directly over splices, removing the need for in-field cutting. The ColorGard Crossmember 2.0 and VersaClip 2.0 offer improved functionality, while the included splice ensures continuous, unbroken snow retention with room for expansion and contraction. The ColorGard SnoClip 2.0 also utilizes the lay-and-play installation method and is held in place with a zip screw for permanent placement. ColorGard Clamps that attach the crossmember to the standing seam roof will remain unchanged. 

All 2.0 components will be clearly marked in material descriptions to differentiate them from original 1.0 parts. Additionally, a customer portal, hosted on the ColorGard website, will be available for selling of existing 1.0 inventory. This will provide distributors with the opportunity to manage stock before transitioning to the new system. 

Petersen will sell all existing inventory of the original ColorGard 1.0 system before making the switch to the new ColorGard 2.0 system. Petersen customers and distributors should plan accordingly. Contact a Petersen sales representative with questions or for further details. 

Original article and photo source: PAC-CLAD | Petersen

By Jenny Yu.  

How a leader in metal roofing is expanding its reach with new offerings.  

At The Coffee Shops™ Soundstage at METALCON 2024, Heidi J. Ellsworth spoke with Mike Weis, vice president of sales for PAC-CLAD | Petersen, a Carlisle Company, about Petersen’s newest products. For 60 years, Petersen has been a leader in the architectural metal industry focused on manufacturing high-performing roofing products for commercial construction. Today, Petersen continues to innovate to support architects, contractors, building owners and designers.  

For example, over the last 10 years, Petersen has pushed to become more architecturally significant on the wall side of the industry. 

“Think about panels that used to be more industrial or agricultural,” Mike stated. “We’ve taken those profiles and products and turned them into something that architects and designers can use and use well to create a brand of their own with our products on the wall. We want to make sure designers look to us and say, ‘I really want to design my building around some of these products.’” 

Petersen prioritizes listening to the market and to their customers to learn what types of products they want to not only secure and waterproof a structure with but also make it visually and aesthetically pleasing. So, on top of expanding into walls, Petersen has developed  a new color palette. 

“We’ve expanded our color profiles, which we haven’t done in probably 30 years,” Mike shared. “We now have close to 50 different colors. For an architect, it’s like a toy box for them. They can select any color, any profile, they can mix and match. We are constantly trying to innovate and bring new things to market.” 

As the demand for metal continues to rise due to its sustainability, durability and flexibility, Petersen continues to meet the moment.   

“The roofing side of the business will always be our bread and butter,” Mike said, “but I love that we've come down off the eaves and we're now on the walls, that we can help create these beautiful projects. We love promoting our architects and our contractors and the work that they do. It's just really rewarding to be a part of these programs. 

Watch the full interview and don’t miss Petersen at METALCON 2025, Booth #3093, from October 21- 23, to learn about their innovations from this year. Register now for METALCON 2025 using this registration link and receive $30 off registration costs! Or use code 30MCS for the same discount! 

By Dani Sheehan.

With a mean age of just more than 23 years, this college town needed to meet the demands of increasing interest in recreational practice and playing spaces.

Auburn, Alabama, is a city on the rise. With its population nearly doubling since 2000 and a strong demand for recreational facilities as a college town, the city has made a serious investment in its parks and sports infrastructure. Part of this expansion was the newly upgraded soccer complex, an impressive facility designed to accommodate Auburn’s love for the world’s most popular sport. When it came to choosing materials that could match both the aesthetic and performance needs of the project, PAC-CLAD metal panels were a clear winner.

Designed by Chambliss King Architects and installed by Metal Roofing Solutions, the new soccer and multipurpose complex embraces a clean, industrial-inspired look that celebrates Auburn’s agricultural roots. The exterior walls are clad in ½-inch PAC-CLAD Corrugated panels in a sleek Silver finish, totaling 13,450 square feet. These panels not only provide a contemporary aesthetic but also deliver long-term durability in the face of Alabama’s varied climate.

For the roof, the project team chose Tite-Loc Plus panels, with 20,000 square feet of Bone White, 24-gauge steel providing both strength and weather resistance. The standing seam design ensures long-lasting protection against heavy rains, high winds and intense sunlight – all key considerations for a facility that will be used year-round.

With four new artificial turf fields, an indoor court and a modern support building featuring retail space and restrooms, this $8 million soccer expansion will serve athletes and fans alike. And thanks to the PAC-CLAD metal panels, it’s a project designed to stand strong for decades, proving that quality materials make all the difference.

Read more about the case study and browse PAC-CLAD architectural metal wall and roof systems for your next project.

By Dani Sheehan.

Contractors can leverage metal wall systems to expand their service offerings and meet the increasing demand for high-performance exterior solutions.

The new headquarters and production facility of Omega Yeast, a fast-growing yeast producer in Chicago, features metal wall panels that give the building a sleek, modern aesthetic while delivering exceptional structural benefits. This project highlights the versatility and advantages of architectural metal cladding, making it a compelling case if you’re looking to broaden your skill set and add exterior wall systems to your services and offerings.

About the yeast business

Chicago has a deep history in brewing, dating back to the 19th century when German immigrants established the city as a major hub for beer production. While the industry faded in the mid-20th century, the craft brewing movement has seen a resurgence, leading to an even bigger demand for high-quality ingredients. Unlike mass-market yeast producers, Omega Yeast sets itself apart by cultivating custom yeast strains tailored to the specific needs of craft brewers. Researchers have gathered strains from around the world, and this success has led to expansion.

About the new production building

Situated in Chicago’s Northwest Side, Omega Yeast’s new research and production space required a design that seamlessly integrated into a neighborhood characterized by both residential homes and elevated commuter rail tracks. The design team at Valerio Dewalt Train responded to this challenge by using PAC-CLAD metal wall panels from Petersen Aluminum Corporation (PAC) to blend the exterior facade behind landscaping while offering long-term durability to keep up with the needs of this established business.

The project features 6,015 square feet of PAC-CLAD 7/8” corrugated panels in Onyx and 1,080 square feet in Bone White, all fabricated in 32-gauge aluminum. The panels were installed by All American Exterior Solutions out of Lake Zurich, Illinois. The success of the exposed-fastener panels highlights the versatility of metal solutions beyond traditional roofing applications to meet the increasing demand for high-performance exterior solutions.

Learn more about the Omega Yeast project and explore PAC-CLAD's range of metal wall panel solutions to stay ahead of new industry trends and incorporate innovative materials in your modern commercial construction.

Photo source: alanblakely.com